Craps: Rules and Strategies

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Craps is a popular and exciting dice game often seen in both land-based and online casinos. Known for its vibrant and social atmosphere, craps can seem intimidating to new players due to its many betting options and unique terminology. This guide will help you understand the basic rules of craps and introduce some effective strategies to enhance your gameplay.

Basic Rules of Craps

The craps table may look complex at first glance, but it is essentially divided into areas where players can place different types of bets. Key areas include the Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, Come, Don't Come, and various proposition bets.

Craps is played with two six-sided dice. The game begins with a "come-out" roll, which is the first roll of the dice in a new betting round. The player rolling the dice is known as the "shooter."

The game starts with the shooter making a come-out roll. Players can bet on the Pass Line or the Don't Pass Line before this roll.

  • Pass Line Bet: If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win. If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose (this is called "crapping out").
  • Don't Pass Line Bet: If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, Don't Pass bets win. If the roll is a 7 or 11, Don't Pass bets lose. A roll of 12 results in a push (neither win nor lose).

  • If the come-out roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the "point." The objective now is for the shooter to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. This is known as "making the point."
  • Players can place additional bets once the point is established.

The shooter continues to roll the dice until they roll the point number (resulting in Pass Line bets winning) or a 7 (resulting in Pass Line bets losing). This ends the round, and a new come-out roll begins with a new shooter.

Common Bets in Craps

A bet that wins if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11 and loses if it is a 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, the bet wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.

A bet that wins if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3 and loses if it is a 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a push. If a point is established, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.

Similar to the Pass Line bet but can be made any time after the come-out roll. It wins if the next roll is a 7 or 11 and loses if it is a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the "come point," and the bet wins if the come point is rolled again before a 7.

Similar to the Don't Pass Line bet but can be made any time after the come-out roll. It wins if the next roll is a 2 or 3 and loses if it is a 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a push. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the "don't come point," and the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the don't come point.

Bets placed on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) that win if that number is rolled before a 7. Different place bets have different payout odds.

One-roll bets on specific outcomes (like rolling a 2 or 12) that offer high payouts but have a high house edge.

Basic Strategies for Craps

Start with a Pass Line bet and, once a point is established, take the odds bet. The odds bet is one of the best bets in the casino because it has no house edge. This combination lowers the overall house edge to around 1.41%.

Similar to the Pass Line strategy, place Come bets with odds. This strategy spreads your action across multiple numbers, increasing your chances of winning on any given roll.

For a lower house edge, consider the Don't Pass and Don't Come bets. These bets have a slightly lower house edge than the Pass Line and Come bets, making them favorable in the long run. The house edge on Don't Pass and Don't Come bets is around 1.36%.

Place bets on the 6 and 8, which have a lower house edge compared to other place bets. The house edge on these bets is around 1.52%.

Proposition bets, although tempting with their high payouts, have a significantly higher house edge. It's best to avoid these bets to maintain a better chance of winning over time.

Tips for Playing Craps

If you're new to craps, try practicing online for free before playing with real money. This will help you get comfortable with the rules and betting options without risking your funds.

Set a budget for your craps session and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and remember that craps, like all casino games, should be played for entertainment.

Understanding the odds and payouts for each type of bet can help you make more informed decisions and choose bets that offer better value.

Craps can be fast-paced and exciting, but it's important to stay calm and make rational betting decisions. Enjoy the social aspect of the game and the camaraderie with other players.

Tip: Stick to the Basics

Focus on simple bets like the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come bets, especially when you’re starting out. These bets have the lowest house edge and can help you stay in the game longer while you learn more about craps.

Conclusion

Craps is a thrilling game that offers a variety of betting options and strategies. By understanding the basic rules and employing smart betting strategies, you can enhance your chances of winning and make the most of your craps experience. Remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the excitement that craps brings to the casino floor.