Lowering the House Edge in Craps: How Come Odds on 6 and 8 Give You an Advantage
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Meta Description: Learn how placing Come Odds on 6 and 8 can reduce the house edge in craps. Discover why these numbers are statistically smart bets and how to maximize your chances at the table.
Introduction
Craps can seem chaotic to new players — fast dice rolls, multiple betting options, and a mix of terminology that can overwhelm anyone. But beneath the excitement lies math that can give you an advantage.
One of the most powerful strategies in craps is placing Come Odds on the numbers 6 and 8. Not only does this increase your chances of winning over time, it also lowers the house edge, giving you a better shot at walking away ahead.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how this works, why 6 and 8 are the best numbers to bet on, and how to apply this strategy to your game.
Understanding House Edge
Every casino game has a built-in advantage for the house called the house edge. This is the percentage of your wager the casino expects to keep over time.
- Pass Line Bet → 1.41% house edge
- Place 6 or 8 → 1.52% house edge
This means that, in the long run, the casino expects to win about $1.41–$1.52 for every $100 wagered on these bets. The key to reducing your risk is using bets that pay true odds.
What Are Come Bets and Odds?
- A Come Bet is like starting a new Pass Line bet after the point is already established.
- When a number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled after your Come Bet, that number becomes your point.
- You can then place an odds bet behind your Come Bet, which is paid at true odds (no house edge).
True Odds Explained
For example, if your Come Bet lands on 6:
- The probability of rolling a 6 before a 7 is 5/11 (~45.45%)
- The casino pays 6:5, exactly matching the true odds of the outcome
Because there’s no built-in house edge on the odds bet, this money is “risk-free” from a casino perspective — mathematically speaking.
Why 6 and 8 Are the Best Numbers
- High-frequency numbers: 6 and 8 each appear ~13.89% of rolls
- Large odds possible: You can place a significant portion of your total bet behind these numbers
- Combined effect: Base bet + odds bet lowers the overall house edge
Example
- Base Pass Line bet: $10 → expected loss $0.141 (1.41% house edge)
- Odds bet on 6: $30 → expected loss $0 (0% house edge)
- Total wager: $40 → total expected loss $0.141
- Effective house edge: 0.35%
The more odds you take, the closer your total bet approaches a 0% house edge.
How to Apply This Strategy
- Place a Pass Line or Come Bet.
- Wait for a number to be rolled (ideally 6 or 8).
- Place a large odds bet behind your base bet.
- Optionally place smaller odds on other points like 5 or 9.
- Avoid risky bets with high house edges (hardways, horn bets, proposition bets).
💡 Pro Tip: You’re not predicting individual dice rolls — you’re using probability and true odds to make the most mathematically advantageous bets.
Conclusion
Placing Come Odds on 6 and 8 is one of the smartest strategies in craps. It leverages:
- High-frequency numbers
- True odds betting
- Bankroll protection through a lower house edge
By focusing on these numbers and taking full advantage of odds bets, you maximize your chances of winning over the long term, all while keeping the thrill of the table alive.
Gus Santos