If you’re new to the game, the Big 6 and Big 8 in craps can initially seem confusing.
But this will change after you read the complete guide.
It covers all the aspects of the Big 6 and Big 8 bets, including how they work, the payouts, and the odds and house edge.
Plus, you will learn how these bets compare to the Place bets and give you a pro tip regarding whether or not they’re worth it.
Key Takeaways: Big 6 and Big 8 in Craps
- Nature of the Bets: The Big 6 and Big 8 are straightforward bets predicting a roll of 6 or 8 before a 7. Despite their simplicity, they’re not highly recommended due to a significant house edge.
- Payouts and Odds: These bets offer even-money payouts (1:1), but the catch is their high house edge of 9.1%, making them less favorable compared to other craps betting options.
- Comparison with Place Bets: Place bets on the same numbers (6 and 8) offer better value with lower house edges and slightly better payouts, making them a superior choice for informed players.
- Professional Recommendation: Experienced players advise against the Big 6 and Big 8 bets due to their high house edge. For better odds and returns, consider Place bets or other betting strategies with lower house advantages.
What are Craps Big 6 and Big 8 Bets?
The Big 6 and Big 8 in craps are two of the most basic bets you can make.
They’re sometimes referred to as “sucker bets” because they have a high house edge and are generally not recommended by experienced craps players.
Here’s the main principle:
- The Big 6 bet is a wager that you will roll the number 6 before the number 7.
- The Big 8 bet is a wager that you will roll the number 8 before the number 7.
Both bets are made on the craps table’s layout, which has a section labelled “Big 6” and “Big 8”. You place your chips in this area to make a bet.
How Do the Bets Work: When Do You Win or Lose?
To understand when the Big 6 and Big 8 bets win or lose, it’s essential to know a little about the craps game itself.
In craps, players take turns rolling two dice. The person rolling the dice is called the “shooter”.
The shooter rolls the dice trying to get a certain number, called the “point”.
If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the first roll, it’s called a “natural”, and the shooter wins. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the first roll, it’s called “craps”, and the shooter loses.
If the shooter rolls any other number, that number becomes the point. The shooter must then roll the dice again until they either roll the point again (called a “point made”) or roll a 7 (called a “seven out”).
So, when it comes to the Big 6 and Big 8 bets in craps, here’s what happens:
- If the shooter rolls a 6 or 8 before a 7, the Big 6 and Big 8 bets win.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 before a 6 or 8, the Big 6 and Big 8 bets lose.
It’s that simple.
The shooter’s rolls have no effect on these bets except for the 6, 8, and 7.
Craps Big 6 and Big 8 Payouts
The payouts for the Big 6 and Big 8 bets are straightforward.
If you make either bet and the shooter rolls the corresponding number before rolling a 7, you’ll get even money, meaning you’ll receive your original bet back plus the exact amount you bet.
Suppose, for example, you bet $10 on the Big 6, and the shooter rolls a 6 before a 7. You’ll get paid $10 plus your original $10 bet for a total of $20.
House Edge and Odds for the Big 6 and Big 8 Bets in Craps
The odds and house edge for the Big 6 and Big 8 bets are not in your favor.
The odds of rolling a 6 or 8 before a 7 could be better. Plus, the payouts for these bets are even money.
The house edge for the Big 6 and Big 8 bets is a high 9.1%. So, for every $100 you bet on the Big 6 or Big 8, the casino or house can expect to win about $9.1.
The house edge is relatively high compared to other bets in craps.
The Big 6 and Big 8 vs The Place Bets
The best way to compare the Big 6 and Big 8 bets to another option is to look at the Place bets.
The Place bets are wagers that you will roll a certain number before a 7.
You can place bets on numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
The payouts for Place bets vary based on the number you bet on and the odds of that number being rolled.
For example, the Place bet on the 6 pays 7:6, meaning for every $6 you bet, you’ll win $7 if the shooter rolls a 6 before a 7. The Place bet on the 8 pays 7:6 as well.
On the other hand, the Place bets on the 4 and 10 pay 9:5, and the Place bets on the 5 and 9 pay 7:5.
So, when comparing the Big 6 and Big 8 bets to the Place bets, there are a few key differences to consider:
- Payouts: As mentioned, the payouts for the Place bets vary depending on the number you bet on. On the other hand, the Big 6 and Big 8 bets pay out at even money.
- Odds: The odds of winning a Place bet also vary depending on the number you bet on. In general, the Place bets on the 4 and 10 have worse odds than the Place bets on the 6 and 8. The Big 6 and Big 8 bets have even worse odds than the Place bets on the 6 and 8.
- House Edge: The house edge measures how much the casino or house is expected to win on a particular bet. The lower the house edge, the better the bet is for the player. The house edge for the Big 6 and Big 8 bets is a high 9.1%, while the house edge for the Place bets on the 6 and 8 is a slightly lower 1.5%.
So, if you’re considering making the Big 6/Big 8 bet or the Place bet on the 6 or 8, the winner will always be the Place bet.
While the payouts for the Place bets are slightly lower, they have better odds and a lower house edge, making them a more favorable option for the player.
Pro tip: How to Actually Use the Big 6 and 8
The Big 6 and Big 8 bets in Craps are often referred to as “sucker bets” because they have such a high house edge and are not recommended by experienced craps players.
If you’re just starting with craps, it might be tempting to make these bets because they’re easy to understand, and the payouts are straightforward.
However, if you want to maximize your chances of winning and get the most value for your money, it’s best to avoid these bets and stick to those with a lower house edge.
My Best Strategies for the Bet
Despite the unfavorable odds associated with the Big 6 and Big 8 bets, there are strategic approaches players can employ to enhance their overall craps experience and potentially mitigate losses:
- Bankroll Management: Prioritize responsible bankroll management by setting a budget for your craps session and sticking to it. Avoid chasing losses by wagering more than you can afford to lose.
- Focus on Lower House Edge Bets: Instead of relying solely on the Big 6 and Big 8 bets, consider diversifying your betting strategy to include wagers with lower house edges, such as the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, or Don’t Come bets.
- Place Bets: Opt for Place bets on the 6 and 8 numbers rather than the Big 6 and Big 8 bets. While they offer slightly lower payouts, they come with significantly better odds and a lower house edge, making them a more favorable option for informed players.
- Learn Optimal Betting Strategies: Educate yourself on optimal craps betting strategies, such as the 3-Point Molly or the Iron Cross, which aim to maximize winning potential while minimizing exposure to high house edge bets.
- Practice Patience and Discipline: Exercise patience and discipline at the craps table by avoiding impulsive bets and sticking to a predetermined strategy. Remember that craps is a game of chance, and maintaining a level-headed approach can help mitigate losses and maximize enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
As you may have already figured, the Big 6 and Big 8 bets in craps are not the best bets you can make.
While they’re easy to understand and have straightforward payouts, they have a high house edge and poor odds compared to other options.
If you’re just starting out with craps, it’s okay to make these bets as a way to learn the game.
As you become more experienced, moving on to bets with a lower house edge is essential to maximize your chances of winning.
