Craps Game: The Ultimate Guide

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Craps is an exciting dice game that has been enjoyed by players around the world for centuries. It offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, making it a favorite among casino enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about the game of craps.

Key Takeaway

Craps is a dice game played in casinos where players bet on the outcome of the roll or series of rolls. The objective is to correctly predict the combination of numbers that will appear on the dice.

Facts About Craps Game

Before diving into the rules and strategies, let’s first explore some interesting facts about the craps game:

• Origins: Craps can be traced back to ancient times, with some theories suggesting it was derived from an Arabic game called “al-zahr” or the French game “hazard.”
• Popularity: Craps is particularly popular in American casinos, where you’ll often find lively crowds gathering around the craps table.
• Superstitions: Like many casino games, craps is ridden with superstitions. Players have various beliefs when it comes to specific numbers or rituals that are said to bring luck.
• Fast-paced: The game of craps can be quite fast-paced, with multiple bets being placed simultaneously and dice rolls happening quickly.
• House Edge: The house edge in craps varies depending on the bets you make. Understanding the odds is key to maximizing your success in the game.

Craps Game: Rules and Strategies

To understand how to play craps, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic rules and strategies involved:

1. Pass Line Bet

The pass line bet is one of the most common bets in craps. Players place their bets before the come-out roll, and if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, they win. However, if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, they lose. Any other number established becomes the “point,” and the objective is to roll that number again before rolling a 7.

2. Don’t Pass Bet

The don’t pass bet is essentially the opposite of the pass line bet. Players who make this bet are betting against the shooter. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, they win. If it’s a 7 or 11, they lose. Rolling a 12 results in a push, and any other number becomes the “point” for the player, who then tries to roll a 7 before hitting that number again.

3. Come and Don’t Come Bets

Similar to the pass line and don’t pass bets, the come and don’t come bets are made after the point is established. These bets allow players to join the action mid-game and have the same rules as their pass line and don’t pass counterparts.

4. Odds Bet

The odds bet is an additional bet made alongside the pass line, don’t pass, come, or don’t come bets. It has no house edge and can be a great way to maximize your winnings if the initial bet is successful.

5. Place Bets

Place bets are made on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and can be made at any time during the game. The player wins if their chosen number is rolled before a 7.

Types of Bets in Craps

Craps offers a variety of betting options. Here are some popular types of bets:

1. Big 6 and Big 8

These bets are placed on the 6 or 8 being rolled before a 7. However, they offer a lower payout than other bets and are generally considered less favorable.

2. Field Bet

The field bet is a one-roll bet that can be placed on any roll. It wins if a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled. However, the payout varies depending on the number rolled.

3. Hardway Bets

Hardway bets are made on pairs of numbers (e.g., 4-4, 3-3) before a 7 is rolled or a “soft” version of the number is rolled. These bets have higher payouts but are considered riskier.

4. Any Seven

Placing a bet on “any seven” means you’re betting that the next roll will be a 7. It has a high house edge and is generally not recommended for regular players.

Craps Etiquette

When playing craps, it’s essential to observe proper etiquette to ensure a pleasant gaming experience for everyone involved:

1. Know the Lingo

There are specific terms and phrases unique to craps. Familiarize yourself with the jargon to better understand the game and communicate effectively with the dealers and other players.

2. Handle the Dice Properly

When the dice are passed to you as the shooter, ensure you hold and throw them properly to avoid any accusations of tampering or improper dice control.

3. Place Bets Strategically

Be respectful of other players and place your bets quickly and efficiently, avoiding excessive delays between rolls.

4. Respect the Dealers

Craps dealers play an important role in the game. Be courteous, tip appropriately, and avoid directing frustration or blame towards them if your bets don’t go as planned.

Craps Game Variations

While the standard rules of craps apply in most casinos, variations may exist in different regions or online platforms. Some popular craps game variations include:

1. Bank Craps

The most traditional form of craps played in casinos, often referred to as “Las Vegas-style” craps.

2. New York Craps

In this version, the rules are slightly different, usually played on a double-ended table.

3. High Point Craps

High Point Craps is another variation where the come-out rolls of 2 or 3 are ignored, and the dice continue to be rolled until a point or a 7 is hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it possible to consistently win at craps?

A: While craps is a game of chance, employing smart strategies and understanding the odds can improve your chances of winning in the long run.

Q: Can I play craps online?

A: Yes, many online casinos offer virtual craps games that can be played from the comfort of your own home.

Q: Should I avoid certain bets in craps?

A: Some bets, such as “any seven,” have high house edges and should generally be avoided if you’re looking to maximize your odds of winning.

Q: Is craps a difficult game to learn?

A: While craps may seem complex at first, taking the time to understand the basic rules and strategies can make it an enjoyable game to play.

Q: Can I play craps for free?

A: Many online casinos offer the option to play craps in demo or practice mode, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the game before wagering real money.

Now armed with the knowledge of how to play craps and its various betting options, you can confidently step into a casino or join an online craps table and experience the exhilaration of this classic dice game.