Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Craps
2. The Basics of the Game
3. The Layout of the Craps Table
4. The Role of the Shooter
5. The Come Out Roll
6. The Pass Line Bet
7. The Don't Pass Line Bet
8. The Odds Bets
9. The Field Bet
10. The Point and the Come Out Phase
11. The Don't Come Bet
12. The Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
13. The Proposition Bets
14. The Role of the Boxman
15. The Game of Craps Strategies
16. Craps Etiquette and Tips
17. The History of Craps
18. The Future of Craps in Casinos
1. Introduction to Craps
Craps is a popular dice game that has been a staple in casinos worldwide for centuries. Its origins are somewhat murky, but it is widely believed to have been created by the French, who brought the game to New Orleans in the early 18th century. Today, craps is a game of chance, strategy, and a bit of luck, offering players the chance to win big with just a few rolls of the dice.
2. The Basics of the Game
Craps is played with a pair of six-sided dice, known as the "big dice." The objective of the game is to predict the outcome of these dice rolls. Players can bet on various outcomes, from the dice rolling a specific number to the dice rolling any number between two and twelve.
3. The Layout of the Craps Table
The craps table is large and complex, featuring a grid of various betting areas. The table is divided into two main sections: the "box" on the far end and the "come" area in the center. The box contains the layout for the pass line, don't pass line, and various proposition bets, while the come area contains the layout for come bets and don't come bets.
4. The Role of the Shooter
The player who rolls the dice is known as the "shooter." The shooter is chosen by the players, and the role rotates around the table. The shooter must roll the dice in a specific manner, known as the "shout," to continue rolling.
5. The Come Out Roll
The game of craps begins with the come out roll. The shooter rolls the dice, and the outcome determines whether the player wins, loses, or continues to roll. If the dice roll a 7 or 11, the player wins immediately. If the dice roll a 2, 3, or 12, the player loses immediately. Any other number rolled becomes the "point."
6. The Pass Line Bet
The pass line bet is one of the most common bets in craps. It is placed by the player on the "pass line" area of the table. If the come out roll is a 7 or 11, the player wins. If the come out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the player loses. If the come out roll is any other number, that number becomes the point, and the player must wait for the point to be rolled again before the bet can be won or lost.
7. The Don't Pass Line Bet
The don't pass line bet is the opposite of the pass line bet. It is placed by the player on the "don't pass line" area of the table. If the come out roll is a 2 or 3, the player wins. If the come out roll is a 7 or 11, the player loses. If the come out roll is any other number, that number becomes the point, and the player must wait for the point to be rolled again before the bet can be won or lost.
8. The Odds Bets
Odds bets are side bets that can be made after the point is established. They pay true odds and can be made on the pass line or don't pass line. If the point is rolled before a 7, the odds bet is won. If a 7 is rolled first, the odds bet is lost.
9. The Field Bet
The field bet is a one-roll bet that pays out on a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. It is a high-risk, high-reward bet that can be placed at any time during the game.
10. The Point and the Come Out Phase
After the point is established, the game enters the come out phase. The shooter continues to roll the dice until a 7 is rolled (a "seven out") or the point is rolled again (a "natural").
11. The Don't Come Bet
The don't come bet is the opposite of the come bet. It is placed after the come out roll and is a bet that the shooter will roll a 7 before the point is rolled again.
12. The Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
The big 6 and big 8 bets are proposition bets that pay out if a 6 or 8 is rolled before a 7. They are among the worst bets in craps due to their high house edge.
13. The Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are placed on specific outcomes on the come out roll. They include bets on the dice rolling a 2, 3, 11, 12, or any combination of 7, 11, or 12.
14. The Role of the Boxman
The boxman is a casino employee who supervises the craps table. They are responsible for handling large amounts of cash, paying off winning bets, and maintaining the integrity of the game.
15. The Game of Craps Strategies
There are several strategies that players can use to increase their chances of winning at craps. These include choosing the right bets, managing their bankroll, and understanding the odds.
16. Craps Etiquette and Tips
Good craps etiquette includes being polite to other players and the dealer, staying focused, and understanding the rules of the game. Tips for playing craps include starting with small bets, learning the game thoroughly, and not chasing losses.
17. The History of Craps
The history of craps is a fascinating one, with tales of gamblers, celebrities, and historical figures who have played the game. It has evolved over the centuries, with various versions of the game being played in different regions of the world.
18. The Future of Craps in Casinos
As casinos continue to evolve, craps is likely to remain a staple of the gaming floor. With advancements in technology, it is possible that new versions of the game could emerge, offering players even more exciting and engaging experiences.
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Questions and Answers
1. Q: What is the difference between the pass line and don't pass line bets?
A: The pass line bet is a wager that the dice will roll a 7 or 11, while the don't pass line bet is a wager that the dice will roll a 2 or 3.
2. Q: What is the point in craps?
A: The point is the number that is rolled on the come out roll that is not a 7 or 11. The point determines the outcome of the pass line and don't pass line bets.
3. Q: Can you make odds bets on any bet?
A: No, odds bets can only be made on the pass line or don't pass line bets after the point is established.
4. Q: What is the house edge on the pass line and don't pass line bets?
A: The house edge on the pass line and don't pass line bets is 1.41% if you make the maximum odds bet.
5. Q: Can you win at craps by using a strategy?
A: While no strategy can guarantee a win, players can increase their chances of winning by choosing the right bets, managing their bankroll, and understanding the odds.
6. Q: What is the role of the boxman in craps?
A: The boxman is responsible for handling large amounts of cash, paying off winning bets, and maintaining the integrity of the game.
7. Q: Are there any bad bets in craps?
A: Yes, there are several bad bets in craps, including the big 6 and big 8 bets, as well as proposition bets on numbers other than 7, 11, 2, 3, or 12.
8. Q: How do you determine the odds of rolling a particular number in craps?
A: The odds of rolling a particular number in craps are determined by the probability of that number occurring on a single roll of two six-sided dice.
9. Q: Can you play craps online?
A: Yes, you can play craps online at many online casinos. Online craps offers a convenient and exciting way to play the game from the comfort of your own home.
10. Q: Is craps a game of skill or chance?
A: Craps is primarily a game of chance, but players can use skill and strategy to increase their chances of winning.
