How to Play Craps
One of the most popular casino games around is Craps. Craps is a table game that is fast moving, exhilarating and generally a good bet (due to the low odds). For most casino enthusiasts looking for an exciting game to play- craps is definitely it. While it may look intimidating and involve lots of people and yelling, Craps is actually a very easy to game to play and master.
Learn the Basics
Before you ever set foot in a casino, it is important that you learn all the basics of Craps and are knowledgeable about the many bets one can make along with the odds of each bet. Never play a casino game without basic knowledge or else you will probably lose your entire bankroll.
Craps is played with a pair of dice. Two dice, each with the digits ranging from 1 to 6. When rolling both dice at a time, you will end up with a total ranging from 2 to 12. It should be noted that the odds are more likely that numbers such as 6, 7, 8 are most likely to be rolled with the number of 7 having the highest probability (6 ways to make the number 7 out of a total of 36 combinations).
The numbers of 2 and 12 are least likely to be rolled, having the lowest probability (1 way to make either a 2 or a 12 out of a total of 36 combinations). It is important to understand the probability of each number being rolled before betting.
The Layout of the Craps Table
The layout of the table must be understood before you bet. There are many bets that one can make including: Pass bets, Don't' Pass bets, Come, Don't Come, Place Bets (such as 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), Big 6, Big 8, Field Bets, Hard Way Bets (such as a hard 8 when two dice are rolled each having the digit 4 totaling 8) and one roll bets such as Any Seven.
Obviously, there are lots of ways to bet and while many bets have a low vig (house edge) such as Pass, Don't Pass, Come, Don't' Come and Place Bets of 6 & 8, other bets have a terrible house advantage, such as Big 6, Big 8, Horn and Any 7.
One thing to keep in mind is that a bet in craps is nothing more than placing a wager on whether the person rolling the dice will roll the number that is required to win. From that perspective, you are hoping that the roller does a good job reaching a winning number, as that means you will win as well.
For instance, if you would like to play the Pass line, before the come out (the first initial bet in a series) place a bet on the pass line. Either you or another player will be asked to throw the dice. Depending on the total digits that are rolled will determine the come out. For instance, if a dice had a total of 8, in order to win a bet on the Pass Line, the player throwing the dice must roll another 8 before he rolls a 7. When the player rolls a 7 after the come out- all pass line betters lose. However, if on the come out roll (the initial roll in the series) a player rolls a 7, all players win.
Crapping out is just the opposite. For pass line bettors, on the come out roll, if the player throws a 2, 3 or 12, the player has crapped out and all Pass Line bettors lose.
Keep in Mind: This is a Communal Game
Craps is not a one on one style of game. It is essentially a roller against the house, and any number of players who are depending on the roller to do a good job for them. That is one of the reasons you will often see a lot of people crowded around the craps table. As the dice are rolled, people get excited or depressed, depending on how the rolling is going. Craps is one of the few games that allow bettors to actually participate in the game and roll their own destiny.
Practice
If you plan on playing craps, get in some practice before you hit the casinos. Set up a craps table layout and practice with friends, stopping after each roll to make sure you understand what has occurred. This will help you be prepared to read the rolls more quickly when you get into a real craps game and may save you from making some losing bets. Another option is to play craps online as a simulated game. You don't have to gamble, but using online craps simulation games can be a great tool to learn how to play craps competently.
