Want to find out more about the Hardways Bet in craps? Then you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will explain Hardways bets, how to make them, and the house edge and payouts for each option.
I will also discuss whether or not the Hardways in craps is worth it for you based on your experience level. Towards the end, we’ll provide some strategies for making the most of these bets if you choose to use them.
Keep reading to learn more.
Key Highlights: Hardways Bet in Craps
- High Payouts, High Risk: Hardways bets offer attractive payouts but come with high house edges, making them risky.
- Selective Betting: Use Hardways bets selectively as part of a diversified betting strategy, rather than relying on them for consistent winnings.
- Bankroll Management: Effective bankroll management, including setting a limit for Hardways bets, is crucial to sustain play and mitigate losses.
- Strategy Integration: Integrate Hardways bets with lower-risk betting options to balance the risk-reward ratio within your craps gameplay.
What are the Hardways Bets in Craps?
In craps, a Hardway bet is a type of props bet that involves betting that a specific pair of numbers will be rolled before a 7 or before the “easy way”.(rolling a different combination that adds up to the same number).
The name “hard way” comes from the fact that there is only 1 out of 36 possible dice combinations that can roll the number you bet on as a pair.
The other dice combinations are called “easy ways” to roll, as they are more likely to occur.
There are four possible Hardway bets in craps:
- Hard 4 (2-2);
- Hard 6 (3-3);
- Hard 8 (4-4);
- Hard 10 (5-5).
These bets pay out differently depending on which number you choose, but they all have the same basic structure and rules.
You will win a Hard 6 bet if the shooter rolls a pair of 3’s before rolling a 7 or any other combination that adds up to a 6 (4 and 2/5 and 1).
The same rules apply for hard 6, hard 8, and hard 4 bets.
While Hardway bets are placed in the center of the craps table, like other prop bets, they aren’t similar.
That’s because they are “standing bets,” meaning they remain active until the dice roll, either a win or a loss for the player.
This differs from other prop bets, which are only valid for a single dice roll. You can make, remove, or change the amount of your Hardway bets at any time.
How to Make a Hardways in Craps?
Making a Hardways bet in craps is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Find the Hardways betting area. It is located in the center of the table, near the other prop bet options.
- Book your bet with the stick. This way, you can signal the bet want to place.
- Wait for the shooter to roll the dice. If the shooter rolls a pair of 3’s (for a Hard 6 bet) or a pair of 4’s (for a Hard 8 bet) before rolling a 7 or any other combination that adds up to the same number, you win the bet. You lose the bet if the shooter rolls a 7 or any other combination.
House Edge and Payouts for Hardways Bets
When considering whether to make a Hardways bet in craps, it’s essential to understand the house edge and payouts for each option.
The house edge is the casino’s advantage over players, and it’s calculated by comparing the true odds of a bet to the actual payout that players receive.
Hard 6 and Hard 8 Bets
The true odds of winning for the hard 6 and hard 8 are 10 to 1, while the actual payout is 9 to 1.
Some craps tables may list the payout for these bets as “10 for 1,” but this expresses that players will receive $10 for every $1 they wager. In the end, the payout is still 9 to 1.
For Hard 4 and Hard 10 bets, the true odds of winning are 8 to 1, but players are paid 7 to 1.
The house edge for these bets is 9.09%.
Again, some craps tables may list the payout for these bets as “8 for 1,” but this is simply a way of expressing that players will receive $8 for every $1 they wager. Ultimately, the payout is still 7 to 1.
The house edge for these Hardways bets is 11.1%.
Overall, it’s important to understand the house edge and payouts for Hardways bets before deciding whether to use this option.
While Hardways bets can be exciting and potentially lucrative, they also come with a relatively high house edge.
Sure, they can be great if you’re looking to diversify your craps system, but the casino has a significant advantage over the players.
Is the Hardways Bet in Craps Actually Worth It?
These bets can be risky, as the house edge is relatively high, and the odds of winning are not in your favor.
However, they can also be fascinating and potentially lucrative if you’re lucky enough to win.
If you’re a conservative player who prefers lower-risk bets, you may want to avoid Hardways altogether and look for other craps betting options.
However, if you’re a more adventurous gambler who enjoys the thrill of high-risk bets, Hardway in craps might be right up your alley.
Set limits for yourself and only bet what you can afford to lose.
Craps Strategies Using the Hardways Bet
If you’re interested in making Hardways bets, you can use a few strategies to increase your chances of winning and potentially make your gambling more profitable.
Here are a few options to consider:
Progressive Betting Technique
This strategy involves starting with small bets on each of the Hardways options (Hard 4, Hard 6, Hard 8, and Hard 10) and increasing your bets by a set amount each time the shooter rolls a soft number or a 7.
For example, start with a $1 bet on each option, then increase your bet by $1 each time the shooter rolls a soft number or a 7.
This can be risky, as your bets can quickly become large if you go on a losing streak.
However, it can also be advantageous if you’re lucky enough to win all your Hardway bets. Just be sure to set limits for yourself and stop betting if your winnings or losses reach a certain point.
Press Your Bets
This strategy involves doubling your bets each time you win a Hardway bet. For example, if you start with a $10 bet on a Hard 8 and win, you would wager $20 on your next one.
If you win again, you will bet $20, and so on.
This can be risky, as you’re betting more and more money each time you win.
However, it can also be very lucrative if you’re on a winning streak. Just be sure to set limits for yourself and stop betting if your winnings or losses reach a certain point.
Waiting for the Point
Some experienced craps players prefer to wait until the shooter establishes a point before making any Hardway bets.
This means that they’ll wait until the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 before placing their Hardway.
The logic behind this strategy is that the shooter is likelier to roll a hard number after establishing a point, as they have to roll the same number again before rolling a 7.
This can be a less risky approach to Hardway betting, as you’re waiting for a specific set of circumstances before making a bet. However, it can take away some of the fun, as you’re not betting on every dice roll.
My 3 Go-to Strategies That Always Work Wonders
“Hitting and Sitting” Approach: After winning a Hardways bet, consider “sitting” out the next few bets on that number or reducing your stake. This strategy capitalizes on the win without risking immediate loss due to the low probability of hitting a Hardway consecutively.
Combining with Other Strategies: Integrate Hardways bets into a broader craps strategy. For instance, while you have a Hard 6 or Hard 8 bet active, you could also place come bets or place bets on numbers like 6 and 8. This diversifies your betting and can help offset losses on Hardways bets with wins from other areas.
Set a Hardway Bet Cap: Decide in advance how much of your session bankroll you’re willing to risk on Hardways bets and stick to it. This cap prevents the high house edge of Hardways bets from depleting your bankroll rapidly.
Regardless of which strategy you choose, it’s important to remember that craps is a game of chance, and there’s no surefire way to win. The best you can do is set limits for yourself, bet responsibly, and enjoy the excitement of the game.
Conclusion
Overall, the Hardways bet in craps can be a fun and exciting way to add some variety to your craps gameplay, but it’s not for everyone.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that these bets come with a relatively high house edge, which means the casino has a significant advantage over players.
If you’re considering making Hardway bets, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the payouts and house edges for each option and the strategies that can help you increase your chances of winning.
Just be sure always to gamble responsibly.
See you at the tables!
