Hardways
Understanding 'Hardways' in Craps
In Craps, 'Hardways' refer to pairs of the same number rolled on both dice. Examples include 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, and 6-6. These rolls are called 'hard' because they are more difficult to hit than the corresponding 'easy' combinations of the same total.
How Hardway Bets Work
Players can place wagers that a specific hardway combination will appear before a 7 or before any other combination of the same total. For instance:
- A hard 6 is 3-3.
- Rolling a 4+2 or 5+1 totals 6 but is considered the easy 6, which would cause a Hardway Bet on 6 to lose.
- If a 7 is rolled before the hardway, the bet also loses.
Because hitting hardways is statistically less likely than rolling the same total in an easy combination, these bets carry higher payouts, reflecting their higher risk.
Why Players Bet on Hardways
Hardway bets are popular among players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward wagers and want to predict specific outcomes rather than relying on standard line bets. They add excitement and strategy to the game, especially for those familiar with the probabilities involved.
FAQs About Hardways in Craps
What are Hardways in Craps?
Hardways are rolls where both dice show the same number, such as 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, or 6-6.
How do Hardway Bets work?
Players bet that a specific hardway will be rolled before a 7 or an easy combination of the same total.
Why do Hardways pay more than other bets?
Because rolling a hardway is less likely than rolling the total as an easy combination, so the payouts are higher to compensate for the risk.
Can any number be a Hardway?
Only 4, 6, 8, and 10 are standard Hardway bets on most tables, since 2 and 12 are considered craps numbers and handled differently.
