Martingale System
The Martingale System is one of the most talked about betting systems when it comes to gambling. Whether you’re playing Blackjack, Craps or another casino game where you can double your money with a single bet, you have probably at least heard of this concept. Read through this article to gain an understanding of how to play Craps using the Martingale System and advantages and flaws associated with it.
History of the Martingale System
The Martingale system originated in France and is one of the oldest betting systems in the world. This strategy involves playing even bet. That means you are betting to double your money when you win. When the Martingale system first came about, the strategy was used by those who placed bets on the flip of a coin.
What is the Martingale System?
There is nothing too complicated about the way the Martingale system works. The method involves the doubling of your bet after every round you lose. You do not change your bet when you win. The reasoning behind this method is that you will eventually win a round and break even. So every time you win that is profit, but when you lose you will eventually break even. The theory is if you have a large enough bank roll, you can’t lose.
How to use the Martingale System in Craps
The first rule of using the Martingale system in Craps is to begin with the minimum table bet. By starting with the minimum bet it allows for more losing rounds to occur before you reach the maximum table bet.
The second rule is to double your bet when you lose. Let’s use an example of how this works on a table with a minimum bet of $2. Obviously the first bet you make will be $2. If you lose the first round you will then bet $4 on the second round and $8 on the third round if you lose the second.
If you manage to win the third round, you will then profit the amount you bet on your first round. You bet: $2 + $4 + $8 = $ 14. When you won the last bet you received $16 back so you come out with a profit of $2.
What Craps Bets can you Make with the Martingale System?
There are a number of games that can be played on Martingale system. Players have been using this system on casino games like Blackjack for a long time. They have been using this system on Craps as well. Below we discuss the main bets that can be made using this system and have given a short description of them. Players that are new to playing online Craps are advised to read the specific articles on the bets mentioned.
• Pass Line Bet
Most bettors at a craps table will probably be playing the Pass line bet. In fact, most bettors who like to always bet “right” will only use this bet. The risk level is also low for this bet and bets must be placed before the come out roll.
• Don’t Pass Line Bet
This is exactly the opposite of the Pass Line Bet. The risk level is slightly lower with a house edge of 1.40% compared to 1.41% of the Pass Line Bet. Players don’t often play this bet at live casinos because they are effectively betting against the shooter.
• Come Bet
Here the chances of risk are low and it can be wagered any time after the come out roll of the table.
• Don’t Come Bet
This is the opposite of the Come Bet and can be made after the come out roll.
Problems with Using the Martingale System
A long time ago it was actually possible to keep doubling your bet until you eventually won (if you had the bankroll). But now, most casinos have a maximum bet amount – usually about 100-200 times the minimum table bet. This effectively reduces a player to about 6 or 7 losing bets until this method become ineffective.
While this development by the casinos has reduced the popularity of the Martingale system while playing craps, many still use it. If you have the bankroll to cover it, you can give this system a try. Be aware though, if you go on a cold streak and lose several bets in a row, it renders this system almost useless.
Should You Use the Martingale System?
In the past I would have said yes to this question. Now though, it is advisable to stay away from using it. You may want to give it a shot to see how it works out for you. But in all reality, with the maximum bet being introduced to the Craps tables it is not nearly as effective as it used to be.
