How to Play Craps: Tips for Increasing Your Odds

Introduction

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting game to play at the casino, craps is definitely worth checking out. This fast-paced dice game is popular among both novice and experienced players, and it’s easy to see why. With a variety of betting options and plenty of opportunities to win, craps is a game that can be both thrilling and profitable.

What is Craps?

Craps is a dice game that is played on a large table with high edges to prevent the dice from falling off. The game is played with two dice, and the object is to predict the outcome of the roll. Players can bet on various outcomes, such as the total number rolled, the specific numbers rolled, and whether the outcome will be even or odd. The game is played in rounds, with each round consisting of two phases: the come-out roll and the point phase.

Learning how to play craps can seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and some basic tips, you can increase your odds of winning and have a great time at the casino. In this article, we’ll provide you with some helpful tips and strategies for playing craps and improving your chances of coming out ahead.

craps bets

Understanding the Game

Craps is a dice game that is played with two six-sided dice. The objective of the game is to predict the outcome of the roll. The player who rolls the dice is called the shooter, and the other players place their bets on the outcome of the roll. The game is played in rounds, with each round consisting of two phases: the come-out roll and the point phase.

The Basic Rules of Craps

The come-out roll is the first roll of the dice in a round. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins. If the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the pass line bet loses. If the come-out roll is any other number, that number becomes the point number for the round.

During the point phase, the shooter continues to roll the dice until they either roll the point number again or roll a 7. If the shooter rolls the point number, the pass line bet wins. If the shooter rolls a 7, the pass line bet loses, and the round ends.

Players can also place bets on the don’t pass line, which is the opposite of the pass line. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, the don’t pass line bet wins. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the don’t pass line bet loses. If the come-out roll is a 12, the don’t pass line bet is a push. During the point phase, the don’t pass line bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point number, and loses if the shooter rolls the point number before rolling a 7.

The Different Bets in Craps

There are many different bets that can be placed in craps, each with its own odds and payouts. Some of the most common bets include:

  • Pass line bet: A bet that the shooter will win on the come-out roll or during the point phase.
  • Don’t pass line bet: A bet that the shooter will lose on the come-out roll or during the point phase.
  • Come bet: A bet that the shooter will win on the next roll after placing the bet.
  • Don’t come bet: A bet that the shooter will lose on the next roll after placing the bet.
  • Place bet: A bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7.
  • Field bet: A bet on the next roll being a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.

It’s important to understand the odds and payouts for each bet before placing your chips on the table. The pass line bet has the lowest house edge and is the most popular bet in craps, but other bets can offer higher payouts if you’re feeling lucky.

Bet Payout House Edge
Pass line 1:1 1.41%
Don’t pass line 1:1 1.36%
Come 1:1 1.41%
Don’t come 1:1 1.36%
Place 6 or 8 7:6 1.52%
Place 5 or 9 7:5 4.0%
Place 4 or 10 9:5 6.67%
Field 1:1
craps tips

Tips for Playing Craps

Craps is a game of chance and luck, but there are certain strategies that can help increase your odds of winning. Here are some tips to keep in mind when playing craps:

Manage Your Bankroll

Before you start playing craps, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Decide on how much money you’re willing to spend and don’t go over that amount. It’s also a good idea to divide your bankroll into smaller session amounts so that you don’t blow through all of your money in one sitting.

Stick to Simple Bets

When playing craps, it’s best to stick to the simpler bets such as the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets. These bets have lower house edges and give you a better chance of winning. Avoid more complicated bets such as the Hardways and Big 6/8 bets as they have higher house edges and are harder to win.

Avoid Proposition Bets

Proposition bets may seem tempting with their high payouts, but they have some of the highest house edges in the game. These bets include Any 7, Any Craps, and Hard 4/10/6/8. It’s best to avoid these bets altogether and stick to the simpler ones.

Take Advantage of Free Odds Bets

One of the best bets in craps is the Free Odds bet, which has a house edge of 0%. This bet can only be made after you’ve placed a Pass Line or Come bet, and it’s recommended to take the maximum amount of odds allowed by the casino. This bet can greatly increase your chances of winning and should not be overlooked.

Learn the Lingo

Craps has its own unique language and it’s important to understand the terminology used in the game. Some common terms include Pass Line, Come Out Roll, Shooter, and Point. Learning the lingo can help you better understand the game and make more informed bets.

Summary of Tips for Playing Craps
Tip Description
Manage Your Bankroll Set a budget and stick to it. Divide your bankroll into smaller session amounts.
Stick to Simple Bets Place simpler bets such as Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets.
Avoid Proposition Bets Avoid high-house edge bets like Any 7, Any Craps, and Hard 4/10/6/8.
Take Advantage of Free Odds Bets Place Free Odds bets after Pass Line or Come bets for a house edge of 0%.
Learn the Lingo Understand common terms like Pass Line, Come Out Roll, Shooter, and Point.

craps strategies

Strategies for Increasing Your Odds

Craps is a game of chance, but there are some strategies that can help you increase your odds of winning. Here are four popular betting strategies:

The Pass Line Bet Strategy

The Pass Line Bet is the most common and basic bet in craps. It has a low house edge of 1.41% and is a great strategy for beginners. To use this strategy, place your bet on the Pass Line before the come-out roll. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, you win. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point,” and you win if the point is rolled again before a 7 is rolled.

  • Pros: Low house edge, easy to understand and use.
  • Cons: Requires a come-out roll to establish the point.

The Come Bet Strategy

The Come Bet is similar to the Pass Line Bet, but it can be made at any time during the game. To use this strategy, place your bet on the Come Bet after the point has been established. If the next roll is a 7 or 11, you win. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “come point,” and you win if the come point is rolled again before a 7 is rolled.

  • Pros: Can be made at any time during the game.
  • Cons: Higher house edge than the Pass Line Bet.

The Don’t Pass Bet Strategy

The Don’t Pass Bet is the opposite of the Pass Line Bet and has a slightly lower house edge of 1.36%. To use this strategy, place your bet on the Don’t Pass line before the come-out roll. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, you win. If it’s a 7 or 11, you lose. If it’s a 12, it’s a tie. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point,” and you win if a 7 is rolled before the point is rolled again.

  • Pros: Lower house edge than the Pass Line Bet.
  • Cons: Can be seen as betting against the shooter, which may be unpopular with other players.

The Don’t Come Bet Strategy

The Don’t Come Bet is similar to the Don’t Pass Bet, but it can be made at any time during the game. To use this strategy, place your bet on the Don’t Come line after the point has been established. If the next roll is a 2 or 3, you win. If it’s a 7 or 11, you lose. If it’s a 12, it’s a tie. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “come point,” and you win if a 7 is rolled before the come point is rolled again.

  • Pros: Can be made at any time during the game.
  • Cons: Higher house edge than the Don’t Pass Bet.
Comparison of Betting Strategies
Betting Strategy House Edge Pros Cons
Pass Line Bet 1.41% Low house edge, easy to use Requires come-out roll to establish point
Come Bet 1.41% Can be made at any time Higher house edge than Pass Line Bet
Don’t Pass Bet 1.36% Lower house edge than Pass Line Bet Can be seen as betting against the shooter
Don’t Come Bet 1.36% Can be made at any
craps practice

Conclusion

Playing craps can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be intimidating for beginners. By following these tips, you can increase your odds of winning and have a better understanding of the game.

Practice Makes Perfect

As with any skill, practice makes perfect. Take advantage of free online craps games or practice with friends before hitting the casino. The more you play, the better you will become at making strategic bets and understanding the game’s nuances.

Be Mindful of Your Bankroll

It’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Don’t get caught up in the excitement of the game and bet more than you can afford to lose. Keep track of your wins and losses and adjust your bets accordingly.

Stick to the Basic Bets

While there are many different bets you can make in craps, it’s best to stick to the basic bets when starting out. The pass line and don’t pass line bets have the lowest house edge, which means you have a better chance of winning.

Stay Focused and Have Fun

Craps is a fast-paced game with lots of action, but it’s important to stay focused and not get too caught up in the excitement. Remember to have fun and enjoy the experience, win or lose.

Tip Summary
Practice Makes Perfect Take advantage of free online craps games or practice with friends before hitting the casino.
Be Mindful of Your Bankroll Set a budget and stick to it. Keep track of your wins and losses and adjust your bets accordingly.
Stick to the Basic Bets Stick to the pass line and don’t pass line bets when starting out. They have the lowest house edge.
Stay Focused and Have Fun Remember to have fun and enjoy the experience, win or lose.

By following these tips and strategies, you can increase your odds of winning and become a better craps player. Remember to stay focused, have fun, and always gamble responsibly.

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