How to play craps
Craps is a very exciting game to play at the casino, but it can also be a little confusing.
There are various types of wagers you can make when playing craps. With some you can win or lose after one roll of the dice; with others it would take a series of rolls to determine whether you have won or lost.
Knowing how to tell all the different types of bets apart is a vital aspect to playing the game at a casino.
In this section we intend to go over some of the basic rules to the game of craps.
In addition, we’ll also review some of the most common strategies used, and even provide you with tips for improving your game.
Craps history
First, let’s start by finding out where the game originated from. One of the most popular casino games to date, craps is also one of the oldest. Experts believe the game of craps had originated from a game called “azzahr”.
Some believe the game has Arabic roots, and that some time during the 18th century it had made its way to France where it was named “hasard”, and then migrated to England where it became know as “hazard”. Eventually, France embraced the English spelling and brought it with them to a French settlement in Canada called Acadia.
When England seized control over Acadia, the French fled to New Orleans where the game evolved during the years.
Aside from the rules, the name of the game also changed from “hazard” to “crabs” until it ultimately became known as craps.
Both ends of the table look exactly the same since players can be positioned on each side. The player who rolls the dice is referred to as the shooter. In turn, every player around the table gets to roll the dice (turning clockwise).
More: Full history of Craps
Craps rules
The game of craps is actually rather simple. Each of the players around the table gets a turn rolling the dice. The player’s turn alternates in a clockwise order around the craps table. Players who do not wish to roll the dice can wager on the shooter (the person who rolls the dice) instead. Each game of craps starts with a “Come Out” roll, which is a term used to indicate the first roll of the dice within a betting round.
A “Come Out” roll can only take place after a player doesn’t succeed in making a winning roll, which leads to a new game where the next player in turn gets to throw the dice. If the new player is successful rolling the dice, then he gets to roll it again, thus starting a new betting round.
If the shooter rolls a 7 or an 11, they win and the betting round comes to an end. In case the shooter rolls a craps (i.e. 2, 3, or 12), he loses, thereby ending the betting round. If the shooter rolls any other number other than the above mentioned (i.e. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10.) it’s regarded as making a Point.
The object of the come-out roll is to set a point, which will be marked on the craps table.
From this stage on, in order to win the shooter must roll the number that was set as the point, before rolling a 7 (Out 7). If the shooter manages to do that then he and everyone who bet on him win, marking the end of yet another betting round. Unless the shooter manages to roll an Out 7 or a Point, the betting round continues.
How to play craps
The basics of playing craps are quite simple. The “pass-line” bet is the most common bet in the game of craps.
On the come-out roll, those who bet on the pass line win if they manage to roll either a 7 (Out 7) or 11.
Rolling craps is a term used to indicate that the shooter rolled either a 2, 3, or 12, in which case anyone who bet on the pass-line loses automatically.
Rolling a point is another term that indicates that the shooter rolled either a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, thus setting a point, which is the number that the shooter would have to roll again, before rolling a 7 in order to win when betting on the pass-line.
In case the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the number indicated as the point it is referred to as being “sevened-out”, in which case the shooter turns over the right to roll the dice to the next player standing to his left (clockwise order), therefore starting a new betting round.
At the beginning of every betting round, any one of the players including the shooter may also elect to place a “don’t-pass” bet. This bet is actually the opposite of betting the pass-line. Essentially, a don’t-pass bet pays in case the shooter rolls a craps on the come-out roll, while you lose in the event the shooter rolls 11.
In comparison to the pass-line bet, the don’t-pass bet has a lower house edge in addition to offering the same free odds once a point was set. Let’s examine an example of playing craps at the casino. For argument’s sake, let’s assume that you bet $10 on the pass-line. If you get a “natural” (11) on your come-out roll, you’ll subsequently win $10.
Craps strategy
A prevailing craps strategy is made out of three components which include making the right bets at the right time, managing your money correctly, and being in the right state of mind when playing craps at the casino.
Knowing when to place the right bet is the essence of playing craps. As a rule of thumb it’s a good idea to stick with the pass-line and don’t-pass bets since they hold a lower house edge compared to others. In fact, the don’t-pass bet has a lower house edge in comparison to the pass-line bet.
Responsible bankroll management is another characteristic of a good craps strategy. The size of your bankroll essentially dictates your betting strategy. In craps there are some bets where you can win or lose after one roll of the dice; with others it can take a series of rolls to determine whether you have actually won or lost.
In order to be able to stick to a betting strategy and sustain a longer series of rolls, you’ll need to manage your money correctly. A good craps player knows how to stretch their bankroll for as long as they intend to play at the casino.
Mathematically, your odds improve the longer you play.
Another key ingredient to a successful craps strategy is having the right positive mental attitude.
When you are playing craps at an online casino you need to stay cool, calm and collected. Always remember that you are just as likely to experience a hot streak as you do a cold streak, so whatever happens, it’s important that you keep it together and stick with your betting strategy and don’t go overboard playing above your budget.