Hardway bets in craps are a popular side bet focused on rolling pairs (doubles) to achieve a specific total. These bets are made on the numbers 4, 6, 8, and 10. To win a Hardway bet, the chosen number must be rolled as a pair before it is rolled in any other combination (the "easy way") or before a 7 is rolled.

For example, if a player bets on the Hard 6, they need to roll a pair of threes (3-3) before rolling a 6 in any other combination (such as 4-2 or 5-1) or a 7. Each Hardway number has specific odds and payouts, reflecting the difficulty of rolling these combinations. The Hard 4 and Hard 10 typically pay out 7:1, while the Hard 6 and Hard 8 usually pay out 9:1.

Hardway bets offer an exciting challenge, as they add an extra layer of strategy and anticipation to the game. However, they also come with higher house edges compared to more straightforward bets. For instance, the house edge on the Hard 6 and Hard 8 is around 9.09%, and for the Hard 4 and Hard 10, it’s approximately 11.11%.

Due to the high house edge, seasoned players often approach Hardway bets with caution, incorporating them as part of a broader strategy rather than relying on them as a primary betting option. While they can yield significant payouts, the likelihood of winning these bets is relatively low, making them a high-risk, high-reward proposition.

Understanding Hardway bets and their place in the broader landscape of craps betting strategies can enhance a player’s appreciation of the game, adding depth and excitement to each roll of the dice.