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If you’ve ever walked through a casino, you’ve probably noticed a table surrounded by a lively crowd, cheering with excitement. Chances are, they were playing craps. Craps is one of the most thrilling and fast-paced games in the casino, offering endless entertainment and a variety of bets that make every roll of the dice feel like a new adventure.
But don’t let the excitement fool you—craps can be a bit overwhelming at first glance, with its array of betting options and unique terminology. Once you understand the basics, though, craps becomes one of the most rewarding and enjoyable games in the casino. This article will take you through everything you need to know about playing craps, from the rules to winning strategies.
How to Play Craps: The Basics
At its core, craps is a game based on the outcome of a pair of dice. Players make bets on the result of the roll, either before the roll or while the game is in progress.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a typical game of craps works:
1. The Shooter: Each round of crap starts with a player (known as the shooter) rolling two dice. The first roll of the round is called the come-out roll.
2. The Come-Out Roll:
– If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, it’s called a natural, and the shooter wins (if they’ve placed a bet on the Pass Line).
– If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (known as craps), they lose if they’ve placed a Pass Line bet.
– If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the point.
3. The Point: Once a point is established, the shooter’s goal is to roll that same point number again before rolling a 7. If they do, they win. However, if a 7 is rolled before the point number (called sevening out), the shooter loses.
Basic Craps Bets
Now that you know the flow of the game, let’s dive into the basic betting options:
– Pass Line Bet: This is the most popular bet in craps. You’re betting that the shooter will either roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll or hit their point before rolling a 7. A Pass Line bet pays even money (1:1).
– Don’t Pass Line Bet: This is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Here, you’re betting that the shooter will roll a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll (12 results in a push), or that they will roll a 7 before hitting their point. This bet also pays even money.
– Come Bet: The Come bet works just like the Pass Line bet, but it can be placed at any time after the point has been established. Once placed, the next roll becomes your come-out roll.
– Don’t Come Bet: Similar to the Don’t Pass Line bet, but can be placed after the point has been established. You win if a 7 is rolled before the point is hit.
– Odds Bet: This is one of the best bets in the casino because it has no house edge. You can place an Odds bet behind your Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bets to increase your potential winnings. The payout depends on the point number.
Advanced Craps Bets
Once you get the hang of the basics, you can start exploring some of the more advanced craps bets. These options offer higher payouts, but they also come with more risk:
– Place Bets: After the point is established, you can bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. These bets offer varying payouts, depending on the number chosen.
– Field Bets: A one-roll bet where you win if a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled. Payouts vary, with 2 and 12 typically offering higher rewards.
– Big 6 and Big 8: Bet that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. These bets pay even money, but they’re generally considered less favorable compared to Placing bets on the same numbers.
– Proposition Bets: These are single-roll bets where you wager on specific outcomes like the shooter rolling a 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12. Proposition bets can offer high payouts, but they have a significantly higher house edge.
Craps Table Etiquette
Craps is one of the most social games in the casino, with players often rooting for each other, especially when they’re betting on the Pass Line. Here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind when playing craps:
– Wait for the Shooter: Don’t place your bets while the shooter is rolling. Wait for the stickman to move the dice to the shooter before making any new bets.
– Handle Chips Properly: Place your chips on the table carefully, and don’t touch them once the dice are in motion.
– Respect the Shooter: Most people are rooting for the shooter to succeed, so don’t celebrate too loudly if you’ve placed a bet against them.
Craps Strategies to Boost Your Odds
While craps is a game of chance, there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of walking away a winner:
1. Stick to the Pass Line and Come Bets: These bets have a lower house edge (around 1.41%) and are the safest bets for beginners.
2. Take Full Odds: When you place an Odds bet behind your Pass Line or Come bet, you’re getting true odds with no house edge. Always try to take full odds when possible.
3. Avoid Proposition Bets: These bets may offer tempting payouts, but they also come with a much higher house edge, making them risky in the long run.
4. Bankroll Management: Like any casino game, managing your bankroll is key. Set a budget for your craps session and stick to it. Craps can be fast-paced, so it’s important to be disciplined about your spending.
Online Craps vs. Live Craps
With the rise of online casinos, many players now have the option to play online craps. The online version is just as exciting and offers the convenience of playing from anywhere. However, live craps offer an unparalleled social experience. In a live game, you’re surrounded by other players and can feed off the collective energy of the table. For many, this makes live craps the preferred option.
Craps is an exhilarating game with a rich history and a unique combination of skill and chance. Once you understand the rules and strategies, it becomes clear why craps is such a popular game. Whether you’re playing at a brick-and-mortar casino or trying your luck online, craps offer endless excitement and plenty of opportunities to win. So the next time you hear the cheers from a craps table, don’t hesitate to jump in—you’ll quickly understand why it’s one of the most beloved games in the casino.