Craps Systems

Systems
When someone creates or buys a “system,” he is looking to overcome the math of the game by utilizing some kind of betting scheme that outwits the game’s probabilistic theoretical underpinnings. In craps, some systems have a kind of compelling though superficial logic behind them. Some systems are absolutely ridiculous. And some seem to actually work until you realize they aren’t saving you money, they are losing you even more money.

or higher. The “yo-eleven” (which actually means eleven-eleven) has an uncanny 11.11 percent edge (who says God doesn’t work in mysterious ways?). You’ll lose $11.11 for every $100 wagered on the “eleven-eleven.”

Here’s another fallacy, the term for which I just invented: It’s called the “Fallacy of the Small Wager-Big Payoff.” This fallacy was eloquently stated by one craps player thusly: “Man, I only bet a stinkin’ dollar on the hardways and dem other bets and look how much I can win!” Slot players fall for this fallacy all the time. They think because they only play, say, three quarters per spin that they are betting “ a little” but they can win a lot.

It is just the opposite. They are betting a lot to win a lot less. Here’s why: Take that bet, yo-eleven, from the department of redundancy department. Let’s say our wagerer bets it on every single roll of the dice but only for one “stinkin’” dollar.

In an hour of play, it is not unusual for 120 rolls to take place. That’s $120 dollars wagered into that 11.11 percent house edge. That’s a loss of $13.33 -- per hour! If this person is looking to get a full range of comps and plays for four hours in a day, his expected loss for one “stinkin’” dollar over that time is $53.32, often the cost of a room for one day in Las Vegas! Yes, occasionally you’ll win these bets, but make them enough over a long enough time and the house edge will cut your bankroll to ribbons.

Craps Superficial System
Craps Sublime System
Craps Rule Exceptions

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