Craps is a thrilling casino game that combines chance, strategy, and a bit of luck. While the fast-paced table can seem intimidating at first, learning how to bet on craps step by step will make it much easier to understand and enjoy.
Understanding the Basics of Craps
Before diving into the betting strategies, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals of the game. Craps is played with two dice, and the outcome of each roll determines the result of bets placed by players at the table.
The Craps Table Layout
The craps table may look overwhelming, but it’s simply a collection of areas for different bets. Key sections include:
- Pass Line: One of the most popular bets, placed on the shooter winning.
- Don’t Pass Line: A bet against the shooter.
- Come: Similar to the Pass Line but made after the point is established.
- Don’t Come: A bet against the shooter after the point is set.
- Place Bets: Bets on specific numbers.
- Proposition Bets: One-roll bets with high payouts but low odds of winning.
Step 1: Join the Craps Table
Walk up to the craps table when the game is between rolls. Place your chips on the table and let the dealer know how much you want to exchange. The dealer will hand you colour-coded chips, which represent your betting units.
Etiquette for Joining the Game
Craps tables can get lively, but there are a few unspoken rules to keep in mind:
- Avoid handling the dice unless you are the shooter.
- Place your bets promptly before the dice are rolled.
- Use proper terminology when calling out bets to the dealer.
Step 2: Understand the Shooter’s Role
The game begins with the shooter—the player rolling the dice. The first roll of a round is called the come-out roll. The shooter’s goal is to establish a point, which is any number other than 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12.
Key Outcomes of the Come-Out Roll:
- 7 or 11: This is a natural, and Pass Line bets win.
- 2, 3, or 12: This is craps, and Pass Line bets lose.
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: The point is established, and the game continues.
If a point is set, the shooter will keep rolling the dice until they roll the point number again (a win) or a 7 (a loss). This stage is referred to as the point phase.
Step 3: Place a Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line bet is the easiest way for beginners to get started. To make this bet, place your chips on the Pass Line before the come-out roll.
Pass Line Bet Outcomes:
- If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, your bet wins.
- If the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, your bet loses.
- If a point is established, your bet wins if the shooter rolls the point before rolling a 7.
This bet offers a low house edge, making it a smart choice for new players.
Step 4: Explore the Don’t Pass Line Bet
For a slightly different approach, consider the Don’t Pass Line bet. This is essentially a wager against the shooter. To place this bet, put your chips on the Don’t Pass Line before the come-out roll.
Don’t Pass Line Bet Outcomes:
- If the come-out roll is 2 or 3, you win.
- If the come-out roll is 7 or 11, you lose.
- If the come-out roll is 12, it’s a push (tie).
- If a point is established, your bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.
Step 5: Learn About Come and Don’t Come Bets
Come and Don’t Come bets work like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets but can only be made after a point has been established.
How to Place a Come Bet:
- Wait for the point to be established.
- Place your chips in the Come area of the table.
- If the next roll is a 7 or 11, your bet wins. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, your bet loses.
- If a number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that becomes your individual point. Your bet wins if this number is rolled before a 7.
The Don’t Come bet follows similar rules, but it’s a wager against the shooter.
Step 6: Take Odds on Your Bets
Once a point is established, you can take odds on your Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, or Don’t Come bets. This means placing an additional bet behind your original one.
Why Take Odds?
- It reduces the house edge.
- It offers true odds payouts based on the likelihood of a roll.
For example:
- A 4 or 10 pays 2:1.
- A 5 or 9 pays 3:2.
- A 6 or 8 pays 6:5.
To take odds, place your chips behind your original bet. Let the dealer know if you’re unsure where to position them.
Step 7: Explore Place Bets
Place bets allow you to wager on specific numbers—4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. To make a Place bet, tell the dealer which number you’re betting on and hand over your chips.
Payouts for Place Bets:
- 4 or 10: Pays 9:5.
- 5 or 9: Pays 7:5.
- 6 or 8: Pays 7:6.
Place bets remain active until you remove them or a 7 is rolled.
Step 8: Try Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are located in the centre of the table and cover one-roll outcomes. While these bets offer high payouts, they come with a higher house edge.
Examples of Proposition Bets:
- Any Craps: Wins if 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. Pays 7:1.
- Yo: Wins if 11 is rolled. Pays 15:1.
- Hardways: Bets on doubles, such as 4 (2+2) or 10 (5+5). Payouts vary.
Step 9: Manage Your Bankroll
Like any casino game, craps requires good bankroll management. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses, and don’t let big wins tempt you into making risky bets.
Tips for Managing Your Bankroll:
- Set a budget before playing.
- Start with smaller bets, like Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line.
- Gradually increase your bets as you gain confidence.
- Walk away when you’ve hit your limit, whether it’s a win or a loss.
Step 10: Watch and Learn
Spending some time observing others at the craps table can help you get comfortable with the flow of the game. Pay attention to how experienced players place their bets, manage their chips, and react to different outcomes. This is a great way to pick up strategies and tips before jumping in.
Step 11: Practise Online
Many online casinos offer free craps games, allowing you to practise without risking real money. Use these platforms to test different betting strategies, understand the odds, and become familiar with the gameplay. Once you feel confident, you can move to live games.
Benefits of Practising Online:
- Risk-free environment.
- Chance to learn at your own pace.
- No pressure from other players.
Final Tips for Beginners
- Stick to simple bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line when starting out.
- Avoid complicated bets with high house edges until you understand the game better.
- Enjoy the social aspect of craps, as it’s one of the most engaging games in the casino.
