One approach in Craps that’s often talked about is the “Iron Cross” strategy- some players choose to use this as a way to potentially reduce the number of losing outcomes in each round.
Before diving into how this particular method works, it might be useful to get a feel for the basics. Understanding how to place bets, what each one means, and how the odds are structured can possibly make the game easier to follow.
This guide walks you through the Iron Cross step by step, explains the types of bets involved, and outlines what the odds really mean when using this strategy.
What Is an Iron Cross in Craps?
The Iron Cross is a way of betting that some players use in craps. In this game, all bets are based on the outcome of rolling two dice. The table has a number of betting options available, and the Iron Cross combines a few of these to try to cover most of the possible results.
Rather than backing just one number, this approach spreads a player’s bets across several numbers on the table, intentionally avoiding the number 7. The idea is to cover a wide range of outcomes and potentially receive a payout on more rolls.
Online craps tables offered by UK-licensed casinos support this strategy in much the same way as physical tables do. You might notice slight differences in how the table is laid out depending on the casino, so it can help to take a moment to check how the bets are displayed. Each type of bet has its own rules and payout, which are usually explained on-screen. Although this approach aims to create more chances to win on individual rolls, the game itself remains entirely random.
How To Play the Iron Cross in Craps
To use the Iron Cross strategy, players place chips on four different parts of the table. This includes a bet on the ‘Field’ and separate Place bets on the numbers 5, 6, and 8.
The Field is a single bet that covers the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Place bets, on the other hand, are made individually on specific numbers. In this case, you’ll be placing chips on 5, 6, and 8.
These bets together cover every number on the table apart from 7. If a 7 is rolled, all of these bets lose in one go, which is an important factor to bear in mind.
When any of the covered numbers are rolled, one of the bets pays out. Payouts vary depending on the number, and it’s worth checking the game’s payout table for the exact amounts. For example, the Field bet usually pays even money, but might pay more for rolling a 2 or 12, depending on the specific table.
At UK-regulated casinos, the layout often includes visual guides and clearly marked betting areas. If you’re not sure where to find something, the in-game help section usually provides all the information you need.
Craps, like all games of this type, is based on random outcomes. No strategy can eliminate the risk or guarantee a result, so it’s important to take this into account.
Iron Cross Strategy Odds
Using the Iron Cross covers most of the possible results on the dice—just not the 7. Out of the 36 possible combinations from rolling two dice, the number 7 comes up in six of them. That gives it a probability of around 16.67%.
The bets in this strategy cover 30 of the remaining 36 outcomes. While that may sound like a high level of coverage, the risk comes from that one result being excluded. If a 7 is rolled, all the bets in this pattern are lost at the same time.
Each type of bet has its own odds and house edge. For example, the Field bet typically has a house edge of about 5.56%. The Place bets on 6 and 8 each carry a house edge of around 1.52%. When combined, the overall edge for this system sits at roughly 3.87% per betting round.
These figures don’t change between land-based and online versions of the game. Many online tables include the odds and payouts next to the betting areas, so you can see them before placing a bet.
Even when covering many outcomes, no strategy changes the fact that the game is based entirely on chance.
Is Iron Cross a Good Strategy?
The Iron Cross appeals to some players because it can potentially offer more frequent smaller payouts during a session. By covering many outcomes, you could win more often than with a single bet. However, since the number 7 is not included—and it’s the most likely total to roll—there’s a real possibility of losing all the bets in one round.
The potential returns from this method are generally modest when compared to the amount staked. Each round still comes with the risk of a full loss if a 7 comes up, which is something to be aware of when deciding whether this strategy suits you.
If you’re playing online, different casinos present the game in different ways. Some tables provide more detailed guides and explanations than others. Taking a bit of time to read through the rules and payout structures might help you get a clearer picture.
Some players use strategies like this as a way to structure their betting, but it’s important to remember that no system can change the nature of a random game. It’s entirely up to you how you approach it and what kind of betting pattern, if any, you decide to use.
Play Casino Games Online at Mr Luck
If you’re interested in exploring casino games online, Mr Luck offers a wide selection. The platform includes classic table games like craps, alongside other options provided by well-established software developers.
Each game on the site comes with its own paytable, rules, and guides to help you understand how it works. This can be helpful whether you’re new to online gaming or simply looking for clear information before you start playing.
The platform provides several secure payment methods for convenience. Tools to support responsible gambling are easy to access throughout the site- these include options to set limits, view your activity, and get help if you need it.
If you’re curious about how craps works or just want to see what games are available, Mr Luck gives you a number of options to explore. It’s important to play in a way that suits your own preferences and budget.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
One approach in Craps that’s often talked about is the “Iron Cross” strategy- some players choose to use this as a way to potentially reduce the number of losing outcomes in each round.
Before diving into how this particular method works, it might be useful to get a feel for the basics. Understanding how to place bets, what each one means, and how the odds are structured can possibly make the game easier to follow.
This guide walks you through the Iron Cross step by step, explains the types of bets involved, and outlines what the odds really mean when using this strategy.
What Is an Iron Cross in Craps?
The Iron Cross is a way of betting that some players use in craps. In this game, all bets are based on the outcome of rolling two dice. The table has a number of betting options available, and the Iron Cross combines a few of these to try to cover most of the possible results.
Rather than backing just one number, this approach spreads a player’s bets across several numbers on the table, intentionally avoiding the number 7. The idea is to cover a wide range of outcomes and potentially receive a payout on more rolls.
Online craps tables offered by UK-licensed casinos support this strategy in much the same way as physical tables do. You might notice slight differences in how the table is laid out depending on the casino, so it can help to take a moment to check how the bets are displayed. Each type of bet has its own rules and payout, which are usually explained on-screen. Although this approach aims to create more chances to win on individual rolls, the game itself remains entirely random.
How To Play the Iron Cross in Craps
To use the Iron Cross strategy, players place chips on four different parts of the table. This includes a bet on the ‘Field’ and separate Place bets on the numbers 5, 6, and 8.
The Field is a single bet that covers the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Place bets, on the other hand, are made individually on specific numbers. In this case, you’ll be placing chips on 5, 6, and 8.
These bets together cover every number on the table apart from 7. If a 7 is rolled, all of these bets lose in one go, which is an important factor to bear in mind.
When any of the covered numbers are rolled, one of the bets pays out. Payouts vary depending on the number, and it’s worth checking the game’s payout table for the exact amounts. For example, the Field bet usually pays even money, but might pay more for rolling a 2 or 12, depending on the specific table.
At UK-regulated casinos, the layout often includes visual guides and clearly marked betting areas. If you’re not sure where to find something, the in-game help section usually provides all the information you need.
Craps, like all games of this type, is based on random outcomes. No strategy can eliminate the risk or guarantee a result, so it’s important to take this into account.
Iron Cross Strategy Odds
Using the Iron Cross covers most of the possible results on the dice—just not the 7. Out of the 36 possible combinations from rolling two dice, the number 7 comes up in six of them. That gives it a probability of around 16.67%.
The bets in this strategy cover 30 of the remaining 36 outcomes. While that may sound like a high level of coverage, the risk comes from that one result being excluded. If a 7 is rolled, all the bets in this pattern are lost at the same time.
Each type of bet has its own odds and house edge. For example, the Field bet typically has a house edge of about 5.56%. The Place bets on 6 and 8 each carry a house edge of around 1.52%. When combined, the overall edge for this system sits at roughly 3.87% per betting round.
These figures don’t change between land-based and online versions of the game. Many online tables include the odds and payouts next to the betting areas, so you can see them before placing a bet.
Even when covering many outcomes, no strategy changes the fact that the game is based entirely on chance.
Is Iron Cross a Good Strategy?
The Iron Cross appeals to some players because it can potentially offer more frequent smaller payouts during a session. By covering many outcomes, you could win more often than with a single bet. However, since the number 7 is not included—and it’s the most likely total to roll—there’s a real possibility of losing all the bets in one round.
The potential returns from this method are generally modest when compared to the amount staked. Each round still comes with the risk of a full loss if a 7 comes up, which is something to be aware of when deciding whether this strategy suits you.
If you’re playing online, different casinos present the game in different ways. Some tables provide more detailed guides and explanations than others. Taking a bit of time to read through the rules and payout structures might help you get a clearer picture.
Some players use strategies like this as a way to structure their betting, but it’s important to remember that no system can change the nature of a random game. It’s entirely up to you how you approach it and what kind of betting pattern, if any, you decide to use.
Play Casino Games Online at Mr Luck
If you’re interested in exploring casino games online, Mr Luck offers a wide selection. The platform includes classic table games like craps, alongside other options provided by well-established software developers.
Each game on the site comes with its own paytable, rules, and guides to help you understand how it works. This can be helpful whether you’re new to online gaming or simply looking for clear information before you start playing.
The platform provides several secure payment methods for convenience. Tools to support responsible gambling are easy to access throughout the site- these include options to set limits, view your activity, and get help if you need it.
If you’re curious about how craps works or just want to see what games are available, Mr Luck gives you a number of options to explore. It’s important to play in a way that suits your own preferences and budget.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
