How to Play Craps in a Casino: A Comprehensive Guide
Table of Contents
1. Understanding the Basics of Craps
2. The Layout of a Craps Table
3. The Different Bets in Craps
- Pass Line Bet
- Don't Pass Line Bet
- Come Bet
- Don't Come Bet
- Place Bets
- Buy Bets
- Lay Bets
- Odds Bets
- Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
- Proposition Bets
4. The Role of the Dealer and Other Casino Staff
5. The Craps Game in Action
6. Strategies for Playing Craps
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. The Psychology of Craps
9. The History of Craps
10. The Future of Craps in Casinos
1. Understanding the Basics of Craps
Craps is a dice game that has been around for centuries. It's one of the most popular games in casinos, offering a mix of excitement, strategy, and chance. The objective of the game is to predict the outcome of the roll of two dice.
2. The Layout of a Craps Table
The craps table is a large, round table with a felt-covered surface. It features various betting areas, including the Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, Come Area, and Proposition Bets. The table also includes a series of boxes for different types of bets and numbers that are associated with winning outcomes.
3. The Different Bets in Craps
Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line Bet is the most basic and common bet in craps. It's placed by players who want to bet on the "come out" roll, which is the first roll after 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 bet loses. If the come-out roll is any other number, that number becomes the "point."
Don't Pass Line Bet
The Don't Pass Line Bet is the opposite of the Pass Line Bet. Players who place this bet want the come-out roll to be a 2, 3, or 12, or for the point number to be rolled before a 7. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the bet loses. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, the bet wins.
Come Bet
The Come Bet is similar to the Pass Line Bet, but it can be made at any point in the game, not just on the come-out roll. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the Come Bet wins. If the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. If the come-out roll is any other number, that number becomes the "point" for the Come Bet.
Don't Come Bet
The Don't Come Bet is the opposite of the Come Bet. Players who place this bet want the point number to be rolled before a 7. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the bet loses. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, the bet wins.
Place Bets
Place Bets are made on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. If the number is rolled first, the bet wins. If a 7 is rolled first, the bet loses.
Buy Bets
Buy Bets are similar to Place Bets, but with a lower house edge. They are made on specific numbers to be rolled before a 7. The player pays a commission if the number is rolled first, but the bet wins even money otherwise.
Lay Bets
Lay Bets are the opposite of Place Bets. They are made on specific numbers to be rolled before a 7. If the number is rolled first, the bet wins. If a 7 is rolled first, the bet loses. The player receives a commission if the number is rolled first.
Odds Bets
Odds Bets are additional bets that can be made on the Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, Come, and Don't Come bets. They pay true odds and have no house edge. They can be made at any time, as long as the original bet is still in play.
Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
Big 6 and Big 8 Bets are proposition bets that are placed on either a 6 or an 8 to be rolled before a 7. They have a high house edge and are considered poor bets by most players.
Proposition Bets
Proposition Bets are placed on specific outcomes of the come-out roll, such as rolling a 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12. They have a high house edge and are not recommended for serious players.
4. The Role of the Dealer and Other Casino Staff
The dealer is responsible for rolling the dice and controlling the action at the craps table. Other casino staff, such as boxmen and stickmen, assist the dealer and help manage the bets and payouts.
5. The Craps Game in Action
The game begins with the come-out roll. The dealer rolls the dice, and the outcome determines the fate of the bets. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, the Pass Line and Come Bets win, and the Don't Pass Line and Don't Come Bets lose. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the opposite occurs. If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, that number becomes the point, and the game continues until a 7 or the point is rolled.
6. Strategies for Playing Craps
While craps is a game of chance, there are strategies that can help players make more informed decisions. These include understanding the odds of different bets, managing bankroll, and avoiding high-house-edge bets.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
New players often make mistakes when playing craps. Some common mistakes include betting on proposition bets with high house edges, not understanding the rules of different bets, and chasing losses.
8. The Psychology of Craps
The psychology of craps is a complex subject. Players can experience a wide range of emotions, from excitement to frustration. Understanding these emotions and managing them can help players play more effectively.
9. The History of Craps
Craps has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations. It has evolved over the centuries, and its modern form is a result of many different influences.
10. The Future of Craps in Casinos
The future of craps in casinos is likely to remain bright. As long as there are people who enjoy the game, it will continue to be a popular choice for casino-goers.
Questions and Answers
1. What is the difference between a Pass Line and Don't Pass Line Bet?
- A Pass Line Bet is placed on the come-out roll, hoping for a 7 or 11. A Don't Pass Line Bet is the opposite, hoping for a 2, 3, or 12.
2. What is the purpose of the point in craps?
- The point is the number that must be rolled before a 7 to win a Pass Line or Come Bet.
3. How do Odds Bets work in craps?
- Odds Bets are additional bets that pay true odds and have no house edge. They can be made on the Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, Come, and Don't Come bets.
4. Why are Proposition Bets considered poor bets?
- Proposition Bets have high house edges and are not recommended for serious players.
5. How can players manage their bankroll when playing craps?
- Players should set a budget for their gambling session and stick to it, avoiding the temptation to chase losses.
6. What is the role of the dealer in craps?
- The dealer is responsible for rolling the dice, controlling the action at the table, and handling the payouts.
7. Can craps be played online?
- Yes, craps can be played online at many online casinos.
8. How does the history of craps influence the game today?
- The history of craps has influenced the rules and strategies of the game, as well as its popularity in casinos.
9. What is the future of craps in casinos?
- The future of craps in casinos is likely to remain positive, as long as there is an interest in the game.
10. Why are some craps tables larger than others?
- Larger craps tables can accommodate more players, making the game more dynamic and social.
