Hardways
A hardway bets that a 4, 6, 8, or 10 rolls as a pair (2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5) before it rolls the easy way or a 7 shows. The hard 6 and 8 pay 9:1, the hard 4 and 10 pay 7:1. They are fun center-table bets, but the edges run high, so they cost real money over time.
9.09% to 11.11% edge, entertaining but expensive.
Try the Hardways in the free game
How to place it
Toss chips toward the center and tell the stickman which hardway you want, such as 'hard 8.' The stickman places and books it.
Also called: hard 4, hard 6, hard 8, hard 10, hard way.
Frequently asked questions
What does hard mean in craps?
Rolling a number as a matching pair. A hard 8 is 4-4. An easy 8 is any other combination like 5-3 or 6-2. The hardway bet needs the pair to come before the easy way or a 7.
How much do hardways pay?
The hard 6 and hard 8 pay 9:1, and the hard 4 and hard 10 pay 7:1. The higher payout on the 6 and 8 reflects that they can be made more ways than the 4 and 10.
Are hardways a good bet?
No. Their edges range from 9.09% on the hard 6 and 8 to 11.11% on the hard 4 and 10, far higher than the line and place bets. They are a small-money thrill, not a core bet.