Craps may seem a little confusing to some beginners. Many players enjoy the craps table with lots of action. It is a straightforward game with a few rules.
This guide has the basics of craps tables – payouts for craps, rules, what to bet on, and some common mistakes to avoid.
What is Craps?
Craps is basically a dice game, wherein all the players place bets on the outcome of the two dice. This could be a direct (or straight) outcome or a series of rolls. Earlier, traditional casinos, famous for their architecture, size, and bankrolls, would have an entire section only for craps games. Now, it is all online.
The main objective of craps is that people place bets on what total the dice will come up to. You can win or lose wholly based on the types of bets and the rolling combinations of the two dice.
The Craps Table
A craps table can seem quite confusing. It has markings, numbers, and boxes everywhere.
Dice: Two six-sided dice are used for each roll by the players.
Layout: On the table, there are sections for the don’t pass bets, pass line bets, and don’t come bets.
Dealer’s Area: The dealer’s area is off-limits to players (no meddling). This is where dealers take bets, handle the payouts, and manage the game.
How is Craps Played?
Craps is always played in rounds, and the player holding the dice (also called a shooter) rolls first. Once the shooter rolls, the game then proceeds in two phases – come out phase of the craps and the point phase.
Come Out Roll
The first roll is called the come out roll. The shooter has to try to gain a ‘point’ or win immediately. There are three outcomes for the come out roll:
- Come out roll with a win: If the total of the two dice is 7 or 11, the shooter wins immediately on the pass line bet.
- Come out roll with a loss: If the total of the two dice is 2, 3, or 12, the shooter loses the pass line bet. This is called ‘craps.’
- Point: Getting any other number like 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 becomes the point.
The Point Phase
If the shooter gets a point, the person gets to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. So how does that work?
- Hitting the point: If the shooter somehow manages to roll the point number again (consecutively) before rolling a 7, they win on a pass line bet.
- Rolling a 7: If the shooter manages to roll a 7 before hitting the point, they lose out on the pass line bet, and the round finishes on the spot.
What Can You Wager On?
Craps is exciting for so many people because there are a variety of betting options available.
- Basic Bets: Beginners should place basic bets on the pass line bets. These usually have a lower house edge, and are fairly simple to understand for novices.
- Avoid Proposition Bets: Newcomers to craps should not bet on proposition bets. While these have higher payouts, they also come with a higher house edge. Avoid these till you understand the game better.
- Budget the Bankroll: Practice responsible gambling and stick to a budget. Do not chase your losses and bet more than you can lose.
- Practice Table Etiquette: Craps is extremely social, and you must respect the dealer at all times. You shold also avoid interfering in the games of people around you.
- Practice: Beginners should play the free online versions of craps and practice in their homes with friends and family members. Once you are comfortable with the game and its rules, you should try placing small bets online.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Here are common errors that even experienced players sometimes forget.
- Betting on Flashy Propositions: These bets are usually not in your favor. Stick to the basic bets, and avoid these.
- Ignore the Odds: Understanding the house edge helps in making better decisions.
- Don’t Overcomplicate the Game: Craps may seem confusing at first. Focus on the basic rules and build your understanding slowly.
- Don’t Get Distracted: It is very easy to get distracted during the game. Staying focused will help you ignore the noise and excitement and play more effectively.
Next time you want to play craps online, remember this guide, and place your bets wisely. Focus on the basic bets, practice your strategies, and have fun.
