Craps is one of the most fast-paced games found in both brick-and-mortar and online casinos. The excitement comes from the unpredictability of every roll of the dice and the variety of bets that players can place.
For new players, however, the game can seem complex and intimidating. Despite remaining a game mostly based on chance, here we provide a comprehensive guide to playing craps, from the basics to advanced strategies, while also highlighting common mistakes to avoid.
Key Craps Terminology
- Shooter: The player who rolls the dice.
- Come-Out Roll: The first roll of the dice in a betting round.
- Point: A specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) established on the come out roll if a 7 or 11 isn’t rolled. The shooter tries to roll this number again before rolling a 7.
Understanding the Basics of Craps
Before diving into gameplay strategies, let’s run through how craps is played.
1. The game revolves around the roll of two dice, with one player acting as the shooter.
2. The shooter rolls to the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, pass line bets (explained below) win. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, pass line bets lose.
3. Any other number is the point, and the shooter continues to roll until they either roll the point number again (resulting in a win for pass line bets) or a 7 (resulting in a loss for pass line bets).
The Main Bet Types Available in Craps
The craps table layout is designed with several betting options.
- Pass Line Bet: If the come out roll is 7 or 11, the bet wins. If it's 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. If a point is established, the bet wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.
- Don’t Pass Bet: If the come out roll is 2 or 3, the bet wins, but for a 7 or 11, the bet loses. A 12 is a push (tie). If a point is established, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.
- Come Bet: Similar to the pass line bet but can be made after the come out roll. Wins on 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3, or 12. It acts like a new pass line bet if a point is established.
- Don’t Come Bet: Similar to the don’t pass bet but can be made after the come out roll. Wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and pushes on 12. If a point is established, it acts like a new don’t pass bet.
- Odds Bet: Additional bet that can be placed behind a pass line, don't pass, come, or don't come bet once a point is established. It has true odds and no house edge.
Gameplay Strategies for Online Craps
When it comes to strategies, starting with the basics is key. The pass line bet is a simple and effective strategy for beginners. It offers a low house edge and straightforward rules. Pass line bets are also often combined with odds betting.
Advanced strategies involve using the likes of don’t pass and don’t come bets, allowing players to bet against the shooter. These bets have their own set of advantages and can be used to hedge against losses. Hedging involves placing bets that cover multiple outcomes, meaning players come away with at least some returns even though losses are still possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players can make mistakes in craps. One common error is misunderstanding the odds. Each bet has a different house edge, and failing to recognize this can lead to suboptimal betting choices. Over-betting is another frequent mistake, which is typically driven by the excitement of the game. It's important to manage your bankroll effectively and avoid placing too many high-risk bets.
Discipline is crucial. Adhering to your strategy and not chasing losses can prevent unnecessary financial setbacks. Setting limits on your betting and knowing when to walk away are essential practices for any successful craps player.
Practice and Patience: Keys to Success
Success in craps, like many casino games, comes with practice and patience. Starting with free online craps games can be an excellent way to learn the rules and test strategies without risking real money. Consistency in your approach and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt will enhance your skills over time.
Additionally, using Skrill allows players to quickly withdraw and deposit the funds needed to play online craps at the world’s leading casinos. Opening a Skrill account takes seconds and allows you to play your favourite online casino games without revealing personal information.
This article contains information about gambling and betting; however this article and content does not constitute “advice”, nor does it constitute any “recommendation” on whether or how to engage in gambling or betting. The information contained in this article should not be relied on for any gambling, financial, or other transaction.
Further, neither Skrill Ltd. nor any of its Affiliates, endorses or makes any warranties regarding the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, information, or statement provided throughout this article. All gambling or betting content contained on or made available in this article is for educational, informational, and/or advertising purposes only.
Skrill Ltd. does not endorse or promote any form of wagering or gambling. Please note that all forms of gambling and betting (online and otherwise) carry with them inherent financial risk and risk of financial loss. Any gambling or betting activities should be exercised with responsibility and moderation in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
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