Also known as the Pass Line bet, the Ride the Line bet is one of the most popular bets in craps. Here’s what you need to know about it.
WHAT IS THE RIDE THE LINE BET IN CRAPS?
The Ride the Line bet is placed before the come-out roll, and it wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled.
If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the point, and the bet remains active. To win, the shooter must roll the point again before rolling a 7, which would result in a loss.
HOW DOES THE RIDE THE LINE BET WORK?
The Ride the Line is the most common wager at craps tables around the world, including places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
This bet is placed before the come out roll, and if the shooter throws a 7 or 11, the pass line wins, paying even money based on the pay table.
If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the pass loses, and the next shooter takes over. If any other number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), a point is established, and the shooter must roll that point number again before a 7 is rolled to win.
Once the point is established, players can place pass odds, which is an additional lay odds wager with no house edge, offering better payouts. Some players also make a come bet, which functions like a new pass bet with its own point established.
Other side bets, like buy bets, field bets, horn bets, and hard ways, can be placed, but they generally have a higher house edge. If the shooter makes the point, the bet wins, and a new shooter takes over for the next round. However, if the shooter sevens out, all pass line bets lose.
RULES FOR PLAYING RIDE THE LINE BETTING
Here are some quick rules to follow when you play craps with this bet in mind:
- Starting the Bet – Players begin by placing a wager before the first roll of the dice. This wager remains active throughout the round unless it is immediately won or lost.
- Initial Outcome – If the first roll results in certain winning numbers, the bet is paid out instantly. If losing numbers appear, the wager is lost, and the round ends. Any other number sets a target that the shooter must roll again to win.
- Establishing a Target – When a number other than an automatic win or loss is rolled, that number becomes the goal for the round. The shooter continues rolling until they either hit the same number again or roll a different outcome that ends the round.
- Winning and Losing – If the shooter happens to roll the target number again, the original bet wins. If a different outcome occurs that signals the end of the round and the bet loses.
- Additional Betting Options – Players can choose to make extra wagers on future rolls, increasing their chances to win different payouts. These additional bets follow their own rules and can be used alongside the main wager.
- Payouts and Strategy – The standard payout for the main bet is equal to the original wager, but players can add optional bets to increase potential winnings. Some additional wagers have higher payouts but also come with a greater risk of loss.
RIDE THE LINE SIDE BET PAY TABLES
The Ride the Line bet itself is not a craps side bet but rather a core wager in the game. However, when players incorporate side bets alongside it, different pay tables come into play.
The payouts for side bets vary depending on the casino and the specific wager. For example, Odds bets, which can be added after a point is set, pay out based on true odds: 2:1 for a point of 4 or 10, 3:2 for 5 or 9, and 6:5 for 6 or 8.
Other common side wagers include Place bets, which pay 7:6 for 6 and 8, 7:5 for 5 and 9, and 9:5 for 4 and 10. More exotic side wagers, like the Hardways, offer larger payouts: typically 9:1 for a hard 6 or 8 and 7:1 for a hard 4 or 10.
Some casinos offer Fire Bets, which reward players if multiple different points are hit before a shooter “sevens out,” with payouts escalating from 25:1 for four points up to 1,000:1 for all six points.
Additionally, Horn wagers and Field Bets provide single-roll action, with Horn wagers paying up to 30:1 for specific combinations and Field wagers commonly paying even cash but doubling or tripling for certain numbers. Each casino may have variations in their pay tables, so players should check the specific rules at the table before placing side wagers to maximise their potential winnings while managing risk effectively.
STRATEGY FOR THE RIDE THE LINE BET
The best strategy for the Ride the Line bet involves combining smart bankroll management with strategic wagers to minimise risk and maximize potential payouts. Since this bet follows the standard pass line rules, players should always take advantage of the odds bet after a point is set, as it has no house edge and offers the best returns. A conservative approach is to stick to the main bet, avoiding high-risk side wagers with a greater house advantage.
More aggressive players may choose to add place bets on commonly hit numbers, like 6 and 8, to increase potential winnings. Managing bet sizes is crucial—starting with smaller wagers and gradually increasing them after wins can help extend playtime and reduce large losses. Players should also be mindful of when to walk away, as this is a fast-paced game, and winnings can disappear quickly if not managed wisely. Keep in mind that understanding table limits and adjusting bets accordingly can really improve your ability to sustain longer sessions and make more profitable decisions.