Rather than a single bet, the horn bet is composed of several proposition bets. Proposition bets differ from line bets in that they only apply to the next roll. That is, while a Pass Line bet remains active until the shooter throws a 7 or the point number, proposition bets lose if the corresponding number or numbers are not hit on the next roll. These bets are often considered unwise for their low probability of winning, but can pay out much larger amounts than safer bets. Typically if a player makes a horn bet, it means the player is making four proposition bets at once. If one number hits, the others lose. This means that a horn bet pays out differently depending on which of the four numbers was rolled.
Horn Bet Variations
The standard horn bet consists of four proposition bets on 2, 3, 11 and 12. The amount on each bet is typically low. For instance, a player wishing to make a £8 horn bet would actually make four £2 wagers on 2, 3, 11 and 12. Because the dealer places proposition bets for the player, referring to these four bets as a single horn bet allows the player to more quickly inform the dealer of his or her wager. Because the payout for each number is rather large, the winnings from a successful horn bet always outweigh the losses as long as an equal amount is bet on each of its four parts.
There are a few popular types of horn bets. One example is the horn low. This wager is identical to the horn bet, except that it places extra money on the lowest of the four numbers. For instance, a horn low might place £4 on the 2, keeping £2 on the 3, 11, and 12. Similarly, a player betting horn high may place extra money on the 12, as well.
Finally a horn high yo bet places extra money on the 11. The horn high yo pays the lowest out of the three horn bet variations, but is slightly safer than horn high and horn low. Bets on 2 and 12 pay 30 to 1 with a house edge of about 13.89 per cent, while bets on 3 and 11 pay 15 to 1 with a house edge of 11.10 per cent.
Horn Bet Tips
While horn bets seem to increase the chances of hitting a large payout, gamblers should exercise caution in placing such wagers. Even when with all four bets combined, the chances of hitting a horn bet are still quite low. Because proposition bets end after one throw, they can quickly deplete a player’s bankroll. Since the horn bet is composed of four such wagers, overusing it can burn through a lot of funds. Still, a player with good money management skills can safely make an occasional horn bet, potentially winning a significant sum of money.