If you’re new to craps, the pass line is an excellent bet. It’s easy to understand and gives you a good chance of winning.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the pass line bet in craps, including how to play it, the possible outcomes, and some pro tips to help you improve your chances of winning.
Let’s dive right in!
Key Takeaways: Mastering the Pass Line Bet
- Pass Line Bet Basics: The pass line bet is a foundational aspect of craps, ideal for both new and seasoned players due to its simplicity and fair chance of winning.
- How It Works: This bet hinges on the come out roll, aiming for a 7 or 11 to win, or establishing a point with any other number except for 2, 3, or 12 (craps), where the bet is lost.
- Playing the Pass Line: Place your chips on the pass line section of the table before the come out roll. Winning results in even money; the game moves into a point phase for other outcomes.
- Understanding the Point Phase: If a point is established, the goal shifts to rolling this number again before hitting a 7 to secure a win.
- House Edge and Payouts: With a low house edge of 1.41%, the pass line bet offers an even payout, making it a popular choice for players seeking a balance of risk and reward.
- Strategies and Tips: Betting on the pass line after the come out roll is possible, betting that the shooter will hit the established point before rolling a 7, a tactic embraced for its simplicity and effectiveness.
What is the Pass Line Bet in Craps?
The pass line bet is fundamental in craps and is the most basic wager a player can make. It is a bet on the outcome of the first roll of the dice, also known as the “come out roll.”
If you place a pass line bet, you are betting that the come out roll will result in a 7 or an 11. If the come out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, (also known as “craps”), you lose your bet.
How To Play the Pass Line
To make a pass line bet, you need to place your chips on the pass line area on the craps table. You can click on the pass line area to place your bet if you are playing online.
Once the come out roll is made, the following will occur:
If 7 or an 11, you win even money. For example, if you bet $5 on the pass line and the come out roll is a 7, you will win $5.
If the come out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, also known as “craps,” you lose your bet.
If the come out roll is any other number, that number becomes the “point.” The dealer will place a small plastic disk, also known as the “puck,” on the number that is the point. This signifies that the point has been established, and the game enters the “point” phase.
During the point phase, the shooter will continue to roll the dice until either the point is rolled again (which means you win) or a 7 is rolled (which means you lose).
You win even money if the shooter rolls the point again before rolling a 7.
For example, if the point is 5 and you bet $5 on the pass line, and the shooter rolls a 5 before rolling a 7, you win $5. You lose your bet if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point again.
Possible Outcomes of the Pass Line
There are three possible outcomes of the pass line bet:
- If the come out roll is a 7 or an 11, you will win even money.
- If the come out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, you lose your bet.
- If the come out roll is any other number, the point is established, and the game enters the point phase.
During the point phase, the shooter must roll the point again before rolling a 7 for the pass line bet to win. The pass line bet loses if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point again.
The Point
The point is the number established on the come out roll if the roll is not a 7 or an 11. The point is marked on the table using the puck. The shooter has to roll the point again before rolling a 7 for the pass line bet to win.
The Puck
The puck is a small plastic disk the dealer uses to mark the point on the craps table.
The puck is placed on the number that is the point, and it stays there until the shooter either rolls the point again or rolls a 7, at which point the puck is removed.
Pass Line Bet House Edge and Payout
The pass line bet has a house edge of 1.41%, which means the casino has a slight advantage over the player. The payout for the pass line bet is even money, which means that if you bet $5 and win, you will be paid $5.
The pass line bet is a simple bet with a low house edge, which is why it is a popular choice for many craps players.
4 Examples of the Pass Line Bet
Here are a few examples to help you understand the pass line bet better:
- Example 1: You bet $5 on the pass line, and the come out roll is a 7. You win $5.
- Example 2: You bet $5 on the pass line, and the come out roll is a 2. You lose $5.
- Example 3: You bet $5 on the pass line, and the come out roll is a 4. The point is established as 4, and the puck is placed on the 4. The shooter rolls a 7 before rolling a 4 again, so you lose your bet.
- Example 4: You bet $5 on the pass line, and the come out roll is a 4. The point is established as 4, and the puck is placed on the 4. The shooter rolls a 4 before a 7, so you win $5.
Betting on the Pass Line After the Come Out
After the come out roll, you can still bet the pass line, but the bet will be based on the point that has been established.
For example, let’s say the come out roll is a 4, and the point is established as 4. If you want to bet the pass line, you’ll be betting that the shooter will roll a 4 before rolling a 7.
Pass Line vs. Don’t Pass Line: Full Comparison
Comparative Analysis: The main difference between pass line and don’t pass line bets lies in what constitutes a win or loss on the come out roll. While pass line bets win on a 7 or 11 and lose on a 2, 3, or 12, don’t pass line bets win on a 2 or 3, lose on a 7 or 11, and push (tie) on a 12. The house edge on don’t pass line bets is slightly lower (1.36%) compared to pass line bets (1.41%), making it a marginally better bet from a mathematical standpoint.
Strategy Implications: Choosing between pass line and don’t pass line bets significantly impacts your strategy. Don’t pass line bettors often employ “laying the odds,” similar to taking the odds, but with the goal of a 7 rolling before the point number. This strategy can offer a low house edge play, but it requires betting against the shooter and most other players, which might not appeal to everyone.
Psychology and Table Dynamics: Betting on the don’t pass line can sometimes place you in opposition to the majority of players at the table, who typically wager on the pass line. This dynamic can affect the social atmosphere—you might be winning when others are losing, and vice versa. Understanding this aspect of the game is crucial for players who value the communal experience of craps.
Risk Management: Managing your risk effectively requires understanding the odds and payouts of both betting options. While don’t pass bets may have a slightly lower house edge, the difference is minimal, and choosing between the two should also consider your comfort with the game’s social aspects and your overall strategy. Setting loss limits and deciding in advance how much you’re willing to risk on either type of bet can help maintain control over your bankroll.
Pro tip: Why Most Players Prefer the Pass Line Bet
The pass line bet is a popular choice for many craps players because it is a simple bet with a relatively low house edge.
It is also an excellent bet for new craps players because it is easy to understand, and there is not much strategy involved.
The pass line bet has even money payouts, meaning you’ll receive the same amount as your bet if you win.
Advanced Betting Strategies I’ve Successfully Applied
Here are some pass line betting strategies that you can leverage to minimize your risks:
Maximizing Odds Bets
One of the most effective strategies for craps players is to maximize the use of “Odds” bets after placing a pass line bet. Odds bets are unique as they are paid at true odds and carry no house edge.
After a point is established, placing an additional bet behind your pass line bet can significantly increase your potential payout. The strategy here is to bet the maximum Odds allowed by the casino, as this reduces the overall house edge on your total action.
Combination Betting
Combining pass line bets with other types of bets can create a more dynamic game strategy.
For instance, after making a pass line bet, consider placing come bets. A come bet works like a pass line bet but is made after the come out roll. This approach covers multiple numbers, increasing your chances of winning on subsequent rolls.
Adding place bets on numbers not covered by your pass line or come bets can also hedge against potential losses, though it’s vital to understand the increased risk and house edge with each added wager.
Roll Timing and Trends
Some players swear by betting strategies based on shooter trends and roll patterns, although it’s essential to remember that craps is a game of chance, and each roll is independent.
However, if you enjoy studying the game, you might find it engaging to track how often a shooter hits their point or rolls particular numbers. Betting based on these observations can add an additional layer of excitement to your game, but it should not be seen as a reliable way to win.
Wrapping Up
The pass line bet is an essential bet in craps that is easy to understand and comes with a low house edge.
The pass line bet is an excellent choice whether you are a beginner or a seasoned craps player. Thanks for joining me in this guide on the pass line bet, and happy rolling!
