Stepping into a casino for the first time feels like entering another dimension—time blurs, senses heighten, your wallet gets heavy, and the over-oxygenated air fills your hungry lungs. Over in the corner, you notice an excited crowd gathered around a table game.
Loud voices calling out bets. Cheers egging on a single person at the end of the table. That’s craps, one of the most popular casino games. It’s where the roll of a pair of dice can change your life faster than you can say “seven.” Yet, for many, it’s an overly complicated game they’ve always wanted to try but never quite dared.
How to Play Craps: A Master Class
While walking up to a full craps table is anxiety-inducing for the uninitiated, craps players are very social and the game is easy to learn. Beneath the shouting, the chips, and the fast-paced action lies a game that’s as exhilarating as it is approachable.
You don’t need a Ph.D. in mathematics to get in on the action; you just need a little know-how. This master class aims to demystify the world of craps, taking you from clueless to confident.
We’ll journey through its rich history, break down the basics, and even dive into advanced craps strategies that could tilt the odds in your favor. So, let’s cut through the confusion and get you ready to roll the dice like a pro.
What Is Craps?
At its core, craps is a dice game where players wager on the outcome of the roll, or a series of rolls, of two dice. It’s a game of chance, yes, but also one of community and strategy. Players take turns rolling the dice, known as “shooting,” while others bet on the results of those rolls. The table layout is a tapestry of betting options, each with its own odds and potential payouts.
The beauty of craps lies in its simplicity and complexity. On one hand, you can make straightforward bets with decent odds. On the other, there are a range of exotic wagers that can either make you a hero or empty your pockets faster than you can say “snake eyes.” Whether you’re a casual gambler looking to have some fun or a serious player aiming to master advanced craps strategies, understanding the game’s fundamentals is essential.
A History of Craps
To fully appreciate craps, it’s worth understanding how the game evolved. The game has roots that stretch back centuries, evolving through cultures and continents before becoming the casino staple we know today.
Craps is believed to have descended from an Old English game called “Hazard,” which dates back to the Crusades. Sir William of Tyre, a nobleman from the 12th century, is often credited with inventing Hazard as a way to entertain his knights during the siege of a castle named Hazarth. The game made its way to France, where it was simplified and called “crapaud,” meaning “toad,” possibly because players would crouch like toads when playing in the streets.
Fast forward to the early 19th century, and craps crossed the Atlantic with French and British settlers. It gained popularity in New Orleans, where it underwent further Americanization. A man named John H. Winn, known as the “Father of Modern Craps,” revolutionized the game around 1907 by introducing the “Don’t Pass” betting option and refining the table layout. His version minimized cheating and leveled the playing field, setting the stage for craps to become a fixture in casinos across the United States.
During World War II, craps surged in popularity among American soldiers. With little more than a blanket and a pair of dice, troops played in barracks and battlefields alike, cementing craps as a beloved pastime. Post-war, the game’s fame only grew, and with the advent of online casinos, it’s now accessible to anyone with an internet connection. You can even play craps online, bringing the excitement of the casino right into your living room.
How to Play Craps
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into how to play craps. While the table might look like a complicated grid of confusing jargon, the basics are surprisingly straightforward.
The Shooter and the Come-Out Roll
The game revolves around the shooter, the player who rolls the dice. Before the first roll, known as the “come-out roll,” players place their bets. The most common wager is the “Pass Line” bet. By placing your chips on the Pass Line, you’re betting that the shooter will win.
- If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win.
- If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12 (collectively known as “craps”), Pass Line bets lose.
- If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the “point.”
Once a point is established, the game enters the next phase.
Point Phase
In this phase, the shooter continues to roll the dice.
- If the shooter rolls the point number again, Pass Line bets win.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point, Pass Line bets lose. This is known as “seven out,” and the dice pass to the next shooter.
Other Betting Options
While the Pass Line bet is the most straightforward, craps offers a myriad of other wagers:
- Don’t Pass Line: The opposite of the Pass Line bet. You’re betting against the shooter.
- Come and Don’t Come Bets: Similar to Pass and Don’t Pass bets but can be made after the point is established.
- Place Bets: Betting that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7.
- Field Bets: One-roll bets that win if a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled.
- Proposition Bets: High-risk, high-reward bets on specific outcomes like snake eyes (double ones) or boxcars (double sixes).
How to Play Craps: Basic Tactics
Understanding the basic bets and flow of the game is crucial for any newcomer learning how to play craps. Let’s break down the most important aspects of craps, starting with basic bets and their outcomes.
- Pass Line Bet: Place your chips on the Pass Line before the come-out roll. You’re betting that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll or hit the point before rolling a 7.
- Don’t Pass Line Bet: You’re betting against the shooter. You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll or if a 7 is rolled before the point is hit.
- Odds Bet: Once a point is established, you can place an additional bet behind your Pass Line bet. This is called taking the odds, and it pays out at true odds with no house edge, making it one of the best bets in the casino.
- Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line bet but can be made at any time. The next roll becomes your come-out roll.
- Don’t Come Bet: The opposite of the Come bet, betting against the shooter.
The key to mastering craps basics is to start with these fundamental bets before venturing into more complex wagering options.
How to Play Craps: Advanced Strategies
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to delve into advanced craps strategies that can enhance your gameplay.
The 3-Point Molly
This strategy aims to capitalize on hot streaks while minimizing losses during cold rolls. Here’s how it works:
- Place a Pass Line Bet: Start with a standard Pass Line bet.
- Take Odds: Once a point is established, take the maximum odds allowed.
- Place Two Come Bets: After the point is set, make a Come bet. When a number is rolled, that becomes your Come point. Repeat this until you have bets on three numbers (the Pass Line point and two Come points).
- Take Odds on Come Bets: Take maximum odds on your Come bets.
This strategy keeps you engaged without overexposing your bankroll, allowing you to ride a hot shooter to substantial gains.
The Iron Cross
The Iron Cross aims to cover as many numbers as possible, increasing the chances of winning on every roll that isn’t a 7.
- Place a Field Bet: This covers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
- Place Bets on 5, 6, and 8: This covers the numbers not included in the Field bet.
- Avoid the 7: The only number that results in a loss is 7.
While this strategy offers frequent wins, the payouts are smaller. Also avoid rolling a 7, as this will wipe out all your bets.
The Don’t Pass Strategy
Betting against the shooter might feel counterintuitive, especially when everyone else at the table is cheering for the shooter, but it can be a sound strategy.
- Place a Don’t Pass Bet: You’re betting that the shooter will roll a 7 before hitting the point.
- Lay Odds: Similar to taking odds on the Pass Line, but you’re betting on a 7 appearing before the point.
This strategy has a lower house edge and can be effective during cold streaks.
Craps Do’s and Don’ts
To make the most of your craps experience, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind.
Do’s
- Do Learn the Basics: Understand the fundamental bets before diving into complex wagers.
- Do Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it. Craps can be fast-paced, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement.
- Do Take Odds: Whenever possible, take or lay odds on your bets. These offer the best odds in the casino.
- Do Pay Attention: Keep an eye on the game flow and the shooter. Trends can inform your betting strategy.
Don’ts
- Don’t Make Proposition Bets: These have a high house edge and can drain your bankroll quickly.
- Don’t Chase Losses: If you’re on a losing streak, don’t increase your bets in an attempt to win it all back.
- Don’t Be Intimidated: The craps table might seem overwhelming, but everyone started as a beginner.
- Don’t Forget Etiquette: Be respectful to the dealers and other players.
Real-Life Craps vs Online Craps
In today’s digital age, you have the option to play craps online or in a real-life casino. Each offers a unique experience.
Real Life Craps
- Atmosphere: The energy at a live craps table is unparalleled. The communal excitement when the shooter is on a roll is something you have to experience to understand.
- Social Interaction: It’s a social game, and camaraderie can enhance your enjoyment.
- Etiquette Matters: Understanding the unspoken rules is crucial.
Online Craps
- Convenience: You can play anytime, anywhere, without the need to travel to a casino.
- Pace: Online games can be played at your own speed, ideal for beginners learning how to play craps.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Online casinos often offer bonuses that can extend your playtime.
- No Pressure: Without the watchful eyes of other players, you might feel more comfortable experimenting with different bets and strategies.
Whether you prefer the atmosphere of a real casino or the convenience of playing craps online, the fundamentals remain the same. Understanding the game, employing sound strategies, and managing your bankroll will enhance your experience either way.
Conclusion
Craps is more than just a game of chance; it’s a thrilling blend of strategy, risk, and community. From its storied history to the electric atmosphere it creates on the casino floor, craps offers an experience unlike any other. By mastering how to play craps, understanding its basics, and even venturing into advanced craps strategies, you’re not just a spectator—you become part of the action. So login to your VegasAces.com account and start practicing your craps strategy by playing for free.