Craps is one of the most electrifying games on the casino floor. With players cheering, chips flying, and dice rolling across the table, it delivers a communal thrill that few other casino games can match. Though the table may look intimidating to beginners, craps is actually a game built around a few basic principles. Once you understand the rules and betting options, you’ll see why it’s a favorite among passionate gamblers https://bongdalufuni.com/
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Origins of Craps
Craps traces its origins to a game called “Hazard,” which dates back to medieval England. It was brought to New Orleans in the early 1800s by French settlers and evolved into what we now know as modern craps. Initially popular in the streets, the game eventually made its way into casinos, where it was formalized with specific rules and etiquette.
Today, craps is a staple in most casinos around the world and has a strong online presence as well, including both standard and live dealer versions.
How Craps Works
Craps is played with two six-sided dice. The game unfolds in two phases: the Come-Out Roll and the Point Phase. A “shooter” is the player who rolls the dice, and the action begins once bets are placed on the table.
- Come-Out Roll:
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, it’s called a “natural” and Pass Line bets win.
- If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, it’s called “craps” and Pass Line bets lose.
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the Point.
- Point Phase:
- Once a point is established, the shooter keeps rolling the dice.
- The goal is to roll the point number again before a 7 is rolled.
- If the point is rolled, Pass Line bets win; if a 7 comes first, Pass Line bets lose.
After this, the cycle starts again with a new come-out roll—either from the same shooter (if they won) or a new one (if they lost).
Basic Bets in Craps
- Pass Line: The most fundamental bet. Wins if the come-out roll is 7 or 11; loses if it’s 2, 3, or 12.
- Don’t Pass Line: The opposite of the Pass Line. Wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and 12 is a push.
- Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line, but can be placed after the point is established.
- Don’t Come Bet: Like the Don’t Pass Line, but placed after the point is set.
Once you’ve mastered these basic bets, you can explore more advanced options like:
- Odds Bet: An additional bet placed behind your Pass or Come bet that pays true odds.
- Place Bets: Bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7.
- Field Bet: A one-roll bet that wins if a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled.
House Edge and Payouts
Craps offers some of the best odds in the casino if you stick to smart bets:
- Pass Line with Odds: House edge as low as 0.8% depending on the odds allowed.
- Don’t Pass with Odds: Slightly better than Pass Line.
- Place Bets on 6 or 8: Reasonable odds with decent payouts.
- Proposition Bets: Avoid these high-risk, high-house-edge bets like “Any 7” or “Hardways.”
Online Craps and Mobile Play
Online craps mimics the excitement of the real thing, often with the added benefit of a simpler interface. Many platforms now feature live dealer versions, which stream actual dice rolls for a more immersive experience. Online versions also offer low minimum bets, which is ideal for learning and practicing.
Tips for Playing Craps
- Learn the Basics First: Focus on Pass Line and Come bets until you’re comfortable.
- Use Free Odds Bets: These pay true odds and reduce the house edge.
- Avoid Risky Bets: Stick to bets with low house edges until you’re more experienced.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Craps can be fast-paced, so set a budget and stick to it.
Craps Etiquette
If you’re playing in a land-based casino, know that craps has its own social norms:
- Don’t hand chips directly to the dealer; place them on the table.
- Keep your hands above the table when dice are being rolled.
- Avoid saying the word “seven” during the point phase—it’s considered bad luck.
Craps is a game of energy, strategy, and camaraderie. While the layout may seem complex at first glance, understanding the core mechanics and sticking to smart bets will have you rolling with confidence in no time. Whether you’re online or at a crowded table in Vegas, craps is one of the most exhilarating ways to test your luck at the casino.