Quick Answer: Why Is Chasing Worse In Craps?
Chasing is worse in craps because:
- you can increase exposure instantly by adding bets
- prop bets settle in one roll (fast win/loss cycle)
- seven outs create emotional spikes and “get it back” thinking
- table hype pushes bigger risk
- you can lose a lot quickly without noticing
Craps makes chasing feel normal. That’s the danger.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
What “Chasing” Looks Like At A Craps Table
Chasing is usually not one big decision.
It’s a series of small escalations, like:
- “I’ll just add the 5 and 9.”
- “I’ll press faster.”
- “Let me throw a horn bet.”
- “Any seven, just one time.”
- “I’ll increase odds to get even.”
Each step feels reasonable in the moment.
Together, they create a high-volatility sequence that can crush your session.
If you want to learn how volatility builds, read Understanding Volatility In Craps Betting Sequences.
Why Seven Out Triggers The Strongest Chase Urge
Seven out is emotional because it’s a hard stop.
It ends the shooter. It clears many bets. It feels like:
- “everything I built just disappeared.”
That creates the most common chase thought in craps:
- “I need one good roll to get back.”
But the next shooter is not “more likely” to save you.
It’s just another random sequence.
The Exposure Trap: Craps Lets You Add Risk Faster Than You Realize
In many games, chasing requires a big step.
In craps, you can chase by simply adding more bets.
Example:
You started with:
- Pass Line $15
- place 6 and 8 ($12 each)
You’re down, so you add:
- 5 and 9
- hardways
- props
- bigger odds
Suddenly your exposure per roll doubles or triples.
You didn’t “bet bigger” once.
You just stacked bets until your session got expensive.
If you want to learn why props drain bankroll, read The Hidden Dangers Of Center Table Betting.
Why The Table Energy Makes Chasing Feel Normal
Craps is social.
When the table is loud, you hear:
- people yelling calls
- players celebrating
- “same bet!”
- “press it!”
- “parlay!”
That energy is fun, but when you’re losing it can push you into:
- trying to match the table vibe
instead of playing your plan
That’s why craps chasing often looks like:
- copying other people’s bets in a panic
The “I’m Due” Myth Shows Up Fast In Craps
Chasing is often fueled by the “due” mindset:
- “We haven’t seen a hard eight in forever.”
- “A yo has to show up soon.”
- “The point can’t keep missing.”
But each roll is independent.
The table isn’t building up toward your comeback.
If you want to learn why randomness is hard to “steer,” read How Dice Bouncing Affects Randomness In Craps.
How To Stop Chasing (Simple Rules That Work)
Here are rules you can actually use in a casino.
Rule 1: Set Your Stop-Loss Before You Bet
Pick a number and treat it as non-negotiable.
If you want a full structure, read Bankroll Management Strategies For Craps Players.
Rule 2: No New Bets When You’re Down
This is a powerful anti-chase rule.
If you’re losing, you do not add:
- more numbers
- props
- hardways
- bigger odds
You can keep playing, but only with your original plan.
Rule 3: Don’t Increase Bet Size After A Loss
If you want to raise bets, only do it when you’re:
- calm
- and up
not when you’re emotional.
Rule 4: Use A “Cooling Off” Trigger
If you catch yourself thinking:
- “just one more roll”
That’s your signal to:
- step back
- skip one roll
- or take a short walk
Craps is fast. You need a pause button.
Rule 5: Cap Prop Bets As Entertainment
If props are part of your fun, set a session cap:
- “$20 total props today.”
Once it’s gone, props are done.
This stops the one-roll chase spiral.
What To Do If You’ve Already Started Chasing
If you realize mid-session you’re chasing, do this:
- stop adding new bets immediately
- drop back to your base plan
- reduce exposure (not increase it)
- take a short break
- decide if you’re near stop-loss
- leave if you are
No shame. That’s discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Craps So Easy To Chase In?
Because you can add bets instantly, the table is fast and emotional, and one-roll prop bets create rapid win/loss cycles.
Does Chasing Ever Work?
Sometimes you get a lucky comeback, but it trains bad habits. Over time, chasing increases losses and increases the chance of a bankroll blow-up.
What’s The Best Anti-Chase Rule?
“No new bets when I’m down.” It prevents the exposure spiral.
Should I Raise Odds To Get Even?
Usually no. Increasing odds increases exposure. It doesn’t change your chance of winning the point.
How Do I Know I’m Chasing?
If you’re adding bets, increasing sizes, or making prop bets you don’t normally make because you feel pressure to “get it back,” you’re chasing.
Where To Go Next
You now understand why chasing is especially dangerous in craps: seven out triggers emotional spikes, the table energy pushes risk, and the game makes it easy to stack more exposure without noticing.
Next, we’ll shift into something practical: how to track your craps wins and losses effectively, so you can see your real results, spot leaks like prop-bet repetition, and improve your sessions over time.
Continue with How To Track Your Craps Wins & Losses Effectively.
