craps what numbers to buy and place 2026
Confused about craps buy and place bets? Learn which numbers to buy or place, hidden house edges, and smart strategies for UK players. Play responsibly.>
craps what numbers to buy and place
craps what numbers to buy and place — this exact phrase echoes in the minds of countless players standing at the green felt, chips in hand, trying to decode the maze of proposition bets. You’ve seen the “Place” and “Buy” labels on the layout. You know they both involve betting on specific point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) before a 7 appears. But which is better? When should you use one over the other? And why do seasoned shooters whisper about “vig timing”? This guide cuts through casino noise with precise math, UK-specific context, and tactical clarity—no fluff, just actionable insight.
The Real Cost of Convenience: Vig Timing Matters More Than You Think
Most beginners treat Buy and Place bets as interchangeable. They’re not. The core difference lies in commission structure and true odds payout.
- Place bets pay less than true odds. For example, placing the 6 or 8 pays 7:6, while true odds are 6:5. This built-in discount creates the house edge.
- Buy bets pay true odds but charge a 5% commission (the “vig”). Crucially, when you pay that vig changes everything.
In many UK-facing online casinos and land-based venues like those operated by Grosvenor or Genting, the vig is typically charged on wins only. This dramatically improves the value of Buy bets on certain numbers. However, some older or less player-friendly tables still charge the vig upfront, making Buy bets far worse.
Assume vig-on-win (standard in modern UK digital craps):
- Buying the 4 or 10 costs 5% only if you win.
- Placing the 4 or 10 pays 9:5 instead of true 2:1.
Let’s run the numbers:
For a £20 bet on the 4:
- Place: Wins £36 (9:5). House edge = 6.67%
- Buy: Wins £40 (true 2:1) minus £2 vig = £38 net. House edge = 1.67%
That’s a 5 percentage point difference—massive over time.
But this advantage only applies to 4 and 10. For 5 and 9, the gap narrows. For 6 and 8, Place bets are actually superior.
Why? Because the vig’s fixed 5% eats more into smaller payouts.
What Others Won’t Tell You: The Silent Tax on Small Stakes
Here’s a trap even intermediate players miss: minimum bet sizing relative to vig.
The standard vig is 5%, but it’s often rounded up to the nearest £1. So:
- Bet £10 on the 4 → win £20 → vig = £1 (10% effective!)
- Bet £20 on the 4 → win £40 → vig = £2 (5%)
- Bet £25 on the 4 → win £50 → vig = £2.50 → rounded to £3 (6% effective)
To keep the vig close to 5%, your Buy bet must be a multiple of £20 for 4/10, and £25 for 5/9. Otherwise, rounding inflates the house edge.
Worse, some online platforms apply vig per transaction, not per win. Always check the paytable or help section before betting.
Another hidden pitfall: auto-place features in digital craps. These often default to Place bets—even when Buy would be smarter—because they avoid commission handling. Never assume the interface optimises for you.
Also, remember: Buy bets are working on the come-out roll unless specified otherwise in some rule sets. If you don’t want action on the come-out, you must say “Buy X, off on come-out.” Online, look for toggle options.
Strategic Number Breakdown: When to Buy, When to Place
Not all point numbers are equal. Their probability and payout structure dictate optimal play.
| Number | True Odds | Place Payout | Place House Edge | Buy Payout (True Odds) | Buy House Edge (Vig on Win) | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2:1 | 9:5 | 6.67% | 2:1 | 1.67% | Buy (min £20) |
| 10 | 2:1 | 9:5 | 6.67% | 2:1 | 1.67% | Buy (min £20) |
| 5 | 3:2 | 7:5 | 4.00% | 3:2 | 2.00% | Buy (min £25) |
| 9 | 3:2 | 7:5 | 4.00% | 3:2 | 2.00% | Buy (min £25) |
| 6 | 6:5 | 7:6 | 1.52% | 6:5 | 2.27% | Place |
| 8 | 6:5 | 7:6 | 1.52% | 6:5 | 2.27% | Place |
Key takeaway: Only Buy the 4, 10, 5, and 9—and only with proper stake sizing. Always Place the 6 and 8.
Why are 6 and 8 different? They hit more frequently (5 ways each vs. 3 for 4/10), so the Place bet’s slightly reduced payout still offers a lower house edge than paying 5% vig on a more common win.
Digital Craps Nuances: UK Player Considerations
UK players face a regulated but complex iGaming landscape. The Gambling Commission mandates fair odds disclosure, but implementation varies.
- Live dealer craps (Evolution, Playtech): Usually follow Las Vegas rules with vig-on-win. Minimum Buy bets often start at £5, but vig rounding still applies.
- RNG-based craps: May offer “commission-free” Buy bets—but check the fine print. Sometimes the payout is subtly reduced to compensate.
- Self-exclusion tools: Use reality checks and deposit limits. Craps’ fast pace can accelerate losses.
- Bonus terms: Wagering contributions for table games are often 10% or less. A “£100 bonus” might require £10,000 in craps play—making bonus chasing unprofitable.
Never chase losses with larger Buy bets hoping to “cover vig.” The math doesn’t support it.
Also, note that UK gambling ads cannot claim “risk-free” or “guaranteed wins.” Any strategy here reduces loss rate—it doesn’t eliminate risk.
Bankroll Tactics: Sizing Your Buy and Place Bets
Smart staking isn’t optional—it’s essential.
- For Place bets on 6/8: Use multiples of £6 (e.g., £12, £18) to get clean £14, £21 payouts.
- For Buy bets on 4/10: Use multiples of £20 to keep vig at exactly 5%.
- For Buy bets on 5/9: Use multiples of £25 (wins £37.50 → vig £1.88 → often rounded to £2, so £25 is minimum; £50 is better).
Example session plan (total bankroll: £200):
- Place £12 each on 6 and 8 (£24 total, house edge 1.52%)
- Buy £20 on 4 and £20 on 10 (£40 total, house edge 1.67%)
- Keep £136 in reserve for press-ups or downswings
This mix targets the lowest-edge bets while covering four key numbers.
Avoid “across” bets (placing all six numbers)—they increase exposure and include high-edge 4/10 Place bets.
Psychological Traps: Why Players Choose Wrong
Even with perfect data, humans falter.
- Illusion of control: Believing a “hot shooter” changes probabilities. Dice have no memory.
- Loss aversion: After losing a Place bet on 4, players switch to Buy thinking it’s “due.” It’s not.
- Round-number bias: Betting £10 because it’s neat—even though £20 Buy is mathematically superior.
- Speed pressure: In live games, dealers rush decisions. Pre-decide your numbers and bet types.
Write your strategy on a notecard: “Buy 4/10 @20, Buy 5/9 @25, Place 6/8 @12+.”
Stick to it.
Legal and Responsible Play in the UK
All licensed UK operators must display house edge percentages or link to them. If a site doesn’t, it’s likely unlicensed—avoid it.
Remember:
- Gambling winnings are tax-free in the UK.
- You must be 18+.
- Use GAMSTOP if you need a break.
- Set session limits before playing.
No strategy overcomes the house edge long-term. These tactics only minimise it.
Should I always buy the 4 and 10 in craps?
Yes—if the casino charges commission only on wins and you bet in multiples of £20. Buying the 4 or 10 gives a 1.67% house edge versus 6.67% for placing them. But if vig is charged upfront, avoid Buy bets entirely.
Is it better to place or buy the 6 and 8?
Always place the 6 and 8. Their Place bet house edge is 1.52%, lower than the 2.27% edge on Buy bets (due to the 5% vig on more frequent wins). Use multiples of £6 for clean payouts.
What’s the minimum amount to buy a number in UK online craps?
Minimums vary by operator but often start at £5. However, to keep the vig close to 5%, bet at least £20 on 4/10 and £25 on 5/9. Smaller bets suffer from vig rounding (e.g., £10 win → £1 vig = 10% effective cost).
Do Buy bets work on the come-out roll?
In most UK online and live casinos, yes—unless you specify otherwise. If you don’t want action on the come-out, say “Buy 4, off on come-out” at a live table. In digital games, check settings or bet after the point is established.
Can I remove or reduce a Buy or Place bet?
Yes. Both bet types are “contract bets” only in the sense that they stay until resolved—but you can usually turn them “off,” remove them, or reduce them between rolls. Online, look for “off” toggles or cash-out buttons.
Are there commission-free Buy bets in the UK?
Some RNG craps games advertise “no commission,” but they often reduce payouts to compensate (e.g., paying 39:20 instead of 2:1 on 4/10). Always verify the actual house edge in the game rules—true commission-free Buy bets with full odds are rare.
Conclusion
“craps what numbers to buy and place” isn’t just a keyword—it’s a strategic crossroads. The answer hinges on precise arithmetic, not superstition. Buy the 4 and 10 (with £20+ stakes). Buy the 5 and 9 (£25+). Place the 6 and 8 (£6+). Ignore everything else. Vig timing, rounding, and bet sizing silently dictate your long-term results more than dice control ever could. In the UK’s regulated environment, transparency exists—but only if you read the rules and calculate the real cost. Play smart, play within limits, and never mistake lower house edge for guaranteed profit. The dice will always favour the house; your job is to lose as slowly as possible.
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