Mastering craps can be challenging, but with the right strategy, you can up your game. This classic casino game has existed since the Middle Ages and is now widely available in physical casinos and online platforms.
Understanding how crap works is essential for beginners looking to enjoy the game. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
The Come-out Roll
The game starts with the shooter, who’s typically a player, making the initial dice roll. This roll is known as the “Come-out” roll. If you’re playing craps online, you’ll click the “Roll” button instead.
Outcomes of the Roll
After the shooter throws the dice, three possible outcomes can occur: Natural, Craps/Crapping Out, or Point.
- Natural: If the roll results in a 7 or an 11, it’s called a “Natural,” and the shooter gets to roll again.
- Crapping Out: Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 is considered “Crapping Out” or rolling “Craps.” In this case, the shooter loses the roll but still gets another chance.
- Rolling the Point: Rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 establishes the “Point.” In online games, this is marked by an ” On ” button on the corresponding number.
If the shooter rolls the Point, they aim to roll the same number again. However, the dice don’t need to show the same numbers. For instance, if the Point is 5 and the shooter initially rolled a 2 and a 3, they can still win by rolling a combination totaling 5.
However, if the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the Point again, they “Seven-out,” resulting in a loss. This marks the end of the betting round.
Types of Craps
Here’s a breakdown of five popular craps variations and what each entail:
Classic Craps
This version, also known as Bank or Classic craps, is the go-to option in both online and land-based casinos. Players place their bets on the craps table before the shooter throws the dice.
Simplified Craps
It is played on the same table as classic craps, this version simplifies the gameplay. The shooter rolls the dice only once. A win occurs if the shooter lands a 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12, while any other number results in a loss.
Crapless Craps
Sometimes called Ruse or Bastard craps, this version offers a twist. Players keep their wager if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on a Pass Line bet.
High Limit Craps
It is designed for high rollers, and this variation raises the stakes significantly. With minimum bets starting at $1 and maximum bets exceeding $1,000, it’s a game where risk and reward are both high.
Low Limit Craps
Similar to classic craps in format, this variation caters to players with smaller budgets. It allows for low-stakes betting, making it accessible to a wider range of players. While less common in land-based casinos, it’s more prevalent online.
When you’re playing craps, it’s essential to understand the different bets you can make. They include:
- Pass Line & Don’t Pass Bar: These are basic bets. You bet on whether the shooter will roll a 7 or an 11 (Pass Line) or a 2, 3, or 12 (Don’t Pass Bar).
- Come & Don’t Come Bets: After the first roll, you can bet whether the next roll will be a 7 or 11 (Come) or a 2, 3, or 12 (Don’t Come).
- Big Six & Eight: You predict if the shooter will roll a 6 or 8 before rolling a 7.
- Field Bets: You bet on whether the shooter will roll a 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11 on the next roll. Sometimes, you can win big if they roll a 2 or 12.
- Place Bets: You bet on the shooter rolling a certain number before rolling a 7.
- Proposition Bets: These are one-roll bets where you predict specific dice outcomes, like a particular combination.
- Hardways Bets: You bet on the shooter rolling a particular number with both dice showing the same number.
Craps Strategies for Beginners
Here are two beginner-friendly tactics:
- Pass Line Strategy
Placing Pass Line bets is straightforward. On the first roll, bet on the Pass Line. If the dice land on a seven or eleven, you win. But if you roll on a two, three, or twelve, you will lose. Any other number becomes the “point,” and you keep moving. Winning requires the point number before a seven, offering even money with a low house edge of 1.41%.
- Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Strategy
Ideal for online gaming, this strategy goes against the shooter. Bet on Don’t Pass or Don’t Come. Winning occurs if the shooter rolls a two or three, while seven or eleven leads to a loss.
Top Craps Tips
- Practice your craps strategy for free online before wagering real money.
- Set a time limit and stick to it to avoid big losses.
- Be aware of minimum and maximum bet limits to manage your bankroll effectively.
- Test your strategy multiple times on different games to see how it performs.
- Review your results and adjust your strategy accordingly for better gameplay.
