Craps is essentially a game of dice in which players make bets on the outcome of a rolled pair of dice. Players may bet against each other in a competition, or they may play against a “bank,” or a larger gambling body like a casino. The beauty of the game is in its simplicity, especially for street craps. However, at an online or landbased casino a game of craps is usually played at a table marked specifically for the game’s rules and wagers. This makes table craps at casinos a bit more complicated, but as long as a player can map out the layout of the table and its markings, they will be able to follow the flow of the game and make strategies accordingly. Read ahead to learn the basics of how to play craps, as well as learn some rules, tips, and strategies to help the odds roll in your favor.
How to play craps
Craps is among the only casino games where a player is in charge of the action that happens by their own hand. This may or may not work out for you. There are various combinations that a player can bet on when it comes to the outcome of the dice. However, the game at its core is focused on the pass line bet. To play craps, place your chips on the pass line on the craps layout; some bets require the dealer to be the one to move your chips for you. Each area of the layout marks a different value and type of bet. If you have chips on the pass line, then you are placing a multi-roll wager. If your chips are in a box with dice showing images of 6 and 5, then you are making a one roll bet on 11. In online craps, you can simply click the box within the layout to move your chips instead of manually sliding them across the table. You may bet on one of the following: pass, don’t pass, come, don’t come and the field. To place your bet, all you have to do is place the chips in the respective box in the layout.
The pass line starts with a comeout roll. Pass bets often require more than one roll to decide an outcome. If the shooter hits 7 or 11, then the player’s pass bet wins. If it comes out 2, 3 or 12, then the pass bet loses. If the shooter rolls 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, then they must roll that number again before rolling a 7 in order to win. A come bet follows the same bet as pass, except that it is only made when there is a point for the bettors. The don’t pass and don’t come bets are basically the opposites of pass and come, meaning that you win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, and lose if the outcome is 7 or 11. If it’s a 12, you can take your money back. You can also use free odds, which means that there is no commission and house edge is at 0%.
Rules
The most basic rules of craps are that players win if rolls are 7 or 11 and lose if it is 2, 3 or 12. All other numbers are points in the player or bettor’s favor. Craps may look complicated, especially given all the different numbers, symbols, and boxes within the craps layout, but the layout itself may be used as a guide to remembering the rules and formulating strategies. The rules are pretty straightforward and mostly refer to the flow of the game as described above.
Craps tips and strategies
Much of craps has to do with luck, as ideally the chances of the dice rolls are evenly distributed. The best strategy when it comes to playing craps is not learning how to improve your odds, as that may be an impossible feat. Rather, it is learning how to manage and distribute your bets in response to what happens in a game dynamically. That’s why it’s important to set betting limits for yourself before a game, and ensure that you stick to those limits as the game progresses.
Another thing you can do to manange your craps bets is to stick to bets that have a low house edge. Go for the basic four bets; pass, come, don’t pass, don’t come, which range usually a 1.41% house edge. The odds bet has a 0% house edge, but can only be made after any of the previous four bets manages to land on a number. Place bets usually do not have odds as good as the previous bets, but if you’re going to make one, experts say to play the 6 and/or 8.
Why play craps at an online casino
Everything is much more efficient and accessible at an online casino. You can play craps anytime from anywhere in the world, even the comfot of your own home. You also don’t have to wait for other players or dealers, as the automated game can instantly move the game along for you as you place your bets. Another great thing about playing craps at an online casino is that many online casinos offer bonuses specifically for players of craps. This means that you can increase whatever winnings you get from the game and make your playing experience more fun and lucrative.
