What Is the 3-Point Molly Strategy?
The 3-Point Molly is one of the most respected and mathematically sound craps strategies in existence. It gives you three numbers working simultaneously — each backed by maximum Odds — whilst maintaining a combined house edge below 0.5%. For players who want more action than a single Pass Line bet provides without sacrificing mathematical integrity, the 3-Point Molly is the gold standard.
The name comes from having exactly three “points” (numbers) active at all times. The discipline lies in stopping at three — no more bets, no proposition wagers, no tempting hardways. Just three numbers with Odds, methodically managed until the shooter sevens out.
This guide walks through the exact execution of the 3-Point Molly, explains the mathematics behind it, and covers the common mistakes players make when running this craps strategy.
How to Execute the 3-Point Molly Step by Step
Step 1: Place Your Pass Line Bet
Before the come out roll, place the table minimum on the Pass Line. If the come out produces a natural (7 or 11), you win. If it produces craps (2, 3, 12), you lose. If a point is established, take maximum Odds behind your Pass Line bet.
Step 2: Place Your First Come Bet
After the point is established, place a Come bet (table minimum). The next roll acts as your Come bet’s personal come out roll:
- If 7 or 11: Your Come bet wins (but your Pass Line bet loses on the 7 — this is the main risk)
- If 2, 3, or 12: Your Come bet loses
- If a number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10): Your Come bet moves to that number. Take maximum Odds.
Step 3: Place Your Second Come Bet
Place another Come bet. The same process repeats — it either resolves immediately or travels to a number where you take Odds.
Step 4: Stop — You Now Have Three Points
With a Pass Line point and two Come points, you have three numbers working with maximum Odds. Do not place any more bets. This is where the strategy’s discipline is tested. The temptation to add a fourth number, throw in a Field bet, or sprinkle hardways is strong. Resist it.
Step 5: Maintain Three Points
When a Come bet wins (the Come point number is rolled), immediately place a new Come bet to replace it. This keeps you at three active points. If the Pass Line bet wins (the table point is made), the shooter begins a new come out roll — place a new Pass Line bet.
Example Round
Assume a £10 minimum table with 3x-4x-5x odds:
- Come out roll: 8 is established as the point. You take £50 in Odds behind your £10 Pass Line (5x on 6/8). Total on 8: £60.
- Next roll: You place a £10 Come bet. Roll is 5. Your Come bet moves to 5. You take £40 in Odds (4x on 5/9). Total on 5: £50.
- Next roll: You place a £10 Come bet. Roll is 9. Your Come bet moves to 9. You take £40 in Odds (4x on 5/9). Total on 9: £50.
- You now have three points: 8 (Pass Line), 5 (Come), 9 (Come). Total at risk: £160.
- Next roll: 5 is rolled. Your Come bet on 5 wins! You collect £10 (flat) + £60 (3:2 on £40 Odds) = £70. Immediately place a new £10 Come bet.
- Next roll: 4. Your new Come bet moves to 4. Take £30 in Odds (3x on 4/10). You now have points on 8, 9, and 4.
- Play continues until a 7 is rolled. On a seven-out, you lose all active bets (Pass Line + Odds, and both Come bets + Odds).
The Mathematics of the 3-Point Molly
Combined House Edge
Each of your three bets is a Pass Line or Come bet (1.41% edge) backed by Odds (0% edge). The combined edge depends on the Odds multiple:
| Odds Multiple | Combined Edge Per Bet | Overall 3-Point Molly Edge |
|---|---|---|
| No Odds | 1.41% | 1.41% |
| 1x | 0.85% | 0.85% |
| 2x | 0.61% | 0.61% |
| 3x-4x-5x | 0.37% | 0.37% |
| 10x | 0.18% | 0.18% |
The house edge does not increase because you have three bets — each bet independently faces the same 0.37% combined edge. However, you have three times the total money at risk, meaning your absolute expected loss per round is tripled (even though the percentage remains the same).
Action Per Roll
With three numbers working, you have action on approximately 40-45% of all rolls (compared to ~15% with a single Pass Line point). This means more decisions per hour, more wins, more losses, and more excitement — but also faster bankroll fluctuation.
Variance and Volatility
The 3-Point Molly is a medium-volatility strategy. Individual wins and losses are moderate (typically £10-£70 per event at a £10 table), but a seven-out wipes out all three bets simultaneously. This creates a saw-tooth pattern: steady gains as numbers hit, followed by a sharp drop on the 7.
Bankroll Requirements
The 3-Point Molly requires a larger bankroll than a simple Pass Line strategy because you have three bets with Odds active at all times.
Bankroll Calculation
| Table Min | Max Odds | Cost Per Setup | Recommended Bankroll |
|---|---|---|---|
| £5 | 3x-4x-5x | ~£75 | £400-£600 |
| £10 | 3x-4x-5x | ~£150 | £800-£1,200 |
| £25 | 3x-4x-5x | ~£375 | £2,000-£3,000 |
A session bankroll of 8-10 times your total three-point setup cost provides a comfortable runway. With this amount, you can withstand 3-4 consecutive quick seven-outs without going bust.
Common 3-Point Molly Mistakes
Adding a Fourth (or Fifth) Number
The most common mistake is adding more Come bets beyond three points. Each additional number increases your total exposure to a seven-out without reducing the house edge. Three points is the sweet spot — enough action to stay engaged, manageable enough to survive losing streaks.
Skipping Odds
Some players run the 3-Point Molly without taking Odds, either because they do not understand the Odds bet or because they want to conserve chips. This is a critical error — the Odds bet is the entire point of the strategy. Without it, you are just placing three 1.41% bets instead of three 0.37% bets. For more on why Odds matter, see our odds and payouts guide.
Adding Side Bets
Placing hardway or proposition bets alongside the 3-Point Molly destroys the strategy’s mathematical advantage. A £5 Hard 6 bet (9.09% edge) alongside three 0.37%-edge bets dramatically increases your overall expected loss. Keep the table clean — three points with Odds and nothing else.
Not Replacing Come Bets
When a Come bet wins, immediately replace it with a new Come bet. The strategy requires three points at all times. If you stop replacing, you gradually reduce your coverage and miss winning opportunities. The exception is if you are approaching your loss limit and want to wind down — in that case, let your points resolve naturally without replacement.
Panic After Seven-Outs
Losing all three bets on a seven-out is jarring. Some players abandon the strategy after one or two bad shooters. Do not do this — the 3-Point Molly is designed for the long run. Seven-outs are inevitable and expected. Your bankroll should be sized to absorb them.
3-Point Molly vs Other Strategies
| Strategy | Combined Edge | Numbers Working | Bankroll Need | Action Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Point Molly | 0.37% | 3 | High | High |
| Pass Line + Odds | 0.37% | 1 | Low | Low |
| Don’t Pass + Lay | 0.27% | 1 | Low | Low |
| Place 6 & 8 | 1.52% | 2 | Medium | Medium |
| Iron Cross | 3.87% | All but 7 | Medium | Very High |
Running the 3-Point Molly at Online Craps
Online craps is an excellent environment for the 3-Point Molly because:
- Lower minimums: £1 or £2 tables mean your three-point setup costs £15-£30 instead of £75+, making the strategy accessible to smaller bankrolls.
- Pace control: You control when each roll happens, giving you time to calculate Odds and manage your Come bets without pressure.
- No errors: The software handles bet placement and payouts perfectly — no risk of a dealer misplacing your Odds or underpaying a Come bet.
- Session tracking: Online platforms track your results, making it easy to monitor your bankroll and stick to win/loss limits.
Find the best platforms in our UK online craps sites guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 3-Point Molly the best craps strategy?
The 3-Point Molly is one of the best strategies for players who want multiple numbers working whilst maintaining a low house edge. It ties with the single Pass Line + Odds at 0.37% combined edge (with 3x-4x-5x odds). The Don’t Pass + Lay Odds is slightly better at 0.27%, but offers less action. The 3-Point Molly is the best strategy that combines low edge with high engagement.
How much bankroll do I need for the 3-Point Molly?
Plan for 8-10 times your three-point setup cost. At a £10 table with 3x-4x-5x odds, each full setup is approximately £150 (three bets of £10 + average Odds of ~£40 each). A session bankroll of £1,200 gives you comfortable runway for inevitable seven-outs.
What happens to my Come bets when the shooter makes the point?
Your Come bets on other numbers remain active when the table point is made. The Pass Line bet wins, a new come out roll begins, and you place a new Pass Line bet. Your existing Come bets stay on their numbers. If a 7 is rolled on the new come out, your Come bets lose (the 7 is a winner for the new Pass Line but a loser for established Come bets).
Can I use Don’t Come instead of Come in the 3-Point Molly?
Yes — this is called the “Dark Side 3-Point Molly” or “Wrong-Way Molly.” Use Don’t Pass + Don’t Come bets, each with Laying Odds. The combined house edge drops to 0.27%, making it the mathematically optimal version. The trade-off: you need a larger bankroll because Laying Odds requires betting more to win less. This approach is ideal for online craps where social pressure is absent.
Why stop at three points?
Three points is the sweet spot between coverage and risk. With three numbers, you hit approximately 40% of all rolls. Adding a fourth point increases coverage to ~50% but also increases your seven-out exposure by 33%. The marginal benefit of the fourth number does not justify the additional risk. The house edge per bet stays the same, but your total amount at risk grows disproportionately.
How long does a 3-Point Molly session typically last?
Duration depends on the shooter’s luck. A single shooter might last 5 rolls (quick seven-out) or 45+ rolls (hot streak). On average, a craps shooter rolls about 8.5 times before sevening out. With three Come bets constantly cycling, you will see frequent wins and losses throughout the session. A typical 2-hour session involves 15-25 shooters.
Is the 3-Point Molly good for beginners?
The 3-Point Molly is best suited for intermediate players who are already comfortable with the Pass Line and Come bets. Beginners should start with a simple Pass Line + Odds strategy and graduate to the 3-Point Molly once they are confident managing Come bet Odds and understanding the come out roll dynamics for existing Come bets.
What if I cannot afford maximum Odds on all three points?
If your bankroll is tight, it is better to play two points with maximum Odds than three points with reduced Odds. The Odds bet is what drives the edge down. Two points at full Odds (0.37% edge on two bets) is superior to three points at half Odds (higher combined edge). Scale your strategy to your bankroll — never reduce Odds to add more numbers.
