Demystifying the Craps Come Bet: A Beginner’s Guide

Craps is a popular and exciting casino game with a rich history, often associated with lively, energetic crowds and fast-paced action. Among the various bets available in craps, the “come bet” stands out for its unique features and strategic importance. Understanding the craps come bet can significantly enhance a player’s experience and potentially improve their chances of winning. This article delves into the specifics of the craps come bet, explaining its rules, strategies, and the reasons behind its popularity.

Understanding the Basics of Craps

Before diving into the specifics of the craps come bet, it’s essential to grasp the basic mechanics of the game. Craps is played with two dice on a specially designed table featuring various betting options. Players take turns rolling the dice, and each roll can result in different outcomes, depending on the numbers rolled and the bets placed.

The game begins with the “come-out roll.” The shooter (the player rolling the dice) aims to establish a “point,” which occurs if they roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, it’s a “natural,” and Pass Line bets win. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, it’s “craps,” and Pass Line bets lose. Once a point is established, the game’s objective shifts to rolling the point number again before rolling a 7.

The Craps Come Bet Explained

The craps come bet is a wager that players can place after the come-out roll. It’s similar to the Pass Line bet but is made once a point has already been established. The come bet essentially creates a new come-out roll for the player making the bet. Here’s how it works:

The Come-Out Roll

The shooter throws the dice for the first time. If the roll results in a 7 or 11, all pass line bets (including come bets placed later) win. Conversely, a 2, 3, or 12 signifies a loss for these bets.

The Point is Established

If the come-out roll yields a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point.” The dealer marks this point with a circular marker on the layout. The objective now is for the shooter to roll the point again before a 7 appears.

Placing the Craps Come Bet

After the point is established, you can place your craps come bet. This is done by placing chips on the designated area marked “COME” on the layout.

Outcome of the Craps Come Bet

The outcome of your craps come bet hinges on the subsequent roll by the shooter:

• Winning Roll: If the next roll results in a 7 or 11, your craps come bet wins at even odds (1:1). You receive your original bet amount back plus an additional amount equal to your bet.
• Losing Roll: A roll of 2, 3, or 12 signifies a loss for your craps come bet, and you forfeit your wager.
• The Point Rolls: If the shooter rolls the established point before a 7 appears, your craps come bet wins at 1:1 odds. The bet is then resolved, and you collect your winnings.
• The “Push” Scenario: In a rare instance, if the shooter rolls a 12 on the come-out roll, it’s considered a “push” for come bets. This means you neither win nor lose; you simply get your original bet back.

Advantages of the Craps Come Bet

The craps come bet offers several strategic advantages, making it a popular choice among seasoned players. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Multiple Betting Opportunities: Since the come bet can be placed on every roll after the come-out roll, it allows for continuous engagement and multiple winning chances within a single game.
2. Low House Edge: The come bet has a relatively low house edge, similar to the Pass Line bet. This makes it a favorable bet for players seeking to maximize their potential returns.
3. Strategic Flexibility: Players can combine come bets with other wagers, such as the Pass Line bet, to diversify their betting strategy and manage their risk more effectively.
4. Odds Bet Enhancement: Once a come point is established, players can place additional odds bets behind their come bet. These odds bets pay true odds, offering better payouts and further reducing the house edge.

Strategies for Placing Come Bets

While the craps come bet is straightforward, employing certain strategies can enhance a player’s overall performance and experience. Here are some popular strategies for placing come bets:

1. Combining Come Bets with Pass Line Bets: Many players start with a Pass Line bet and then place come bets after the come-out roll. This approach ensures continuous action and the opportunity to benefit from multiple winning outcomes.
2. Utilizing Odds Bets: After establishing a come point, placing odds bets behind the come bet can significantly improve potential payouts. Since odds bets pay true odds, they are an excellent way to increase winnings without increasing the house edge.
3. Managing Bankroll: As with any casino game, effective bankroll management is crucial. Players should set limits on their bets and avoid overextending themselves. Spreading bets across multiple come bets can help manage risk and maintain a balanced approach.
4. Observing Table Dynamics: Experienced players often observe the table’s dynamics before placing come bets. Noting trends, such as hot shooters or specific numbers being rolled frequently, can inform more strategic betting decisions.

The Come Bet and Other Bets

Understanding how the craps come bet interacts with other bets on the table is essential for developing a comprehensive betting strategy. Here’s a look at some common bets and their relationship with the come bet:

1. Pass Line Bet: The Pass Line bet is placed before the come-out roll and wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. It loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. Once a point is established, the goal is to roll the point number before a 7. The come bet can be placed after the come-out roll and operates independently of the Pass Line bet, creating additional opportunities to win.
2. Don’t Pass Bet: The Don’t Pass bet is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. It wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 and loses if a 7 or 11 is rolled. A 12 results in a push. Once a point is established, the goal is for a 7 to be rolled before the point number. Players can place come bets alongside Don’t Pass bets, though the strategies for each differ.
3. Place Bets: Place bets allow players to bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7. These bets can be made at any time and offer different payout odds based on the number. While place bets and come bets can be used together, they function independently, with come bets following a similar progression to the Pass Line bet.
4. Field Bets: Field bets are one-roll bets placed on a variety of outcomes (2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12). They pay different odds based on the number rolled. Field bets are short-term and can complement come bets for players seeking quick wins.

Common Misconceptions About the Come Bet

Despite its strategic advantages, the craps come bet is sometimes misunderstood. Addressing common misconceptions can help players make more informed decisions:

1. Complexity: Some players believe the come bet is too complex compared to other bets. However, once the basic rules are understood, the come bet is relatively straightforward and offers significant strategic depth.
2. Winning Frequency: Another misconception is that come bets win less frequently than other bets. While the come bet does involve an additional roll to establish a come point, the odds of winning remain favorable, especially when combined with odds bets.
3. Interaction with Other Bets: Some players think come bets conflict with other bets. In reality, come bets can complement a variety of betting strategies, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

Conclusion | Craps Come Bet

The craps come bet is a versatile and strategically advantageous option for players seeking to engage deeply with the game of craps. By understanding the rules, benefits, and strategies associated with the come bet, players can make more informed decisions and potentially improve their chances of winning. The come bet’s ability to create new opportunities within each roll, combined with its relatively low house edge, makes it a popular choice among seasoned craps enthusiasts. Whether you’re a novice looking to expand your understanding of craps or an experienced player seeking to refine your strategy, the craps come bet is a valuable tool in the exciting world of casino gaming.