Come Bets in Craps
The Come bet in craps is made on a large area of the craps table layout, and is marked with the word “Come”. If you look at the photo below, you will see the Come bet area clearly marked in this way. It is located just below the box numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, and just above the Field area.
Understanding Come Bets
A Come bet in craps is essentially a Pass Line bet that you can make after the point has been established. It’s a way to get in on the action and bet with the shooter even if you missed the initial come-out roll.
Here’s how it works⁚
- After the point is established⁚ A Come bet can only be placed after a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) has been established on the come-out roll.
- Placing the bet⁚ You place your chips in the designated “Come” area on the craps table layout.
- The Come-Out roll for your bet⁚ The next roll of the dice after you place your Come bet becomes the “come-out roll” specifically for your bet.
- If a 7 or 11 is rolled⁚ You win even money on your Come bet.
- If a 2٫ 3٫ or 12 is rolled⁚ You lose your Come bet.
- If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled⁚ Your Come bet will be moved by the dealer onto the corresponding number box that was rolled. This number now becomes the “Come Point” for your bet.
- If the Come Point is rolled again before a 7⁚ You win even money on your Come bet.
- If a 7 is rolled before the Come Point⁚ You lose your Come bet.
Think of a Come bet as having its own individual point number once it’s moved from the “Come” area to a specific number box. You’re essentially betting that the shooter will roll that specific number again before rolling a 7.
Key Points to Remember⁚
- Come bets are always “on”⁚ This means they are working bets for every roll after you place them until they either win or lose.
- You can place multiple Come bets⁚ You can have multiple Come bets working on the table at the same time, each with its own individual Come Point.
- Odds on Come bets⁚ Just like the Pass Line bet, you can take odds on a Come bet once it has a Come Point established. This is a bet that pays true odds with no house edge.
Come bets offer a way to participate in the ongoing action of a craps game and can be a strategic way to bet with the shooter even if you missed the initial come-out roll.
Placing and Playing a Come Bet
Placing a Come bet in craps is straightforward once you understand the basic mechanics⁚
- Wait for a Point to be Established⁚ You cannot place a Come bet on the come-out roll. A point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) must be established first.
- Place Your Bet in the “Come” Area⁚ When it’s your turn to bet, place your desired chip amount in the area on the layout marked “Come”. This area is usually located directly in front of the Stickperson.
- The Dice Are Rolled⁚ The next roll after you place your Come bet determines its immediate outcome⁚
- 7 or 11⁚ You Win⁚ You win even money on your Come bet.
- 2, 3, or 12⁚ You Lose⁚ The dealer will collect your Come bet.
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10⁚ Bet Moves⁚ The dealer will move your Come bet to the corresponding number box on the layout, establishing your “Come Point”.
- Your “Come Point” is Working⁚ Your bet is now riding on your Come Point. The shooter continues to roll until one of two outcomes⁚
- Your Come Point is Rolled⁚ You Win⁚ You win even money on your Come bet.
- 7 is Rolled⁚ You Lose⁚ The dealer will collect your Come bet.
- Taking Odds⁚ Once your Come Point is established, you can “take odds” behind your Come bet, just like with a Pass Line bet. This is a separate bet that pays true odds with no house edge.
- Multiple Come Bets⁚ You can place multiple Come bets on the table at the same time, each with its own Come Point and odds bet (if you choose).
- “Off” and “On” Buttons⁚ Some casinos use “Off” and “On” buttons for Come bets. If you place a Come bet and it hasn’t yet established a point, you can turn it “Off” for a single roll if you don’t want it to be working.
Odds and Payouts
Come bets in craps offer the same favorable odds as Pass Line bets, making them an attractive option for players. Here’s a breakdown of the odds and payouts⁚
Initial Come Bet⁚
- Winning Numbers⁚ 7 or 11
- Losing Numbers⁚ 2, 3, or 12
- Payout⁚ Even money (1⁚1) ー You receive your original bet back plus an equal amount as winnings.
After a Come Point is Established⁚
- Winning Number⁚ Your established Come Point
- Losing Number⁚ 7
- Payout⁚ Even money (1⁚1) ー You receive your original bet back plus an equal amount as winnings.
Odds on Come Bets⁚
Just like with Pass Line bets, you have the option to “take odds” after your Come Point is established. This is a separate bet placed behind your Come bet that pays true odds, meaning the house has no edge on this wager. The odds and payouts for taking odds on Come bets are as follows⁚
| Come Point | Odds Offered | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2⁚1 | 2 to 1 on your odds bet |
| 5 or 9 | 3⁚2 | 3 to 2 on your odds bet |
| 6 or 8 | 6⁚5 | 6 to 5 on your odds bet |
Important Note⁚ It’s crucial to understand that the odds offered on Come bets and the odds on taking odds behind them are separate calculations, even though they relate to the same bet. The initial Come bet always pays even money, while taking odds offers true odds payouts based on the point number.
Come Bet Strategies
Come bets offer flexibility in craps, allowing you to mimic the Pass Line bet at any point during a shooter’s turn. Here are some strategies to consider⁚
Pressing Your Advantage⁚
- Pressing Wins⁚ When you win a Come bet, consider “pressing” it by increasing your next Come bet by the amount you won. This capitalizes on potential hot streaks.
- Taking Odds⁚ Always take odds on established Come Points. This significantly reduces the house edge, increasing your potential for long-term gains.
Managing Risk⁚
- Table Minimum Come Bets⁚ Start with table minimum Come bets to manage your bankroll effectively, especially when learning the strategy.
- Avoiding Crowded Tables⁚ Crowded tables can slow down the game, limiting your betting opportunities. Opt for less crowded tables for a smoother experience.
Combining with Other Bets⁚
- Pass Line and Come Bets⁚ Cover both the initial roll and subsequent rolls by placing a Pass Line bet and then adding Come bets as the game progresses.
- Place Bets Alongside⁚ Enhance your coverage by strategically placing Place bets on numbers you anticipate hitting, complementing your Come bet action.
Important Reminder⁚ No strategy guarantees winning in craps, as dice rolls are random. These strategies are meant to help you make informed decisions and manage your bankroll effectively while enjoying the game.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Come Bets
Come bets, like any wager in craps, come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions at the craps table.
Advantages⁚
- Favorable Odds⁚ Come bets have the same low house edge as the Pass Line bet (1.41%)٫ making them statistically advantageous compared to many other casino wagers.
- Flexibility⁚ Unlike the Pass Line bet, which is restricted to the come-out roll, you can place a Come bet after a point has been established, allowing you to join the action at almost any time.
- Taking Odds⁚ Similar to the Pass Line bet, you can take odds on Come bets, further reducing the house edge and potentially increasing your winnings.
Disadvantages⁚
- Seven Out Risk⁚ As with any bet on the shooter’s success, a Come bet is immediately lost if a seven is rolled before your Come Point is established or made.
- Potentially Slower Pace⁚ If the shooter establishes multiple Come Points, it might take longer for your particular Come bet to be resolved, potentially slowing down your overall betting pace.
- Requires Attention⁚ Keeping track of your Come Points and odds bets can be slightly more demanding than simpler bets, requiring focus on the game’s progress.
By weighing these advantages and disadvantages, you can decide if and when incorporating Come bets into your craps strategy aligns with your risk tolerance and betting style.