(Revised & Updated May 30, 2024)
The Arnold craps strategy is a unique approach that emphasizes lower risk while aiming for consistent, steady wins. Let’s delve into how this strategy works and how you can implement it in your bubble craps sessions. Keep reading below and we’ll walk you, step-by-step, how to use this strategy!
Watch the Arnold Craps Strategy in Action
Waylon’s Way Craps provides a detailed explanation and demonstration of the Arnold strategy. You can visit his channel for more insights and strategies: Waylon’s Way Craps.
Overview of the Arnold Strategy
There are only three bets made using this strategy: a pass line bet, a don’t come bet, and a come bet; this equates to two pass line bets and one don’t pass bet. Once established, the pass line bet and come bet win on 7 and 11, while the don’t come wins on 7 outs.
As explained by Waylon’s Way Craps, this strategy invovles a pass line bet of $25, $50, $75, or $100. The come bet matches the pass bet at $25, $50, $75, or $100. The don’t come bet will be four times (4x) the pass line bet; so $100, $200, $300, or $400. You can, of course, use different bet sizes, so long as the DC bet is four times your pass line and come bet.
There is an option to ladder up and down depending on losses and wins. Also, like any other strategy, there are variations. One of such is using the Don’t Pass insted of the Pass Line bet as shown in Waylon’s video.
Download the Arnold Strategy Cheat Sheet
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Example Rolls
- Grade
Step 1: Place Bet on the Pass Line
- Place a bet on the pass line.
Step 2: Roll the Bubble Dice (Come Out Roll)
- Press the button to start your roll.
Step 3: Come Out Roll Scenarios
- Point Established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10):
- A point is established. Go to Step 4.
- Win (7, 11):
- You win the pass line bet. Replace your bet and go back to Step 2.
- Crap Out (2, 3, 12):
- You lose the pass line bet. Replace your bet and go back to Step 2.
Step 4: Place a Don’t Come (DC) Bet
- Place a DC bet, typically four times your pass line bet.
Step 5: Roll the Bubble Dice (Point Roll)
- Press the button to start your roll.
Sub-Step 5a: Place a Come Bet
- Place a bet equal to the pass line bet on the Come bet. Press the button to start your roll.
Step 6: Point Roll Scenarios
- Roll a 7:
- Lose the pass line bet. Win the DC bet. Start over at Step 1.
- Roll the Point Number:
- Win the pass line bet. Place another pass line bet. DC bet moves to the new number rolled or stays in its current position. Go to Sub-Step 6a.
- Roll a Different Number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10):
- DC bet moves to the number rolled. Place a Come bet equal to the pass line bet. Go to Step 7.
- Roll a Crap Number (2, 3):
- Win the DC bet. Place a new DC bet. Go to Step 5.
- Roll an 11:
- Lose the DC bet. Rebet the DC. Go to Step 5.
- Roll a 12:
- DC bet is a push. Leave the bet. Go to Step 5.
Sub-Step 6a: After Winning Pass Line Bet
- Place another pass line bet. Establish a new point. Continue with the DC bet in play. Go to Sub-Step 5a.
Step 7: Roll the Bubble Dice (Come Bet Roll)
- Press the button to start your roll.
Step 8: Come Bet Roll Scenarios
- Roll the Point Number:
- Win the pass line bet. Come bet moves to the rolled number. Place a new Come bet equal to the pass line bet. Go to Step 7.
- Roll a 7:
- Lose the pass line bet and Come bet. Win the DC bet. Start over at Step 1.
- Roll the DC Bet Number:
- Lose the DC bet. Go to Step 4.
- Roll a Number Not the Point or DC Bet Number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10):
- Come bet moves to the rolled number. Place a new Come bet equal to the pass line bet. Go to Step 7.
- Roll a Come Bet Number:
- Win the Come bet. Ensure a bet equal to the pass line bet is on the Come bet. Go to Step 7.
- Roll a Crap Number (2, 3, 12):
- Lose the Come bet. Place a new Come bet equal to the pass line bet. Go to Step 7.
- Roll an 11:
- Win the Come bet. Place a new Come bet equal to the pass line bet. Go to Step 7.
Example 1: $25 Pass Line Bet
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Place Bet on the Pass Line: $25
- Go to Step 2.
- Roll the Bubble Dice (Come Out Roll):
- Roll: 8
- Result: Point is established (8).
- Go to Step 4.
- Place the Don’t Come Bet: $100 (4x pass line bet)
- Go to Step 5.
- Roll the Bubble Dice (Point Roll):
- Roll: 5
- Result: The Don’t Come bet moves to 5.
- Place a Come Bet equal to the pass line bet: $25
- Go to Step 7.
- Roll the Bubble Dice (Come Bet Roll):
- Roll: 10
- Result: The Come bet moves to 10.
- Place a new Come Bet equal to the pass line bet: $25
- Go to Step 7.
- Roll the Bubble Dice (Come Bet Roll):
- Roll: 7
- Result:
- Lose the Pass Line bet ($25)
- Win the Don’t Come bet ($100)
- Lose the Come bets on 10 ($25) and 5 ($25)
- Total Win: $100
- Total Loss: $75
- Net Result: +$25
- Go to Step 1.
Summary Table
| Step | Action | Bet | Result | Winnings | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place Pass Line Bet | $25 | – | – | – |
| 2 | Roll (8) – Point Established | – | Point 8 | – | – |
| 3 | Place Don’t Come Bet | $100 | – | – | – |
| 4 | Roll (5) – DC moves to 5 | – | Move to 5 | – | – |
| 4 | Place Come Bet | $25 | – | – | – |
| 5 | Roll (10) – Come moves to 10 | – | Move to 10 | – | – |
| 5 | Place Come Bet | $25 | – | – | – |
| 6 | Roll (7) – Resolve Bets | – | – | $100 | $75 |
| Total | $200 | $100 | $75 | ||
| Net Result | +$25 |
Example 2: $5 Pass Line Bet
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Place Bet on the Pass Line: $5
- Go to Step 2.
- Roll the Bubble Dice (Come Out Roll):
- Roll: 6
- Result: Point is established (6).
- Go to Step 4.
- Place the Don’t Come Bet: $20 (4x pass line bet)
- Go to Step 5.
- Roll the Bubble Dice (Point Roll):
- Roll: 9
- Result: The Don’t Come bet moves to 9.
- Place a Come Bet equal to the pass line bet: $5
- Go to Step 7.
- Roll the Bubble Dice (Come Bet Roll):
- Roll: 3
- Result: Come bet loses.
- Loss: -$5
- Place a new Come Bet equal to the pass line bet: $5
- Go to Step 7.
- Roll the Bubble Dice (Come Bet Roll):
- Roll: 6
- Result: Win Pass Line Bet ($5)
- Come bet moves to 6
- Place a new Come Bet equal to the pass line bet: $5
- Go to Sub-Step 6a.
- Sub-Step 6a: After Winning Pass Line Bet:
- Place another Pass Line Bet: $5
- Establish new point.
- Go to Step 5.
- Roll the Bubble Dice (Point Roll):
- Roll: 8
- Result: Point is established (8).
- Go to Step 5.
- Roll the Bubble Dice (Point Roll):
- Roll: 7
- Result:
- Lose the Pass Line bet ($5)
- Win the Don’t Come bet ($20)
- Lose the Come bets on 6 ($5) and 9 ($5)
- Total Win: $20
- Total Loss: $20
- Net Result: Even
- Go to Step 1.
Summary Table
| Step | Action | Bet | Result | Winnings | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place Pass Line Bet | $5 | – | – | – |
| 2 | Roll (6) – Point Established | – | Point 6 | – | – |
| 3 | Place Don’t Come Bet | $20 | – | – | – |
| 4 | Roll (9) – DC moves to 9 | – | Move to 9 | – | – |
| 4 | Place Come Bet | $5 | – | – | – |
| 5 | Roll (3) – Come bet loses | – | Lose $5 | – | $5 |
| 5 | Place Come Bet | $5 | – | – | – |
| 6 | Roll (6) – Win Pass Line bet | – | Win $5 | $5 | – |
| 6 | Place Pass Line Bet | $5 | – | – | – |
| 7 | Roll (8) – Point Established | – | Point 8 | – | – |
| 8 | Roll (7) – Resolve Bets | – | – | $20 | $15 |
| Total | $40 | $25 | $20 | ||
| Net Result | Even |
These examples show the sequence of rolls and the results according to the strategy, highlighting how the bets and outcomes interact
Overall Grade: A-
Summary: The Arnold strategy provides a balanced approach with a focus on consistency and risk management. Its methodical structure appeals to disciplined players, although it may not offer high payouts.
Grading Breakdown
| Category | Grade | Percentage | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage of Numbers | A | 92% | Good coverage with a strategic balance between Pass Line, Don’t Come, and Come bets. |
| Ease of Use | B+ | 87% | Requires understanding and discipline to implement effectively. |
| Frequency of Wins | B+ | 88% | Consistent wins with moderate frequency. |
| Potential for Big Wins | B- | 80% | Moderate potential for large wins; focuses more on consistency. |
| Risk Management | A- | 90% | Well-balanced risk approach, reducing vulnerability to large losses. |
| Bankroll Management | A- | 90% | Effective with disciplined bankroll management strategies. |
Arnold Strategy Analysis
- Coverage of Numbers (A, 92%): The strategy ensures balanced coverage, leveraging different bets to maintain consistency.
- Ease of Use (B+, 87%): While effective, the strategy requires disciplined execution and a good understanding of the game.
- Frequency of Wins (B+, 88%): Offers consistent wins, albeit at a moderate rate, making it suitable for long-term play.
- Potential for Big Wins (B-, 80%): Focuses more on consistent small to moderate wins rather than large payouts.
- Risk Management (A-, 90%): The strategy’s structure helps in mitigating large losses by balancing various bet types.
- Bankroll Management (A-, 90%): Effective bankroll management is essential, emphasizing disciplined betting patterns.
Final Grade: A- (90%)
The Arnold strategy is a robust approach for players seeking consistent wins and effective risk management. It’s best suited for disciplined players who can follow a structured plan without deviating based on emotions.
Conclusion
The Arnold craps strategy is a disciplined approach that helps manage risk while aiming for consistent wins. By starting with low bets and gradually increasing them as you win, you can enjoy the game without the stress of high stakes.
Remember, the key to success with this strategy is to stick to your plan and avoid emotional betting. Good luck, and may the dice roll in your favor!
