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!
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.
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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 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!
