Table Games Iron Cross craps strategy

Too bad my local casino doesn't offer $5 craps table. I would love to try out the Iron Cross method ($5 on 5, $6 on both 6&8, $5 on field, bet $22 total) and see if that will make me some money. This method will be very useless on a cold table. On a table with a hot shooter, I think it will be worth it.

Has anyone tried this method?

 

Interesting...

Dont forget you have to have the pass line bet as well...sept on digital craps


You would have to hit a minimum of 4 numbers before you are in the black...which is not TOO hard, but a few bad runs and your are toast.


I would try this on digital craps first...

 

Most of the players I've seen that use this method hit one number and bring everything down.

The odds of rolling a seven, no matter what you bet, are still one in six.

In my opinion, it's not as much fun to play this way. Dealers hate system players and it just doesn't seem as social as the traditional way of playing.

 

You don't need a PL bet unless you're shooting, and that goes for bubble craps too.

The iron cross is a grinder strategy. It's not bad for getting free drinks and playing for a while, but there's not big money to be made playing it. Like you said, you'll only win a lot if you get a "hot shooter", but you'll make a lot of money betting anything with a hot shooter, and you're likely to make a lot more just placing the inside numbers for the same amount on a hot shooter. The only exception would be if the shooter is throwing a ton of 2,3,11,12s.

By all means you can play it if you want (I will occasionally if I'm just biding time and getting drinks), but you won't make a huge score, and if you get a lot of point 7 out you'll get creamed.

 

It goes without saying that no betting strategy will work over the long run. With that being said-

I deal Craps in Connecticut and there are regulars that use this strategy in varying stakes(Basically $5/number to $100/number) and they never make any money. This type of play is always met with a sigh as you watch a non-tipper slowly lose, or break even, then bitch about their average bet. I say that they don't tip because it cuts into the strategy of small profits. If you're looking to grind for hours and maybe earn some comps, I suggest you tip the dealers immediately before you work them for 4 hours winning $2 at a time.

Remember that Point-sevens happen, and it sucks. We all know it. Exclaiming how ridiculous it is because it cripples your betting system, or berating a shooter, will not help. Ever.

My suggestion is to pick 2-3 numbers and bet them; don't get fancy. If you feel like you're done, take your bets down. Don't play with a system unless it's for consistency purposes only( betting inside/outside/even numbers).

Stay out of the field. With the iron cross you sacrifice the ok house edge of the 6/8 by betting the crappy field.

Good luck in whatever you choose,
-Years of playing and dealing experience

 

I think I have learned from this thread that I may be one of those "system" players...not this one, but another basic one for consistency...and its probably why I walk away with that aforementioned sigh....

so what is the "traditional way of playing"..I am headed out in June and want to put my gamble on for real....

 

The iron cross works pretty well when you get two hits on the field and then half your bet.

 

Might as well bet boxcars and snake eyes. You might go broke but it's fun when they hit and besides, it's funny to say "snake eyes" and "boxcars".

 

Optimal strategy is pass line with max odds, and two come bets with max odds. Even as a dealer, I don't play this way(it can get expensive with 5x or 10x odds even on a $5 game)

Play to have fun. We always recommend the pass line with odds if you want to bet with the shooter, and one or two numbers for more beginner and even intermediate players. If you have an even number place bet, and want more action, bet $1 on the hardway of that number as well. It won't break the bank and it will give you something extra to cheer for.

I tell people that craps is a game of comfort. Bet however much you would be comfortable losing. If someone tells you to bet something you don't want to, say no. Don't give it to peer pressure. Just because everyone's betting the Yo doesn't mean you also have to waste $1. Cheer them on knowing you're going to make more than them by not betting it!

If you bet a strategy for consistency, keep doing it. Don't let our opinion ruin your fun!

 

thanks for the advice. i'm mainly a pass line +odds bettor , so i will just stick to that.

 

Funny thing, pass/odds w 2 place or 2-3come bets/odds is the "system" I have used!! Just not much luck, w that lately. I have hot occasionally. Seems when I am making points and press someone always goes 7-out on the next roll. Hate to miss out on a hot shooter without me pressing..,

 

^^^^Technically its like .01% better to bet the Dont with max odds

 

Technically agree, but the don't are a whole other monster in Craps

 

Think you meant 1 percent.

 

House Edge playing Pass: 1.41%
House Edge playing Dont: 1.36%

 

In my opinion, place bet on 6 or 8 is probably better, because you get paid when your place bet hits, but the house advantage is still 1.52%. The come bet+ odds, even though house advantage is 0%, you still have to wait for the come number to be rolled.

 

I've been playing pass + come bets with 1x odds to start and pressing 1 unit with every roll that pays. I figure this lets me follow the heat of the table and at least pays me something if the shooter sets the point and then throws a 7. Been playing this strategy for a few years and liking it.

Last night I did have one shooter who loaded up all the numbers, paid me on one, and THEN threw a 7. That kind of sucked.

I used to play basic strategy but felt like I was missing out on the fun when a shooter rolled 3 or 4 4's or 10's in a row.

I only bet side bets and dealer tips when I'm ahead. I see a lot of dealers these days who seem to be actively trying to keep tables cold. I can't figure out if this is intentional or not.

 

Iron Cross is boring. But if you want to play for a fairly long time and get drinks then by all means, play that way. Drinks at the craps table is fast and frequent.

Tip the dealers once in a while.

 

How exactly does a dealer keep a table cold?

 

Pressuring shooters to "speed it up" is one way. Another is to give them shit on "dice setting"

Both are to get the shooter(s) out of their comfort zone

Setting dice is really no advantage as long as you're hitting the back wall, but players do it because it's what makes them feel comfortable and is part of their superstition, and we all know craps is full of superstitions