A question from a Flip The Switch reader who recreationally plays craps asked what to do with Place bets after the shooter makes a point:
When I’m at a live table, I usually limit my bets to placing the six and eight. When a shooter establishes the six or eight as the new point, what am I supposed to do with my existing place bets? Since I don’t know what I’m supposed to do in these situations, I usually just take both bets down and sheepishly leave the table.
Can you offer any guidance? Thanks!
Lucky Larry
There are multiple possible moves at this point in the game.
Assume a scenario where the point is a 5 and a player has a Place bet on 6 and 8. The shooter rolls a 5, and the Pass Line wins. The next roll is a new come-out.
No Need to Remove Place and Buy Bets After Point Is Made
The dealer has a puck with the words “off” and “on.” When the 5 was the point, the puck showed the “on” side on the 5. When it was made, the puck moved to the Don’t Come bet box and was flipped over to the “off” side. This means that all the Place and Buy bets are automatically off.
The house does this so players do not have bets competing against each other. If a 7 rolls on the come-out, the Place and Buy bets would lose if they were on, while the Pass Line wins. Automatically turning these bets off also speeds up the game. Players do not need to ask for bets to be taken down, only to put them back up once a point is again established. This allows the game flow to continue, as the longest lags at a craps table occur after a number becomes the point.
However, the player can change that. When you want your bets on, tell the dealer Place and Buy bets work on the come-out roll. The dealer will put chips that say “on” over the bets. If the number is rolled on the come-out roll, it wins. If a 7 comes, these bets lose.
What to Do When Your Place or Buy Becomes the New Point
Let’s assume the point was 5, and you had a 6 and an 8 placed. The shooter makes the 5, and the come-out roll is a 6. You have the option to leave the 6 up or do anything else with it. The only reason to leave the Place 6 is if you maxed out your free odds behind your Pass Line bet and want to wager more on that number. Otherwise, you can move your 6 to another number or take it down. In this situation, many players choose to double up on the Place 8.
Hardways Work Differently
Hardways are bets on doubles coming for a number before an easy way or a 7. For example, a Hard 6 is a pair of 3s. It wins if the pair of 3s comes on the dice. It loses when a 6 comes as a 1 and 5 or 2 and 4. A 7 also wipes out a Hardway bet.
When a point is made, Hardway bets are often automatically on for the come-out roll, particularly in Las Vegas (although some casinos will treat this differently – ask if you’re unsure). When on by default, players may call them off on the come-out roll by telling the stickman while the dice are still in the center. For tables where they’re off by default, players can likewise ask the stickman to have them on for hte come-out roll.
Come Bets Always Work
A Come bet works like the Pass Line, but for a different roll. It wins on a 7 or 11, loses on a 2, 3, or 12, and moves to a number when one is rolled. Come bets can only be wagered on after the point is established. Otherwise, the Pass Line is available.
For example, the point is a 4. Let’s assume the player makes a Come bet and the next roll is a 6. Like the Pass Line, the player can take odds on the Come bet when it moves to a number. After that, the 4 is made, and the Pass Line wins.
Unlike a Buy or Place bet, the Come bet is in action. However, the odds are not. However, like the Buy and Place bets, the player may call the odds on. The dealer will mark it like a Buy or Place bet that works.
Don’t Come and Lay Bets Work Differently
The Don’t Come is a bet against the dice. The player wants a 2 or 3 on the first roll and loses on a 7 or 11. The Don’t Come pushes on a 12. Other numbers become a side bet on a point. Don’t Come bets always work. It does not matter whether it is the come-out roll or not. Don’t Come odds also always work, regardless of whether a point is established or not.
Dealers Will Usually Help New Players
Most dealers are happy to help new players. Politely ask for advice on how to handle situations you do not understand. They will explain it to you. If you are new to craps, look for tables with few players. This allows more time and less noise for explanations. Make sure to tip the dealers by making a line bet for them or handing in some chips, especially when they are helpful.
Electronic Craps Has Instruction Screens and Messages
Electronic versions of craps, including the bubble kind, have pages of help screens that explain the rules to players. Take the time to read these screens when new to the game. The language is easy to understand. These games will also not permit bets that are unavailable, as well as offer player options like keeping all bets on or off during a roll.
Play Responsibly
The most important craps rule for players is to gamble responsibly. Craps is an exciting game. It can also have wild swings. Keep your cool when playing. Don’t chase losses. Set a time and money limit for your session and leave when things go very poorly or very well. The game will always be there, and your outcome will always be better when you are in the right state of mind.
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