Big 6

The game of craps is known for its wide range of betting options, each offering different levels of risk and reward. One of the more straightforward bets in craps is the Big 6 bet, which is often considered an easy-to-understand wager for newcomers to the game. While the simplicity of the Big 6 bet is appealing, it comes with some strategic drawbacks that experienced players should be aware of. This article will delve into the Big 6 bet, how it works, and why it is often considered less favorable compared to other betting options in this casino game.

What is the Big 6 Bet?

The Big 6 bet is a wager that the number 6 will be rolled before a 7. It is called "Big 6" because the number 6 is prominently displayed on the craps table in a large, visible area, making it easy for players to spot and place their bets. This bet is placed in a designated area on the table marked with a large "6."

Unlike other bets, the Big 6 does not require a point to be established, nor does it depend on the outcome of the Come Out roll. Players can place this bet at any time during the game, and it remains active until either a 6 or 7 is rolled. If the shooter rolls a 6 before a 7, the player wins even money on their bet. However, if a 7 is rolled before the 6, the bet is lost.

How the Big 6 Bet Works

The mechanics of the Big 6 bet are quite simple:

Placing the Bet

To place a Big 6 bet, a player must place their chips in the area of the craps table marked with a large "6." The bet is independent of any other wagers, and there are no additional side rules or complicated conditions attached to it.

Outcome of the Bet

After placing the Big 6 bet, the player is betting that the shooter will roll a 6 before a 7. The dice rolls continue until one of these two outcomes is rolled:

If a 6 is rolled before a 7, the player wins, and the payout is 1:1, meaning the player receives an amount equal to their original wager.
If a 7 is rolled before a 6, the player loses their bet.

Even Money Payout

The payout for the Big 6 bet is even money, meaning if a player wagers $10, they will win $10 if a 6 is rolled before a 7. While this makes the bet simple to understand, it also comes with some important strategic considerations.

Strategic Considerations for the Big 6 Bet

While the simplicity of the Big 6 bet may make it attractive to beginners, it is generally not recommended by experienced craps players. The primary reason for this is that there is a better alternative to the Big 6 bet that offers the same outcome but with a lower house edge.

House Edge: The house edge on the Big 6 bet is 9.09%, which is relatively high compared to other bets in craps. This means that over time, the casino has a significant advantage on this bet, and players are more likely to lose money in the long run.
Better Alternative: Place Bet on 6: Instead of making a Big 6 bet, savvy players will often make a Place Bet on the number 6. A Place Bet on 6 offers a much lower house edge of 1.52%, and the payout is slightly better at 7:6. For example, if a player places a $6 bet on the number 6 in a Place Bet, they would win $7 if a 6 is rolled before a 7. This makes the Place Bet on 6 a far superior option to the Big 6 bet.
Why Casinos Offer the Big 6 Bet: The Big 6 bet is prominently displayed on the craps table, and its simplicity appeals to novice players who may not yet be familiar with the nuances of other betting options. However, seasoned players are well aware that the Big 6 is a "sucker bet" due to its high house edge and low payout compared to the Place Bet on 6.

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Pros and Cons of the Big 6 Bet

Pros:

The Big 6 bet is one of the simplest bets in craps, making it a good option for beginners who are still learning the game.
Players can place a Big 6 bet at any time during the game, regardless of the status of other bets or whether a point has been established.

Cons:

With a house edge of 9.09%, the Big 6 bet is one of the worst bets in terms of long-term profitability for players.
The Place Bet on 6 offers better payouts and a lower house edge, making it a superior option for players who understand the game.
Experienced players tend to avoid the Big 6 bet due to its poor odds, and they often recommend that new players do the same once they become more familiar with the game.

Big 6 vs. Other Craps Bets

To put the Big 6 bet into perspective, let’s compare it to a few other common craps bets:

Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line bet has a house edge of 1.41%, which is significantly lower than the 9.09% house edge on the Big 6. The Pass Line bet is one of the best bets in craps and offers players a strong chance of winning over time.

Don’t Pass Line Bet

The Don’t Pass Line bet has an even lower house edge of 1.36%, making it another favorable bet for players. This bet is the opposite of the Pass Line bet, as the player is betting that the shooter will lose.

Place Bet on 6

As mentioned earlier, the Place Bet on 6 has a house edge of only 1.52%, and it offers a 7:6 payout instead of even money. This makes the Place Bet a far better option than the Big 6 bet for players who want to wager on the number 6.

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Big 6 in Craps FAQs

Why is the Big 6 bet considered a "sucker bet"?

The Big 6 bet is often called a "sucker bet" because it has a high house edge (9.09%) and lower payouts compared to other bets like the Place Bet on 6. Players can get better odds and payouts by choosing the Place Bet instead.

What is the payout for a Big 6 bet?

The payout for a Big 6 bet is even money (1:1). This means if you wager $10 and win, you will receive $10 in winnings.

Can I place a Big 6 bet at any time during the game?

Yes, the Big 6 bet can be placed at any time during the game, regardless of the point or the outcome of the Come Out roll.

Is the Big 6 bet a good option for beginners?

While the Big 6 bet is easy to understand, it is generally not recommended for beginners due to its high house edge. A Place Bet on 6 offers better odds and payouts, making it a better option for new players.

How does the Big 6 bet compare to the Place Bet on 6?

The Place Bet on 6 has a lower house edge (1.52%) and offers better payouts (7:6) compared to the Big 6 bet, which has a house edge of 9.09% and pays even money.