> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://live.procraps.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://live.procraps.net/craps-theory/exposure.md). # Exposure ### Why Craps, like everything in the casino, is a losing proposition. Every roll of the dice has the potential to take some, or all, of your money. When you're planning out or playing a strategy, it's critical that you understand where your exposure is, and how quickly you can cover things up. ### What Exposure at the craps table comes in 3 major forms: 1. **Depth**: How much of your bankroll is exposed to loss 2. **Breadth**: How many dice combinations beat you 3. **Length**: How long is your bankroll exposed #### Depth - Bankroll Exposure * What percentage of your buy-in is in action? * Is your action always at risk? * i.e. Come Bets vs Place Bets, Hop Bets vs Hardways #### Breadth - What can beat you * What do you have covered * What combinations beat you * Can you mitigate some or all of them with a hedge * Does a hedge make sense * Long term and short term hedges (Some are contracts) * When does it financial sense? * Hedging a $5 bet is probably=75\*3 silly, but $500? #### Length - How long are you exposed * How many wins does it take to "break even" or "get out of the hand" * How many rolls do nothing for you * Do you have enough coverage * Will you be there forever waiting for your $30 6 to hit? ### How * Know the payouts * Know the probabilities * Know the house edge * Know what hedges what * Understand all the hops ### Examples **Hawaiian Horn** * Depth: Very Deep ($310) * Length: Very Short (1 Roll) * Breadth: 7 is the killer. Non-Horns cost you $20, feeding the edge. **Iron Cross** * Depth: Varies ($100) * Length: Medium-High (5 hits to break even, if only collecting) * Breadth: 7 is the killer. Non-Horns cost you $20, feeding the edge. **6 & 8** * Depth: Varies ($24) * Length: High (10/36 ways to collect, need 2 to break even) * Breadth: 7 is the killer (6 rolls), Everything else (20 rolls) is non-productive **Inside** * Depth: Varies ($44) * Length: Medium (18/36 ways to collect, need 4 to break even) * Breadth: 7 is the killer (6 rolls), Everything else (12 rolls) is non-productive **Hops** * Depth: Generally Small ($2) * Length: Short (1 Roll) * Breadth: Only 2 or 3 ways to win out of 36 * Compare this to placing * On a hop 5, you have 4 ways to win (9/36) * 8 rolls lose you $2 * 1 roll, you win $14, but your net is -$2 * Vs: Place the 5 for $10 * The 8 non-productive rolls do not cost you * The 1 that wins nets you $14 * You're exposed to the 7 for all 8 rolls, though * If it shows once, you'd lose $10 and net $4 on the hit ### Video {% embed url="" %}