Craps Strategy: Place Bets vs. Buy Bets Comparison
Understanding the nuances of the Craps table is what separates a novice from a seasoned player. Among the most discussed strategies in the gambling community are Place Bets and Buy Bets. While they might look similar to the untrained eye—both involving wagering on specific point numbers—the mathematical reality of how they pay out and the commissions involved can significantly impact your bankroll. At Winner Online, we break down these mechanics to help Canadian players make informed decisions at the table.
What are Place Bets in Craps?
Place bets are one of the most popular wagers because they allow you to bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) at any time, regardless of whether a point has been established. If your chosen number is rolled before a 7, you win. If the 7 comes first, the bet loses.
The “Place” bet is essentially a wager that the casino will pay you at slightly lower odds than the true mathematical probability in exchange for not charging a direct commission. The payouts vary depending on the number:
- 6 and 8: Pay 7 to 6.
- 5 and 9: Pay 7 to 5.
- 4 and 10: Pay 9 to 5.
Because these payouts are not “True Odds,” the house maintains an edge. However, for the 6 and 8, the house edge is a relatively low 1.52%, making it one of the better bets on the floor for casual and strategic players alike.
Understanding the Buy Bet
A Buy bet is identical to a Place bet in terms of when you win—you are still betting that a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 will roll before a 7. The fundamental difference lies in the payout structure and the “Vig” or commission.
When you “Buy” a number, the casino pays you the True Odds. To get these fair odds, you must pay a 5% commission to the house. Traditionally, this commission was paid upfront, but many modern gaming environments only require the commission on winning bets. This distinction is crucial for your long-term ROI.
The True Odds for Buy bets are:
- 6 and 8: 6 to 5.
- 5 and 9: 3 to 2.
- 4 and 10: 2 to 1.
Place vs. Buy: The Payout Breakdown
The real question for any strategy-focused player is: when does it make sense to pay a commission to get better odds? The answer lies in the specific numbers you are betting on and the amount of your wager.
The Outside Numbers (4 and 10)
This is where the Buy bet shines. If you Place the 4 or 10, you are paid 9 to 5. If you Buy the 4 or 10, you are paid 2 to 1 (minus the 5% commission). Mathematically, the house edge on a Place bet for these numbers is 6.67%. If you switch to a Buy bet where the commission is only paid on a win, the house edge drops to approximately 1.67%. This is a massive difference and is widely considered the “correct” move for any serious Craps player.
The Middle Numbers (6 and 8)
For the 6 and 8, you should almost always stick to Place bets. The 7 to 6 payout on a Place bet results in a house edge of 1.52%. If you were to Buy the 6 or 8 and pay a 5% commission, the house edge would actually increase. Unless you are playing at a table with very specific, non-standard commission rules, “Buying” the 6 and 8 is generally considered a poor move.
The 5 and 9
The 5 and 9 represent the middle ground. The house edge on a Place bet for these numbers is 4.0%. Whether a Buy bet is better depends entirely on the table’s commission rules. If the commission is charged only on wins and the casino allows for small “green chip” bets, the Buy bet can be slightly superior, but for most standard players, the difference is negligible compared to the 4 and 10.
When to Switch from Place to Buy
Timing and bankroll management are key. At Winner Online, we suggest a simple rule of thumb for Canadian players looking to optimize their sessions.
If you are betting $20 or more on the 4 or 10, always ask the dealer to “Buy” the number instead of placing it. Most dealers will automatically suggest this if they see a large wager, but being proactive ensures you are getting the best possible edge. For the 5, 6, 8, and 9, you are usually safer sticking with Place bets unless you are a high roller playing at a table that only collects the vig on winning bets.
Impact of Commission Rules on Your Strategy
Not all commissions are created equal. You must check if the “Vig” is “Always Paid” or “Paid on Win Only.”
- Always Paid: You pay 5% of your bet amount immediately. This increases the house edge because you lose the commission even if the 7 rolls.
- Paid on Win: You only pay the 5% if your number hits. This is significantly more player-friendly and makes Buy bets on the 4 and 10 some of the most efficient bets in the game.
Conclusion for Canadian Players
Choosing between Place and Buy bets isn’t just about luck; it’s about understanding the “Tax” you pay to the house. By focusing your Buy bets on the 4 and 10 and keeping your 6 and 8 as Place bets, you significantly lower the house advantage. This disciplined approach allows for longer sessions and a better chance of walking away from the table with your bankroll intact. As you explore the various guides here on Winner Online, remember that the best bet is always the one where you understand the math behind the chips.
