How to Back Up Bets in Craps

Walking through a casino can be intensely exciting. The sound of people winning jackpots seems to surround you. But when you step up to actually play a game in the casino, it can be intimidating. Like craps for instance. There are many bets and many ways to play the board. Here's how to place back-up bets next time you are playing craps in the casino.

Things You'll Need

• Craps table
• Chips to play

Instructions

1. Place a bet in the "pass" or "come" lane. If you place a "pass" or "come" bet, you are betting that once a "point" is established, that point will be rolled before a 7 is rolled. For instance, if someone rolls an 8, that becomes the point. You are betting that an 8 will be rolled before a 7. (The exception is, if a 7 or 11 is rolled on the first throw, you win.) Also if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled (which is called craps), you lose. The major difference between a "come" and "pass" bet is that a "pass" bet must be placed before the shooter throws and the "come" bet may be made at any time during the shooter's turn.

2. Allow the point to be established. Before you can start making the back-up bet, you must allow the shooter to throw a number such as a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10.

3. Place your chips, or back up bet, behind the chips you have laid on the "pass" or "come" line. Most casinos allow you bet up to 20 times what you have originally wagered on the pass or come line. If the shooter rolls the point, then you will be paid odds based on how much the point is worth. (Because certain numbers are easier to roll than others, numbers 4 to 10, minus 7, pay different amounts.)

4. Stand back and hope that Lady Luck is on your side with your back up bets in craps. The advantage to back up bets is that you can remove them between rolls of the dice. So, if you suddenly get a knot in your stomach that things may go south, you may remove your bet during the shooter's turn.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't reach where you want to bet, simply place your chips on the table and instruct the stickman to move the money where you'd like. It's considered bad form to reach over people.

• Only bet money that you can afford to lose. If you feel you have a gambling problem, seek help immediately.