Explanation of Craps

In craps, players place bets on the outcome of a roll of the dice. The game is played on a large table with high sides to keep the dice from bouncing out. The table is divided into different sections for different types of bets.

The game begins with a come-out roll, where the shooter rolls the dice for the first time. Depending on the result of the come-out roll, the game may continue with the shooter trying to roll the same number again, or it may move on to a new shooter.

Importance of Knowing the Rules and Etiquette

Knowing the rules and etiquette of craps is crucial for anyone who wants to know how to win at craps. Like any casino game, craps has its own set of rules and terminology that can be confusing to new players. By understanding the rules, players can make informed decisions about their bets and have a better chance of winning.

Etiquette is also an important part of playing craps. It is a social game, and players are expected to follow certain rules of behavior at the table. This includes handling the dice properly, making bets in a timely manner, and tipping the dealer. By following these rules, players can ensure a positive experience for themselves and others at the table.

In the next sections, we will cover the basic rules of craps, how to set up a game of craps, and strategies and tips for successful gameplay.

Basic Rules of Craps

Craps may seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the basic rules, it's actually a simple game to play. In this section, we will cover the objective of the game and the different types of bets that can be made.

Objective of the Game

The objective of craps is to correctly predict the outcome of a roll of the dice. The shooter (the person rolling the dice) will roll the dice, and depending on the result, bets will either win or lose. The outcome of the dice roll also determines whether the game continues with the same shooter or moves on to the next one.

Pass and Don't Pass Bets

The most common bets in craps are Pass and Don't Pass bets. In a Pass bet, players are betting that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or that the shooter will roll the point number (more on that later) before rolling a 7. A Don't Pass bet is the opposite; players are betting that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, or that the shooter will roll a 7 before rolling the point number.

Come and Don't Come Bets

Come and Don't Come bets are similar to Pass and Don't Pass bets, but they are made after the come-out roll. In a Come bet, players are betting that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 after the come-out roll, or that the shooter will roll the point number before rolling a 7. In a Don't Come bet, players are betting that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, or 12 after the come-out roll, or that the shooter will roll a 7 before rolling the point number.

Odds Bets

Odds bets are additional bets that can be made on Pass, Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come bets. These bets have no house advantage and are paid out at true odds. Odds bets can be made in multiples of the original bet, and the maximum bet allowed depends on the point number.

Field Bets

Field bets are bets on the outcome of the next roll. Players can bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Field bets typically have a high house edge and are not recommended for long-term play.

Place Bets

Place bets are bets on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. These bets have a higher house edge than Pass and Come bets but offer higher payouts.

Proposition Bets

Proposition bets are bets on specific outcomes, such as the next roll being a certain total or a specific combination of numbers. These bets have a high house edge and are generally not recommended for long-term play.

Payout of craps bets

• Pass Line Bet: Pays 1:1

• Don't Pass Line Bet: Pays 1:1

• Come Bet: Pays 1:1

• Don't Come Bet: Pays 1:1

• Place Bets on 4 or 10: Pays 9:5

• Place Bets on 5 or 9: Pays 7:5

• Place Bets on 6 or 8: Pays 7:6

• Buy Bets on 4 or 10: Pays 2:1 (minus 5% commission)

• Buy Bets on 5 or 9: Pays 3:2 (minus 5% commission)

• Buy Bets on 6 or 8: Pays 6:5 (minus 5% commission)

• Lay Bets on 4 or 10: Pays 1:2 (minus 5% commission)

• Lay Bets on 5 or 9: Pays 2:3 (minus 5% commission)

• Lay Bets on 6 or 8: Pays 5:6 (minus 5% commission)

• Field Bet: Pays 1:1 for 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11 and 2:1 for 2 or 12

• Any 7 Bet: Pays 4:1

• Any Craps Bet: Pays 7:1

• Hardways Bets on 4 or 10: Pays 7:1

• Hardways Bets on 6 or 8: Pays 9:1

• Horn Bet: Pays 3:1 for 3 or 11 and 7:1 for 2 or 12

Setting up a Game of Craps and Betting Positions

Now that we have covered the basic rules of craps, let's talk about how to set up a game and the different betting positions at the table. These are really crucial information about how to play craps.

Setting up a Game

Craps are typically played on a large table with high edges to keep the dice from rolling off. The table is staffed by several casino employees, including the boxman, the stickman, and the dealers.

To start a game of craps, the shooter (the person rolling the dice) places a bet on either the Pass line or the Don't Pass line. Other players at the table can also place bets on the Pass or Don't Pass lines, as well as on other types of bets (which we covered in the previous section).

Once all bets have been placed, the shooter rolls the dice (the come-out roll). If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, all Pass bets win, and all Don't Pass bets lose. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, all Don't Pass bets win, and all Pass bets lose. If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), this number becomes the point number, and the game continues with the same shooter.

The shooter continues to roll the dice until either the point number is rolled again (in which case Pass bets win and Don't Pass bets lose), or a 7 is rolled (in which case Don't Pass bets win and Pass bets lose). Once the game has ended, the next player becomes the shooter, and a new game begins.

Betting Positions

There are several betting positions at the craps table, each with its own set of rules and payouts. Here is a brief overview of the most common craps betting positions:

Pass Line:

This is the most common betting position. Players place their bets on the Pass line before the come-out roll, and win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, or if the point number is rolled before a 7. Pass Line bets pay even money.

Don't Pass Line:

Players place their bets on the Don't Pass line before the come-out roll, and win if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, or if a 7 is rolled before the point number. Don't Pass Line bets pay out slightly less than even money.

Come:

Players can place Come bets at any point after the come-out roll. Come bets work like Pass Line bets, but are placed after the game has begun.

Don't Come:

Don't Come bets work like Don't Pass Line bets, but are placed after the game has begun.

Field:

Players can place Field bets on the next roll being a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Field bets typically pay out even money for a 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11, and double money for a 2 or 12.

Place:

"Place bet" bets are bets on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. Place bets have varying payouts depending on the number, with higher payouts for less likely outcomes.

Proposition:

Proposition bets are bets on specific outcomes, such as the next roll being a certain total or a specific combination of numbers. Proposition bets have high house edges and should generally be avoided.

Playing the Game of Craps

Now that we have discussed the basic rules and tips on how to play craps, let's take a closer look at how the game is played.

The Come-Out Roll

The game begins with a come-out roll, which is the first one roll bet of the dice in a betting round. The shooter must place a bet on either the Pass or Don't Pass line. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, the Pass line bet wins, and the Don't Pass line bet loses. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the Pass line bet loses, and the Don't Pass line bet wins. If the shooter rolls any other number, that number becomes the point.

The Point

Once a point is established, the shooter must roll that same number again before rolling a 7 in order to win the Pass line bet. If the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point, the Pass line bet loses, and the Don't Pass line bet wins.

The Shooter's Options

The shooter has the option to place additional bets on the table, including Come and Don't Come bets, Odds bets, Field bets, and Place bets. These bets are resolved in the same manner as the Pass and Don't Pass bets, depending on whether the shooter rolls the point or a 7.

Resolving Bets

When a betting round is over, the dealer will collect the losing bets and pay out the winning bets. The dice are then passed to the next shooter, and a new round begins.

Dealing with Winning and Losing Bets

If you have placed a winning bet, the dealer will pay out your winnings based on the odds of the bet. If you have placed a losing bet, the dealer will collect your chips and the game will continue. It is important to remember to collect your winnings and chips before the next round begins.

Overall, craps is a fast-paced and exciting game that requires a combination of luck and strategy. By following the basic rules and tips, and understanding the various betting options and outcomes, you can enjoy a thrilling experience at the craps table.

Craps Etiquette

Like any casino game, craps has its own set of rules and etiquette that players are expected to follow. Understanding and adhering to these guidelines can make the craps game more enjoyable for everyone at the table.

Handling the Dice

One of the most important rules in craps etiquette is to handle the dice properly. When it is your turn to shoot, you will be given a pair of dice to roll. It is important to handle the dice with one hand only, and to roll them so that they hit the back wall of the table. If the dice do not hit the back wall, the roll may be declared invalid, and the dice will be handed to the next shooter.

Making Bets

When making bets in craps, it is important to place your chips on the table in a clear and organized manner. Do not toss your chips onto the table, as this can cause confusion and slow down the game. Also, be aware of the minimum and maximum bets at the table, and make sure to follow these guidelines when placing your bets.

Tipping the Dealer

Tipping the dealer is not required in craps, but it is considered to be good etiquette. If you are having a good run and are winning money, it is customary to tip the dealer. A typical tip is a small amount of money, such as $1 or $2, placed on the table next to your bet. This gesture shows appreciation for the dealer's hard work and can help to create a positive atmosphere at the table.

Proper Behavior at the Table

In addition to handling the dice and making bets properly, it is important to behave appropriately at the craps table. This means refraining from using offensive language or making inappropriate comments. It also means being patient and respectful to other players, and not disrupting the game by engaging in other activities such as using your phone or eating at the table.

Overall, following proper craps etiquette can make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved. By handling the dice properly, making bets in an organized manner, tipping the dealer when appropriate, and behaving respectfully at the table, you can ensure craps game a positive experience for yourself and those around you.

Strategies and Tips for Playing Craps for Beginners

While craps is a game of chance, there are certain strategies and tips that can help improve your odds of winning. By understanding bankroll management, betting strategies, odds and house edge, and streaks and patterns at craps tables, you can make informed decisions and potentially increase your chances of success at the craps table.

Bankroll Management

One of the most important aspects of playing craps is bankroll management. This involves setting a budget for how much money you are willing to risk and sticking to it. It is recommended to set aside a certain amount of money specifically for gambling, and not to exceed this amount, even if you are on a winning streak. Additionally, it is important to only bet what you can afford to lose, and not to chase your losses by making larger bets.

Betting Strategies

There are several betting strategies that can be employed in craps, depending on your personal preference and risk tolerance. One common strategy is the Martingale system, which involves doubling your bet after each loss in order to recoup your losses and make a profit. However, this strategy can be risky and is not recommended for players with a limited bankroll. Another strategy is the Pass Line and Come bets, which have a low house edge and can provide consistent small wins over time.

Play Craps Online

Another strategy play craps online for practice. Online casinos offer many advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, including the ability to play from the comfort of your own home and the ability to take advantage of welcome bonuses and other promotions. Additionally, online craps games often have lower minimum bets and better odds than physical casinos. However, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable online casino with fair games and secure transactions.

Odds and House Edge

Understanding the odds and house edge in craps is crucial to making informed betting decisions. The Pass Line bet has a house edge of 1.41%, while the Don't Pass bet has a house edge of 1.36%. Additionally, taking odds on your bets can decrease the house edge even further, with a 1x odds bet having no house advantage at all. It is important to note, however, that odds bets require an initial Pass Line or Don't Pass Line bet to be placed.

Streaks and Patterns

While craps is a game of chance, many players believe in streaks and patterns and adjust their betting accordingly. However, it is important to remember that each roll of the dice is independent and not affected by previous rolls. This means that past streaks or patterns do not guarantee future outcomes. It is recommended to focus on sound betting strategies and bankroll management rather than trying to predict streaks or patterns.

Overall, by practicing good bankroll management, utilizing sound betting strategies, understanding the odds and house edge, and avoiding the belief in streaks and patterns, players can increase their chances of success at the craps table.