How Do You Play Craps at the Casino?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Craps
2. The Basics of the Game
3. The Layout of the Craps Table
4. The Objectives of the Game
5. The Two Types of Bets: Pass Line and Don't Pass Line
6. The Come Bet and Don't Come Bet
7. The Odds Bets
8. The Place Bets
9. The Proposition Bets
10. The Field Bet
11. The Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
12. The Craps Etiquette
13. Strategies and Tips for Playing Craps
14. The Role of Dice and the Dice Rolling Process
15. The Importance of Bankroll Management
16. The Impact of Casino Environment on the Game
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 played in casinos for centuries. It is known for its fast-paced action and the variety of betting options it offers. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, understanding the rules and strategies of craps can greatly enhance your gaming experience.
2. The Basics of the Game
Craps is played with a pair of six-sided dice. The game begins with a come-out roll, where the shooter rolls the dice. The outcome of this roll determines the point number, which is the number that the shooter must roll again to win. If the point number is rolled before a 7, the shooter wins; if a 7 is rolled before the point number, the shooter loses.
3. The Layout of the Craps Table
The craps table is large and complex, with a variety of betting areas. The center of the table features the dice and the come-out box, where the dice are rolled. The table is also marked with various betting sections, including the pass line, don't pass line, come line, and don't come line.
4. The Objectives of the Game
The primary objective of craps is to predict the outcome of the dice rolls. Players can bet on the pass line, don't pass line, come bet, don't come bet, and various proposition bets to win money.
5. The Two Types of Bets: Pass Line and Don't Pass Line
The pass line and don't pass line bets are the most common and fundamental bets in craps. The pass line bet is placed on the pass line before the come-out roll. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins. If the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the pass line bet 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 or a 7 to be rolled.
The don't pass line bet is the opposite of the pass line bet. It is placed after the come-out roll and wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number is rolled again.
6. The Come Bet and Don't Come Bet
The come bet is similar to the pass line bet but is made after the come-out roll. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, the come bet wins. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the come bet loses. If a point is established, the come bet continues to win if the point is rolled again and loses if a 7 is rolled.
The don't come bet is the opposite of the come bet and is made after the come-out roll. It wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number is rolled again and loses if the point number is rolled again.
7. The Odds Bets
Odds bets are placed after the point number is established. They pay true odds and are the only bets in craps that have a positive expected value. Players can bet on any number to be rolled, and the payout is based on the number of ways the number can be rolled (for example, 6 or 8 has a 5:1 payout).
8. The Place Bets
Place bets are made on a specific number to be rolled before a 7. The payout varies depending on the number (for example, a place bet on 6 or 8 pays 7:6).
9. The Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are made on specific outcomes on the come-out roll, such as rolling a 7 or 11, or rolling a certain combination of numbers. These bets usually pay even money or higher.
10. The Field Bet
The field bet is a single roll bet that wins if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The payout varies depending on the number rolled.
11. The Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
The big 6 and big 8 bets are made on the outcome of the next roll being a 6 or an 8, respectively. These bets pay even money and are considered poor bets due to their high house edge.
12. The Craps Etiquette
Playing craps requires a certain level of etiquette. Players should avoid shouting, be respectful of the dealer and other players, and be aware of the game's pace.
13. Strategies and Tips for Playing Craps
To improve your chances of winning, consider the following strategies and tips:
- Stick to bets with a low house edge, such as the pass line, don't pass line, and odds bets.
- Manage your bankroll carefully to avoid losing more than you can afford.
- Avoid proposition bets and other high-risk bets.
14. The Role of Dice and the Dice Rolling Process
The dice are the heart of the game, and the dice rolling process is random. While some players believe in "hot" or "cold" dice, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
15. The Importance of Bankroll Management
Bankroll management is crucial in craps, as the game can be unpredictable. Set a budget for each session and stick to it.
16. The Impact of Casino Environment on the Game
The casino environment can affect the way players play craps. The noise, the crowded table, and the presence of other players can all influence the game's outcome.
17. The History of Craps
Craps has a long and storied history, with its origins believed to date back to ancient Rome. The game has evolved over the centuries, with various versions and rules being developed.
18. The Future of Craps in Casinos
As casinos continue to evolve, craps is likely to remain a popular game. With advancements in technology, it may even be possible to play craps online, providing players with even more options.
Questions and Answers
1. Q: What is the come-out roll in craps?
A: The come-out roll is the first roll of the dice in a craps game, which determines the point number or results in an automatic win or loss.
2. Q: Can you win on the don't pass line bet?
A: Yes, you can win on the don't pass line bet if a 7 is rolled before the point number is rolled again.
3. Q: What is the difference between the pass line and come bet?
A: The pass line bet is made before the come-out roll, while the come bet is made after the come-out roll and continues on subsequent rolls.
4. Q: Are odds bets always the best bet in craps?
A: Yes, odds bets have the lowest house edge and are considered the best bets in craps, providing players with the best odds of winning.
5. Q: Can you place a bet on any number in craps?
A: Yes, you can place a bet on any number to be rolled before a 7, but the payout varies depending on the number.
6. Q: What is the house edge on the pass line bet?
A: The house edge on the pass line bet is 1.41% when playing with the standard odds.
7. Q: Can you remove a bet after the come-out roll in craps?
A: Yes, you can remove a bet after the come-out roll, but it may be subject to a removal fee.
8. Q: What is the role of the dealer in craps?
A: The dealer is responsible for rolling the dice, paying winning bets, and collecting losing bets.
9. Q: Is craps a game of skill or luck?
A: Craps is a game of luck, as the outcome of the dice rolls is random and cannot be controlled by the players.
10. Q: How can you improve your chances of winning at craps?
A: To improve your chances of winning at craps, focus on betting strategies with a low house edge, manage your bankroll, and avoid high-risk bets.
