Craps Mathematics and Odds. Are not the same. Discussion in 'Advanced Craps' started by SevenOut, Nov 24, 2016. Smart Craps has a built-in edge calculator (in the Dice Set Optimizer) that can turn any Pro Test scores into an exact edge percentage. This is not done via simulation, and is instantaneous! The calculator also accounts for odds (if any), and even allows you to determine the edge for proposition bets such as placing the 6 or 8.
Craps is a popular casino game that is played with two dice at a special craps table. The table is laid out into three areas: two side areas and a centre area. In each side area are sections for Don’t Pass line bets, Come and Don’t Come bets, Odds bets, Place bets and Field bets, while the centre area is where Proposition bets can be placed. Winnings are calculated from the outcome of either one roll or a series of rolls of the two dice. It’s important to be aware of the mathematics of craps, such as the probabilities and odds involved, as this can help you to make astute decisions as to what to bet on.
Mathematical Strategy in Craps
As the rolls of the dice in a game of Craps are not dependant on each other (see the independent and dependent events page), i.e. the outcome of one roll does not affect the outcome of the next roll, nor is it influenced by any previous rolls, it is not possible to develop a long-term strategy to win at Craps. As with all casino games, there is always the house advantage to take into consideration, which means that over time the house will always be favoured to win the majority of bets. In other words, all bets in Craps have a negative expected value.
Take the 5 or 9 on the craps table. It is similar to figuring out 15% at a restaurant. In craps, the odds on 5 or 9 pay 3 to 2. Whatever the odds placed, divide it by 2, and add that to the original number. You can use probability to figure out the odds of winning and losing in the popular casino dice game of craps. In the game of craps, on your first roll (called the come out roll), three outcomes are possible: Natural: Rolling a total of 7 or 11 — automatically wins. Craps: Rolling a total of 2, 3, or 12 — automatically loses. The Basic Math of Craps: Required Understanding for Smart Players To fully understand the game of craps, you must understand the basic math behind it. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science and you don’t need a Ph.D to understand it as you may need if you want to understand this.
Instead of trying to predict the outcome of a roll or sequence of rolls, which is not possible for the reason given above, a better idea is usually to “ride” the table, i.e. vary your bets according to the payout frequency from roll to roll. If the table is “hot”, i.e. paying out nicely, then bet more, but if it’s “cold”, lower your bets. There are no mathematical explanations to back this up, but try your luck and it may pay off.
Probability in Craps
The following table shows how many ways exist to reach a certain sum in Craps. For example, there is only one way of throwing the two dice to reach a sum of 2, while there are six ways to throw them to reach a sum of 7. The more ways that exist to arrive at a certain sum, the higher the probability of attaining that sum, and therefore the lower the payout ratio for that particular sum. View our page on the theory of probability for more details about this.
| Sum | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Frequency | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Blackjack Math Test
Craps Math Test
View the Gambling Mathematics Glossary or see our other pages on the mathematics of casino games.