How to Get Started with Craps
Before we get into strategies and the best way to play craps, it is necessary to understand basic craps rules and how they work. The table might seem a bit complicated at first, but once you familiarise yourself with the terms, you’ll realise online craps is one of the simplest games to play online.
Game Objective
In craps, the objective is to predict the outcome of the roll of two dice. Players place bets on the specific dice combinations they believe will appear after each roll.
The Equipment
To participate in craps, players need to familiarize themselves with the table layout and the dice, which are essential for placing bets and understanding the game.
The Craps Table
The craps table is designed to accommodate the game’s most popular bets and a central section for Proposition bets.
The main sections of the craps table wings are the significant bets in craps: Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come.
You will also see numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10), where the dealer will place number-specific bets.
The chips represent how much you want to bet, with the most common denominations being 0.50, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100.
How to Play Craps Online: Step-by-Step
To win on craps, you only need to predict the outcome of the dice and bet on it. It is a game of pure chance, and the unpredictability of each round is what makes the game so exciting.
Place bets
When the betting window is open, go ahead and set your stake or bet value. Then proceed to place the chips on areas on the Craps table. Most online casinos have craps games with a narrator’s voice or written prompts that explain the table. The safest bets on craps have a payout of 1:1. These include Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come.
Roll the dice
After all the bets have been made, the live dealer will throw the dice. If you are playing RNG online craps, the dice will be thrown by the mechanical shooter. Each die has a minimum of 1 and a maximum value of 6, so the value of the pair of dice can range from 2 to 12. The dice results after this spin can trigger either a Come Out roll or a Point roll. You automatically win your bet if you had bet on a Come Out roll and landed a 7 or 11. You would win if you had bet on ‘Don’t Pass’ and the shooter threw a 2, 3, or 12.
The Come Out roll
You might hear the dealer or narrator saying it’s time for the Come Out Roll if the sound is on. There are several things to note about this phase: the Puck/disc is OFF at the start. If you joined a table where the Puck is ON, you cannot make a Pass/Don’t Pass bet.
Establish the point
During the point roll, the dice value shall be the point. The Puck will be placed on the point number on the table. The pint shall remain on the number until the dice reveals a 7 or the actual point number. During this phase, you can place bets on the numbers in the bar at the top of the Craps table.
Place any additional bets
After the point has been established, you are allowed to place additional bets. For example, you can bet that the next roll will land on a specific Point or other numbers.
Results of the game
The payout depends on the value of your winning bets and the payout ratio. As we mentioned, the safest bets are on sections of the table that pay 1:1. In the next part of this craps online guide; we take a closer look at the types of bets and how to make them. All online craps games are run by a random number generator, to ensure all spins are fair.
Understanding the Dice Rolls
In craps, the outcome of each roll is determined by the combination of the two dice. Each die has six sides, numbered from 1 to 6, making the possible combinations range from 2 to 12. The roll results dictate the next actions in the game, such as whether a point is established or a winning outcome occurs. Understanding how these rolls influence your bets is crucial for making informed decisions in the game.
- During the Come out roll, the dice will be thrown, and if the value is 2, 3, 7 or 11, the round will be over. All winnings will be paid out.
- Pas/Don’t Pass bets are allowed during the Come Out roll. Pass bets win when you have a dice value of 7 or 11. Don’t pass bet wins if your dice value is 2 or 3.
- If the dice roll reveals a value of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, and the Puck is turned ON, the Paint roll will be activated.
- During the Point Roll, the value that the dice reveals will be the Point.
- You can continue making bets and rolls until the dice reveal a value of 7 or the Point Number.
Types of Bets in Craps
Now that you have an idea of how to play craps step by step, it is essential to understand the different types of bets and how they work. Here are craps rules and how they apply to various bets.
Pass Line Bet
he Pass line is the most common type of craps bet amongst UK casino players. Furthermore, players place this bet before the Come out roll takes place.
- The bet pays even money. 1:1
- Pass Line bets win if the dice value after the Come Out roll is 7 or 11.
- Pass line point will loose if the dice value is 2, 3 or 12.
- If the dice reveals another value, that becomes the Point.
The Pass Line bets will remain active until the point is rolled again or if a 7 is rolled.
Don’t Pass Line Bet
The Don’t Pass line is another popular bet on craps. Here is a summary of what happens:
- The Don’t Pass line bet wins if the dice roll on 2 or 3.
- The Don’t Pass line loses if it is a 7 or 11.
- If the dice value is 12 after a Don’t Pass line bet, then the bet will be ‘Pushed,’ meaning it’s neither a win nor a loss.
The Don’s Pass line stake will remain active on the table if a point is confirmed. However, it will lose if the point is rolled once again and wins if the dice rolls a 7.
Come Bet and Don’t Come Bet
These two bets can only be placed after the point has been established.
Here is what happens in a Come Bet:
- You win the bet if the first roll comes out as a 7 or 11.
- You lose the bet if you get a 2, 3 or 12.
- If you roll any other number, it will be the point for your come bet. Eg, if you roll a 5, then 5 will become your point.
- If you roll your point again, you will win. In this example, rolling a 5 equals a win.
- If you roll a 7, you lose.
Here is what happens in a Don’t Come bets:
- The bet loses if you get a 7 or 11 on the first roll.
- This wager shall win if you roll a 2 or 3.
- If your dice reveals any other different number, this number becomes the point for the Dont’s Come Bet. This bet remains in place until you win or lose.
- During the next roll, you win if a 7 is rolled and lose the bet if the point is rolled.
Place bet or Lay bets
‘The Place’ is positioned near the boxman and is one of the most fast-paced wagers in Craps. You can play and bet ‘Place to win’ on the dice roll, landing as a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10. Simply put, you are betting this will happen before the dice rolls a 7.
The place bet or lay bet can be made at any stage in the game as long as the Point has already been established.
For example, if your lay bet is on 6, it means you will only win this craps round if you roll a 7 before 6.
Field bets
The field section is in the middle of the craps table. By placing a wager on the Field, you are betting that the shooter will land a 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11. In some variants, you can double or triple your wager by betting that the dice will reveal a 2 or 12 and then land on either 2 or 12.
Proposition bets
These are single wagers that are made on a specific outcome dice roll. Proposition wagers are also known as centre bets because they appear in the middle of the table.
Note that these bets have the highest house edge (10% to 16.7%). Additionally, the bets have odds of up to 30:1, which is the best odds on Craps.
Here are the types of Proposition craps bets and when they win.
- Any 7 – The dice rolls a 7.
- Any Craps – The dice rolls a 2, 3 or 12.
- Ace Deuce – The dice rolls a 3.
- Aces – The dice rolls a 2.
- Boxcars – The dice rolls a 12.
- Horns – The dice rolls a 2, 3, 11 or 12.
Table showing proposition nets and payout odds
Craps Terminology
Craps might seem like a complicated game for beginners. However, it is still a game of chance and doesn’t require advanced skills. Above all, it will be easier for you to know how to play craps and place bets when you can understand the terminologies and common craps casino lingo
Here is a single table that includes all the terms and definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ace | A dice roll showing 1. |
| Big Red | A roll of seven. |
| Boxman | The casino employee responsible for handling the chips and supervising the live dealers. |
| Come Out roll | The first roll of the dice game in a new round. |
| Hard number | Any time a pair rolls out a number. For example, two 4s is a hard 8, while two 3s is a hard 6. |
| House edge | The advantage that the casino has over the player. |
| Natural | A dice roll of 7 or 11 during the Come Out roll. |
| Outside numbers | Numbers 4, 5, 9, and 10. |
| Odds bets | Side bets made after a point has been thrown, only pays if the point is rolled again before a 7. |
| Box numbers | Place bet numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10). |
| Front line | Another name for the Pass Line. |
| Horn bet | A wager that the next dice roll will be a 2, 3, 11, or 12. |
| Shooter | The player or dealer rolling the dice. |
Strategies and Tips for Playing Craps
When playing craps, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of strategies and tips that can improve your chances of success. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, implementing the right strategies can help you manage your bankroll effectively and make the most of your bets. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Follow a strategy that aligns with your betting style and risk tolerance: Choose a strategy that fits how much you’re willing to risk and how much you want to win. For example, if you prefer conservative bets, the Pass Line bet might be your go-to strategy.
The Pass Line bet is popular for its low house edge: As a beginner, focus on the Pass Line bet, which has one of the lowest house edges in craps. This bet gives you a higher chance of winning, especially if you’re just starting out.
The 3-Point Molly strategy involves placing bets on the Pass Line and two other numbers: This strategy maximizes your opportunities to win by placing bets on the Pass Line and two additional numbers. Once these points are established, you can add max odds on them for an even greater chance of winning.
Manage your bankroll by setting win and loss limits: Set clear limits for both wins and losses before starting your game. This helps keep your gambling experience controlled and enjoyable. If you reach your loss limit, stop playing to avoid further losses.
Stick to simple bets like the Pass Line or Don’t Pass for better odds: Avoid complicated bets, especially as a beginner. Focus on simple bets like the Pass Line or Don’t Pass, which offer favorable odds and are easier to understand.
If you truly want to know how to play craps and win, check out this full guide about the best strategies for playing craps online.
References
- Donald R. Smith, Robert Scott III – Golden Arm: A Probabilistic Study of Dice Control in Craps
- Bridgewater State University, Yaqin Sun – A Mathematical Analysis of a Game of Craps
- Wordorigins – Craps
- Garsia Math – How to Play Craps
