Craps is a game that offers players some of the best odds you’ll find in the casino. But new players who aren’t familiar with the game may be overwhelmed by the options available on the table. And even experienced players are constantly looking for ways to refine their strategy. With a brief introduction to the game and some tips for picking the right bet, you’ll have everything you need to start playing carps with confidence.
How to play craps
Craps is a simple dice game where players make bets on the outcome of the roll of two six-sided dice. When the game is played at a live casino, each player will have a turn to roll and the dice are passed counter-clockwise around the table after each round. The player who rolls is called the shooter, and their first roll is called the come-out roll.
Once a new shooter has been selected, they must make a Pass Line bet. They have the option of choosing Pass or Don’t Pass. At this point, other players also have the chance to place their bets. The shooter then rolls the dice, and this is where things can get confusing.
If the come-out roll results in a 7 or 11, the Pass bet wins. But, if the shooter lands 3, 2 or 12 (also called craps), the Don’t Pass line wins. Either of these scenarios ends the round.
But if the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, the dealer at the table will mark the relevant number with a puck and this becomes the shooter’s point. The player will continue to roll the dice until they roll a 7. But, if he rolls the point number, all those who placed a Pass line bet win. If the shooter rolls a 7, then all those who placed a Don’t Pass bet win the round.
Once you have placed your Pass or Don’t Pass bet, you can place additional bets once the game has started. Each of these has their own odds and payouts, so you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the rules of the casino to get the most from your budget.
Developing a craps strategy
As mentioned in the introduction, craps offers players great odds. There are riskier bets you can make. But until you know better, here’s a simple strategy you can stick to:
- Pass/Don’t Pass
Even if you only place bets on the Pass and Don’t Pass lines, the house only has a 1.40% advantage.
- Come/Don’t Come
These bets are similar to Pass/Don’t Pass with the exception that they can be placed any time after the point has been marked. If you play one of these options together with a Pass/Don’t Pass bet, you can reduce the house advantage even further.
- Big 6/Big 8
You’ll find these bets marked in the corner of the table. If the shooter rolls a 6 or 8 before the 7, you’ll win your bet back.
- Field bets
On the table you’ll see a demarcated are with the word ‘Field’ and the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12 listed. If the shooter rolls any of these numbers, you win the bet. But keep in mind that each number has a different payout. The numbers three, four, nine, ten and eleven pay at 1:1, while two and 12 pay out at 2:1 and even 3:1 depending on the rules of the casino.
These are only some of the betting options available at the craps table. If you’re intrigued by the game, learn as much as you can and you’ll have great fun playing this very social game with other craps enthusiasts.
