Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to play craps, a thrilling and fast-paced dice game enjoyed in casinos worldwide. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced player seeking to brush up on your skills, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to understand the rules, develop strategies, and make informed bets.
How to Play Craps?
Craps is a game that revolves around a shooter throwing a pair of dice, and as a player, you’ll have various betting options based on the outcome of the dice roll. From understanding the basic rules, such as the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets, to exploring advanced strategies, such as the Free Odds and Place bets, we’ve got you covered.
Our guide will delve into essential topics, including craps rules, table layout, betting options, and strategies. We’ll also provide you with valuable tips and insights to enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of winning.
So, whether you’re visiting a physical casino or trying your luck online, join us on this exciting journey as we break down the intricacies of craps and equip you with the knowledge you need to master this captivating game.
Craps Rules
In the exciting game of craps, one player known as the “shooter” takes charge of throwing the dice on the craps table. Before the shooter begins their roll, all players have the opportunity to place their bets. The first roll, known as the come out roll, is crucial as it determines the initial outcome of the game.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line Bets:
One of the most popular bets in craps is the Pass Line bet. It is an even money bet where players win if a 7 or 11 is rolled. On the other hand, players lose if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. The Don’t Pass Line bet is the opposite of the Pass Line bet, where players win if a 2 or 3 is rolled, and lose if a 7 or 11 is rolled.
Come Bets and Don’t Come Bets:
After the come out roll, players can make additional bets called Come bets. Similar to the Pass Line bet, players win on a Come bet if a 7 or 11 is rolled, and lose if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. Don’t Come bets work in reverse; players win if a 2 or 3 is rolled, and lose if a 7 or 11 is rolled.
Example Scenario:
Let’s imagine a scenario where the shooter rolls the dice for the come out roll. If the roll results in a 7 or 11, all Pass Line and Come bets win. However, if the roll results in a 2, 3, or 12, all Pass Line and Come bets lose. For the Don’t Pass Line and Don’t Come bets, the outcomes are reversed. A roll of 2 or 3 would result in a win for these bets, while a roll of 7 or 11 would result in a loss.
Understanding these basic craps rules is essential when stepping into the thrilling world of craps. By familiarizing yourself with the different bets and their respective outcomes, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the game and make informed wagering decisions.
Craps Table Layout
The craps table layout is designed to accommodate a variety of bets, providing players with multiple options to choose from. Let’s explore the different sections of the craps table:
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bar
The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bar are located in the low corners of the table. Players can place their bets on these options, depending on their preferred strategy. The Pass Line bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, while the Don’t Pass bet wins with a 2 or 3. The Don’t Pass Bar is the opposite of the Pass Line, where players bet against the shooter.
Big 6 and Big 8
Popular among players, the Big 6 and Big 8 bets can be found near the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bar. These bets win if the shooter rolls a 6 or 8 before rolling a 7. These bets offer even money payouts and are frequently placed by players.
Field
The Field section, located in the middle of the craps table, allows players to bet on specific numbers. This area includes the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Players win if any of these numbers are rolled on the next roll of the dice.
Come and Don’t Come
Located in the upper corners of the table are the Come and Don’t Come sections, providing players with additional betting options. The Come bet is placed after the come-out roll, while the Don’t Come bet is the opposite. These bets have their own set of rules and conditions for winning or losing.
Place Bets
Near the boxman, players can make Place bets on specific numbers. These bets are based on the belief that a particular number will be rolled before a 7. Place bets offer different payouts depending on the number chosen and the number of rolls before a 7 appears.
Center Section
The Center section of the craps table is where players can place proposition bets. These bets are more specific, involving certain combinations of numbers or outcomes. Proposition bets have higher payouts but also higher house edges.
Understanding the layout of the craps table is essential for players to make informed betting decisions and navigate the game with confidence.
Craps Betting
When it comes to playing craps, understanding the different types of bets is essential for making informed decisions and maximizing your chances of winning. Craps offers a variety of betting options, each with its own rules and payouts. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common bets:
Pass Bet
The Pass bet is one of the most popular bets in craps. It is placed before the come out roll and wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the Pass bet loses. Once a point is established, the Pass bet will win if the shooter rolls the point number before rolling a 7.
Don’t Pass Bet
The Don’t Pass bet is the opposite of the Pass bet. It wins if the come out roll results in a 2 or 3, and loses if a 7 or 11 is rolled. If a 12 is rolled, the bet pushes or ties. Once a point is established, the Don’t Pass bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
Come Bet
A Come bet is similar to the Pass bet, but it is placed after the point has been established. It wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. If any other number is rolled, it becomes the Come bet’s point, and it will win if that point is rolled before a 7.
Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Come bet is the opposite of the Come bet. It wins if a 2 or 3 is rolled after the point has been established, and loses if a 7 or 11 is rolled. If a 12 is rolled, the bet pushes. Once a point is established, the Don’t Come bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
Free Odds Bet
The Free Odds bet is an additional bet that can be placed alongside the Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bets. This bet has no house edge and pays true odds based on the probability of the point being rolled. It can be a great way to maximize your winnings when you have a favourable outcome.
Lay Odds Bet
The Lay Odds bet is the opposite of the Free Odds bet. It is placed against the shooter’s point and wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number. This bet also pays true odds and can be a strategic choice when you believe a 7 is more likely to be rolled before the point.
Place Bets
Place bets allow you to bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. Each number has its own payout and odds of winning. These bets can be made at any time during the game and are independent of the point.
Buy Bets
Buy bets are similar to Place bets but offer better payouts. They can be made on the same numbers as Place bets and win if the number is rolled before a 7. However, a 5% commission is charged on the bet amount upfront to enjoy the improved odds.
By understanding and utilizing these different types of craps bets, you can develop a betting strategy that suits your style of play and increases your chances of success at the craps table. Remember to manage your bankroll wisely and enjoy the excitement that craps has to offer!
Craps Strategy
Developing a solid craps strategy can improve a player’s chances of winning. Strategies often involve making calculated bets based on the probability of certain outcomes. By understanding the different types of bets, players can tailor their strategy to their preferred style of play.
Pass Bet
The Pass bet is one of the most popular craps bets. It wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, and loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. Once the point is established, the Pass bet wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Pass Bet
The Don’t Pass bet is the opposite of the Pass bet. It wins if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, loses if a 7 or 11 is rolled, and pushes if a 12 is rolled. Once the point is established, the Don’t Pass bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.
Come Bet
The Come bet is similar to the Pass bet, but it can be placed after the point has been established. It wins if a 7 or 11 is rolled on the next roll, and loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. Once the Come bet is placed, it moves to the corresponding number on the layout and wins if that number is rolled before a 7.
Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Come bet is the opposite of the Come bet. It wins if a 2 or 3 is rolled on the next roll, loses if a 7 or 11 is rolled, and pushes if a 12 is rolled. Once the Don’t Come bet is placed, it moves to the corresponding number on the layout and wins if a 7 is rolled before that number.
Free Odds Bet
The Free Odds bet is an additional bet that can be made after the point is established. It is placed behind the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Bar, Come, or Don’t Come bet. The Free Odds bet has no house edge and can be used to maximize potential winnings.
Lay Odds Bet
The Lay Odds bet is the opposite of the Free Odds bet. It is placed behind the Don’t Pass Line, Pass Bar, Don’t Come, or Come bet. The Lay Odds bet is a bet against the shooter and can be used to hedge other bets.
Place Bets
Place bets can be made on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) at any time during the game. These bets win if the chosen number is rolled before a 7 and lose if a 7 is rolled before the number.
Buy Bets
Buy bets are similar to Place bets, but with a 5% commission. They can be made on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and win if the chosen number is rolled before a 7. Buy bets have better odds than Place bets, but the commission reduces the overall payout.
Players can develop their own unique craps strategy by combining different types of bets, managing their bankroll, and adjusting their betting amounts based on the current game situation.
| Bet Type | Payout |
|---|---|
| Pass Bet | 1:1 |
| Don’t Pass Bet | 1:1 |
| Come Bet | 1:1 |
| Don’t Come Bet | 1:1 |
| Free Odds Bet | Varies |
| Lay Odds Bet | Varies |
| Place Bets | Varies |
| Buy Bets | Varies (-5% commission) |
Craps Etiquette
When playing craps in a casino, it is essential to follow proper etiquette to ensure a positive and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone at the table. Adhering to the following guidelines will help maintain a respectful and welcoming atmosphere:
- Be respectful to the dealer and other players: Treat the dealer and fellow players with courtesy and respect. Avoid any rude or offensive behavior, including derogatory language or gestures.
- Avoid interfering with the dice or other players’ bets: Refrain from touching the dice once they are in play or placing bets that obstruct other players’ wagers. Allow each player their space and avoid any actions that could disrupt the game.
- Use proper hand gestures when placing bets: When making bets on the craps table, use clear and concise hand signals to indicate your intentions. This helps the dealer and other players understand your bets accurately and prevents any confusion.
- Maintain an appropriate level of excitement and celebration: While it’s natural to feel excited and celebrate winning moments, it’s important to consider other players. Avoid excessive cheering or loud outbursts that may distract or disturb others at the table.
By following these guidelines for craps etiquette, you contribute to a smooth and enjoyable gaming environment where everyone can have fun and focus on the game.
Types of Craps Etiquette
| Etiquette Guidelines | Description |
|---|---|
| Be respectful to others | Treat the dealer and fellow players with respect and avoid offensive behavior. |
| Avoid interfering with the game | Do not touch the dice or obstruct other players’ bets. |
| Use proper hand gestures | Use clear and concise hand signals to indicate your bets. |
| Maintain appropriate excitement | Avoid excessive noise or outbursts that may disturb others. |
Conclusion
Craps is an exciting casino game that offers a wide range of betting options and strategies. By understanding the rules, table layout, and various betting strategies, players can improve their chances of winning and have an enjoyable experience. Proper etiquette is important in creating a positive gaming atmosphere.
Whether playing in a physical casino or online, learning how to play craps can provide hours of entertainment and the opportunity to win big. The game’s fast-paced nature and the adrenaline rush it offers make it a favorite among gamblers worldwide. With its simple yet strategic gameplay, craps is a game that appeals to both beginners and experienced players.
In summary, craps is a game that combines luck and skill. While the outcome of the dice roll is unpredictable, players can make informed betting decisions based on the rules and strategies. By adhering to proper etiquette, players can enhance their gaming experience and contribute to a positive atmosphere at the craps table. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, craps promises excitement, entertainment, and the potential for big winnings.
