Of all the dice-based gambling games, craps is considered the most well-known and popular. It appeals with its simple rules, fast-paced games, and the ability to use experience and strategy to increase your chances of winning. Casinos, both land-based and online, offer several variations of this game, including slots and live dealer rooms.
History of the game
A popular pastime in England, “Hazard” was invented in the 18th century and then migrated to the United States. In New Orleans, the Frenchman Bernard de Mandeville introduced the game to his compatriots, slightly reworking its rules and calling it “Craps.” The aristocracy didn’t appreciate the new game, but the lower classes of the newcomers took to it. Craps soon became the city’s favorite street game. Over time, it spread to various countries in the United States and Europe.
Varieties
Craps is part of a group of gambling games that are collectively known as one term -bones.
There are hundreds of craps variations, with private and bankroll considered the most common. Vegas Craps is also available at online casinos.
They differ in the details of the rules, additional winning conditions, and additional bets. When deciding whether to participate in a game, it’s important to thoroughly read the information about the Craps variant in effect at the table.
Craps Game Rules
To understand craps, you need to start by learning the game’s equipment and table. It’s also essential to understand the bet types and master the skill of making quick decisions. Practice and observing players from a distance will help with this.
Target
The game involves guessing the value of a combination obtained by rolling two dice. Participants place bets on the outcome, hoping for luck or using basic strategies. The winner is the one who guesses correctly.
Table inventory and markings
The rules of craps involve using a special table with high sides. Dice thrown onto this board will not fall off its edge. The inside of the board is lined with a soft, springy material, allowing the dice to bounce toward the center of the table. Along the edges of the board are betting areas, where players place their chips.
The layout of the craps table is classic, at first glance similar to that used inrouletteand similar games. The field has three sectors: two basic and one additional. The additional sector is used for bonus bets, which can be won after a single throw.
The design of this field may differ in land-based and online casinos. Sometimes, instead of numbers, it depicts dice. Players are prohibited from placing chips in the middle section. This is the prerogative of the stickman—one of the dealers. The standard side sections are intended for regular bets. Players can place their own bets here.
Craps table at an online casino
In addition to dice, craps uses a stick. This is a special stick, similar to a light poker, used by the dealer to place and remove chips from the playing field.
Number of participants
Typically, the minimum size field accommodates up to 12 players. There are tables that accommodate up to 24 players. The playing field is staffed by four casino representatives:
- Stickman.A person who takes bets on the middle section and acts as a master of ceremonies. He or she comments on the proceedings, tells jokes, and entertains the audience.
- Dealers.The staff places contributions on the basic fields to the right and left of the bonus.
- Observer.An independent team member who ensures the integrity of the roseswinnings from dealers and visitors.
The rules don’t specify a minimum number of participants. However, the game begins when four people are gathered at the table.
Possible bets
Craps is renowned for its wide range of exciting winning opportunities. Several combination types and paylines are available. Players can increase their chances of winning by alternating between them during the game.
Pass-line и front-line
To see the list of available bets, you need to open the payout table. If you’re at a land-based casino, you need to examine the betting board. Typically, all possible bets are displayed there. The main one is the pass (front) line. This is the first bet you can place.
A line consists of 8 winning combinations and 4 losing ones. They are distributed as follows.
| Throw amount | Result |
| 7 and 11 | A clear victory |
| 2, 3 or a dozen (12) | A clear loss |
| From 4 to 10 | Advance to the next round |
The Craps bonus round offers a second chance to win. By rolling a 4-10, the player is eligible for another roll of the dice. They must roll the same number (point) as they did in the previous round.
For example, after throwing a five, a player must try to get the same number on subsequent throws. If they succeed, they win a 1:1 payout based on their bet. The number of attempts is unlimited, but there’s one caveat: if a player throws a seven before a five, the round ends in defeat.
Don’t pass
This bet is the complete opposite of the previous one. A win is guaranteed if the hand comes up with a total of 2 or 3 points. A loss follows if the hand comes up with a 7 or 11. Players who prefer this bet play against the pass line, which is the majority. This creates a special atmosphere at the table, unique to craps. A win on a don’t pass bet pays 1 to 1.
Come
For this bet to be valid, someone at the table must move to the next stage of the hand—rolling a point between 4 and 10 during the pass line. According to the rules, this point must be repeated during subsequent rolls, avoiding a seven. A come bet is an opportunity to set a new point. This bet can be part of a strategy to deprive opponents of advantageous positions before the next move.
The come bet is calculated similarly to the pass line. A 1:1 win is awarded to a player who rolls a seven or eleven. A loss is automatically recorded if the dice show a 2 or 3, or if the dice show 12 points.
The playing field with the Come sector highlighted
Don’t come
A bet opposite the previous one. Winnings are calculated according to the don’t pass rules. If you land a seven after the second point, you win. Landing a seven before a total of 4 to 11 guarantees a loss.
Big 6 или Big 8
A player can bet on 6 or 8, but the required condition is that the numbers listed must come up before a seven. This bet increases the house edge. A big 6 or big 8 pays out at odds of 2 to 1.
Place
In addition to lines, craps allows players to bet on specific numbers. Players can place chips on any number between 4 and 10. A place bet is lost if a seven is rolled before these numbers are rolled. A 1:1 payout on the amount bet before the game begins is possible immediately after a win.
Field
The player bets on the central sector with numbers from 2 to 4 or from 9 to 12. The landing of two and twelve is paid at odds of 2 to 1, the rest – 1 to 1.
Hard numbers
This option allows you to bet on individual numbers rolled on the dice. The winnings are calculated in the table.
| Combination | Payout ratio |
| Twos or fives | 8 to 1 |
| Threes or fours | 10 to 1 |
| One and two | 15 to 1 |
| Ones or sixes | 30 to 1 |
| Sevens | 5 to 1 |
| Craps | 8 to 1 |
The Craps number depends on the casino rules. Most often, it’s 12, but combinations of 2 and 3 are also accepted. Bets on hard numbers cannot be re-rolled. There is only one attempt to win. If a winning combination is not rolled, the bet goes to the house.
Basic strategy
The mathematical probability of a roll’s outcome is the basis of Craps players’ tactics. Knowing this allows them to bet on combinations and individual numbers that come up more often than others. Using this strategy also reduces the risk of losing their deposit.
The game’s strategy is based on the number of possible dice combinations that yield the desired score. The more combinations, the more likely the desired score is to appear.
For example, 12 points can only be obtained with one combination—rolling two sixes. The probability of rolling this sum is lower than the probability of rolling fives, which can be rolled in four possible combinations: three plus two, one plus four, and so on. Therefore, a player who bets on a sum of five has a better chance than someone who bets on twelve.
A seven is the most likely outcome of a roll. Six dice combinations yield this score. The aforementioned 12, as well as two and three, are considered rare. A lower probability of rolling a seven yields higher odds. The risks also increase. Higher probabilities mean smaller wins.
Combining bets affects the casino’s advantage. It can lower or, conversely, increase it. For example, a website or a land-based casino can increase the odds for certain rare amounts or numbers. This will encourage casino customers to bet on them more often, increasing the casino’s advantage during short sessions.
At the same time, there’s always room for strategy. The key is to stop in time and make justified bets when you hit a favorable point, like a six. However, constantly raising won’t work here. Table limits prevent doubling up after a loss.
A table for playing a live dealer version of online craps
Helpful tips
Here are some tips from experienced players to help you master Craps faster:
- There is no need to rush.It’s better to think things through than to regret a hasty deposit. Many beginners fail because they forget basic strategy and get caught up in a race against the odds.
- The rules are mandatory to study.Land-based and online casinos may have different limits, odds, and conditions for certain types of deposits. It’s important to learn these before playing. Dealers at land-based casinos will explain all the terms upon request.
- Absent-minded players lose money.You can’t get distracted during the game: you can miss a point.After this, winning combinations turn into losing combinations. Understanding the differences between game stages is considered the foundation of successful tactics.
It’s also important to remember that any gambling game, including craps, has a house edge. This doesn’t mean players won’t win. It’s just that in the long run, losing is inevitable. Understanding this will help you save yourself both stress and money.