Craps Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to Betting and Winning

Craps, with its fast-paced action and seemingly complex betting options, can be intimidating for beginners. However, beneath the surface lies a relatively straightforward game with plenty of opportunities for both casual and experienced gamblers to enjoy. This guide will break down the fundamentals of craps, walk you through the various bets, and provide strategies to improve your odds of winning. Whether you’re playing online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, understanding the basics is the key to having a great time and potentially making some money.

Understanding the Basics of Craps

Craps is a dice game where players wager on the outcome of a pair of dice. The game is played on a specialized table with a layout displaying the various betting options. One player, known as the ‘shooter,’ throws the dice, and the results determine the outcome of the bets.

The Craps Table Layout: Familiarize yourself with the layout of the craps table. Key areas include the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come, Field, Place Bets, Proposition Bets (often located in the center of the table), and the Big 6 and Big 8.

The Dice: Craps uses two standard six-sided dice. Each die has faces numbered 1 through 6.

The Crew: A craps game is typically managed by a crew of dealers and a boxman. The dealers handle bets and payouts, while the boxman supervises the game and resolves disputes.

Key Terms You Need to Know

Before diving into the betting options, it’s crucial to understand some common craps terms:

* Shooter: The player rolling the dice.
* Point: If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 on the come-out roll, that number becomes the ‘point’.
* Come-Out Roll: The first roll of the dice in a new round.
* Natural: Rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll.
* Craps: Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll.
* Hardway: Rolling a pair (e.g., 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5) to make a 4, 6, 8, or 10 before a 7 or the ‘easy’ way (e.g., 1-3 to make a 4).
* Seven Out: Rolling a 7 after a point has been established. This ends the round and loses Pass Line bets.

Step-by-Step Guide to Betting on Craps

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to bet on craps:

Step 1: The Come-Out Roll

The come-out roll is the first roll of the dice in a new round. The most common bets made during the come-out roll are:

* Pass Line Bet: This is the most basic and popular bet in craps. You’re betting that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 (a natural) or establish a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). If a 7 or 11 is rolled on the come-out roll, you win. If a 2, 3, or 12 (craps) is rolled, you lose. If a point is established, the game moves to the next phase.
* Payout: Typically 1:1 (even money).
* Don’t Pass Line Bet: This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. You’re betting that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, or 12 (craps) or ‘seven out’ before making the point. If a 2 or 3 is rolled on the come-out roll, you win. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you lose. If a 12 is rolled, it’s a push (no win, no loss). If a point is established, the game moves to the next phase.
* Payout: Typically 1:1 (even money).

Step 2: Establishing the Point

If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 on the come-out roll, that number becomes the ‘point.’ The shooter continues to roll the dice until they either roll the point again (making the point) or roll a 7 (seven out).

Step 3: Betting After the Point is Established

Once the point is established, several additional betting options become available:

* Come Bet: This bet is similar to the Pass Line bet, but it’s made *after* the point has been established. Think of it as starting a new Pass Line bet within the current round. The next roll after you place a Come bet becomes the ‘come-out roll’ for your Come bet. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you win. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, you lose. If a point is established for your Come bet (a ‘come point’), you win if that point is rolled again before a 7.
* Payout: Typically 1:1 (even money) on the come-out roll for the Come bet. Payouts for making the come point vary depending on the point number (see Place Bets below).
* Don’t Come Bet: This is the opposite of the Come bet. It’s made *after* the point has been established. The next roll after you place a Don’t Come bet becomes the ‘come-out roll’ for your Don’t Come bet. If a 2 or 3 is rolled, you win. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you lose. If a 12 is rolled, it’s a push. If a point is established for your Don’t Come bet, you win if a 7 is rolled before that point.
* Payout: Typically 1:1 (even money) on the come-out roll for the Don’t Come bet. Payouts for the 7 being rolled before the come point vary depending on the point number (see Place Bets below).
* Place Bets: These bets are placed on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). You’re betting that the chosen number will be rolled before a 7.
* Payouts:
* Place to Win 4 or 10: 9:5
* Place to Win 5 or 9: 7:5
* Place to Win 6 or 8: 7:6
* Note: Place bets can be turned ‘off’ (removed) between rolls by informing the dealer.
* Place to Lose Bets: These are the opposite of Place to Win bets. You’re betting that a 7 will be rolled before the chosen number.
* Payouts:
* Place to Lose 4 or 10: 5:11
* Place to Lose 5 or 9: 5:8
* Place to Lose 6 or 8: 4:5
* Proposition Bets: These are single-roll bets located in the center of the table. They offer high payouts but have a high house edge. Examples include:
* Any Seven: Betting that the next roll will be a 7.
* Payout: Typically 4:1
* Any Craps: Betting that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12.
* Payout: Typically 7:1
* Ace-Deuce (3): Betting that the next roll will be a 3.
* Payout: Typically 15:1
* Aces or Boxcars (2 or 12): Betting that the next roll will be a 2 or 12.
* Payout: Typically 30:1
* Eleven (11): Betting that the next roll will be an 11.
* Payout: Typically 15:1
* Hardway Bets: These bets are on rolling a specific number (4, 6, 8, or 10) as a pair before a 7 or the ‘easy’ way of making that number. For example, betting on Hardway 8 means you need to roll a 4-4 before a 7 or any other combination that makes an 8 (5-3, 6-2).
* Payouts:
* Hardway 4 or 10: 7:1
* Hardway 6 or 8: 9:1
* Note: Hardway bets are typically ‘off’ on the come-out roll unless you specify otherwise.
* Big 6 and Big 8: These are similar to Place Bets on 6 and 8, but they offer a lower payout (even money) and a higher house edge. It’s generally better to place the 6 and 8 instead.
* Payout: 1:1

Craps Betting Strategies

While craps is a game of chance, employing certain strategies can help manage your bankroll and potentially improve your odds. Here are a few popular strategies:

* Pass Line/Come Bet Strategy: This is a simple and popular strategy. Start with a Pass Line bet on the come-out roll. Once a point is established, make one or two Come bets. This gives you multiple chances to win. Increase bets gradually.
* Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Strategy: This strategy involves betting on the Don’t Pass Line on the come-out roll and then placing Don’t Come bets after a point is established. This strategy relies on the shooter ‘sevening out.’
* 3-Point Molly: This strategy combines the Pass Line bet with Come bets. After establishing a point, make two Come bets. If one of your Come bets wins, place another Come bet, so you always have three numbers working for you (the point and two Come points). This aims to capitalize on a hot shooter.
* Iron Cross: This aggressive strategy involves placing bets on the 5, 6, and 8 and the Field bet. This covers almost all possible outcomes except a 7. When a 7 is rolled, you lose all your bets, but the strategy can be profitable if the shooter avoids 7s.
* Hedge Betting: Some players use hedge bets (like Any Seven) to mitigate potential losses on other bets, such as Place Bets. However, hedge bets typically have a high house edge and should be used sparingly.
* Bankroll Management: This is arguably the most important strategy. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Don’t chase losses, and know when to walk away. Divide your bankroll into smaller units and only bet a small percentage of your bankroll on each roll.

Understanding the House Edge

The house edge is the casino’s advantage in a particular game. In craps, the house edge varies depending on the bet.

* Pass Line Bet: 1.41%
* Don’t Pass Line Bet: 1.36% (slightly lower because of the push on 12)
* Come Bet: 1.41%
* Don’t Come Bet: 1.36%
* Place Bets (6 or 8): 1.52%
* Place Bets (5 or 9): 4.00%
* Place Bets (4 or 10): 6.67%
* Proposition Bets: Can range from around 9% to over 16%, so be very careful with these bets.
* Hardway Bets: House edge varies based on the number but are generally quite high.

Tips for Playing Craps

* Start Simple: Begin with basic bets like the Pass Line and Come bets and gradually explore other options as you become more comfortable with the game.
* Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
* Learn the Odds: Understanding the payouts and house edges of different bets will help you make informed decisions.
* Avoid Proposition Bets: These bets have a high house edge and are generally not recommended for beginners.
* Be Aware of Table Minimums and Maximums: Make sure your bets comply with the table limits.
* Practice Online: Many online casinos offer free craps games where you can practice without risking real money.
* Be Patient: Craps can be a volatile game. Don’t get discouraged by losing streaks. Stay disciplined and stick to your strategy.
* Observe Experienced Players: Watch how experienced players bet and manage their bankrolls. You can learn a lot by observing others.
* Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: The craps crew is there to help. If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask a dealer.
* Have Fun: Craps is an exciting and social game. Enjoy the experience and don’t take it too seriously.

Online Craps vs. Live Craps

Craps can be played both online and in brick-and-mortar casinos. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.

Online Craps:

* Advantages:
* Convenience: You can play from anywhere with an internet connection.
* Lower Minimum Bets: Online casinos often offer lower minimum bets than live casinos.
* Free Games: Many online casinos offer free craps games for practice.
* Slower Pace: You can control the pace of the game.
* Disadvantages:
* Lack of Social Interaction: Online craps lacks the social atmosphere of a live casino.
* Trust Issues: Some players may be concerned about the fairness of online games.

Live Craps:

* Advantages:
* Social Interaction: Craps is a very social game, and playing in a live casino can be a lot of fun.
* Authentic Experience: The excitement and atmosphere of a live craps table are unique.
* Disadvantages:
* Higher Minimum Bets: Live casinos typically have higher minimum bets.
* Faster Pace: The pace of the game can be fast, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
* Crowded Tables: Craps tables can be crowded, especially during peak hours.

Advanced Craps Strategies and Concepts

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced strategies and concepts:

* Odds Bets: After a point is established, you can place an Odds bet behind the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line. This bet pays out at true odds, meaning the casino has no edge on this portion of your bet. The maximum Odds bet allowed varies from casino to casino.
* Lay Bets: Lay bets are the opposite of Place bets. You’re betting that a 7 will be rolled before the chosen number. The payout is slightly different than Place to Lose bets.
* Craps Systems: Various craps systems claim to guarantee wins, such as the Martingale system (doubling your bet after each loss). However, these systems are risky and can quickly deplete your bankroll.
* Dice Control: Some players believe they can influence the outcome of the dice rolls through controlled throwing techniques. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. While not illegal, casinos may discourage dice control if they believe it’s interfering with the game.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

* Chasing Losses: Don’t try to win back your losses by betting more. This can lead to even bigger losses.
* Betting Too Much: Only bet what you can afford to lose.
* Ignoring the House Edge: Be aware of the house edge of different bets and avoid those with a high edge.
* Not Understanding the Rules: Make sure you understand the rules of the game before you start playing.
* Getting Emotional: Don’t let emotions influence your betting decisions. Stay calm and rational.
* Drinking Too Much: Alcohol can impair your judgment and lead to poor betting decisions.

Conclusion

Craps is a thrilling and potentially rewarding game. By understanding the basics, learning the betting options, and employing smart strategies, you can increase your chances of winning and have a great time at the craps table. Remember to manage your bankroll, avoid high-risk bets, and always gamble responsibly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, craps offers something for everyone. So, grab your dice (or click your mouse), and get ready to roll!