Among the various craps side bets, the fire bet stands out as an exciting and high-risk wager.
If you’re a seasoned player, you may already be familiar with the fire bet in craps.
But if you’re new to the game or unfamiliar with the rules of the fire bet, don’t worry!
I’ll cover everything you need to know about the fire bet in craps, including how to place the bet, the odds of winning, and whether or not it’s worth the risk.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways: Fire Bet in Craps
- Basics of the Bet: The fire bet is a high-risk, multi-roll side bet where the shooter aims to hit four or more unique points (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) after the come-out roll without repeating any.
- Placement: It must be placed alongside a pass line bet at tables that offer this option, with specific timing and placement rules.
- Odds and Payouts: Offers substantial payouts (up to 999 to 1 for six points) but with long odds, making it a challenging bet to win.
- House Edge: With a high house edge, the fire bet represents a low return to player percentage, indicating it’s a less favorable bet for those seeking to maximize their bankroll.
- Alternatives: For those interested in high-risk, high-reward bets, alternatives like the odds bet and hardways offer better odds and a lower house edge.
What is the Fire Bet in Craps?
The fire bet is a multi-roll side bet that can be placed by players who are also betting on the pass line.
To win the fire bet in craps, the shooter must consecutively roll four or more unique points after the come-out roll.
The unique points in craps are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
If the shooter repeats a point, it only counts as one point for the fire bet.
How to Place a Fire Bet
To place a fire bet, you must first find a craps table that offers the option.
Not all craps tables offer the fire bet, so ask the dealer or pit boss before placing your bet.
Once you find a table that offers the fire bet, place your wager in the designated area on the table.
It’s important to note that you must place your fire bet simultaneously with your pass line bet. If you don’t place a pass line bet, you can’t place a fire bet.
Pay Tables and Odds for the Fire Bet
The fire bet is known for its high payouts, but the odds of winning are considerably low.
The most common paytable for the fire bet pays:
- 999 to 1 for six points;
- 249 to 1 for five points;
- 24 to 1 for four points.
The odds of rolling four points are 1 out of 113, the odds of rolling five points are 1 out of 610, and the odds of rolling six points are 1 out of 6,156.
It’s essential to understand that the odds of winning the fire bet are much lower than the odds of winning the standard craps bets.
Is the Fire Bet Worth It?
The fire bet may be an exciting side bet, but there are better options for your bankroll. The house edge for the fire bet is high, and the return to player percentage is low.
This means the chances of winning the fire bet are slim, and the payouts are not worth the risk.
Sticking to the standard bets with better odds and returns is recommended, such as the pass line bet and the odds bet when a point is set after a come-out roll.
Variations of the Fire Bet
While the most common paytable for the fire bet is the 999 to 1 payout for six points, other variations offer different payout structures.
For example, some casinos offer a 299 to 1 payout for six points, a 149 to 1 payout for five points, and a 29 to 1 payout for four points.
Another variation of the fire bet offers a 2,000 to 1 payout for six points, a 200 to 1 payout for five points, and a 10 to 1 payout for four points.
These variations may seem more appealing, but they have a higher house edge.
Fire Bet Strategies for Enthusiasts
Balancing Risk and Reward: To engage with the fire bet while managing risk, consider limiting the frequency of your fire bets. Make this bet selectively, perhaps when feeling particularly confident about a shooter or when the table is “hot.”
Set a Fire Bet Budget: Dedicate a small portion of your bankroll to fire bets. This ensures that losses won’t significantly impact your overall funds. For instance, allocate 5% of your session bankroll to these high-payout wagers.
Combine with Lower Risk Bets: Balance your fire bets with lower-risk wagers, such as pass line bets with odds. This can help offset potential losses from the fire bet with more consistent, smaller wins.
Watch and Wait: Before placing a fire bet, observe the table’s dynamics. Look for shooters who seem to be rolling a wide variety of points, which could increase your chances of hitting the fire bet.
My Go-to Strategy: Risk Management
High-risk bets like the fire bet can add excitement to your craps gameplay but require careful strategy and risk management.
Always prioritize bets with lower house edges for the bulk of your play, treating the fire bet and other high-risk wagers as supplementary. This balanced approach allows you to enjoy the thrill of potentially large payouts while minimizing the impact of losses over time.
While the allure of the fire bet and other high-risk wagers is undeniable, a disciplined approach to bankroll management and a strategic blend of bets can enhance your craps experience.
Always gamble responsibly, keeping the focus on enjoyment and smart play.
Comparing The Fire Bet with High-Risk Bets in Craps
Fire Bet vs. Hardways: Hardway bets, wagering that a hard number (4, 6, 8, 10) will be rolled as doubles before a 7 or any other combination, also carry high risk but offer more frequent payout opportunities than the fire bet. While the payouts are lower than the fire bet, the odds of winning a hardway bet are better.
Fire Bet vs. Proposition Bets: Proposition bets, such as betting on the next roll being a specific number, offer high payouts but have a significant house edge. Unlike the fire bet, which is active over multiple rolls, proposition bets are resolved quickly. This makes them less costly over time but also reduces the chance for a substantial payout.
Fire Bet vs. Odds Bet: The odds bet is a follow-up wager to a pass line bet that offers true odds, meaning there is no house edge. While not as high-risk as the fire bet, the odds bet provides a balanced approach to high payouts without sacrificing much of the player’s expected value.
Alternatives to the Fire Bet
If you’re looking for a high-risk, high-reward wager in craps, there are other bets to consider.
For example, the odds bet is a popular side bet in craps that offers good odds and a low house edge.
The odds bet can only be placed after the point has been established, and it pays out if the shooter rolls the point before rolling a seven.
Another option is the hard way bet, a wager that the shooter will roll a specific number in pairs before rolling a seven.
The hardways bet has a higher payout than the odds bet and a higher house edge.
Wrapping Up
The fire bet in craps is a high-risk, high-reward wager that can be exciting to watch.
However, the odds of winning the bet are low, and the house edge is high, making it risky for your bankroll.
While chasing big payouts is tempting, it’s important to stick to the standard bets in craps with better odds and returns.
If you’re looking for a similar type of wager, consider the odds bet or the hard way bet, which offer better odds and lower house edge.
Remember always to gamble responsibly and within your means.
Good luck at the craps table!
