Dice Combinations in Craps: How Often Can You Win?

Welcome to our guide on craps dice combinations! If you’re new to the game of craps, you might wonder what all the fuss is about when it comes to the dice.

After all, they’re just little cubes with numbers on them, right?

Well, as it turns out, the dice play a huge role in craps. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the possible dice combinations in craps and the odds and probabilities of rolling each combination. 

We’ll also discuss true odds vs casino odds and explain the difference between “to” and “for” odds. We’ll even touch on the controversial topic of dice control.

Key Takeaways: Mastering Craps Dice Combinations

1. Understanding Dice Combinations: There are 36 possible outcomes when rolling two six-sided dice, with combinations ranging from 2 to 12. The most frequently occurring number is 7, rolled in six different ways, making it crucial to craps strategies.
2. Odds and Probabilities: Knowing the odds and probabilities of rolling each combination is essential. For instance, the odds of rolling a 7 are 6 in 36, or 1 in 6, which significantly impacts betting strategies in craps.
3. True Odds vs. Casino Odds: True odds reflect the actual probability of rolling a specific combination, whereas casino odds are what the house pays out. Understanding this distinction helps players gauge the fairness of bets and potential payouts.
4. “To” and “For” Odds Explained: “To” odds illustrate the winnings on a $1 bet, while “for” odds show the amount that must be bet to win $1. Grasping this concept helps with understanding payout structures in craps.
5. Calculating Expected Loss: The house edge, or the average casino profit from each bet, is a critical concept. Knowing the house edge for different craps bets enables players to estimate their expected loss over time.
6. Dice Control: A controversial and debated topic within the craps community. While some players claim that controlling the outcome of dice rolls is possible through specific throwing techniques, evidence supporting consistent success is scarce.

Possible Dice Combinations in Craps

In craps, the dice are used to determine the outcome of each round. There are 36 possible combinations that can be rolled with two dice (assuming each die has six sides).

These combinations are:

1. 2 (1+1);
2. 3 (1+2);
3. 4 (1+3);
4. 5 (1+4);
5. 6 (1+5);
6. 7 (1+6);
7. 8 (2+6);
8. 9 (3+6);
9. 10 (4+6);
10. 11 (5+6);
11. 12 (6+6).

As you can see, six possible combinations will result in a 7 (1+6, 2+5, 3+4, 4+3, 5+2, 6+1), making it the most likely combination to be rolled. 

There are also two possible combinations for the numbers 2 through 12.

It’s important to note that the dice in craps always roll, even when it’s not your turn to throw. This is because the shooter (the person rolling the dice) must roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll (the first roll of the round) to win or a 2, 3, or 12 to lose. 

Any other number becomes the point, and the shooter must then roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win.

If you’re a beginner, I highly recommend reading the how to play guide before diving into the more advanced topics. It will help you get a better understanding of the game.

Once you’re ready, hop into the craps simulator and try your luck!

Dice Odds and Probabilities

Now that we’ve covered the possible dice combinations in craps let’s look at the odds and probabilities of rolling each combination. 

The odds of rolling a specific combination are the number of ways that combination can be rolled, divided by the total number of possible combinations (36). 

For example, the odds of rolling a 7 are 6/36, or 1/6.

Here are the odds and probabilities of rolling each combination in craps:

True Odds vs Casino Odds

Now that you understand the odds and probabilities of rolling each combination in craps, it’s important to understand the difference between true odds and casino odds.

True odds refer to the actual odds of a specific combination being rolled. For example, the true odds of rolling a 7 are 6/36, or 1/6.

On the other hand, Casino odds refer to the odds that the casino offers on a particular bet. These odds may not always match the true odds, as the casino needs to make a profit. 

For example, if you bet on a 7 being rolled, the casino might offer odds of 4/1. This means that for every $1 you bet, you will win $4 if the 7 is rolled.

“To” and “For” Odds

When discussing odds, you may hear the craps terms “to” and “for” used. These terms refer to the payout of a particular bet.

“To” odds refer to the amount of money you stand to win for every $1 you bet. For example, if the odds are 4 to 1, you will win $4 for every $1 you bet.

“For” odds, on the other hand, refer to how much money you need to bet to win a certain amount. For example, if the odds are 1 for 4, you must bet $4 to win $1.

Figuring Out Your Expected Loss

When playing craps, it’s important to understand that the house always has an advantage. This means that, over time, you can expect to lose money to the casino.

To figure out your expected loss, you need to calculate the house edge for each craps bet you make. The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep, on average, over time.

For example, let’s say you place a $10 bet on the pass line (a bet that the shooter will win). The house edge for this bet is 1.41%. 

It’s important to note that these calculations are based on long-term averages, and your actual losses may vary from session to session.

Dice Control

You may have heard of the concept of dice control in craps, which refers to the idea that a player can influence the outcome of the dice by the way they throw them. 

Some players believe that using a specific throwing technique can increase their chances of rolling certain combinations.

However, it’s important to note that dice control is a highly controversial topic, with many experts arguing that it is impossible to influence the outcome of the dice consistently. 

Many casinos have policies in place to prevent players from attempting to use dice control techniques.

It’s also worth noting that even if dice control were possible, it would still be unlikely to significantly change your overall chances of winning in craps. 

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of craps dice combinations, odds, and probabilities. 

Remember, craps is a game of chance, and no matter how skilled you are at throwing the dice, you can’t completely control the outcome. 

However, by understanding the odds and probabilities of each combination, you can make informed betting decisions and potentially increase your chances of winning.

As always, it’s important to remember to gamble responsibly and set limits for yourself to ensure you don’t get carried away. 

Craps can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to remember that it’s just a game and that you should never bet more than you can afford to lose.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and that it has helped you become a more informed and confident craps player. 

Good luck!

Dice Combinations in Craps Frequently Asked Questions