Mastering the Craps Field Bet: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the Basics of the Craps Field Bet
The Field bet is one of the most recognizable wagers in craps, known for its simplicity and fast-paced action. This one-roll bet offers players the excitement of winning immediately if the next roll is favorable. In the Field bet, players wager that the shooter will roll one of the following numbers: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Typically, landing a 2 or 12 brings a higher payout, while the other numbers are paid evenly. If a 5, 6, 7, or 8 is rolled, unfortunately, the bet loses.
Locating the Field Bet Area on a Craps Table
The Field section is easy to spot on any standard craps table. It sits prominently between the larger “Come” area and the smaller “Don’t Pass” section, centrally positioned for player convenience.
Image credit: Betzaar.com/Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
On both digital and physical tables in casinos, the Field area is clearly marked so all players can place their wagers with ease, regardless of whether they’re sitting or standing.
Image credit: Victor Royer
How the Field Bet Works in Craps
Taking a Field bet is straightforward: place your chips in the Field zone and wait for the next roll. The bet only covers one roll at a time. If any of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 appear, you win immediately. Casinos often accentuate the 2 and 12 areas due to their bonus payouts. Traditionally, these numbers pay at 2:1, but some casinos offer even higher payouts, such as 3:1, to attract more action on the Field.
However, attractive bonus payouts for the 2 or 12 might come at a cost. When better odds are offered in the Field, odds for other craps bets elsewhere on the table might be slightly diminished to balance out the house’s advantage.
Payouts and Odds for Field Bets
Field bets are single-roll wagers, and the likelihood of winning depends on which number is rolled. The rarest numbers—2 and 12—are harder to hit, so they usually pay more, while the other Field numbers pay even money.
Here’s a breakdown of possible outcomes and the number combinations involved:
| Number | Ways to Roll | Typical Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 (1+1) | 2:1 or 3:1 |
| 3 | 2 (1+2, 2+1) | 1:1 |
| 4 | 3 (1+3, 3+1, 2+2) | 1:1 |
| 9 | 4 (3+6, 6+3, 4+5, 5+4) | 1:1 |
| 10 | 3 (4+6, 6+4, 5+5) | 1:1 |
| 11 | 2 (5+6, 6+5) | 1:1 |
| 12 | 1 (6+6) | 2:1 or 3:1 |
There are 16 possible ways to win with a Field bet. Most casinos offer a payout of 2:1 on both the 2 and 12, resulting in a house edge of about 5.6%. If the casino pays 3:1 on either the 2 or 12, the house advantage is reduced to around 2.8%. All other winning Field numbers pay even money (1:1).
Field Bet versus Other Craps Wagers
While the Field bet’s instant payouts can be tempting, it doesn’t offer the best odds on the craps table. Field bets are categorized as “Proposition” or “Prop” bets, which generally carry higher house edges. In most cases, a standard Field bet will carry a 5.6% house advantage. If you find a table where the payout is improved to 3:1 for the 2 or 12, this edge drops to about 2.8%.
In comparison, Pass Line and Come bets have a much lower house edge of about 1.4%. When additional Free Odds bets are taken behind the Pass Line, players can reduce the house edge further—down to as little as 0.65% with Double Odds. This significant gap in house edge is why many experienced players favor more conservative strategies over frequent Field betting.
Should You Place the Field Bet?
While the Field bet is lively and appealing, its one-roll nature and relatively high house edge mean it shouldn’t be your go-to wager if you’re seeking favorable odds. For most players, especially beginners, the general advice is to focus on bets with a lower house edge, such as the Pass Line or Come bets.
However, there can be strategic reasons to utilize the Field bet. For example:
– When the current shooter is on a hot streak, particularly avoiding rolling 7s.
– To serve as a backup wager if you’re already invested in other box numbers and want extra chances for quick wins.
– To recoup losses or as a final wager before leaving the table.
It’s important to treat the Field bet as a supplementary wager rather than relying on it heavily during extended play.
Popular Field Bet Strategies in Craps
The overwhelming majority of craps experts recommend avoiding Prop bets, especially for those seeking consistent profits. Still, the Field bet can be integrated into some strategic approaches, particularly as a form of insurance when you’ve already covered several other bets on the table.
One recognized tactic is to observe the shooter. If they’re hitting many numbers except for 7, backing up your primary bets with occasional Field wagers can sometimes yield positive results. Moreover, the Field can win on rolls (such as 2, 3, or 12) that would cause some other bets to lose, providing a bit of balance to your overall play.
The Iron Cross: Combining the Field Bet with Place Bets
A common system that incorporates the Field bet is called the Iron Cross. Here’s how it works:
– Place a Field bet in increments of $5.
– Simultaneously, bet on the number 5 (also in $5 increments).
– Place bets of $6 each on the 6 and 8.
With this layout, virtually every number except 7 provides a win of some kind. Although the house edge for this method is about 1.15%, it will still vary based on the casino’s payout rules and the actual odds used for Place and Field bets.
While not foolproof, the Iron Cross can provide a sense of frequent small wins—ideal for players looking for short bursts of excitement, especially near the end of a session.
Final Thoughts on Using the Field Bet in Craps
The Field bet in craps offers fast action and the allure of higher payouts, especially on the 2 and 12. However, it’s important for players to recognize its higher house edge and one-roll risk. Novices are often better served by sticking to more statistically advantageous wagers. For those who enjoy variety, the Field bet can serve as an entertaining supplement to your main strategy—just be sure to keep your expectations and exposure in check.
Lead image credit: Nic Neufeld/Shutterstock
