EN 
DE Outside Numbers
The main craps numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 are shown in two rows. The edge positions belong to 4, 5, 9, and 10, so these four are called the outside numbers and are part of the standard place numbers that can become the point.
Dealers also use the phrase inside numbers for 5, 6, 8, and 9\. That means 5 and 9 can be treated as both inside and outside, depending on how bets are grouped, but the layout and rules do not change.
How Bets on Outside Numbers Work
Players back outside numbers through Place bets. A Place bet is a wager that a chosen number will appear before a 7, and it stays on the table until it wins, loses, or you ask the dealer to remove it. Because some totals are harder to roll with two dice than others, outside numbers do not all pay the same.
- 4 and 10: pay 9:5 on a winning Place bet.
- 5 and 9: pay 7:5 on a winning Place bet.
For example, a $5 Place bet on the 9 wins $7 in profit if any roll shows a total of 9 before a 7\. If a 7 appears first, the $5 bet is lost. Some casinos also offer buy bets on 4, 5, 9, and 10\. A buy bet works like a Place bet but pays closer to the true odds, and the house charges a small commission on the potential win.
Advantages and Risks of Outside Number Bets
Outside number bets suit players who are willing to trade more frequent small hits for less frequent but bigger returns. They sit between very conservative line bets and more exotic propositions, so they are easy to understand but still add some volatility to a session.
At the same time, these wagers come with a higher house edge than core bets on the pass line, and the numbers themselves appear less often than 6 and 8\. That mix means bankroll swings can feel steeper, especially if several outside numbers are active at once.
FAQs
Can I bet several outside numbers at once?
Yes. You can place separate bets on any mix of 4, 5, 9, and 10, as long as each wager meets the table minimum and the casino allows multiple Place bets.
Are outside number bets good for beginners?
Outside number bets are simple enough for beginners to understand, but they are not the softest entry point in craps. It is safer to start with basic line bets, which have a lower house edge and give a clearer feel for how points are set, held, and resolved at the table.
Can I remove an outside number bet before the round ends?
Yes. Unlike a Pass Line bet, a Place bet on an outside number is not locked in. You can ask the dealer to take it down or reduce it at any point before it wins or loses.
What’s the difference between placing and buying an outside number?
Placing pays slightly less than true odds but has no fee. Buying pays true odds but comes with a small commission (usually 5%), which makes it a better deal on larger bets.
