Craps, a dynamic and exhilarating dice game, has captivated players in casinos around the world for generations. With its origins tracing back to ancient times, this game combines elements of chance and strategy, offering an engaging experience for both novice and seasoned gamblers alike.
For beginners, the myriad of rules and betting options may initially seem daunting; however, understanding the fundamental mechanics of the game can significantly enhance one’s enjoyment and potential for success. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the intricacies of craps, providing an overview of essential terminology, gameplay mechanics, and various betting craps strategies.
By familiarizing oneself with the core principles of craps, aspiring players can approach the table with confidence and a clearer understanding of how to play craps and navigate this vibrant gaming environment. Whether you seek to engage in casual play or aspire to develop a more strategic approach, this guide will serve as an invaluable resource in your journey to mastering the art of craps.
The Craps Table Layout
Understanding the craps table layout is essential for anyone looking to learn how to play craps, especially for beginners. The craps game revolves around the first roll of the dice, where players can make various bets in craps such as the pass line bet or the don’t pass wager.
The layout includes various areas where players can place bets, each accompanied by distinct rules and potential payouts. Whether engaging in online craps games or street craps, mastering the rules of craps will enhance the overall gaming experience.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line
Located at the front of the table, this is where players place bets that the shooter will win on the come-out roll or establish a point and then roll that point number again before rolling a 7.
Meanwhile, the Don’t Pass Line is positioned opposite the Pass Line. This is where players bet against the shooter; those who bet on this area win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, and lose if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a push.
Come and Don’t Come Box
These areas are used for bets placed after the come-out roll. The Come Bet functions similarly to the Pass Line bet but applies to rolls made after the point is established. In contrast, the Don’t Come box is the opposite of the Come Bet, where players bet against the shooter once the point is established.
The come bet (backed up with max odds) is mathematically the second best bet on the table, tied with the pass line and behind the dark side bets (don’t pass/don’t come).
Field
The Field is located below the Come Bets area. This serves as a large bet area for betting that a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 will appear on the next roll of the dice. Bets here, when won, are paid 1-to-1, except for a hit on 2 usually paying 2-to-1, and a hit on 12 usually paying 3-to-1. The payouts on 2 and 12 can vary from casino to casino.
The reason the Field bet area takes up so much table space at the ends of the table is that the casino wants you to have every opportunity to make this bet because it is a real money-maker for the casino.
Proposition Bets
Last but not the least, the Proposition Bets area is usually placed in the center of the table. These are bets on specific outcomes of the dice roll, like rolling a specific number or combination.
There are many words, marks, and symbols on a craps table, and once players have familiarized themselves with the different craps table rules, they’ll be able to navigate through the table easily.
Basic Craps Rules
As a craps player, one must be aware of the rules of craps associated with different craps bets. The basic craps rules dictate the flow of the game, and understanding these rules is crucial for anyone wishing to play craps online or at a physical casino. To learn how to play craps, one must first familiarize themselves with the basic craps game rules.
Come-Out Roll
The first roll of the dice, known as the “come-out roll,” determines the initial phase of the game. Players can place a pass line bet to win if they roll a 7 or 11, while a roll a 7 on subsequent rolls provides opportunities for further wagers. A successful pass line bet occurs when the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, resulting in a favorable payout.
If a different number is rolled, it establishes a point that the shooter must hit again before rolling a 7 to win, while Pass Line bets lose (or push in the case of 12).
Establishing a Point
Once a point is established, the shooter aims to roll that same number again before rolling a 7. If the shooter rolls the point number again, Pass Line bets win. If a 7 is rolled before the point, Pass Line bets lose.
In addition, players can place come bets on subsequent rolls, adapting their strategies based on the outcome of the roll.
Winning and Losing
Players win or lose based on the outcome of the dice rolls and their bets. The game continues with new come-out rolls and point attempts until a new shooter takes over. In most cases, these are the basic craps table rules.
Types of Bets in Craps
In the game of craps, players engage in various types of bets that can significantly influence their gaming experience. To learn how to play craps, it is essential to understand the basic craps rules and the different wagering options available. Here are types of bets in craps you will often encounter:
Pass Line Bet
The most basic craps bets is the Pass Line. A pass line bet is a bet that the shooter will win their point number. On the Come out roll, players place their bets on the Pass Line area of the table. If the shooter throws a 7 or 11 on the Come out, it is a win. If the shooter establishes a point, and then rolls the point again before a 7 is rolled, it is also a win. If the Come out roll is 2, 3, or 12—aka Craps—it is a loss.
After a point has been thrown, players may place up to double their original Pass Line bet on the odds that the shooter will throw the point number again before rolling a 7. This is called “buying odds.” Payouts for buying odds is as follows:
- If point value is 4 or 10, odds pay 2:1
- If point value is 5 or 9, odds pay 3:2
- If point value is 6 or 8, odds pay 6:5
The opposite of buying odds is “laying odds.” This is a bet that a 7 will be rolled before the point number is rolled. The payouts for laying odds are exactly the opposite of those for buying odds. For instance, the “don’t odds” pay for point values 4 or 10 is 1:2.
Conversely, a don’t pass bet allows players to bet against the shooter. This bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line Bet, and if players want to place their wagers here, they should do so on the Don’t Pass Line before the come-out roll. You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 and lose if a 7 or 11 is rolled. A roll of 12 is a push. If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
Most veteran craps players consider the Pass/Don’t Pass Line bets as the best bets in craps, though when utilizing these, players should have an understanding that in most cases, they will be playing the slow and steady tactic to eventually have a better chance of recouping their wagers.
Come Bet
Come bets can be made at any time during the game and are similar to Pass Line bets. A Come bet puts money on the odds that the shooter will throw the point number on the first roll after the Come bet is placed.
Don’t Come Bet
Opposite of the Come bet, a Don’t Come bet expects the shooter to roll a 7 before the point number. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, the Don’t Come bet wins. A 12 means a tie. Any other number is called a “Come Point.” Betters win if a 7 is rolled before the Come Point and lose if the Come Point is rolled before a 7.
Field Bet
Field bets are simple. You can place your chips on any of the word ‘field’ in the center of the table. You win if a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled. You lose on all the other numbers. These bets can be made at any time before the subsequent roll, and on many tables 2 and 12 pay you double your money. On other tables, 12 pays you triple the money you bet.
Proposition Bets
These bets are located in the center of the craps table. You choose one of these bets and hope they occur on the next roll. For example, if you choose Snake Eyes you’re betting that two one’s will be rolled on the very next roll.
There are a number of proposition bets that change depending on what casino you’re playing in and in what country. Some common bets include Snake Eyes (you win if the shooter rolls a 2), Any seven (you win if a 7 is rolled), and hi-lo (you win if the shooter rolls a 2 or a 12). Proposition bets have very low odds and are not considered a good bet for the player.
Place Bets
Making a Place bet signals that you are trying to establish your own ‘point’ in the middle of a roll. Basically this means that you’re choosing a number that you want to appear before a 7. The numbers you can choose are 4, 5, 6, 8 , 9, and 10. If one of these numbers is rolled before the person rolling rolls a 7, then you win. The best odds are on the 6 and the 8.
Buy and Lay Bets
A lay bet is a craps bet used at online casinos to get ‘true odds’ on a seven being rolled before a specific number being rolled. Generally, your lay bet will get placed after the point number is rolled. You can place a lay bet on the opening roll, but it’s ill advised.
The craps lay bet is considered a “dark side strategy.” Other players tend to make fun of you at actual tables and it’s even considered bad luck in some circles. You’re winning with other players and most other bets lose.
Best Craps Strategies
As you delve deeper into the game of craps, you may wish to explore more advanced tactics. For instance, utilizing come bets after establishing a point can optimize your payout potential. Similarly, placing bets in craps can be tailored to the outcome of the roll by anticipating the next roll based on prior results.
When participating in online craps, players can take advantage of various online casino promotions, which may enhance their overall gaming experience. Familiarizing oneself with different online craps games allows for a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of table craps compared to street craps.
The best bet for beginners has to be the ‘pass line’ bet, which should always be done before the come out roll. This bet offers the best odds for players, and hence, the best to minimize your risks – perfect for beginners.
Another point to cover with the pass line bet is to take the maximum odds available on the table/game/bet – as it will pay you on some bonus odds, and obviously, you will not be losing out on them. The best way to make sure you are doing it the right way is simply by asking the dealer if the bet is correct – he/she should let you know.
Regardless, we are back to the beginning, where you really need to know the game inside-out before heading to the table – it will give you an advantage of knowing the odds, bets, and rules, since, in such a fast-paced game with so many people betting at the same time, there is no guarantee the dealer or anyone else will take the time to explain things to you – unfortunately.
The last bets you could consider betting on too, especially since we want to keep the house edge as low as possible, would then be the ‘odds bet’ and the ‘come bet’ – however, the pass line bet is still the best overall, especially for beginners.
Advanced Craps Strategies
To effectively engage in the game of craps, it is essential for players to first learn how to play craps through a comprehensive beginner’s guide. Understanding the basic craps rules is crucial for both novice and seasoned players alike, as this knowledge underpins successful strategies.
In a traditional casino game, the pass line bet is one of the most fundamental wagers, allowing players to place their bets on the shooter rolling a 7 or 11 on the first roll of the dice.
However, advanced players may choose to explore additional options such as come bets or the don’t pass line, which can effectively alter the house edge in their favor. The outcome of the roll dictates the next course of action, whether that be placing more craps bets or adjusting current wagers.
For those interested in playing online, online craps games provide a convenient platform where players can play craps online while enjoying the thrill of a casino craps experience.
The Iron Cross
The Iron Cross strategy is a popular approach among both novice and experienced craps players. By making a combination of place bets on the numbers 5, 6, and 8, alongside a come bet, players can capitalize on multiple winning opportunities. When the first roll of the dice results in a 7 or 11, the excitement escalates, as these outcomes yield immediate payouts.
The biggest advantage of the Iron Cross is that it helps reduce the overall house edge since you will be betting on so many numbers. The house edge is reduced to around 1.14% for players, and when backing the 6 and 8, that rises to 1.52%. That’s quite a substantial difference.
However, it is best for players who employ this tactic to remember that a 7 is the most frequent outcome in Craps. There are so many combinations of 7 that it comes up more often than you might think.
The Iron Cross system’s biggest drawback is that it is meant to be used as a one-off bet. It doesn’t really lend itself to long betting sessions. This is why long-term Craps players will go for a progression system over a cover-the-table plan like the Iron Cross for better craps payouts.
The 3-Point Molly
For individuals seeking to learn how to play craps, the 3-Point Molly strategy is a prudent approach that can enhance one’s experience in the craps game. This strategy is particularly effective for beginner craps players, as it aligns well with the basic craps rules and maximizes the potential for favorable outcomes.
To begin, players should make a pass line bet on the initial roll of the dice, which allows the shooter to win if a 7 or 11 is rolled. Subsequently, the player places additional bets on the come bet after the point is established, further diversifying their wagers.
By adopting this method, a craps player can mitigate the house edge while enjoying the thrilling experience of throwing the dice in both table craps and online craps environments.
Understanding the intricacies of the rules of craps is essential for effectively implementing the 3-Point Molly strategy. As the shooter rolls the dice, players must remain attentive to the outcome of the roll to make timely decisions regarding their bets in a craps game. The strategy encourages players to place bets on various points, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing a favorable payout as the game progresses.
The Dark Side Strategy
The Dark Side Strategy in craps is a tactical approach designed for players seeking to minimize risk while engaging in this exhilarating game of chance. For those who are new to craps, it is crucial to understand that craps is a dice game played with two dice, where the objective is to predict the outcome of the roll.
This strategy involves placing bets on the craps table‘s “Don’t Pass” and “Don’t Come” sections, which offer even money payouts and can be advantageous for beginners learning how to play. By employing this method, players can often find themselves in a more favorable position, especially when they are playing craps at a casino or utilizing online craps options available at the best online casinos.
Hedging Bets
Hedging Bets entail placing additional wagers designed to offset potential losses on primary bets, thereby enhancing the player’s overall risk management. By strategically diversifying their bets, players aim to create a safety net that mitigates the inherent volatility of the game.
However, while hedging can provide a semblance of security, it also introduces complexity into the betting process, requiring a thorough understanding of odds and probabilities.
In this context, if a pair of dice is rolled and a roll a 4 is achieved, players may choose to hedge their bets by placing additional wagers on outcomes like landing on a 7. This tactic can be particularly advantageous once a point has been established, as it minimizes risk while maximizing potential returns.
With a low house edge of 1.41, craps is played strategically to enhance the likelihood of winning.
Final Thoughts
As you embark on your journey to play craps for beginners, remember that craps is one of the most exciting online casino games filled with excitement and opportunity. Whether you’re at a craps table in a bustling casino or exploring online craps options, this comprehensive guide has hopefully helped you understand how to play craps.
When you start playing craps, don’t hesitate to explore the craps table has two sides—each offering different betting strategies. Remember, your bets remain in play until the outcome is determined, so stay engaged and enjoy the thrill of the game. With a solid understanding of the guide to craps, you can confidently make your moves and develop your own strategies.
Finally, keep in mind that craps is played with a pair of dice, and every roll counts! Whether you’re playing in traditional casinos or playing craps online, the excitement is palpable. Remember, as the game unfolds, if a point has been established, it becomes your personal point to aim for—an exciting challenge that keeps you on your toes.
Embrace the journey and enjoy every moment of this thrilling casino experience!
