How to Play Craps? Craps Guide for Beginners

Craps is a popular casino game that gamblers have enjoyed for decades. The game is played with dice and involves betting on the outcome of rolls. Despite its reputation for being complicated, the rules of craps are relatively straightforward. 

In this article, we’ll look at the basic rules of craps, including how to make bets, what happens during a round of play, and how to win the game.

Credit: 22Bet Casino

Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or new to the world of casino gaming, understanding the basics of craps is essential to enjoy this exciting and fast-paced game. So, let’s dive in and explore the rules of craps!

Breaking Down the Craps Table

The craps table might appear confusing at first sight. However, the layout is universal in online craps casino sites and land-based venues. A green diagram is superimposed over the table. There are three sections, of which two are identical side sections and a centre section.

All craps players share the centre section, but you can only place bets on your side of the table. The table sections depict available bet types, and it’s the surface on which the pair of dice gets rolled. In an online casino, the table dynamic gets automated, except for a live dealer game, which offers a similar set-up to a brick-and-mortar casino.

The personnel responsible for managing the table include:

• Box person: In charge of exchanging chips for cash.
• Shooter: The player responsible for rolling the pair of dice.
• Dealers: The croupier or dealer, of which there are two in craps, are tasked with retrieving chips of losing wagers and paying out winners.
• Stickman: Distributes the dice to the shooter and announces the outcomes of a roll.

After you grasp the table rules, focus on picking up the craps table lingo, before you move onto the various bet types at your disposal.

How to Play the Game

A standard craps table can accommodate multiple players, but only the shooter rolls the dice, while other players can wager on the outcome. In a land-based casino, players take turns as the shooter in clockwise order around the table. However, in an online casino, you are always the shooter.

The thrown dice must strike the table’s other end and remain on the table’s surface for the roll to count as valid. All wagers are placed before the roll, and the bet can be on or against the shooter.

The croupier controls a puck with ON and OFF sides, indicating in which stage the game is currently in. When a new shooter takes the dice, he’s making the Come-out roll, and the puck is in the OFF position. This is the opening of a craps game. The shooter attempts to set a Point number for the rest of the game. After a specific number becomes the Point number, the dealer places the puck with the ON side on that number. This signals the commencement of the game’s second stage.

Other gamblers can place their chips on the desired bet on the table. The craps payout odds are different for every bet. If a shooter craps out, another player assumes the role of a shooter, and the game starts anew. Once you feel confident with the basics, you can start mastering the best craps bets you can place.

The Pass Line Bet

In craps, the Pass Line bet is one of the most basic and popular bets players can make. To make a Pass Line bet, you place your chips on the Pass Line area of the table before the shooter rolls the dice, as you can see in our example from 22Bet above. For example, if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, the Pass Line bet wins, and you receive a payout equal to their original bet. On the other hand, if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the Pass Line bet loses. 

Credit: 22Bet Casino

If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “point,” and the shooter continues rolling until either the point is rolled again (in which case the Pass Line bet wins) or a 7 is rolled (in which case the Pass Line bet loses). The Pass Line bet has a relatively low house edge of 1.41%, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced craps players.

The Don’t Pass Line Bet

The Don’t Pass Line bet is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. To make a Don’t Pass Line bet, you should place your chips on the Don’t Pass Line area of the table before the shooter rolls the dice. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, the Don’t Pass Line bet wins, and the player receives a payout equal to their original bet. The Don’t Pass Line bet loses if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. If the shooter rolls a 12, the Don’t Pass Line bet results in a push. In other words, neither the player nor the house wins or loses). 

Credit: 22Bet Casino

If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “point,” and the shooter continues rolling until either the point is rolled again (in which case the Don’t Pass Line bet loses) or a 7 is rolled (in which case the Don’t Pass Line bet wins). The Don’t Pass Line bet has a slightly lower house edge than the Pass Line bet at 1.36%, making it another popular choice for craps players who prefer to bet against the shooter.

The Come Bet

The Come bet in craps is similar to the Pass Line bet but is made after the come-out roll. To make a Come bet, you need to place your chips on the Come area of the table and wait for the next roll of the dice. If the next roll is a 7 or 11, the Come bet wins, and you receive a payout equal to your original bet.

Credit: 22Bet Casino

The Come bet loses if the next roll is a 2, 3, or 12. However, if the next roll is any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “come point,” The dealer moves the player’s chips to the corresponding number on the table. 

The player then continues to make Come bets until the Come point is rolled again (in which case the Come bet wins) or a 7 is rolled (in which case the Come bet loses). The Come bet has the same low house edge as the Pass Line bet, making it a popular choice for craps players who want to increase their chances of winning.

The Don’t Come Bet

The Don’t Come bet is the opposite of the Come bet. To make a Don’t Come bet, a player places their chips on the Don’t Come area of the table and waits for the next roll of the dice. If the next roll is a 2 or 3, the Don’t Come bet wins, and the player receives a payout equal to their original bet. The Don’t Come bet loses if the next roll is a 7 or 11.

Credit: 22Bet Casino

If the next roll is a 12, the Don’t Come bet results in a push. If the next roll is any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “come point,” and the player wins if a 7 is rolled before the Come point is rolled again. The Don’t Come Bet is another option to target if you plan to bet with low house edge.

The Odds Bet

The Odds bet is an additional bet that can be made on top of the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come bets. The Odds bet is a way for players to increase their potential winnings and reduce the house edge on their original bet. To make an Odds bet, a player places their chips behind their original bet on the table after establishing a point.

The amount that a player can bet on Odds varies depending on the casino, but the bet typically pays out at true odds. If the original bet wins, the player is paid out at the initial payout rate plus the Odds payout rate. If the original bet loses, the player loses their original bet but still has a chance to win the Odds bet. The Odds bet is popular for experienced craps players who want to maximize their winnings and minimize the house edge.

Which Are the 6 Best Tips to Win at Craps?

Before diving into the specifics of the craps winning approach, there are a few things that will act as the pillars of your strategy. Without getting them right, you are bound to fail, even if you are trying to implement the best craps strategy that exists. That said, let’s check out our 6 best tips on how to win at craps. 

Bankroll Management

Bankroll management is crucial for winning at craps because it allows you to minimize your losses and maximize your winnings over the long term. By setting a budget for how much you can afford to lose and sticking to it, you can avoid the temptation to make risky bets that may deplete your bankroll quickly.

Additionally, by dividing your bankroll into smaller units and only betting a small percentage on each dice roll, you can increase your chances of weathering losing streaks and capitalizing on winning streaks. Proper bankroll management also helps you avoid emotional decisions and chasing losses, which can lead to reckless betting and further losses. By managing their bankroll effectively, you can increase your chances of success and enjoyment while playing craps.

Stick to the Low House Edge Bets

It is generally recommended that you stick to the low house edge bets in craps to increase your chances of winning. These bets, such as the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come, and Odds bets, have a lower house edge than other bets.

Credit: 22Bet Casino

This means the casino has a smaller advantage, giving you a better chance of winning in the long run. So while the potential payouts for low-house edge bets may be smaller than others, the increased probability of winning can ultimately lead to more profits.

Stay Away from Proposition Bets

Players are advised to avoid proposition bets in craps because they have a high house edge and are considered risky bets. Proposition bets, such as the Hardways bets or the Any Seven bet, have a much lower probability of winning than other bets on the craps table. As a result, they have a much higher house edge, meaning that the casino has an immense advantage.

While proposition bets can have higher payouts, they are generally not worth the risk. Instead, we recommend you to stick to low house edge bets such as the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come bets, and use proper bankroll management to increase your chances of winning over the long term.

Avoid Betting on Hardways

Players are often advised to avoid betting on Hardways in craps due to the high house edge and low probability of winning. Hardways bets are placed on the outcome of a specific number (4, 6, 8, or 10) being rolled with doubles (2 and 2 for a Hard 4). The odds of hitting a Hardways bet are low, and the house edge on these bets can be as high as 9%.

This means that for every dollar you bet on a Hardways bet, you can expect to lose 9 cents in the long run. While Hardways bets may offer higher payouts, the odds of winning are too low to justify the risk.

Utilize the Odds Bet

The Odds bet is one of the craps side bets that can be placed after a Pass Line or Come bet and pays out at true odds with no house edge. This means the casino has no advantage over the player on this bet.

The Odds bet can be a powerful tool for players to increase their potential winnings without increasing their risk, as the bet is only placed after a Pass Line or Come bet has already been established.

Take Advantage of Free Odds Bet

Free Odds bets are a special type of Odds bet that can be made without any additional house edge or commission. This means you can bet up to a certain multiple of their original bet on the Pass Line or Come bet, depending on the casino rules, and receive true odds. 

Since the casino has no edge on the Odds bet, players can increase their potential winnings significantly while keeping their risk the same. By exploiting the free Odds bets and implementing some proper bankroll management techniques, you can improve your chances of winning in the long run and enjoy more profitable and exciting games of craps.

Exploring The Role of Probability in Craps

Probability is a fundamental concept in the game of craps. Every roll of the dice in this popular casino game is subject to the laws of probability, making it an ideal arena for exploring the role of chance and uncertainty in gambling. Understanding the basic principles of probability can help you make more informed decisions about their bets and improve their chances of winning.

We will delve deeper into the role of probability in craps, exploring the different bets you can make and the likelihood of those bets paying off. By the end of this article, you will better understand how probability works in craps and how it can impact your strategy and outcomes in the game.

Explanation of Probability in Craps

Probability in craps refers to the likelihood of certain outcomes occurring during the game. Each roll of the dice has a set of possible results, which can be calculated using mathematical principles. For example, the probability of rolling a 7 is 6 out of 36 or 1 in 6, while the probability of rolling a 2 or a 12 is only 1 out of 36.

Understanding probability can help you make more informed decisions when placing bets, such as avoiding bets with high house edges or taking advantage of bets with lower chances but higher payouts. While probability cannot guarantee a win, it can help you make more strategic and calculated decisions when playing craps.

Understanding the House Edge

The house edge in craps refers to the statistical advantage that the casino has over the player in each bet. The house edge varies depending on the bet type, with some bets having a lower house edge than others. Bets with a low house edge, such as the Pass Line and Come bets, offer a better chance of winning and are often recommended for beginners. 

On the other hand, proposition bets and hardways have a high house edge and are generally advised against due to their lower chances of winning. By understanding the house edge and making strategic bets, you can improve their chances of winning and enjoy a more profitable and enjoyable game of craps.

Identifying the Best Bet to Make

When playing craps, it’s crucial to identify the bets with the lowest house edge to improve your chances of winning. The Pass Line and Come bets are typically the best bets, with a house edge of only 1.41%, making them ideal for beginners. Additionally, taking advantage of the free Odds bets accompanying the Pass Line and Come bets can decrease the house edge to almost zero.

Proposition bets and hardways, on the other hand, have high house edges and should be avoided. By identifying the best bets with the lowest house edge and avoiding those with high house edges, you can improve their chances of winning and enjoy a more successful game of craps.

Importance of Sticking to Strategy

Sticking to a strategy when playing craps can help you make more informed and calculated decisions, reducing the impact of luck and chance on your overall results. In addition, a strategy can help you manage your bankroll, set limits on your bets, and identify the best bets to make based on the house edge and probability.

Without a craps strategy to win online, you may be more likely to make impulsive or unwise bets, leading to unnecessary losses. By following a system, you can approach the game with a clear and focused mindset, making strategic decisions and improving your chances of winning in the long run.

Advanced Craps Techniques

Craps is a game of chance that relies heavily on luck, but there are also advanced techniques that you can use to gain an edge at the table. These techniques go beyond basic betting strategies and involve a deep understanding of the game’s rules and probabilities. Below, we’ll explore some of the most advanced craps techniques that can be used to improve your odds of winning.

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From learning how to throw the dice in craps to calculating house edge, these techniques are designed to gain a further advantage and increase your winnings. Whether you’re a serious craps player or just looking to up your game, understanding and mastering these advanced techniques is essential for success at the craps table. But for all these techniques to be possible in the first place, you must play on a craps platform that provides an excellent selection of betting options, like in 22Bet.

Timing Your Bets

The timing your bets craps strategy is a betting technique that involves waiting for the right moment to place a bet. This strategy requires the player to observe the game and look for patterns in the dice rolls before placing a bet. The idea is to wait for a series of rolls suggesting a particular number or combination of numbers is more likely to come up, then place a bet on that outcome.

The timing of your bets strategy can improve the chances of winning by reducing the element of luck in the game and increasing the player’s overall understanding of the game’s patterns and probabilities. However, it is essential to note that this strategy requires much patience and observation and may only be effective in some games.

Mental Stability

Mental stability is a crucial factor in winning at craps. The game can be unpredictable and emotionally taxing, and it is easy to become overwhelmed and lose focus. Mentally stable players can better maintain their composure and make rational decisions, even in a losing streak or bad luck.

They are also more likely to stick to their strategy and avoid making impulsive or emotional decisions that can lead to losses. By staying calm and focused, you can maximize their chances of success and make the most of every opportunity to win at craps.

Final Words

Playing craps can be a thrilling and potentially lucrative experience, but it requires a solid understanding of the game’s rules and strategies. Following the tips outlined in this article can improve your chances of winning at the craps table. However, never stop learning new techniques, use craps books to improve your gameplay via new skills. Remember to start with the basic bets and gradually work your way up to more complex strategies.

Stay disciplined and manage your bankroll wisely, and don’t be afraid to take a break or walk away from the table if things aren’t going your way. With practice, patience, and luck, anyone can learn how to play craps and win big!

FAQ

Can I Play Craps Without Any Prior Experience? 

Yes, the rules of the game are straightforward, so you can try it out without any experience. But if you want to win, you will have to check out our unique craps tips and strategies.

How Much is the House Edge in Craps? 

It depends on the individual version of the game. But generally, craps’ house edge is among the lowest in the industry – around 1.5%.

How to Begin Playing Craps Effectively? 

If you are just starting out with craps, we recommend placing bets only on the selections with low volatility like the Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, Don’t Come bets. You can even begin your gaming experience with free craps, which is available in some of the best sites we recommend.

Which Craps Strategy is the Best to Win in the Long Run? 

There are many craps strategies to try for long-term success, but one of the best in that regard is the No Single-Roll Bets strategy. With this system, you will keep risk to the minimum while slowly building up your bankroll.