Introduction to Craps
If you're looking to switch things up from your usual poker or blackjack tables, craps can be an exciting choice. At first glance, the rules and terminology may seem daunting, but once you get the hang of it, the game quickly becomes addictive. After just a couple of rounds, you’ll start experimenting with different craps strategies, from conservative "line" bets to bold "snake eyes" risks. It's all part of the excitement. However, you shouldn't jump into a game without understanding the basics, so this guide will walk you through the table layout, rules, different bet types, and strategies to help you get started.
How To Play Craps
In craps, everything begins with the dice. The player rolling the dice is called the "shooter," and the first roll is known as the "come-out" roll. There are three possible outcomes: a natural (7 or 11), craps (2, 3, or 12), or a point (any other number). If the roll is a natural, it’s an instant win, while craps results in an instant loss. If a point is rolled, the shooter continues rolling until they either hit that number again or roll a 7. A roll of 7 before the point means the shooter loses and the round ends. A roll of 12 is a "push," meaning neither a win nor a loss occurs. The game involves multiple dice rolls between the come-out roll and the end of the round. This is where betting comes into play. Each type of bet has its own odds.
The Pass Line and Don't Pass Line are considered the safest bets. A Pass Line bet means you’re betting the shooter will roll a natural or hit the point before rolling a 7. The Don’t Pass Line bet is the opposite, meaning you're betting against the shooter. Both bets are placed before the come-out roll and stay active until the end of the round. Come and Don’t Come bets work similarly but are placed after the point is established. Proposition bets involve specific one-roll combinations and offer higher payouts. Place, Field, Big 6, and Big 8 bets are also options, with payouts of 1:1.
Craps Rules
One of the trickiest aspects of craps is understanding how to place and manage bets. The safest bets, such as the Pass and Come, remain active throughout the round. Proposition bets, while high-risk, are only active for a single roll. These bets include options like "any seven," "ace deuce" (3), "boxcars" (12), or "snake eyes" (2), which offer big rewards but carry substantial risk. Hardways bets are specific proposition bets where you bet on rolling certain numbers (like a pair of 2s for a 4). These bets require a specific combination to win, making them riskier than regular bets. Place bets involve betting on a number that will be rolled before a 7, and Big 6 and Big 8 are similar but typically offer lower payouts.
Craps Strategies
There are numerous strategies for playing craps, from beginner-friendly to complex approaches. For now, we'll focus on the simplest tactics. As with any gambling game, minimizing the house edge is key. Proposition bets have a high house edge and should be avoided by beginners. The Pass Line and Come bets are the most advantageous, reducing the house edge to just 1.40%. The Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets have the same odds but are against the shooter, which might make them less enjoyable for some players.
For a slightly riskier option, Place bets can also be worthwhile, as they stay active until the end of the round, giving you a better chance than one-roll proposition bets. Field bets are another option but come with a higher risk due to the many possible losing combinations. Big 6 and Big 8 bets should generally be avoided, as they offer a 1:1 payout, making them less attractive compared to other bets.
Different Types of Craps
Several variations of craps exist. For example, Crapless Craps eliminates the possibility of a losing come-out roll (no 2, 3, or 12) and removes the Don’t Pass bet. In this version, the house edge is lower than the original game, but it’s rarely offered in casinos. Another variation is High Point Craps, where a come-out roll of 11 or 12 wins 1:1 money, and the rest of the numbers set the point. The shooter must roll a number higher than the point to win, adding a twist to the game.
Craps Tips and Tricks for Beginners
If you're new to craps, we recommend watching a few rounds before jumping in. This will give you a sense of the gameplay and help you get comfortable with the rules. Avoid proposition bets at first, as they are risky and can deplete your chips quickly. Stick with Pass and Come bets for a more stable, enjoyable experience. Be mindful of your Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets as well, since they’re against the shooter and may cause tension at the table. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with advanced strategies and find out what works best for you.
Glossary of Terms
Shooter: The player rolling the dice. Come-out roll: The first roll of the betting round. Pass/Don’t Pass bets: Betting for/against the shooter. Come/Don’t Come bets: Betting for/against the shooter after the point is established. Proposition bets: Bets that are only active for a single roll.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Craps online?
Yes! Many online casinos offer craps games with layouts similar to those found in physical casinos. You can enjoy a fun and immersive craps experience without leaving your home.
Can I use a bonus to play Craps?
While many casinos offer bonuses for slot games, craps players can still take advantage of deposit bonuses or cash prizes to play. These bonuses can be used as your first bets, essentially allowing you to play for free.
Is Craps a fair game?
Yes! The chances of rigging craps are very low. In a casino, the dice are rolled by the player, and the use of weighted dice would be noticeable to other players. Online casinos use random algorithms to generate dice rolls, ensuring a fair game.
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