Hop Bets in Craps
Among the many bet types available in the game of craps, hop bets stand out due to their high-risk nature, paired with the potential for significant rewards. A hop bet is a one-roll wager in which players bet a specific dice combination will appear on the next roll. For instance, a player may bet that the upcoming roll will show a 3 and a 4.
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Due to the elevated risk, the potential payout for a winning hop bet is much larger. Though not as commonly placed as other craps wagers, hop bets are growing in popularity among those seeking an extra thrill.
Hop Bets: An Overview
Hop bets are among the riskiest wagers in craps, primarily because they require players to bet on an exact dice combination for a single roll. This specificity and high-risk nature set hop bets apart from other proposition bets, which typically cover broader outcomes such as the total sum of the dice.
Players are often drawn to hop bets due to the potential for high payouts when their precise predictions are correct. While the chances of winning are lower compared to other types of caps bets, the appeal lies in the precision and excitement of wagering on these high-risk, high-reward outcomes.
Types of Hop Bets
Hop bets can be categorised into two main types: single-number hop bets and double-number hop bets.
Single Number Hop Bets (Easy Hops)
In this type of bet, players wager on a specific combination of two different numbers appearing on the next roll of the dice. The odds of hitting two different numbers are better than those for double-number hop bets (hard hops) but still remain quite low. Due to the high risk involved, a successful single-number hop bet typically pays out at 15:1 if the player predicts the exact combination correctly.
Double Number Hop Bets (Hard Hops)
A double-number hop bet often called a hard hop, involves betting that both dice will show the same number on the next roll. For example, you might bet the roll will result in two 5s. Because this outcome is less likely than a single-number hop, hard hop bets generally pay out at 30:1, though some casinos may offer 29:1. These bets are considered high-risk due to their low probability.
Mechanics of Hop Bets
Placing a hop bet in craps works a bit differently from other bets. Instead of marking the bet on the table layout, players must call out their bet to the dealer or place their chips in a specific area. This one-roll wager requires you to specify the exact combination of numbers on both dice, and the bet is valid for that roll only. If the roll doesn’t match your prediction, the bet is lost.
Here is a step-by-step guide on placing hop bets correctly:
- Decide whether to bet on a single-number combination (two different numbers, easy hop) or a double-number combination (the same number on both dice, i.e., hard hop)
- Call out your bet to the dealer. For single-number bets, you would call out both numbers (e.g., "3 and 4"). For double-number bets these are often called "hard" bets, such as calling out a "Hard 8" for two 4s
- The dealer will then place the chips in the designated area for hop bets
- Wait for the next roll. If the dice show your exact combination, you win. If either number doesn’t match, you lose
Odds and Probabilities of Hop Bets
Being one of the riskiest bet types in craps, the odds of hop bets are low because you are betting on a precise outcome. Winning a hop bet is much harder than any other type of craps bet. Despite the appealing payouts, the odds are in favour of the house, which is why even experienced players opt for this bet type with caution. The odds and payouts differ between single-number and double-number hop bets, as outlined below:
Calculating Hop Bets Odds
It is important to consider the total number of possible combinations to calculate the odds of single and double-number hop bets. Here is how you can calculate the odds for each bet:
- Easy Hops: In craps, there are 36 possible outcomes, as each die has 6 sides. For a single-number or easy hop bet (where you're betting on two different numbers, like 3 and 4), there are 2 possible winning combinations: one for each order of the numbers (e.g., 3-4 and 4-3). This gives you a 1 in 18 chance of hitting the correct combination
- Hard Hops: When betting on a hard hop (e.g., two 5s), there is only one possible combination since both dice must show the same number. This results in a 1 in 36 chance of landing a "hard" outcome
Probability of Winning on Hop Bets
The probability of winning on hop bets can be calculated in a similar way to odds:
- Single Number Hop Bets: Since the odds of winning a single number hop bet are 2/36, the probability of winning is around 5.56%
- Double Number Hop Bets: The odds of winning a double number hop bet are 1/36, which means the probability of winning is around 2.78%
Strategic Considerations
Hop bets can add an exciting element to your gameplay, but, as established, they come with considerable risk. Here are a few things to keep in mind before placing one:
- Use hop bets sparingly: Due to their high-risk nature and unfavourable odds, hop bets should be considered a fun, occasional wager rather than a core part of a long-term strategy. While the payouts may seem attractive, it’s important to note that the house edge for hop bets is significantly higher than other bet types. In comparison, most standard craps bets have a house edge of around 2%, making hop bets a risky option
- Risk management: Despite the high payouts, proper risk assessment is critical when placing hop bets. Since these bets resolve in just one roll, they can quickly drain your bankroll. Only place hop bets when you're comfortable with the risk, and consider them as short-term, high-risk wagers rather than a reliable strategy for consistent wins
- End of session risk: Hop bets may be more appealing toward the end of a session, especially if you’ve accumulated winnings and are comfortable with the higher risk. However, always keep in mind the low probability of success and avoid using these bets to chase losses
Hop Bets vs. Other High-Risk Bets
Apart from hop bets, other high-risk bets include hardways and horn bets, which offer appealing payouts but differ in terms of strategy:
Hardways
Hardways involve betting that both dice will show the same number, such as two 4s, to make a hard 8. Unlike hop bets, hardways remain active until either the chosen number or a 7 is rolled, making them less immediate but still risky. The payout for hardways is 9:1 for hard 4s and hard 10s, and 7:1 for hard 6s and hard 8s.
Horn Bets
A horn bet is a one-roll bet in craps where players win if the dice land on any of the following numbers: 2, 3, 11, or 12. The payouts for a horn bet vary based on which number hits. The payout is 30:1 for 2 and 12 and 15:1 for 3 and 11. While horn bets offer slightly better payouts than hop bets, they are still considered risky, and their odds are less favourable than bets like hardways, which can remain active for multiple rolls. Horn bets and hop bets resolve in one roll, resulting in a high house edge and quick resolution, but the payout structure of horn bets is similar to that of hop bets.
Crop Bets FAQs
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Hop Bets:
What are the Best Situations to Use Hop Bets?
Hop bets should be used sparingly due to their high house edge and low odds. They’re best considered when players have a strong hunch or are on a winning streak, willing to risk some extra winnings on these high-risk, high-reward bets without impacting their main bankroll. However, keep in mind that each roll is independent, and past results don't influence future outcomes.
How Do Hop Bets Compare to Other High-Payout Bets?
Hop bets are one-roll wagers on specific dice combinations, with payouts based on the difficulty of hitting the combination. Compared to other high-payout bets like hardways or horn bets, hop bets have a significantly higher house edge (up to 13.89% for hard hops), making them riskier. While the payouts can be enticing, the chances of winning are lower than those of other similar bets.
What is a Hop Bet?
A Hop Bet in craps is a single-roll bet where players wager on a specific combination of dice to land on the next roll. There are two types: single-number hop bets (easy hops), where the dice land on two different numbers and typically pay out at 15:1, and double-number hop bets (hard hops), where both dice show the same number, with a payout of 30:1. These bets are high-risk due to the low probability of landing specific combinations, but they offer high rewards accordingly.
Can you Hop the 7 in Craps?
Yes, you can hop the 7 in craps. A "Hop the 7" bet means betting on any combination of dice totalling 7, such as 1 & 6, 2 & 5, or 3 & 4. Since there are three possible combinations to roll a 7, the hop bet on 7 is somewhat more flexible than other hop bets. However, it remains a high-risk bet because it’s a one-roll wager with a house edge typically around 13.89%, which is higher than most other bets in craps.
Are Hop Bets Suitable for Beginners?
Hop bets are not recommended for beginners due to their high house edge and low probability of winning. They are better suited for experienced players who understand the risks and are looking to add excitement to their game.
Can Hop Bets be Profitable in the Long Run?
Due to the high volatility and house edge, hop bets are generally not profitable in the long run. They are for fun and meant for players looking to win big in a single wager.
What is the House Edge on Hop Bets?
The House Edge on hop bets is significant, ranging from 11.11% for easy hops to 13.89% for hard hops.
How Do Hop Bets Affect Overall Craps Strategy?
Hop bets can be an exciting addition, but they should be used cautiously and not too frequently. Players may combine risk with safer bets like pass line bets to balance risk.