The Big Six and Big Eight
| Updated: Complete Guide to Big Six and Big Eight Bets in Craps
One of the main reasons why the game of craps enjoys such overwhelming popularity is that it ranks among the most exciting games to which casino operators dedicate a substantial part of their floors. The same applies to interactive casinos, as craps can be found in most reputable sites available on the web.
Despite the fact that the game is based on wagering on the outcome of the roll of two dice, some gambling enthusiasts are still reluctant to give it a try because they consider it too complicated. The main reason for this is that while playing craps, players can pick from a host of different bets, which at first can make getting into the game quite difficult, especially if you do not have much experience under your belt.
Even though the most confusing aspect of craps is the variety of wagers that can be made, once you learn the ins and outs, you will find that most of them follow straightforward principles, which makes them extremely easy to grasp. The Big Six and the Big Eight are among the most popular betting options players have while they revel in the game of craps, because they work in an extremely simple manner.
This publication will explain in detail the essence of the Big Six and Big Eight wagers, as well as their specifics. In a nutshell, craps lovers bet that the 8 or the 6 will roll before the 7. Therefore, when placing a Big Six or Big Eight bet, the only numbers that matter are 7, 6, and 8, with all others becoming neutral. These bets can be placed both together and individually. We will also compare the two wagers to give players a clear idea of which one is more advantageous.
The Big Six and the Big Eight Explained
First, it should be noted that the Big Six and the Big Eight have a lot in common with the Place bet. One of the clearest differences stems from their position on the betting layout; the payoffs they offer are also different. Another point to consider is that, unlike the Big Six and the Big Eight, which are constantly working, the Place bet remains turned off during the come-out roll unless you choose to make it working.
Still, it is worth noting that these particular bet types do not get much play, mainly because the house edge is an overwhelming 9.09%. This makes these bets quite unfavorable to craps lovers. In fact, these bets are not that common nowadays, which is why you might find it hard to locate a craps table that features the Big Six and the Big Eight.
Once you have found a craps table that features these two bets, you need to know that they are positioned beside the pass line. If you take a closer look at the betting layout, you will notice two separate boxes labeled “Big 6” and “Big 8”. Another important aspect is that these bets are self-service, meaning that players place them without any help from the dealer. Thus, gambling aficionados who intend to make a Big Six or a Big Eight need to position their chips in the box that corresponds to the number on which they wish to bet.
Avid craps lovers should know that after they place a Big Six or Big Eight bet and it wins, once the dealer puts the winnings in the respective box they must pick them up; otherwise, leaving your winnings there will be considered a new bet. Another peculiarity of these bets is that players may make them at or above the table minimum. Additionally, the Big Six and the Big Eight are always working, and you may take them down whenever you wish.
Gambling enthusiasts who do not yet have much experience playing craps should know that the Big Six and the Big Eight are among the bets that play against the 7. You may now wonder what this means. If you place a Big Six bet, it wins as long as the 6 appears before the 7. When this happens, you are paid even money. The other possible scenario is for the 7 to appear first, in which case your bet loses. The same applies to Big Eight bets: if the 8 appears before the 7, your bet wins; otherwise, it loses.
Players should keep in mind that when they place a Big Six or Big Eight bet, all other numbers are irrelevant. Because the remaining numbers are neutral, they have no effect on whether you win or lose.
Playing the Big Six and the Big Eight
Although craps lovers will not often see other players making a Big Six or Big Eight bet, it can happen from time to time. Still, if you encounter such a gambler, your first thought might be that the player lacks knowledge of the game.
Nonetheless, let’s take a closer look at the Big Six and the Big Eight bets to ensure you are aware of all their peculiarities. As already mentioned, the areas dedicated to these two bets are positioned at the corners of the betting layout. Even though these bets are not very favorable to players, they are straightforward and the rules they follow are easy to comprehend. Players simply wager that the 8 or the 6 will appear before the 7.
Now, presume that you decide to wager $5 on the Big 6. You place your chip on the respective area of the betting layout and wait for a decision. The first number that shows is 12. As already mentioned, when making a Big Six or Big Eight bet, the only numbers that matter are 7, 6, and 8. Because a 12 has appeared, the game continues, as it is a neutral number. If the next toss produces a 5, the game again continues because it is also a neutral number.
Now suppose you decide to make a Big Eight bet and once again stake $5. The number that shows after the first roll is 2, which does not influence the course of the game. Another roll produces a 9, which is also neutral. Then, if a 7 appears, your bet loses because the 7 has come up before the 8. As you can see, there is nothing complicated about making a Big Six or a Big Eight bet.
The Big Six and the Big Eight Odds
One of the key things you should remember about the Big Six and the Big Eight is that both bets pay even money, as illustrated above. Returning to our example, if you make a winning $5 bet, you will be rewarded with another $5. However, craps lovers should bear in mind that for each of these bets there are six ways to lose and only five ways to win. Therefore, the losing combinations outnumber the winning ones. Because these bets pay even money, many gamblers might expect the number of winning and losing combinations to be equal, but this is definitely not the case.
If you decide to place one or both of these bets, you should be fully aware that the house edge is a staggering 9.09%, which explains why the Big Six and the Big Eight are not among the most popular wagers in craps. The house edge per bet made is 2.78%, which is still quite high. You have probably concluded that these bets are disadvantageous to players and now understand why most craps lovers refrain from placing them.
Should Gamblers Opt in for the Big Six and the Big Eight Bets
Once gambling enthusiasts realize that the Big Six and the Big Eight come with such a hefty house edge, it becomes clear why most players will advise you to abstain from making these bets. You now also understand why many craps tables do not even feature them. In essence, if you insist on betting on the 6 and the 8, your options do not end with the Big Six and the Big Eight.
Instead, making a Place bet is a far more advantageous option because the house edge is much lower—only 1.51% compared with the Big Six or Big Eight. You might also appreciate that the Place bet offers better payoffs, which is yet another reason to use it instead of making a Big Six or a Big Eight bet.
If you ask experienced gamblers whether a Big Six or Big Eight bet is a good idea, they will tell you straight away to beware of these two bet types because they are considered a bad investment. Moreover, since a Place bet on 6 or 8 is a better option and pays 7 to 6 (7:6), there is simply no reason to make a Big Six or Big Eight bet, which is less advantageous for players.
The Big Six and the Place Bets Compared
Now, we will compare the Big Six bet and the Place bet so that you can get a clearer idea of why the latter is the better option. To make this comparison, we will assume that you first place a $6 Big Six bet, which pays even money. Next, imagine another player at the table who decides to make a $6 Place bet on 6. As already mentioned, a winning Place bet on 6 rewards you with $7 for every $6 wagered because it pays 7 to 6 (7:6).
As you can see, the amount you pocket varies depending on whether you make a Place bet or a Big Six bet. This should convince you that a Place bet is a better option than opting for a Big Six or Big Eight bet. As already mentioned, if you ever encounter a person who has decided to make a Big Six or a Big Eight bet, you can be sure that, in most cases, the player lacks experience and does not yet know the ins and outs of craps.
Conclusion
The Big Six and the Big Eight are self-service bets that allow players to wager on 6 and 8. Because they are not interrelated, they do not affect one another, meaning that gambling enthusiasts can place them together or individually, depending on their preferences. These two bets pay even money, but the most important thing to remember is that the house edge is a staggering 9.09%, which is why most knowledgeable craps lovers will recommend that you refrain from making such bets.