If you’re learning craps, one of the smartest bets you can make is the Place Bet on the 6 or 8. These two numbers are the “bread and butter” of the game, rolling more often than almost anything else. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how Place Bets work, why the 6 and 8 are the best choices, and how to use them in your overall strategy.
Stick with me—you’ll be making confident Place Bets in no time.
🎲 What Is a Place Bet?
A Place Bet is when you wager that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will roll before the next 7. If your number hits, you win a payout; if a 7 shows up first, you lose the bet.
- You can only make Place Bets after a point has been established.
- Unlike Pass Line bets, Place Bets don’t depend on the point—you can bet them at any time during the round.
- Dealers manage these bets at live tables, but in bubble craps you place them yourself on the touchscreen.
Place Bets YouTube Video
👉 Want to see it live? Watch my beginner video series on YouTube and download my free Disciplined Player System Guide to see how I use the 6 and 8 in my own play.
🧮 Why Place the 6 and 8?
The 6 and 8 are the most rolled numbers in craps after the 7—and that makes them powerful bets.
- Five combinations make a 6 (1+5, 2+4, 3+3, 4+2, 5+1).
- Five combinations make an 8 (2+6, 3+5, 4+4, 5+3, 6+2).
- Together, that’s 10 out of 36 possible rolls—nearly 28% of all dice outcomes.
By comparison:
- The 7 has 6 ways to roll (about 16.7%).
- The 4 or 10 each have only 3 ways (about 8.3%).
👉 This is why most players (including me) call the 6 and 8 the “bread and butter” bets of craps. They roll often, and they pay reliably.outs.
💵 Payouts for 6 and 8 Place Bets
- Place Bet on 6 or 8 pays 7 to 6.
- Example: If you bet $6, you win $7 when it hits.
- At most casinos, the minimum Place Bet on the 6 and 8 is $6 because the math works cleanly.
👉 This is why most players start with $6 on the 6 and $6 on the 8—a total of $12 in action.
📍 How to Make a Place Bet on 6 or 8 (Step-by-Step)
At a Live Table:
- Wait for a point to be established.
- Hand your chips to the dealer and say, “Place the 6” or “Place the 8″ or “Place 6 and 8”
- The dealer will move your chips to the right spot on the layout.
- If your number rolls before a 7, the dealer pays you 7 to 6.
At Bubble Craps:
- Tap the 6 or 8 on the touchscreen.
- Select your bet amount (usually $6 minimum).
- Confirm the wager before the next roll.
- The machine pays winnings automatically if your number hits.
📈 Pressing Your Place Bets
“Pressing” means using winnings to increase your bet. Many players press the 6 and 8 because they hit often. For example:
- Start with $6.
- First win: collect $7. Press to $12.
- From here, you can choose to stop pressing and start collect consistently.
👉 In my Disciplined Player System, I press the 6 and 8 one time only—from $6 to $12—and then stop. This balances growth with protection from the 7, which always comes sooner than you’d like.
🚫 Common Mistakes with Place Bets
- Betting Big 6 and Big 8 instead of Placing. The Big 6 and Big 8 pay even money, while Place Bets pay better (7:6). Always place instead.
- Pressing too aggressively. The 7 shows up on average every 6 rolls. If you press endlessly, you’ll often lose your profit before collecting.
- Forgetting the point. You can’t Place until a point is set. Beginners sometimes try to bet them on the come-out roll.
✅ Strategy Tip
If you’re just starting out, try this simple routine:
- $6 on the 6 and $6 on the 8.
- Collect your first win.
- Use your second win to press one of them to $12.
- From then on, just collect.
This way, you’re taking advantage of how often 6 and 8 hit, while still protecting your bankroll.
📌 Final Thoughts
The Place Bet on 6 and 8 is one of the smartest moves in craps. They hit often, pay well, and give you steady action while you build your bankroll. Whether you’re at a live table or bubble craps machine, learning how to place these bets will make you feel right at home in the game.
📚 Keep Learning Craps
- 👉 Craps Table Layout Explained — Learn every section of the table and where bets go.
- 👉 How to Play Bubble Craps — Step-by-step guide to playing bubble craps like the real tables.
- 👉 Kevin’s Disciplined Player System Guide — Download my free system for playing smart and staying in control.
Disclaimers
Gambling Advice Disclaimer: This article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not financial or gambling advice. All opinions are my own, and I am not affiliated with any casino or gaming property. Gambling involves risk—only wager what you can afford to lose, and seek professional help if you believe you may have a gambling problem.
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