Let’s dive into the dynamic world of craps, a classic casino game that, while initially appearing complex, is quite accessible and enjoyable once you grasp the basics. As a game of chance, craps provides plenty of excitement, and by following a few key guidelines, you can substantially increase your potential for success.
At its core, craps revolves around betting on the outcome of two dice. The game begins with the “come-out roll,” where the player, known as the shooter, rolls the dice. If you’re the shooter and roll a 7 or 11, congratulations, you’ve won instantly. However, a 2, 3, or 12 is known as “craps,” meaning you’ve lost. Any other number becomes your “point,” which you’ll aim to roll again before a 7 to win.
Now, onto betting strategies. A simple place to start is the ‘Pass Line’ bet, where you’re wagering that the shooter will win. If you’re feeling the opposite, you could go for the ‘Don’t Pass’ bet. These bets are the cornerstone of craps and are placed before the come-out roll.
There are other bets too, like ‘Come’ and ‘Don’t Come’ bets, which are similar to the Pass Line bets but are made after the point is established. Then you have ‘Odds’ bets, which are additional bets made after a point has been established. They are among the best bets in the casino because they’re entirely fair, meaning the house has no edge.
Lets Summaries All The Bets
- Pass Line Bet: This is placed before the come-out roll and wins if a 7 or 11 is rolled. It loses if a 2, 3, or 12 (craps) is rolled.
- Don’t Pass Bet: This bet is the opposite of the Pass Line Bet. It wins if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, pushes (no one wins or loses) if a 12 is rolled, and loses if a 7 or 11 is rolled.
- Come Bet: Similar to a Pass Line Bet but placed after a point has been established. It wins if the next roll is a 7 or 11 and loses if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number becomes the come point, and you’ll win the bet if this number is rolled before a 7.
- Don’t Come Bet: The opposite of the Come Bet. You’re betting that the shooter will not make their point.
- Odds Bet: This is an additional bet placed on the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bets after a point has been established. It pays out at true odds and has no house edge.
- Place Bets: You can place a bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10). If that number is rolled before a 7, you win.
- Field Bet: A bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
- Proposition Bets: These are one-roll bets that win if a specific outcome happens on the next roll. These include bets like any craps, any seven, and eleven.
- Hard Ways: A bet that a particular pair will be rolled before a 7 or before that number can be rolled in any other combination.
Remember that each of these bets has its own set of odds and payouts, so it’s crucial to understand them before placing your bet.
While the assortment of betting options in craps can be overwhelming, you don’t need to learn all of them as a beginner. Stick to the basic bets initially and gradually learn the more complex ones as you become more comfortable with the game.
Practice makes perfect. Most online casinos offer free versions of their games where you can play without wagering real money. This is an excellent opportunity for you to familiarise yourself with the rules and strategies of craps before diving into real-money games. Always remember to play responsibly. Set a budget, stick to it, and never chase your losses. Craps is a game of chance, and while strategy plays a role, it’s crucial to remember that the outcome largely depends on luck.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bets
As mentioned, these are your primary bets. A Pass Line bet is placed before the come-out roll and wins if you, as the shooter, roll a 7 or 11, and loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, it becomes the point, and you must roll it again before rolling a 7 to win. Conversely, the Don’t Pass bet is almost the exact opposite, where you’re betting against the shooter. This bet wins if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, pushes (no one wins or loses) if a 12 is rolled, and loses if a 7 or 11 is rolled.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
These bets are similar to Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets, but they are placed after a point is established. A Come bet wins if the next roll is a 7 or 11 and loses if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number becomes the come point, and you’ll win the bet if this number is rolled before a 7. A Don’t Come bet, just like a Don’t Pass bet, is betting against the shooter.
Odds Bets
These are additional bets you can place behind your Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bets after a point has been established. These are the only bets in the casino that pay out at true odds, meaning there is no house edge. However, they can be a bit confusing for beginners, so it’s best to get comfortable with the game before adding these to your betting repertoire.
Proposition Bets
These are one-roll bets placed on any roll and have a significant house edge. They include bets on specific outcomes such as any craps (betting that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12), any seven (betting that the next roll will be a 7), and eleven (betting that the next roll will be an 11), among others. While these bets can offer large payouts, their high house edge makes them risky.
While understanding the game, remember to focus on the basic bets first. As your confidence and understanding grow, start experimenting with the more complex bets. Craps is a fun and exciting game with plenty of betting options, and knowing the different bet types will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the game. Additionally, always keep in mind that responsible gaming is key. Setting a budget and sticking to it will ensure that your craps experience remains enjoyable.
Now armed with these guidelines and strategies, you’re ready to dive into the thrilling world of craps. Good luck!