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Everything You Need to Know About Craps: Rules, Types of Bets, Strategies, and More

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Read Time: 6 minutes

Craps is one of the most popular casino games, and that popularity extends to online casinos. It can be found at many of the best U.S. gambling sites, along with other table games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

This comprehensive craps guide will cover the basics of the game. That includes rules, common bets, strategies, and other helpful information that can improve your chances of success at the craps table, whether you are playing at an online casino or a brick-and-mortar establishment.

Understanding the Basics of Craps

For many casino enthusiasts, craps is considered one of the most exciting and dynamic games to play. There are a lot of betting options for players, and when played at a brick-and-mortar casino, the lively atmosphere only makes the game even more fun.

If you are looking for a casino table game that offers something a bit different, craps is a great option. While blackjack, baccarat, and poker are all played with cards, and roulette is played with a ball and a wheel, craps is played with two six-sided dice.

In craps, the objective is for players to predict the outcome of the roll of the dice or a series of rolls. Players roll the dice in turns, and the game involves several phases.

These are the phases of a game of craps:

Come-Out Roll: The first roll in a round. The outcome determines the next phase.
Point Phase: If a point is established, the shooter continues to roll to hit that point before rolling a 7.

Key Craps Terms

When playing craps, there are four key terms to remember: shooter, pass line bet, don’t pass bet, and point.

Shooter: The player rolling the dice.
Pass Line Bet: A bet that the shooter will win on the come-out roll or establish a point and then hit it.
Don’t Pass Bet: A bet that the shooter will lose on the come-out roll or establish a point and then roll a 7 before hitting it.
Point: A number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) established during the come-out roll that the shooter needs to hit again before rolling a 7.

The Rules of Craps Explained

Starting the Game

Players place their bets on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass line before the come-out roll.

Come-Out Roll Outcomes

There are four possible outcomes for the come-out roll: win, lose, tie, or a point being established.

Win

If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, all Pass Line bets win, and all Don’t Pass bets lose.

Lose

If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, all bets on the Don’t Pass line win, and all Pass Line bets lose.

Tie/Push

If the shooter rolls a 12, all Pass Line bets lose, but all Don’t Pass bets are ties, which are also known as pushes.

Point Established

If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, a point is established.

Point Phase

During the point phase, the shooter aims to roll the established point again before rolling a 7.

Ending the Round

A round in craps concludes when the shooter either hits the point or rolls a 7.

Betting Options in Craps

Pass Line bets and Don’t Pass bets are just a couple of the numerous betting options available during a game of craps. The odds and payouts can vary with each betting option.

What are other types of craps bets that can be made?

Pass Line Bet

How It Works: Bet on the shooter winning.
Payout: Even money (1:1).

Don’t Pass Bet

How It Works: Bet against the shooter.
Payout: Even money (1:1).

Come Bet

How It Works: Come bets are similar to Pass Line bets, but these bets can be placed after the come-out roll.
Payout: Even money (1:1).

Don’t Come Bet

How It Works: Don’t Come bets are similar to the Don’t Pass bets, but these bets can be placed after the come-out roll.
Payout: Even money (1:1)

Odds Bets

After a point is established, players can make additional bets called “odds” on their Pass Line or Come bets. These bets have no house edge.

Payout: Varies based on the point:
- 4 or 10: 2:1
- 5 or 9: 3:2
- 6 or 8: 6:5

Place Bets

Players can bet on individual numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) to be rolled before a 7.

Payout:
- 4 or 10: 9:5
- 5 or 9: 7:5
- 6 or 8: 7:6

Proposition Bets

These are one-roll bets that can be placed at any time. They include bets on specific outcomes (like rolling a specific number).

Payouts: Payouts for proposition bets can vary widely, but they typically have a higher house edge than other bets.

Strategy for Craps Success

While craps involves a significant amount of luck, strategic betting can enhance your experience:

Stick to Pass Line and Odds Bets: These bets generally offer the best odds with a lower house edge.
Minimize or Avoid Proposition Bets: They carry a high house edge and are less favorable for long-term play.
Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for each session and stick to it. This helps avoid losses and prolongs your playtime.
Take Advantage of Free Odds: Once a point is established, always consider making an odds bet, as it has no house edge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Craps

As with other casino games, there are some common mistakes to avoid when playing craps, whether you are new to the game or an experienced player.

Chasing Losses: Don’t increase bets to recover losses. Doing so often only leads to greater losses. If you find yourself in this position, take a break. Remember, craps and other casino games are meant to be fun and a form of entertainment.
Not Knowing the Rules: Take time to understand the game and different bet types before playing craps.
Ignoring the Odds: Always make odds bets when possible. This will help lower your overall house edge.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why craps is considered one of the best casino games. Whether played at a casino or from the comfort of your home, craps is a thrilling game filled with a variety of betting options and possible strategies.

Unlike blackjack or roulette, you may not find craps at every online casino you check out. But online craps can be played at reputable sites such as Wild Casino, Lucky Red Casino, and Ignition Casino.

If you take time to practice, learn craps rules and types of bets, and utilize smart strategies and responsible gambling principles while playing, you can have a rewarding and profitable experience at the craps table.