The 5-Count Craps Strategy is a popular method designed to help players minimize their losses by waiting for a shooter to demonstrate their skill before placing significant bets. This strategy is excellent for novice players because it promotes patience and disciplined betting, reducing the risk of losing large sums of money on unproven shooters. By observing the shooter for five rolls before committing to larger bets, players can potentially increase their chances of winning by only betting on shooters who appear to have a hot hand. We’ll apply this strategy to bubble craps, making it easy to follow along on your favorite electronic craps machine.
Video Featuring the 5 Count
A newer channel, The Craps Coach, has a view videos on the strategy and does a great job breaking it down.
Overview of the 5 Count
The 5-Count Craps Strategy involves waiting for a shooter to complete five successful rolls before making significant bets. This approach aims to filter out “cold” shooters and increase the likelihood of betting on a “hot” shooter, potentially leading to better outcomes. The idea is simple: if a shooter can make it through five rolls without rolling a 7, they might have a good run, making it a favorable time to place your bets.
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- Step-by-Step Guide
- Example Rolls
- Grade
Step 1: Place a Minimum Pass Line Bet
Place the minimum required bet on the Pass Line. This is your starting point and ensures you are in the game. For example, place a $5 bet on the Pass Line. Go to Step 2.
Step 2: Wait for the Come-Out Roll
Wait for the shooter to roll the dice to establish the point. Go to Step 3.
Step 3: Observe the Shooter
Observe the shooter’s rolls and count the number of successful rolls (excluding 7). This is where the count begins. Go to Step 4.
Step 4: Start the 5-Count
Count each successful roll (any roll that is not a 7) by the shooter:
- Rolls 1 to 4: Simply observe and count. Go to Step 5 after each roll.
- Roll 5: This is the final count. If the shooter makes it to the fifth roll without rolling a 7, you can start placing larger bets. Go to Step 6.
Step 5: Continue Counting
Continue to count each roll that is not a 7. If a 7 is rolled before the fifth roll, reset the count and start again with a new shooter or wait for the current shooter to establish a new point. Go back to Step 3.
Step 6: Place Your Bets
Once the shooter has successfully completed five rolls without rolling a 7, start placing your larger bets:
- Place additional bets on numbers such as 6 and 8 or other bets you prefer.
- For example, place $10 on 6 and $10 on 8. Go to Step 7.
Step 7: Maintain Your Bets
Maintain your bets as long as the shooter continues to roll successfully. If the shooter rolls a 7, you lose your bets and need to restart the strategy. Go to Step 1.
Step 8: Pulling Your Money
When the shooter rolls the established point (the initial point set at the come-out roll), it’s a good time to pull some profits off the table. Consider pulling half of your winnings and leaving the rest to ride. This helps you secure some of your gains while still being able to benefit from the ongoing rolls.
Roll 1 (Place Pass Line Bet): Placed $5 on the Pass Line.
Roll 2 (Shooter rolls): Shooter established a Point of 6.
Rolls 3-7 (Observation): Shooter rolls various numbers; no action taken.
Roll 8 (Place Odds Bet and Bets on 6, 8): Placed $10 each on 6 and 8. Shooter rolls a 4, resulting in a loss on the Pass Line.
Roll 9 (Shooter rolls): Shooter hits the Point 6, winning $15 on the Pass Line bet.
Roll 10 (Shooter rols): Shooter establishes a Point 8.
Roll 11 (Shooter rolls): Shooter hits the Point 8, winning $30 on the Pass Line and bets on 6 and 8.
Roll 12 (Rebet on 8): Rebet $10 on the Point 8. Shooter rolls a 5, resulting in a loss on bets placed on 6 and 8.
Roll 13 (Shooter rolls): Shooter hits the Point 6, winning $20 on the Pass Line and bets on 6 and 8.
Roll 14 (Pull half of winnings): Pulled $25 (half of $45) from Pass Line and bets on 6 and 8.
Roll 15 (Shooter rolls): Shooter rolls a 7, resulting in a loss on the Pass Line bet.
Table with Bets, Bankroll Management, and Bet Positions
| Roll | Action | Bet Placed | Outcome | Bankroll | Net Win/Loss | Bet Position | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place Pass Line Bet | $5 | – | $95 | -$5 | Pass Line | -$5 |
| 2 | Shooter rolls (Come-Out Roll) | – | Point 6 | $95 | -$5 | Pass Line | – |
| 3 | Observe (1st successful roll) | – | 9 | $95 | -$5 | Pass Line | – |
| 4 | Observe (2nd successful roll) | – | 8 | $95 | -$5 | Pass Line | – |
| 5 | Observe (3rd successful roll) | – | 5 | $95 | -$5 | Pass Line | – |
| 6 | Observe (4th successful roll) | – | 10 | $95 | -$5 | Pass Line | – |
| 7 | Observe (5th successful roll) | – | 4 | $95 | -$5 | Pass Line | – |
| 8 | Place Odds Bet on Pass Line and Bets on 6, 8 | $10 each on 6, 8 | 4 | $75 | -$25 | Pass Line, 6, 8 | -$20 (Pass Line) |
| 9 | Shooter rolls | – | 6 (point hit) | $115 | +$15 | Pass Line, 6, 8 | +$40 (Pass Line, 6, 8) |
| 10 | Shooter rolls (new Come-Out Roll) | – | Point 8 | $115 | +$15 | Pass Line, 6, 8 | – |
| 11 | Shooter rolls | – | 8 (win) | $145 | +$45 | Pass Line, 6, 8 | +$30 (Pass Line, 6, 8) |
| 12 | Rebet on 8 | $10 | 5 | $135 | +$35 | Pass Line, 6, 8 | -$10 (6, 8) |
| 13 | Shooter rolls | – | 6 (win) | $155 | +$55 | Pass Line, 6, 8 | +$20 (Pass Line, 6, 8) |
| 14 | Pull half of winnings | – | – | $145 | +$45 | Pass Line, 6, 8 | -$10 (Pass Line, 6, 8) |
| 15 | Shooter rolls | – | 7 (lose) | $145 | +$45 | Pass Line | – |
Grading Breakdown:
- Ease of Use: 90% (A-)
- This strategy is simple to follow, especially for novice players. The counting mechanism and waiting for five rolls are straightforward. The main challenge is patience, but the strategy doesn’t require complex decisions.
- Risk Management: 85% (B)
- The 5-Count strategy helps mitigate risk by avoiding bets on cold shooters. However, the reliance on waiting means potential missed opportunities, and there is still a risk of losing bets if the shooter rolls a 7 after the fifth roll.
- Potential Profitability: 80% (B-)
- By betting on shooters who have demonstrated skill, the strategy can lead to better profitability. However, the cautious approach means the strategy may not capitalize on every winning streak, leading to moderate profit potential.
- Entertainment Value: 75% (C)
- While the strategy is engaging for those who enjoy a methodical approach, the waiting period can be less exciting for players seeking immediate action.
- Adaptability: 85% (B)
- The 5-Count strategy adapts well to bubble craps, allowing players to follow the count without pressure from a live table. However, the strict counting can sometimes limit adaptability to sudden changes.
Final Grade: B (83%)
The 5-Count Craps Strategy earns a solid B grade. It’s a great choice for novice players due to its ease of use and focus on minimizing risk. While it may not offer the highest profitability or entertainment value, its disciplined approach can lead to more consistent, though moderate, wins.
