- Beyond the Dice Roll: 97% Payout Potential When You play craps online and Understand the Odds.
- Understanding the Basics of the Craps Table
- The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line Bets: Your Starting Point
- Place Bets: Targeting Specific Numbers
- Advanced Bets and Strategies
- The Come and Don’t Come Bets: Extending the Action
- Proposition Bets: High Risk, High Reward
Beyond the Dice Roll: 97% Payout Potential When You play craps online and Understand the Odds.
Craps, a seemingly complex game to the uninitiated, is actually a simple and thrilling casino staple. Rooted in history, its origins trace back to the streets of New Orleans, evolving from an English game called “hazard.” Today, many enthusiasts play craps online, drawn to the fast-paced action and social atmosphere. Understanding the fundamental rules and the probabilities involved can significantly enhance your experience and potentially increase your chances of winning. This guide aims to demystify the game, providing a comprehensive overview for both newcomers and those seeking to refine their craps strategy.
The core of craps lies in predicting the outcome of two dice rolls. Players place bets on various combinations of numbers, and the “shooter” attempts to roll those numbers. The game’s appeal stems from its blend of chance and skill, as strategic betting can influence your odds. With a relatively low house edge compared to other casino games, craps presents an attractive option for discerning gamblers. However, mastering the different bet types requires careful study.
Understanding the Basics of the Craps Table
The craps table can appear intimidating, with its numerous betting options and bustling atmosphere. However, once you familiarize yourself with its layout, it becomes easier to navigate. The table is divided into sections for placing different types of bets. The central area is where the dice are rolled, and players surrounding the table take turns being the shooter. Key areas include the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come areas, as well as space for Place bets, Proposition bets, and more.
Before rolling the dice, the shooter must make a Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line bet. This initial bet sets the stage for the rest of the round. The Pass Line bet is a win on a 7 or 11 and a loss on a 2, 3, or 12. The Don’t Pass Line bet operates conversely, winning on a 2 or 3 and losing on a 7 or 11. Once a “point” is established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the shooter continues to roll until that point is rolled again (a “making” the point win) or a 7 is rolled (a “seven out” loss).
The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line Bets: Your Starting Point
The Pass Line bet is arguably the most popular and fundamental bet in craps. It’s a simple, straightforward wager that offers a decent payout and relatively low house edge. When you place a bet on the Pass Line before the come-out roll (the initial roll of the dice), you are betting that the shooter will win. A roll of 7 or 11 on the come-out roll results in an immediate win, while a roll of 2, 3, or 12 results in an immediate loss. If any other number is rolled on the come-out roll, that number becomes the “point,” and the game enters the point phase.
Conversely, the Don’t Pass Line bet is a wager that the shooter will lose. It’s considered a more conservative bet. A roll of 2 or 3 on the come-out roll results in a win, and a roll of 7 or 11 results in a loss. A roll of 12 typically results in a push (bet returned). Like the Pass Line, if a point is established, the game enters the point phase. Notably, the Don’t Pass Line bet is often viewed with some superstition by other players, as you are effectively betting against the shooter. The house edge on both the Pass and Don’t Pass bets is relatively low, making them the go-to choices for many players.
Place Bets: Targeting Specific Numbers
Place bets allow you to wager on specific numbers being rolled before a 7. Unlike the Pass Line, Place bets can be made at any time during the game, not just on the come-out roll. The payout for Place bets varies depending on the number being bet on, with 6 and 8 offering the lowest payouts and 4 and 10 offering the highest. While Place bets offer potentially generous payouts, they also come with a higher house edge compared to the Pass Line bet.
Understanding the probabilities associated with each Place bet is crucial for making informed decisions. For example, the probability of rolling a 6 or 8 is higher than rolling a 4 or 10, which explains the lower payout for those numbers. Carefully consider the odds and your risk tolerance before placing any Place bets. The following table shows the payout and house edge for each number you can bet on when you play craps online with place bets:
| 4 | 9:5 | 6.67% |
| 5 | 7:5 | 4.00% |
| 6 or 8 | 7:6 | 1.52% |
| 9 | 7:5 | 4.00% |
| 10 | 9:5 | 6.67% |
The house edge highlights the long-term advantage the casino holds over the player. Lower house edges are generally preferred, as they offer better odds of winning.
Advanced Bets and Strategies
Beyond the fundamental bets, craps offers a multitude of more complex options. These include Come and Don’t Come bets, proposition bets (like betting on a specific roll on the next throw), and field bets. While these bets can offer high payouts, they often come with significantly higher house edges, making them riskier propositions.
One popular strategy is to combine the Pass Line bet with Odds bets. Once a point is established, you can place an Odds bet, which effectively bets that the point will be rolled before a 7. The Odds bet has a true payoff, meaning there is no house edge. The amount of Odds you can place varies depending on the casino, but it’s generally a multiple of your Pass Line bet. A combined Pass Line and Odds bet strategy significantly reduces the overall house edge.
The Come and Don’t Come Bets: Extending the Action
The Come bet functions similarly to the Pass Line bet, but can be placed after a point has been established. When you make a Come bet, the next roll of the dice becomes the “come-out” roll for that bet. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you win. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, you lose. Any other number becomes the “come point,” and the shooter continues to roll until that come point is rolled again (winning the bet) or a 7 is rolled (losing the bet).
The Don’t Come bet is the opposite of the Come bet. It’s a wager that the shooter won’t roll a 7 or 11 on the next roll after a point has been established. As with the Don’t Pass Line, this bet can be somewhat unpopular with other players. Here’s a list of crucial things to remember if you plan to play craps online or at a land-based casino:
- Always understand the house edge for each bet before placing it.
- Manage your bankroll wisely and set limits.
- Don’t chase losses; know when to walk away.
- Focus on bets with lower house edges, such as the Pass Line with Odds.
- Practice with free online craps games to familiarize yourself with the rules.
Proposition Bets: High Risk, High Reward
Proposition bets, often located in the center of the craps table, offer the highest potential payouts but also carry the highest house edges. These bets cover specific combinations or single rolls of the dice. Examples include betting on a specific double (like 2-2 or 3-3) or betting that the next roll will be any 7. While the allure of a large payout can be tempting, it’s crucial to understand that proposition bets are generally unfavorable to the player.
The house edge on proposition bets can be as high as 16.67% or even higher. Therefore, they should be approached with extreme caution and only considered as occasional, small wagers for entertainment purposes. Most experienced craps players avoid proposition bets altogether, focusing instead on bets with more favorable odds.
- Understand the basic rules and terminology of craps.
- Familiarize yourself with the different bets available.
- Start with the Pass Line bet and consider adding Odds bets.
- Manage your bankroll carefully and set betting limits.
- Practice playing craps online or at a low-stakes table.
Craps is a captivating game that blends luck, strategy, and social interaction. By understanding the rules, mastering the basic bets, and practicing responsible gambling, you can significantly enhance your enjoyment and potentially improve your chances of success. Remember that responsible gameplay is key. Luck is always a factor, but informed choices can make a significant difference as you play craps online or at your favorite casino.