Craps Tips | For avid craps players, the allure of betting on numbers like 4, 10, 5, or 9 might prompt the question, “Should I buy now?” The answer, however, isn’t straightforward, as it largely depends on the rules and conditions at the local casino.
Buy bets offer players the opportunity to enjoy lower house edges on numbers 4 and 10 compared to place bets. However, not all casinos treat buy bets the same way. Some charge a 5% commission on all buy bets, while others apply it only to winning wagers. Moreover, a select few even offer flexible commissions based on the size of the bet.
The Basics of Buy Bets
The mechanics of buy bets are similar to place bets – you win or lose based on the shooter’s roll. If the shooter hits your number before a 7, you win, but if a 7 comes up first, you lose.
The twist with buy bets is that in exchange for the 5% commission, winning bets pay true odds. In most cases, you pay the commission regardless of the outcome.
For instance, if you place a $20 bet on 4 or 10 and pay a $1 commission, your buy bet is paid at true odds of 2-1, resulting in $40 in winnings. However, considering the commission, your total risk is $21, leading to a lower house edge than a place bet.
Craps Tips – Analyzing the House Edge
The house edge on place bets for numbers 4 or 10 is 6.67%. Paying the commission on buy bets reduces the house edge to 4.76%.
Conversely, on numbers 5, 6, 8, and 9, the house edges on place bets are lower than the 5% commission on buy bets, making the latter less appealing.
On 6 or 8, the house edge on place bets is 1.52%, and on 5 or 9, it’s 4%. However, if you opt for buy bets, the house edge rises to 4.76% on these numbers, provided you’re paying the commission on both losses and wins.
Craps Tips – Commission Only on Winning Bets
Paying the commission only on winning bets significantly changes the odds in favor of buy bets, making them more attractive compared to other bets on the table.
For example, if the point is 4, you win one-third of the time. A 5% commission once per three wagers equates to an overall 1.67% commission, which represents the house edge. The same applies to 10, resulting in a 1.67% house edge on buy bets – not far from the 1.41% on the pass line or 1.52% on place bets for 6 or 8.
Similarly, on 5 or 9, which win four times per six losses, paying a 5% commission only on winners reduces the effective commission on all bets to 2%. As a result, the house edge when buying these numbers is 2%, half the edge on placing them.
However, for 6 or 8, where there are five winners per six losers, a 5% commission per win spread over 11 wagers amounts to a 2.27% house edge. Despite this, buying may still be a better option than place bets at 1.52%.
<House Edge – Understanding what is the casino House Edge>
Craps Tips – Pushing the Limits
While it’s essential to avoid high commission rates, some casinos might allow $1 commissions on larger buy bets, offering a lower house edge.
For instance, a $25 buy bet on 4 with a $1 commission results in a 3.84% house edge, better than the 4.76% edge on a $20 buy bet. Such opportunities, however, may not be advertised, and players must inquire about them before betting.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, whether to buy or place bets depends on various factors, including the commission structure, the size of the bet, and the chosen numbers. For the best chances of success, carefully consider the house edge and keep an eye out for favorable commission rates. Armed with the right strategy, you can enhance your craps experience and maximize your winning potential.