Craps is one of the most popular table games at a land-based casino, with the fast-paced action always drawing a crowd of onlookers. As online gaming became more accessible and more popular, a larger number of players are trying their hand at the game. Craps appears complicated at first due to the many bets that can be placed and speed of play. Learning the rules of the game is the first step to understanding how to play.
Playing a Game of Craps
Up to 20 players can play a game of craps at one time. The shooter is the player who rolls the dice and each round the shooter will throw two dice against the end of a table. Players bet on the outcome of the dice.
To begin the game, players must place the pass line bet. The first throw of the dice is known as the come out roll. If the come out roll lands on a 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins. If the dice land on 2, 3 or 12, the pass line bet loses. If the come out roll lands on 4, 5, 6, 8 , 9 or 10, that number becomes the point number. The shooter will continue to roll the two dice until he rolls a 7 or the point number. If the point number is rolled first, the pass line bet wins; if a 7 comes up first, the pass line bet loses.
Win - 7 or 11
Lose - 2,3 or 12
Other Bets in a Game of Craps
There are many other bets that can be placed in a game of craps, although they are less common.
- Don't pass line bet - opposite of the pass line bet
- Don't come bet - the opposite of the come bet
- Place bets - bets on a specific number after the come point has been established
- Big six or big eight bets - bets on the numbers 6 or 8
- Field bets - bets on specific numbers
Craps Strategies
Craps is a game of chance and no strategies will be able to improve the outcome of your game. The different bets in the game do have different house odds and it is worthwhile to place bets with the lowest house edge as that is the surest way to improve your chances of winning. Also make sure to keep an eye on your bankroll and set specific limits of when to stop playing in order to help you keep in control of your game.
