The game of craps is one of the most thrilling and exciting games in the casino. In a live casino, you can here the cheering and camaraderie around the crowded craps tables from all around the casino and craps enthusiasts come together on the Internet to play in online casinos as well.
As exciting as craps is, it’s also one of the most intimidating games in the casino. The huge cheering crowds and the complicated looking betting layout keep a lot of new players away from the craps table. However, in actuality there’s nothing to be nervous about. Craps rules, contrary to popular belief, are easy to learn and by watching the other players you can greatly improve your own skills. Keep reading to learn more about how the game of craps is played, in addition to a few tips and strategies that can help you win when you play craps online or in a live casino.
Craps Rules
The game of craps is played with two dice on a large table. The table is divided into two sides with the betting layout printed on both sides of the table to accommodate for more players. One player is designated the “shooter” and throws the dice. The objective of the game is to bet on whether or not the shooter will win or what will be the outcome of the shooter’s roll.
Before a round of craps begins, players place bets. Then the shooter begins rolling a pair of dice. The first roll is called the “come out roll”. If the come out roll is a 7 or 11 he wins. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3 or 12 (known as “craps” numbers) he loses. If the shooter rolls another number then that number is known as the “point” number. The point number must be rolled again before a 7. If a 7 is rolled first the shooter loses, if the “point” number is rolled first the shooter wins.
Although the most popular bet in craps is to bet that the shooter will win, there are 40 different bets that can be made in a game of craps. The most popular craps bets are the following:
- Pass Line Bet – Betting on the Pass line is a bet that the shooter will win. This bet has a low house edge, at 1.41%, and pays even money. Players can also bet on the Don’t Pass line, betting that the shooter won’t make their point. This isn’t a very nice bet to make at the craps table.
- Field Bet – The Field Bet is a bet concerning only the next roll of the dice, not the outcome of the full game. When a player places a field bet he wins even money when a 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11 is rolled and loses when a 5, 6, 7 or 8 comes up. If a 2 is rolled the payout is 2:1 and if a 12 is rolled the payout is 3:1. The Field bet has a house edge of 2.77%.
- Come Bet – The Come Bet is like the Pass line, but can be placed at any time during a game of craps. Once placed the general rules of craps apply-the player wins if 7 or 11 is thrown; loses if 2, 3 or 12 are thrown; and if another number is thrown it becomes the “point” and must be rolled again before 7 for the player to win. Players can also make a Don’t Come Bet that the point will not be made.
- Place Bet – The player makes his own point with the Place Bet, betting on a number that he hopes to appear before a 7 is rolled. Payout is 6:5 for 6 or 8, 3:2 on 5 or 9, and 2:1 on 4 or 10.
- Proposition Bets – Proposition Bets are made before any roll of the dice. They are bets on the next roll that will come up and different numbers and combinations have different payouts.
These are only a few of the many craps betting possibilities.
Craps Strategy and Odds
When you are learning about craps strategy and trying to improve your game the most important thing to do is learn the rules of the game so you know what’s going on at the craps table. It can be very confusing to play craps if you have no idea what’s happening. Learn about the rules, the betting options and payouts, as well as craps lingo. You’ll notice that the dealer’s have nicknames for everything and learning this lingo is a must if you want to be “in the game.”
When you are new to craps it is a good idea to stick to the even money bets. Betting on the Pass Line is one of the most surefire ways to win, as the house edge is one of the lowest in the casino at 1.41%. These craps odds are considerably better than other betting options. The Field bet s also a good beginner bet. As you play on the Pass line and Field bet, watch the players around you who look like they know what they are doing. See where they bet and whether or not they win and as you gain courage you can begin following in their footsteps.
By the same token, it is a good idea to stay away from Proposition bets, which are bets on the outcome of the very next roll. With a house edge of 13.9% it is highly unlikely that you will win on a Proposition. Rather, you will eat through your bankroll quickly. Stick to bets with lower edges and, while they have lower payouts, they will help you to steadily grow your bankroll and play for a long time.