Come, One and All: A Comprehensive Guide to Craps' Enticing Come Bet

Introduction

Craps, the time-honored casino classic, offers a smorgasbord of betting options, each with its own quirks and rewards. Among these, the come bet stands out as a veritable beacon of opportunity for both novice and seasoned players alike. This comprehensive guide will illuminate the nuances of the come bet, empowering you to harness its strategic prowess and emerge victorious on the craps felt.

What is a Come Bet?

A come bet, simply put, is a wager placed after the point has been established. It functions as a companion to the pass line bet and offers the potential for significant payouts. The come bet essentially mirrors the pass line bet, tracking the movement of the dice and paying out accordingly.

How to Place a Come Bet

Placing a come bet is a relatively straightforward process:

1. Establish the Point: Before placing a come bet, the point must be set. This occurs when the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, which then becomes the target number for subsequent rolls.
2. Place Your Bet: Once the point is set, you can place your come bet. To do so, simply announce "come" followed by the amount you wish to wager.
3. Follow the Shooter: As the shooter continues to roll the dice, watch closely for the come point to be re-rolled. This is the point you are betting on. If the come point is rolled before a 7, you win. If a 7 is rolled before the come point, you lose.

Payouts for Come Bets

Come bets pay out as follows:

• If the come point is rolled before a 7: You win even money (1:1).
• If a 7 is rolled before the come point: You lose your bet.
• If a point other than the come point is rolled: The come bet remains in play until the come point or a 7 is rolled.

Come Bets vs. Pass Line Bets

While both come bets and pass line bets are centered around the point, they exhibit distinct characteristics:

Come Bet

• Placed after the point is set
• Only the player who places the bet wins
• Pays even money (1:1)
• Can be placed multiple times

Pass Line Bet

• Placed before the point is set
• All players who have placed a pass line bet win if the point is made
• Pays even money (1:1)
• Can only be placed once

Strategies for Come Betting

Navigating the unpredictable waters of craps requires a combination of luck and strategy. Here are some effective tactics for maximizing your chances of success with come bets:

• Wait for a Hot Shooter: Hot shooters are those who consistently roll the point and avoid crapping out (rolling a 7). Observing their rhythm and betting patterns can increase your likelihood of success.
• Bet on Low Point Numbers: Statistically, point numbers 4 and 10 have a higher chance of being rolled before a 7. While this is not a guarantee, it can tilt the odds in your favor.
• Use Come Bets as an Overlay to Pass Line Bets: Placing come bets after establishing a pass line bet can provide an additional layer of protection in case the point is not rolled.
• Set a Bankroll and Stick to It: Craps can be an emotional game. Establishing a bankroll and adhering to it helps prevent reckless betting and ensures responsible gameplay.

Why Come Betting Matters

Craps, by nature, is a game of chance. However, incorporating come bets into your strategy can offer significant benefits:

• Flexibility: Come bets allow you to enter the game at any time, even after the point has been set.
• Potential for Multiple Bets: Unlike pass line bets, you can place multiple come bets, increasing your chances of winning.
• Parlaying Winnings: Once you win a come bet, you can choose to "parlay," which means betting the winnings along with your original wager. This strategy can lead to exponential gains.
• Insurance: Come bets can serve as a hedge against pass line bets, reducing potential losses.

Stories of Triumph and Caution

Every craps table has its share of tales, both triumphant and harrowing. Here are a few anecdotes to illustrate the rollercoaster of emotions that come betting can evoke:

The Lucky Come Better:

A novice player ventured into the casino for the first time and decided to try his hand at craps. He noticed a shooter who had established a point of 8. He placed a $10 come bet and watched in anticipation. The shooter rolled an 8, and the player pocketed an easy $20. Encouraged by his luck, he continued to place come bets and ended up winning several hundred dollars.

What We Learn: Even beginners can experience success in craps with the right timing and a touch of luck.

The Parlaying Pitfall:

An experienced craps player placed a come bet of $100 after the point was set at 6. He won on the next roll and decided to parlay the winnings. Time after time, the shooter rolled the 6, and the player's winnings grew exponentially. However, luck ran out when the 7 finally appeared, wiping out his entire parlay and leaving him with nothing.

What We Learn: While parlays can be lucrative, they also amplify losses. Always wager responsibly and know when to walk away.

Conclusion

The come bet stands as a powerful tool in the craps player's arsenal. By understanding its mechanics, implementing effective strategies, and managing risk responsibly, you can harness its potential and emerge from the casino a victor. Remember, the essence of craps lies in the thrill of the unknown, and with a touch of luck and a keen eye for opportunity, the come bet can lead you down a path paved with excitement and rewards.

Additional Resources

• Craps Table Layout and Betting Options
• Come Bet Strategy
• Craps Bankroll Management

Useful Tables

Table 1: Come Bet Payouts

Table 2: Pass Line Bet vs. Come Bet

Table 3: Effective Come Betting Strategies