Strategy of the Year—Craps Mastery Guide

Kia ora, it’s Dave the Gambler back with another deep dive from HowToBeatTheCasinos.com, and today we’re rolling into one of the loudest, most misunderstood games on the casino floor—craps. You know the one. Dice flying, people yelling, high-fives all round. It’s got energy. And it’s got complexity. But buried beneath all that chaos is one of the best opportunities to play smart—if you know the system.

I recently watched a video titled “Strategy of the Year… But Does It Still Hold Up?” and the strategy in question was a classic: Pass Line with Odds and Two Come Bets, also known as the “3-point molly” system. If that sounds like some ancient gambler’s spell, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it. More importantly, I’ll tell you what works, what doesn’t, and why craps might just be your next favourite game—if you play it right.


Why Craps Deserves More Respect

Let’s start here: most new players avoid craps. It’s noisy, it looks complicated, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But once you learn a few key bets, craps becomes the game where you can bet smart and actually keep the house edge low—really low.

Craps has some of the best odds in the casino—if, and only if, you stick to the right bets. That’s what this strategy is all about.


Breaking Down the 3-Point Molly System

Here’s how the strategy works:

  1. Pass Line Bet: You start by placing a bet on the Pass Line before the come-out roll.
  2. Take Odds: Once a point is established (say, the shooter rolls a 6), you place odds behind your Pass Line bet. This is a separate bet that pays true odds—no house edge!
  3. Come Bets: After the point is set, you place a Come bet. When the next number hits, that number becomes your new “come point.” You take odds on that too. Then you do it again, placing a second Come bet and taking odds once it’s set.

You now have action on three numbers: the original point from your Pass Line bet, and two Come bets with odds. This is the “3-point” in the Molly. As those numbers hit, you win. When any of your points get resolved, you can replace the bet and keep it rolling.

It’s a beautiful system when it’s working. You’re getting max value from your odds bets (no house edge), and you’re spreading your action to improve the frequency of wins.


Why It Works (Most of the Time)

What I like about this strategy is that it keeps you focused on high-value bets. The house edge on the Pass Line is only 1.41%. The Come bet is the same. And the odds bets—whether single, double, or triple odds—have no house edge at all. You’re getting a fair payout based on real probability. That’s rare in a casino.

The other beauty? You’re not betting on every roll like a madman. You’re investing in key spots with strong math behind them. And when you’re playing craps, that kind of discipline is golden.

The video showed this strategy in real-time over several shooters, and the result was slow, steady gains. Nothing flashy. Just a methodical grind that kept the bankroll stable and even turned a tidy profit. And honestly, that’s what most good gamblers are aiming for. Sustainability, not streak-chasing.


Where It Can Go Wrong

Let’s not kid ourselves—any system has weaknesses. And the 3-point Molly is no exception.

  • Cold tables hurt: If shooters keep sevening-out before any of your points are hit, you’ll bleed chips fast. You’ve got three bets riding, and all of them can be wiped in one roll.
  • Bankroll requirements: You need a decent stack to play this properly. Odds bets add up. Even with $10 minimums, placing triple odds across three points means you’re in for $100+ easily. If you don’t have the roll to ride out a few losses, this system isn’t for you.
  • It’s slow: If you’re after big wins fast, this won’t scratch the itch. It’s a grinder’s system, best for players who enjoy the long game.

My Personal Tips for Using This Strategy

After years of rolling dice, I’ve got a few tweaks that can help this system work even better:

  1. Adjust odds based on bankroll: If you’re short-stacked, just take single odds. If you’re comfortable, go for 2x or 3x. But don’t overextend early. Live to bet another round.
  2. Watch the table: Don’t feel like you have to bet every shooter. If the table’s cold, wait. Let someone else burn their chips. Step in when the table shows signs of life.
  3. Add a Place Bet on the 6 or 8: These numbers hit most often. Adding a place bet here can smooth out dry stretches without dramatically increasing risk.
  4. Don’t chase: If the strategy isn’t working in a session, step back. Don’t double up or make desperation bets on the Field or Horns to “win it back.” That’s how smart gamblers lose dumb.

So… Is This Still the Strategy of the Year?

Honestly? It might be. Especially if your goal is smart play and long-term consistency. There’s no miracle system in craps, but this one checks a lot of boxes: low house edge, built-in discipline, and enough action to stay engaged. It keeps you in the game longer, which—let’s face it—is half the battle.

It’s also beginner-friendly once you’ve learned the mechanics. You’re only dealing with three bets. No complex combinations. No high-risk sucker bets. Just solid, structured play.


Final Word

Craps might look chaotic, but it’s a gambler’s game at heart. There’s skill in knowing which bets to make, and even more in knowing when to walk away. The 3-point Molly system, or any version of structured odds play, is one of the few betting strategies I actually respect.

Use it right, stay calm, manage your chips—and you’ll find yourself walking away with more than just a free drink and a story.

Until the next roll,

—Dave the Gambler

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