Craps is one of the most popular and exhilarating games in any casino, with its fast-paced action and the constant buzz of players cheering and groaning as the dice roll. For beginners, however, it can seem a bit intimidating with its complex-looking table layout and various betting options. But once you get the hang of it, this game is straightforward and incredibly fun to play. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of the game and provide some essential tips to help beginners feel confident when stepping up to the craps table.
Understanding the Basics of Craps
The Basics of Craps
- The most popular wager is the pass line wager. You’re placing a wager that the player who is tossing the dice, known as the shooter, will roll a 7 or an 11 on the opening roll (a “natural”) to win. You are out if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (a “craps”). Any other number that the shooter rolls on the first roll becomes the “point.”
- Point: In order to win, the shooter must roll the point value before rolling a 7. It’s referred to as a “seven-out” and you lose if the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point.
- Come Out Roll: The “come out roll” is the initial roll in a brand-new game.
- 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 on the first roll to win.
Other Common Bets
- Place Bets: You can bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to come up before a 7.
- Buy Bets: Similar to place bets, but with slightly better odds.
- Lay Bets: Betting against a specific number coming up before a 7.
- Field Bet: A bet on the roll of a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Craps can be a complex game with many different bets and strategies. It’s important to understand the basic rules and bet types before diving in. If you’re new to craps, consider starting with the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line bets.
The Flow of the Game
A craps game typically follows this sequence:
- Shooter Selection: A player is chosen to be the “shooter.” This player will roll the dice for a series of rounds.
- Come Out Roll: The shooter rolls the dice. This is called the “come out roll.”
- Natural: If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come out roll, the Pass Line bet wins and the shooter continues.
- Craps: If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the come out roll, the Don’t Pass Line bet wins and the shooter passes the dice to the next player.
- Point Established: If the shooter rolls any other number on the come out roll, that number becomes the “point.”
- Point Phase: The shooter continues to roll the dice until either:
- Making the Point: The shooter rolls the point number before rolling a 7. In this case, the Pass Line bet wins.
- Seven-Out: The shooter rolls a 7 before making the point. In this case, the Don’t Pass Line bet wins.
- Dice Pass: After the point phase, the shooter passes the dice to the next player, and the process repeats.
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Tips for Beginners at the Craps Table
Now that you have a basic understanding of how the craps casino game works, let’s dive into some tips that can help you as a beginner. These tips will guide you on where to start, how to manage your bets, and how to enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Start with the Pass Line Bet
For beginners, the Pass Line bet is the best place to start. It’s the most straightforward bet on the table and has one of the lowest house edges in the game, making it a safe and popular choice. By placing a bet on the Pass Line before the come-out roll, you’re betting with the shooter to win. This simple bet keeps the game exciting without complicating things too much as you get the hang of the flow.
2. Learn the Odds Bet
Once you’re comfortable with the Pass Line bet, consider adding the Odds bet to your strategy. The Odds bet is placed after a point is established and is an additional wager that can be added to your Pass Line bet. The great thing about the Odds bet is that it has no house edge, meaning it pays out true odds based on the number rolled. This makes it one of the best bets in the craps casino game and a favorite among experienced online players.
3. Avoid Proposition Bets Initially
As a beginner, it’s wise to stay away from proposition bets, which are bets placed on specific outcomes of the next roll. While these bets can offer high payouts, they also come with a high house edge, making them riskier for new players. Proposition bets can be fun to explore once you’re more experienced, but they’re best avoided when you’re just starting out.
4. Get Familiar with the Table Etiquette
Craps is a social game, and there are certain unwritten rules and etiquette that players are expected to follow at the casino table. For example, always use one hand when handling the dice, and make sure not to throw the dice off the table. It’s also customary to cheer for the shooter, especially if you’ve placed a Pass Line bet. Understanding and respecting these nuances will help you fit in at the table and enhance your overall experience.
Conclusion
Craps is a classic casino game that can seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice and the right approach, it’s a game that offers endless excitement and potential rewards. By starting with simple bets like the Pass Line, learning about the Odds bet, and familiarizing yourself with table etiquette, you can quickly build your confidence at the craps table. Remember to manage your bankroll wisely and avoid the more complex bets until you’re more experienced. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying all that the casino game has to offer.
