If you’ve ever walked into a casino, you no doubt noticed the high-energy craps tables.
This popular dice game is often associated with luxury and thrill, but its rules can seem intimidating to the uninitiated. But don’t worry. With a grasp of the basics and a little practice, you’ll soon be rolling the dice with the best of them.
Craps is a game of chance played with two dice, where players wager on the outcome of the roll. The game can be traced back to the 19th century, originating from an English game known as Hazard.
Fast-forward to today, and craps is a staple in both physical and online casinos, with its unique combination of strategy, luck, and social interaction.
As a beginner, craps may seem complex due to the variety of bets and the fast pace of the game. However, once you understand the rules, the layout of the table, and the basic strategies, craps becomes a thrilling and potentially profitable casino game.
Understanding the Craps Table Layout
Knowledge of the craps table layout is crucial in mastering the game. At first glance, the table may seem overwhelming with its various sections and markings. But once you break it down, it’s actually quite simple.
The craps table is typically oval-shaped, covered with green felt, and imprinted with various betting areas. The table is mirrored on both sides, allowing more players to participate in the game. Key areas include the “Pass Line”, “Don’t Pass Bar”, “Come”, “Don’t Come”, and the “Field”. Each of these areas represents a different type of bet you can make in a game of craps table .
Understanding each section and what bet it represents helps streamline your decision-making process during the game. With a clear understanding of the craps table and the bets associated with each area, you’ll be better prepared to develop a sound craps table strategy.
Basic Terminology in Craps Betting
In addition to the layout, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the basic terminology used in craps table betting. Understanding these terms is essential in navigating the game, placing your bets, and interacting with other players and the dealer.
The “Shooter” is the player who rolls the dice. A “Come-Out Roll” is the first roll of the dice in a betting round. The term “Pass Line” refers to a bet that wins if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11. If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. Any other number becomes the “Point”. If the point is rolled again before a 7, the Pass Line bet wins. Conversely, a “Don’t Pass Line” bet is the opposite of a Pass Line bet.
These are just a few examples of the terminology used in craps betting. As you gain more experience, you’ll encounter more terms and phrases. The key is to learn as you play and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure.
The Fundamental Rules of Craps
Now that you understand the table layout and basic terminology, let’s delve into the fundamental rules of craps. The game begins with a come-out roll. If the roll is a 7 or 11, pass line bets win. If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, pass line bets lose. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point.
The shooter continues to roll the dice until either the point number or a 7 is rolled. If the point number is rolled, pass line bets win. If a 7 is rolled, pass line bets lose and don’t pass line bets win.
The goal in craps is to correctly predict the outcome of the roll. By understanding the rules and the bets associated with them, you can make informed decisions and improve your chances of winning.
Essential Strategies for Craps Betting
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk strategy. Craps strategy involves choosing the bets with the best odds of winning. The Pass Line bet, for example, is one of the best bets you can make. This is because the house edge on this bet is only 1.41%, making it one of the most player-friendly bets in the casino.
Another good bet is the Come bet, which works similarly to the Pass Line bet, but can be made after the point has been established. The Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets also have a relatively low house edge.
One strategy to avoid is making proposition bets. These bets are located in the middle of the craps table and offer high payouts, but they also have a high house edge, which means the odds are heavily stacked against you.
The Mathematics of Craps: Understanding the Odds
Understanding the odds is key to developing a successful craps strategy. The odds in craps refer to the probability of certain outcomes happening. The higher the odds, the less likely the outcome.
The best bets in craps are those with the lowest house edge. As mentioned earlier, the Pass Line bet has a house edge of 1.41%. The Don’t Pass Line bet has a slightly lower house edge of 1.36%. The house edge on other bets varies, with proposition bets having the highest house edge.
By understanding the odds, you can make smarter betting decisions and increase your chances of winning. Remember, the goal in craps is not to predict the exact outcome, but to make bets that have the highest probability of winning over the long run.
Tips to Improve Your Craps Betting Strategy
To improve your craps betting strategy, the first tip is to start with the basic bets: the Pass Line bet and the Don’t Pass Line bet. As you gain experience, you can start making more complex bets.
Another tip is to manage your bankroll wisely. Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it. Don’t chase losses; if you’re having a bad day, it’s better to walk away and play another day.
Finally, remember to have fun. Craps is a social game, so enjoy the camaraderie and the excitement of the game. Don’t let the complexity of the game intimidate you. With practice and patience, you can become a successful craps player.
Common Mistakes in Craps Betting and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake in craps betting is making poor bets. As mentioned earlier, proposition bets have a high house edge and should be avoided. Stick to the bets with the lowest house edge.
Another mistake is not understanding the rules or the odds. Before you start betting, make sure you understand how the game works and what the odds are for each bet.
(Read More: Boost Your Game: A Simple Roulette Strategy to Enhance Your Winning Odds)
Lastly, many players make the mistake of not managing their bankroll properly. Always set a budget and stick to it. Remember, the goal is to have fun and maybe win some money, not to lose your entire bankroll.
Practice Your Craps Strategy: Where to Play
The best way to improve your craps strategy is to practice. Many online casinos offer free craps games where you can play without risking any money. This is a great way to learn the game and develop your strategy before playing for real money.
Once you feel comfortable with your strategy, you can start playing at a real craps table, in person or online. Start with small bets and gradually increase your bets as you gain confidence.
Remember, the key to a successful craps strategy is understanding the game, making smart bets, and managing your bankroll.
If you want to try your hand at craps online, here are some online casinos to do it. Each of the following online casinos offer craps games:
BetMGM – Has various betting options and offers digital and live dealer craps tables.
BetRivers – Offers craps in their online casino options
Borgata – Simulates the Las Vegas feel with their popular online craps offering.
Caesars – Has a good range of online craps games with different table limits of different sizes.
DraftKings – Use human dealers that are streamed in high definition as they deal craps live.
FanDuel – They have craps games and betting integrated into their sportsbook platform.
Golden Nugget – Lets you play craps online via your mobile phone or desktop computer.
Hard Rock Casino – Has a variety of online craps tables.
Hollywood Casino – Offers craps and a complete range of online casino games.
WynnBET – Offers mobile craps so you play from virtually anywhere simply by using your cell phone.
Before you pick an online casino, take some time to compare odds and betting options so you get a feel for what’s best for you.
Take Your Craps Strategy to the Next Level
Now that you have a solid understanding of craps some strategies to improve your betting, and even some online casinos where you can play craps, it’s time to take your craps strategy to the next level.
Continue to learn and practice. The more you play, the more comfortable you’ll become with the game and its strategies.
Remember, craps is a game of chance, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can increase your chances of winning. Most importantly, remember to have fun. After all, that’s what playing craps is all about.
So, grab your dice, head to the craps table, and let the good times roll!
