A Hardway bet wins only if the number rolls as a matching pair (Hard 6 = 3-3). It loses to a 7 or to an easy way of the same total. House edge: 9.09% on Hard 6 & 8, 11.11% on Hard 4 & 10.
A Hardway bet is a standing wager that a specific even number (4, 6, 8, or 10) will roll as a matched pair before either a 7 or an "easy" version of that number appears.
| Bet | Wins On | Loses On | Survives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard 4 | 2-2 | 7 or 1-3 or 3-1 | Any other roll |
| Hard 6 | 3-3 | 7 or any easy 6 | Any other roll |
| Hard 8 | 4-4 | 7 or any easy 8 | Any other roll |
| Hard 10 | 5-5 | 7 or 4-6 or 6-4 | Any other roll |
Unlike single-roll props, Hardways are standing bets — they stay up across multiple rolls until they win, lose, or you take them down. You can call them "off" on any roll (e.g. during come-out).
Hard 6 can only be made one way — exactly 3-3. There are 4 easy ways to make 6 (1-5, 5-1, 2-4, 4-2), so you need to dodge not just 7s but also all those easy combinations.
| Bet | Hard Ways | Easy Ways | Payout | P(Win) | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard 4 or 10 | 1 (2-2 or 5-5) | 2 (easy combos) | 7:1 | 1/9 = 11.1% | 11.11% |
| Hard 6 or 8 | 1 (3-3 or 4-4) | 4 (easy combos) | 9:1 | 1/11 = 9.1% | 9.09% |
The probability calculation ignores all "neutral" rolls and considers only the three outcomes that matter: hard way hit, easy way hit, or 7. For Hard 4: P(win) = 1/(1+2+6) = 1/9. For Hard 6: P(win) = 1/(1+4+6) = 1/11.
Both bets have negative expected value. Even the "better" Hard 6/8 at 9.09% is more than 6× worse than the Pass Line. These are entertainment bets, not strategy bets.
The simulation runs all four hardways simultaneously at $1 each ($4 total exposure per roll). A 7 takes all four down. An easy way takes down only that specific bet. Watch how the standing nature of these bets creates longer win streaks than single-roll props — but the house edge still grinds the bankroll down over time.
Players typically place Hardways as a way to "have action" on a number they already have covered with a Place bet or Come bet. For example, having a Place 6 and a Hard 6 means you win more when 6 rolls hard but still collect on an easy 6.
That said, the high house edge means hardways should be kept small relative to your session bankroll. A common approach: $1 Hardway per $10–$15 in place bets. Think of them as tipping the dice for excitement rather than a core strategy.
Take them off on come-out — Hardways are automatically "working" on come-outs at most casinos unless you say "off." Tell the dealer "hardways off" to protect them from a come-out 7-out.
InfiniteCraps lets you place the Fire Bet, hardways, horn, and all prop bets in a free live-action simulator — no download, no sign-up.