The "getting to know you" basics of Craps Rules
To a new player, craps can seem quite complicated and intimidating, especially considering the speed of the play against the complexity of the rules and outcomes! However, there are a few basics in terms of rules in general and bets specifically, that can make it much easier to get into the game to start with:
Basic rules of play:
- To make a simple Pass-Line bet, chips are placed on the table's pass line – the strip that runs around the whole craps table.
- The shooter is the player rolling the dice and the shooter's first roll is known as Come-Out and is a crucial roll that sets up the rest of the play.
- If the shooter hits a natural 7 or 11, the initial pass-line bet wins.
- If the shooter rolls a 2, 3 or 12, then this is "craps" – an automatic loss.
- If the roll results in any other number, this is known as the pass-line point. This point number is usually then displayed on the table and the shooter then has to roll this number again before rolling a 7.
- If the shooter is successful, then the pass-line bet wins. However, if a 7 comes up before rolling the pass-line point, then the pass-line bet is lost and the hand ends, with the shooter role passing to the next clockwise player.
- The alternative bet that can be placed for the Come-Out roll is the Don't Pass bet, which acts in opposition to the Pass Line bet. So, if the Come-Out roll results in a 2 or 3,the bet achieves an even-money win, whilst a 7 or 11 results in a loss. For a total of 12, the result is considered to be a tie, known as a Push.
Alternative bets:
- The other betting alternatives come into play following the first roll and involve the Come and Don't Come bets, which work similarly to the Pass and Don't Pass bets.
- • The Odds Bet is commonly thought of as the best bet of both craps and indeed of any table game in online casinos as it offers a zero house edge. This means that winning wagers receive the true odds return on their bet - the house doesn't get anything. This bet is not always (or even often) clearly indicated on the table and needs the eyes of an experienced player to spot it, so look for it early on and practice using it in a 'free play' mode until you are familiar with how and when to make this bet.
- In contrast, four other betting options: Big 6, Big 8, Hard 4 and Hard 10 offer a potential house edge of 11%+ - even if you win the payout is minimal when compared to the odds: most new craps players are best advised to avoid these bets!
Lastly, it's important to remember that both bettors and the shooter can place bets, but they don't always have to bet the same way – it can sometimes be more exciting to bet against the shooter!