Craps is an exhilarating game of chance played with dice, and it’s a staple at both brick-and-mortar and online casinos. Its fast-paced nature and variety of betting options can seem daunting at first, but with guidance, anyone can join in on the fun and start rolling the dice like a pro. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of how to play craps, the types of bets you can make, and the payouts you can expect.
Understanding the Craps Table
Before diving into the gameplay, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the craps table layout. The table is mirrored on both sides, with the center showcasing proposition bets. You’ll find areas marked for the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come, Field, and various numbers representing potential ‘points.’
The Basics of Playing Craps
There are several moving parts of a craps game. It starts with a come out roll to establish the point.
The Come-Out Roll
The game begins with what’s known as the ‘come-out roll.’ If you’re the shooter (the person rolling the dice), you’ll want to place a bet on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line. The come-out roll sets the stage for the rest of the game. Rolling a 7 or 11 is a win for Pass Line bets, while a 2, 3, or 12—collectively known as ‘craps’—means Pass Line bets lose. However, if you roll any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the ‘point,’ and the objective shifts to rolling that number again before a 7 is rolled.
Establishing the Point
Once the point is established, players can make additional bets. The shooter continues to roll the dice in an attempt to hit the point again. If they succeed, Pass Line bets win, and the shooter starts a new come-out roll. If a 7 is rolled before the point, it’s called ‘sevening out,’ and the dice pass to the next player.
Types of Craps Bets
There are many ways to bet at a craps game. The most common bet is the pass line. Others include buying and placing numbers, hardways, and props.
Pass Line Bets
This is the most fundamental bet in craps. You win even money if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11 and lose if it’s 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, you win if the point number is rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Pass Line Bets
The opposite of Pass Line bets, you win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 and push (tie) if it’s 12. You lose on 7 or 11. If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
Come Bets
Similar to Pass Line bets but made after the point is established. You win on a 7 or 11 and lose on 2, 3, or 12. Any other number becomes your personal ‘come point,’ and you win if it’s rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Come Bets
The opposite of Come Bets, made after the point is established. You win on 2 or 3, push on 12, and lose on 7 or 11. If a ‘come point’ is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before that number.
Odds Bets
These are additional bets that can be made once a point is established. They are placed behind the Pass Line bet and pay at true odds, meaning there’s no house edge.
Place Bets
You can bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and win if your chosen number is rolled before a 7.
Field Bets
This is a one-roll bet where you win if 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled. Typically, 2 and 12 pay more than even money.
Proposition Bets
These are high-risk one-roll bets with high payouts. They include bets on specific dice combinations or totals, like rolling a 2 (Snake Eyes) or 12 (Boxcars).
Hardways
A bet that a hard number (double 4s, 6s, 8s, or 10s) will be rolled before a soft number (the same total with different dice, like a 5 and 3 for 8) or a 7.
Payouts in Craps
The payouts for craps bets vary depending on the type of bet. Pass Line and Come Bets typically pay even money, while Odds Bets pay true odds (2:1 for points 4 and 10, 3:2 for points 5 and 9, and 6:5 for points 6 and 8). Proposition bets have higher payouts due to their lower probability of winning, with payouts as high as 30:1 for bets on 2 or 12.
Playing Craps Online
Online craps games simulate the experience of a live craps table. You can place bets by clicking on the virtual layout, and an RNG (Random Number Generator) determines the outcome of each roll. Online craps can be a great way to practice and get comfortable with the game’s pace and betting options.
Craps is a dynamic game that offers a variety of betting options and the potential for high payouts. Whether you’re playing at a casino or online, the key to enjoying craps is understanding the rules and the types of bets available. Start with simple Pass Line bets and, as you gain confidence, explore the more complex betting options. Remember, craps is a game of chance, so play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the roll!
In closing, craps is a game that combines luck with a touch of strategy. By understanding the basic rules and familiarizing yourself with the different bets, you can approach the craps table with confidence. Whether you’re rolling the dice in a bustling casino or clicking through an online game, craps offers a unique and exciting gaming experience. So, place your bets, roll the dice, and let the good times roll!