Hardway Bets in Craps

By Felt Trainer Editorial · House edges computed from our open game engine · Last updated May 30, 2026

A "hardway" bets that a number rolls as a pair — a hard 8 means two 4s. They pay well but carry steep house edges of 9.09% to 11.11%.

How hardways work

A hard 8 (4+4) wins only if the shooter rolls two 4s before either a 7 or an "easy" 8 (6+2 or 5+3). The bet stays up across rolls until one of those resolves it.

BetPaysHouse Edge
Hard 6 or 89:19.09%
Hard 4 or 107:111.11%

Are hardways worth it?

They are fun, high-payout long shots, not strategy bets. At 9.09% (hard 6/8) and 11.11% (hard 4/10), they drain a bankroll faster than the line bets. Bet them for entertainment, not value.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a hard 8 pay in craps?

A hard 8 pays 9:1. The hard 6 also pays 9:1, while the hard 4 and hard 10 pay 7:1.

What beats a hardway bet?

A 7, or the number rolled the "easy" way (for example, an 8 made with 6+2 or 5+3 beats a hard 8).

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