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Craps From A to Z - "B" is for Buy
By
Larry Edell for AnteUp
GamblingLinks.com
Buy bets are very controversial in the craps
circles. They involve paying an extra fee, called "vig" (or vigorish)
just to make the bet. However, in return for the fee, you get true odds
instead of house odds for your bet. But are buy bets really worth this extra
fee? If so, why doesn't everyone buy all of the numbers instead of placing
them? Let's find out!
You can only buy six numbers - the four (or ten),
the five (or nine), and the six (or eight). The odds you get for placing and
buying these numbers are shown below:
|
Number |
Place Odds |
Buy Odds |
|
4 (or 10) |
9:5 |
2:1 |
|
5 (or 9) |
7:5 |
3:2 |
|
6 (or 8) |
7:6 |
6:5 |
If you would place the four (or ten) for $30
you would win $54. If you buy the four (or ten) for $30 you would win $60.
Most casinos charge 5% of the bet for vig, so even after paying an extra $2
(actual vig is $1.50) it is easy to see that buying the four (or ten) is better
than placing it. If you would place the five (or nine) for $30 you
would win $42. If you buy the five (or nine) for $30 you would win $45. If you
paid $2 for vig you would make $1, and if you paid $1 (the actual vig is 5% of
$30 or $1.50) you would come out $2 ahead. Finally, if you place the six
(or eight) for $30 you would win $35. If you buy the six (or eight) for
$30 you would win $36. If you paid $2 for vig, you would actually lose $1, and
if you paid $1 (the actual vig is 5% of $30 or $1.50) you would break even.
Since most casinos round the vig up you will end up paying $2 vig instead
of $1 in most cases. However it costs nothing to ask the dealer if you can only
pay $1. For example, you could ask "If I buy the four (or ten) for $30, can
I pay $1 vig?" More often then not, the dealer will accept your bet. Give
it a try - the extra dollar is certainly better off in your pocket than the
casino's! With the extra dollar on your side, you will profit or break
even with all six buy bets. Without the extra dollar, the five and nine is
marginal, and the six and eight is a money loser. But the four or ten should
ALWAYS be bought, and not placed. Buy bets are a good deal if you know
which of the six numbers are the most profitable - and now you know! And
as always, good luck at the tables!
Larry
Edell is the world-renowned expert on the casino game of craps, and his monthly
newsletter, The Crapshooter, has
been in publication for seven years.
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