Fading

Understanding 'Fading' in Craps

In Craps, 'fading' refers to betting against the shooter or a particular outcome. This strategy is most often used through the Don't Pass or Don't Come bets, where the player wagers that the shooter will fail to make their point.

How Fading Works

When a player chooses to fade, they are essentially taking the opposite side of the traditional Pass Line bet. Instead of betting that the shooter will win, they are betting that the shooter will lose.

For example, on the come-out roll, a Don't Pass bet wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, loses on a 7 or 11, and pushes (ties) on a 12. Once a point is established, the player wins if a 7 appears before the point number is rolled again.

This approach positions the player 'against the dice', wagering that the most common losing outcomes will occur before the shooter can hit their point.

Why Some Players Choose to Fade

Fading is often seen as a defensive, lower-risk strategy, appealing to players who prefer a cautious style of play. The house edge on Don't Pass and Don't Come bets is slightly smaller than that of their Pass Line counterparts, making fading a mathematically sound option over time.

However, fading can be less popular socially since most players at the table tend to root for the shooter to win. Those who fade are essentially betting against the crowd’s momentum, quietly hoping for the 7 to appear.