Quite simply put, the fire bet is a popular type of side bet that is made in conjunction with the standard version of craps and you will be rewarded with a win when you get four or more consecutive points pending the result of the come out roll.
This multi side bet in Fire bet craps can also be placed by those who play on the pass line, and there will be several pay tables at Las Vegas casinos.
Calculations can often be quite complex depending on what the shooter makes on his or her first roll, and as such, odds won’t be just based on a single shooter getting four points in a game.
In the next section, we will look in more detail at the pay table and run through the principles of how to make a fire bet.
How to Place a Fire Bet
Fire bet limits will be placed at the pay table, and before you play, you should make sure you read up on the rules, so you understand the expectations placed on all. After all, you don’t want to be a sucker for a bad bet.
Once you have found a table to park up at, then you can place a bet on the number for the come out roll wager. However, if you don’t see a spot on the table to place bets, then speak to the dealer, who will be able to help you out before you roll the dice.
Do note that you will need to place your fire wager at the same time as when you reach the pass line bet, so if you don’t make a pass line wager, then you will be omitted from the game. If you are the shooter, and you roll four or more points, then you will see what your win after hitting the designated numbers.
Craps fire bet rules
In terms of basic fire bet rules, you will win if you are successful in landing on four point numbers on the come out roll.
For example, you will only gain three points if you roll a six, four, five, five, six, and four. Whereas, the unique numbers will come into play when you roll an eight, nine, or 10, and this is how you begin to generate wins.
So, if you find a table at the casino that pays for three points, you will receive a payout with three points of six, four, and five as demonstrated in the example above.
Craps fire bet payout and odds
Craps fire bets will usually come with three different paytable variations. We have shown the odds and hit frequency that a shooter will face depending on what points they land on.
Fire bet paytable
| Points* | 1* | 2* | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 1,000 to 1 | 999 to 1 | 300 to 1 | 299 to 1 |
| 5 | 250 to 1 | 249 to 1 | 150 to 1 | 149 to 1 |
| 4 | 25 to 1 | 24 to 1 | 30 to 1 | 29 to 1 |
| 3 | N/A | N/A | 7 to 1 | 6 to 1 |
| Hit frequency | 1.05% | 1.05% | 4.39% | 4.39% |
Remember, point numbers don’t have to be any particular, but the hot shooter will be able to take advantage and use their discernible math skills to hit on bets with their rolls.
Craps fire bet house edge
Compared to what they actually pay, the odds of winning fire bets is quite poor, especially when you look at the house edge in terms of what casinos offer. Our table below shows what you stand to win at a casino based on bets entailing a row of numbers.
Fire bet house edge
| Points* | 1* | 2* | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 1,000 to 1 | 999 to 1 | 300 to 1 | 299 to 1 |
| 5 | 250 to 1 | 249 to 1 | 150 to 1 | 149 to 1 |
| 4 | 25 to 1 | 24 to 1 | 30 to 1 | 29 to 1 |
| 3 | N/A | N/A | 7 to 1 | 6 to 1 |
| House edge | 21.27% | 21.27% | 20.96% | 20.96% |
These numbers will mean very little if you don’t know what the house edge for other types of bets at casinos, but if you have figured out a more favourable house edge for other wagers, then of course you should lean towards them to get a bigger payout.
Craps fire bet strategy
The same logic for a fire bet can be used when placing a bet on another variant of craps. Below, we have listed a couple of useful strategies to help you.
- Lay the odds – Players can do far worse than lay the odds at a casino for a fire bet. By laying the odds you are betting against the shooter. You should see it as a type of betting exchange, although be aware of those shooters that are in the midst of a hot streak. You risk losing significant sums if the shooter rolls and wins big.
- Adopt the press – The press strategy also goes by the name of press and pull. Players can press their bets and pull their profits after the bet lands four times. So, a person may wish to place a bet on 6, and the payout odds may be 7/6. The point of press bet is that players can be paid huge sums by using a minimum amount within their bankroll.
Craps fire bet tips
If you have an idea of what is likely to happen when placing fire bets at casinos, then you should take note of the following tips which will ensure you are rewarded when hitting the point numbers.
Take care of your bankroll – If you have established what you are prepared to spend per game, then stick to that and don’t over exceed the maximum. While a payout increases per win, you should know when to walk away if you begin to lose. You should always gamble responsibly.
Set a time limit – Similar to the point above, if you start to count the losses are racking up, you shouldn’t attempt to chase wins. You are unlikely to get any sympathy from the dealer although they may suggest you take a break so you can regroup. You should remain in control wherever possible.
Check minimum/maximum bet limits – These should be clearly displayed at your chosen casino, and if they don’t suit your style, then try and find a game that compliments your style better.
Do your research – Finally, before you start to play, make sure you have established which craps you wish to game, and make a note of the payouts. Look for the games that pays out well, so that you can make the most of your time at a casino.
Fire bet advantages
A fire bet can benefit the shooter, and as you might imagine, there are a few advantages and disadvantages associated.
Pros
Value of point numbers – Points means prizes and each one will count for something or rather, higher payouts. The key is to get four with your come out rolls, and they work well with games where the house edge is low. It also helps if you are good at counting.
Simple to understand – Although some bets are more difficult to get to grips with, you won’t have the same issue when you make a legal toss with a fire bet, and they are easier to explain. Enthusiasts will like to place this wager more frequently especially if they get on roll with securing lots of points on a throw.
Fire bet disadvantages
Let’s now take a closer look at some of the problems linked to this kind of bet.
Cons
Type of bet not widely supported – Before you start to make such wagers, check to see if the casino you wish to play at facilitates this. If it does, then you will find a list of the potential payouts.
Long chances – While a new shooter may understand the intricacies of a point number, the chances of a shooter enjoying regular success is quite long, but as mentioned before, the numbers need to be unique to create a winning sequence. The chances of winning this kind of bet compared to others is much poorer.
Is The Fire Bet a good bet to make in craps?
Now, you have understood the inner workings of this type of wager and the unique points system, it’s fair to say that is a high-risk wager that may not be the answer to the prayers of some casino players, especially when up against a new shooter.
More often than not, you will find that the chances of landing unique points is harder than first envisaged, and it won’t suit those who wish to grind it out to make a tidy profit. But if you wish to venture from the norm and take things to a new height, you might get a lot out of this type of side wager.