There are an endless number of possible bets players can place in a game of craps, but for beginners it is best to stick to the most common and popular ones that have the lowest house edge.

Pass and Don’t Pass

Pass and Don’t Pass bets are placed at the beginning of a new round and both pay out even money, so as well as getting your bet back you will get the same amount again in winnings.  Most players will bet Pass as this is betting with the shooter so it is more enjoyable.  In addition, the come out, which is the first roll in the game, is the best for those betting on the Pass line as there are eight winning combinations that could be rolled and only four that will lose.  Don’t Pass is betting against the shooter and only offers three possible winning rolls and eight ways to lose.  However once the game enters the second phase and the point number has been established, the odds are stacked in the favour of Don’t Pass bets.

Come and Don’t Come bets

The definition of Come and Don’t Come bets is the same as Pass and Don’t Pass but instead they can only be placed once the Come Out phase is complete. 

Free odds

This bet can be placed once a point number has been determined.  A player can back a Pass or Come bet of the same amount, however the difference is that whilst a Pass or Come bet will pay off at even money if they win, an odds bet will receive the actual odds of rolling the point number.

It’s natural for players to put their losing streak down to bad luck.  In blackjack, however, there are various other reasons why players may be losing.

A common mistake is for a player to believe they can judge the best move by using instinct alone.  To make more money, use strategy rather than gut feeling.  Another way forward is to avoid taking insurance.  While this might seem like a sensible move, there’s no money to be made in this case by playing it safe. 

On occasion, it’s a good idea to play cautiously to avoid losing money.  But if players never double their bets on a good hand, they could miss out on extra winnings in the long run.  Players should also use a strategy card.  There is no shame in doing so to improve play and make more money.

Blackjack players often believe it is their ‘turn’ to be dealt a good hand.  This is a fallacy and, unless card counting is involved, the chance of either a winning or losing hand does not change based on the last few hands dealt.

Bad table position is another factor that might be blamed for a run of bad luck.  Aside from card counters, the position on the table makes no difference either way, nor does using a “system.”  The only system that works with blackjack is card counting, so forget any other system of winning – excluding, of course, use of the strategy card.

Finally, make sure regular breaks are taken and always check out any differences in game play at a new venue. 

By changing these habits, players could see a miraculous improvement in their luck.