Come Bet Strategy in Craps
Mastering the come bet can be a thrilling addition to your craps gameplay. This strategy involves understanding the optimal moments to place your bets‚ capitalizing on established points‚ and navigating the potential risks and rewards.
Understanding the Come Bet
The Come Bet is a thrilling wager in craps that adds another layer of excitement to your game. It’s important to grasp its mechanics before diving in. Here’s a breakdown⁚
Placing the Bet⁚
- The Come Bet is placed after a point has been established on the Pass Line.
- To make a Come Bet‚ place your chips on the area marked “Come” on the layout.
How it Works⁚
- Initial Roll⁚ After placing your Come Bet‚ the next roll becomes your “come-out” roll.
- If a 7 or 11 rolls‚ you win even money on your Come Bet.
- If a 2‚ 3‚ or 12 rolls‚ you lose your Come Bet.
- If any other number (4‚ 5‚ 6‚ 8‚ 9‚ 10) rolls‚ that number becomes your “come point.”
- Establishing a Come Point⁚ Once a come point is established‚ your Come Bet is moved by the dealer onto the corresponding number on the layout.
- Subsequent Rolls⁚
- If the shooter rolls your come point before a 7‚ you win even money on your Come Bet.
- If a 7 is rolled before your come point‚ you lose your Come Bet.
Key Points⁚
- You can have multiple Come Bets working simultaneously‚ each with its own come point.
- The Come Bet allows you to essentially have multiple Pass Line bets working at the same time‚ creating more chances to win.
When to Place a Come Bet
Timing is key when utilizing the Come Bet in craps. While it might seem tempting to place it anytime‚ strategic placement can enhance your chances of success. Consider these factors⁚
After a Point is Established⁚
- The optimal time to place a Come Bet is immediately after the shooter establishes a point on the Pass Line. This gives you a fresh “come-out” roll and potentially establishes another point in your favor.
Favorable Shooter⁚
- If the shooter appears to be “hot” and rolling winning numbers‚ placing a Come Bet can capitalize on their momentum. Watch for consistent rolls and positive trends.
Avoiding Crowded Tables⁚
- While not a strict rule‚ placing Come Bets at less crowded tables can simplify tracking your wagers and potential payouts.
Personal Risk Tolerance⁚
- Ultimately‚ the decision of when to place a Come Bet depends on your personal risk tolerance and betting style. Some players prefer to wait for ideal situations‚ while others enjoy having multiple bets in play for added excitement.
Observation is Key⁚
- Pay close attention to the game flow‚ the shooter’s rhythm‚ and your own comfort level before placing a Come Bet. This strategy thrives on well-timed decisions.
Managing Your Bankroll
Successfully implementing a Come Bet strategy in craps involves more than just understanding the bet itself. It requires careful bankroll management to ensure you can weather losing streaks and capitalize on winning opportunities.
Set a Budget⁚
- Before stepping up to the craps table‚ determine a specific amount of money you are comfortable playing with – your bankroll. Treat this as an entertainment expense‚ not money you need for bills or essentials.
Define Bet Limits⁚
- Set reasonable limits on how much you’re willing to wager on each Come Bet‚ as well as your overall betting within a session. This helps prevent impulsive decisions‚ especially during losing streaks.
The “House Money” Illusion⁚
- Avoid falling into the trap of playing with “house money.” Remember‚ any winnings are still your money‚ and it’s crucial to manage them wisely.
Take Breaks⁚
- Craps can be exhilarating‚ but it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. Regular breaks can help you stay focused‚ assess your bankroll‚ and make rational betting decisions.
Know When to Walk Away⁚
- Perhaps the most crucial aspect of bankroll management is knowing when to walk away. Set win and loss limits for yourself. If you reach either limit‚ stick to it – discipline is key to responsible gambling.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Come Bet
Like any wager in craps‚ the Come Bet presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions at the table⁚
Advantages⁚
- Flexibility⁚ You can place Come Bets after a point has been established‚ allowing you to join the action mid-roll and potentially capitalize on a hot streak.
- Multiple Bets⁚ Unlike the Pass Line bet‚ you can have multiple Come Bets working for you simultaneously‚ increasing your potential for wins when the shooter is hot.
- Odds Bets⁚ Similar to the Pass Line‚ Come Bets allow you to take Odds‚ which have no house edge‚ maximizing your potential return on a winning bet.
Disadvantages⁚
- Higher House Edge⁚ The Come Bet itself carries the same house edge as the Pass Line bet (1.41%)‚ meaning the house has a slight mathematical advantage in the long run.
- Seven Out Risk⁚ If the shooter rolls a 7 before establishing your Come Point‚ your Come Bet loses‚ just like the Pass Line bet.
- Increased Exposure⁚ Having multiple Come Bets working simultaneously‚ while potentially lucrative‚ also increases your overall risk‚ especially during a cold streak.
Carefully weighing these advantages and disadvantages‚ along with implementing sound bankroll management‚ will contribute to a more strategic and enjoyable experience when utilizing the Come Bet in craps.