how does the come bet work in craps
How Does the Come Bet Work in Craps?
The Come bet is an exciting wager in craps that lets you hop on the action after a point has been established. It’s essentially like placing a Pass Line bet, but after the come-out roll.
Understanding the Basics of Craps
Before diving into the specifics of the Come bet, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of craps. This exhilarating dice game involves players betting on the outcome of a roll, or a series of rolls, of two dice.
Here’s a breakdown of key elements⁚
- The Come-Out Roll⁚ The game begins with the “come-out” roll. This is the initial roll of the dice, and it sets the stage for subsequent bets.
- The Point⁚ If the come-out roll results in a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point.” The game’s objective then shifts to rolling that specific point again before a 7 is rolled.
- Pass Line Bet⁚ The most fundamental bet in craps. Players wagering on the Pass Line win if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, and lose if it’s a 2, 3, or 12 (known as “craps”). If a point is established, they win if the point is rolled again before a 7.
- Don’t Pass Line Bet⁚ The opposite of the Pass Line bet. Players win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 (12 is a tie or “push”), and lose if it’s a 7 or 11. If a point is established, they win if a 7 is rolled before the point.
- Natural and Craps⁚ A natural (7 or 11) on the come-out roll results in an immediate win for Pass Line bets. Craps (2, 3, or 12) result in an immediate loss for Pass Line bets.
Once you understand these core concepts, the Come bet becomes easier to grasp as it builds upon these foundational rules. It injects an extra layer of excitement by allowing you to join the action even after the point has been determined.
Placing a Come Bet
A Come bet is placed after the point has been established on the come-out roll. Here’s how it works⁚
- Wait for the Point⁚ The first step is to wait until a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) has been set. This means the come-out roll didn’t result in an immediate win (7 or 11) or loss (2, 3, or 12) on the Pass Line.
- Place Your Bet⁚ Once the point is established, you can place your Come bet on the designated area of the craps table, usually marked “Come.” You place your chips on the table, but not on any specific number.
- The Come-Out Roll for Your Bet⁚ The next roll of the dice after you place your Come bet becomes the “come-out” roll specifically for your bet.
- Natural Win⁚ If the roll is a 7 or 11, you win even money on your Come bet.
- Craps Loss⁚ If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, you lose your Come bet.
- Establishing Your Point⁚ If the roll is any other number (4٫ 5٫ 6٫ 8٫ 9٫ or 10)٫ that number becomes your “come point.” The dealer will move your Come bet onto the box representing that number.
Now, you’re essentially playing your own mini-Pass Line bet, but with your own point.
Come Bet Payouts and Winning
Once your Come bet has a point established (moved to a number box), here’s how you can win⁚
- Rolling Your Come Point⁚ If the shooter rolls your come point number before rolling a 7, you win! The Come bet pays out at even money (1⁚1), just like the Pass Line bet.
- Rolling a 7 (Before Your Point)⁚ If a 7 is rolled before your come point is rolled again, all Come bets on the table lose. This is similar to how the Pass Line loses when a 7 is rolled before the point.
Example⁚
Let’s say you place a Come bet, and the following happens⁚
- The current point on the table is 9.
- You place your Come bet.
- The next roll is a 6. Your come point is now 6.
- The shooter rolls a few more times, and eventually, a 6 is rolled! You win even money on your Come bet.
Important Note⁚ The original point on the table (in our example, the 9) doesn’t affect your Come bet once your individual come point has been established. You only care about your own come point and the 7.
Losing a Come Bet
Losing a Come bet is just as straightforward as winning. There’s only one way to lose your Come bet⁚
Rolling a 7 Before Your Come Point is Established⁚
If the shooter rolls a 7 before your Come bet establishes a point (i.e., before the dice roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), you lose your Come bet.
Example⁚
- The point is currently 10.
- You place your Come bet.
- The very next roll is a 7. Your Come bet loses because it didn’t get a chance to establish a point.
Key Point⁚
Remember, once your Come bet has a point (it’s been moved to a number box), a 7 only affects your bet٫ not the other players at the table who might have different points established.
Losing a Come bet is part of the game, just like any other wager in craps. The excitement of potentially hitting your come point before the 7 makes it a thrilling bet for many players.