Quick Answer: Are Craps Strategy Charts Useful?
Yes, but only for:
- learning the names of bets
- building a simple baseline plan
- and avoiding the worst high-edge action
Charts become misleading when you treat them like:
- a prediction tool
or - a guaranteed winning system
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
What Most Craps Strategy Charts Get Right
Charts usually do a few things well.
1) They Push You Toward Lower-Cost Bets
Good charts encourage bets like:
- Pass Line or Don’t Pass
- odds
- and sometimes place 6/8
This aligns with lower house edge choices.
If you want the full cost breakdown, read Understanding The House Edge Across All Craps Bets.
2) They Warn You Away From Constant Prop Betting
Many charts tell beginners to avoid:
- repeated center-table bets
- one-roll “lottery” action
That’s solid advice.
If you want to know why, read The Hidden Dangers Of Center Table Betting.
3) They Give Beginners Structure
Craps can feel overwhelming. A chart can reduce confusion and stop random betting.
That structure is useful—if it stays simple.
Where Strategy Charts Mislead Beginners
Now the important part.
1) Charts Often Ignore Table Speed (Cost Per Hour)
A chart might look “safe,” but if you play it on a fast table, the session cost can rise quickly.
Why?
Because more rolls per hour means:
- more decisions
- more total action
- more house edge applied over time
If you want the simple explanation, read How Table Speed Impacts Expected Losses.
2) Charts Hide Bet Stacking (Exposure Growth)
Some charts say things like:
- “Place 6 and 8.”
- “Add 5 and 9 after a hit.”
- “Add hardways.”
- “Add a field hedge.”
This looks logical on paper, but it can quietly turn into:
- many bets working at once
And more bets working means:
- larger swings
- faster losses when a seven out hits
- and more stress
Charts rarely show the emotional impact of growing exposure.
If you want volatility explained, read Understanding Volatility In Craps Betting Sequences.
3) Charts Don’t Show Variance (The Short-Term Reality)
A chart can be mathematically “reasonable” and still lose quickly.
Because craps variance is real.
You can:
- lose multiple points in a row
- hit a seven out right after placing numbers
- or get stuck in a stretch where nothing lands
Charts don’t prepare beginners for how normal losing streaks feel.
So beginners often respond with:
- pressing
- hedging
- switching systems
- chasing
4) Charts Can Encourage Chasing In Disguise
Some charts look like “strategy,” but they’re really:
- progressions
Example pattern:
- increase after a loss
- decrease after a win
- “recover” in a few hits
The problem:
- progressions don’t change the dice odds
- they just change how fast your exposure grows
If you want why chasing is especially dangerous in craps, read Why Chasing Losses Is Especially Dangerous In Craps.
5) Charts Don’t Fit Every Bankroll
A chart might assume:
- a $15 table
- unlimited odds
- and a big bankroll
But if you bring that chart to a real casino with:
- higher minimums
- tighter odds limits
- or a smaller bankroll
You’ll get forced into:
- stressful bet sizing
- shorter sessions
- and more chasing behavior
If you want how to choose a table that fits you, read How To Pick The Best Craps Table In A Busy Casino.
The Right Way To Use A Craps Strategy Chart
Here’s the safe way.
Step 1: Use Charts For Learning, Not Winning
Charts are best for:
- remembering bet names
- understanding where bets go
- and building a simple plan
Step 2: Keep A “Max Exposure” Rule
Before you play, decide:
- what’s the maximum total money you’ll have working at once
Example:
- “I won’t have more than $60 working at any time.”
This single rule protects you from chart creep.
Step 3: Don’t Add Bets During Emotional Moments
Charts often add bets after wins or during hot shooters.
That’s when mistakes happen.
Use this discipline rule:
- no new bets when you’re emotional
If you want discipline tools, read How To Stay Disciplined During High-Energy Craps Sessions.
Step 4: Use A Stop-Win And Stop-Loss
Charts rarely include an exit plan.
Your exit plan matters more than the “perfect” chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Strategy Charts Work In Craps?
They can help you choose lower-cost bets, but they can’t predict outcomes or guarantee wins.
Why Do Some Charts Seem To Win At First?
Variance. Short-term streaks can make any system look strong for a while.
Are Betting Progressions Part Of A Good Craps Strategy?
Progressions change volatility, not the underlying odds. They can increase risk and lead to chasing.
What’s The Best Simple Craps Plan For Beginners?
A common simple plan is Pass Line + small odds, with optional place 6/8 if your bankroll allows.
Should I Use A Chart At A Busy Table?
Only if it stays simple. Busy tables increase speed and pressure, so over-complicated charts can cause mistakes.
Where To Go Next
You now know why strategy charts can mislead: they hide table speed, variance, and bet stacking, and they can quietly push beginners into progressions and chasing. Charts are best used as learning tools, not as “win guarantees.”
Next, we’ll look at how payout structures change across casinos, why the same bet can cost more in one place than another, and which rule differences are worth checking before you buy in.
Continue with How Payout Structures Change Across Casinos.
