Taking the Odds
Accepting a bet which one could win more than the opponent, but usually is the underdog.
"Taking the odds" is a term commonly used in gambling, particularly in games like craps and blackjack. It refers to a betting strategy where a player places an additional bet that is not subject to the house edge, effectively increasing their potential payout.
In craps, for example, after a point is established, players can "take the odds" by placing a bet behind their original pass line bet. This odds bet pays true odds (e.g., 2:1 for a point of 4 or 10, 3:2 for a point of 5 or 9, and 6:5 for a point of 6 or 8), meaning there is no built-in advantage for the house on this portion of the bet.
In blackjack, players can also take the odds when they double down or split, allowing them to increase their bet based on the strength of their hand without increasing the house edge.
Overall, taking the odds is a way for players to maximize their potential returns while minimizing the house's advantage on certain bets.
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