Craps is a dice game that is played with two dice, and it involves betting on the outcome of a roll or series of rolls. In this article, we will explore the basics of the craps casino game.
The Objective of the Game
The objective of craps is simple: to predict the outcome of the roll of the dice. Players place their bets on the craps table and then the dice are rolled. If the outcome of the roll matches the bet, the player wins. If the outcome of the roll does not match the bet, the player loses.
The Craps Table
The craps table is a large, rectangular table that is divided into sections. The center of the table is where the bets are placed, and it is called the layout. The layout is divided into two identical sides, with one side for each player. The sides of the layout are mirror images of each other, with the same bets available on both sides.
The Dice
Craps is played with two dice, and they are typically six-sided dice. The dice must be rolled in such a way that they hit the back wall of the craps table. The player who is rolling the dice is known as the shooter.
Betting Options in Craps
There are many different betting options in craps, which can be divided into two main categories: line bets and proposition bets.
Line Bets
Pass Line Bet – This is the most basic bet in craps. Players place this bet on the come-out roll, and win if the roll is a 7 or 11. They lose if the roll is a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point” and the player wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Pass Bet – This is the opposite of the pass line bet. Players win if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, and lose if it’s a 7 or 11. If the roll is a 12, the bet is a tie. If any other number is rolled, the player wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.
Come Bet – This bet is similar to the pass line bet, but can be placed at any point during the game. The player wins if the next roll is a 7 or 11, and loses if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point and the player wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Come Bet – This is the opposite of the come bet. Players win if the next roll is a 2 or 3, and lose if it’s a 7 or 11. If the roll is a 12, the bet is a tie. If any other number is rolled, the player wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.
Proposition Bets in Craps
Proposition bets are bets made in craps that are based on the outcome of the next roll of the dice. These bets can be made on any single roll of the dice and usually offer higher payouts than standard bets, but they also have a higher house edge, meaning the casino has a greater advantage.
In craps, there are several types of proposition bets that you can make. Here are some of the most common ones:
Any Seven – This is a bet that the next roll will be a seven. The payout for this bet is typically 4 to 1, but the house edge is quite high at around 16.67%.
Any Craps – This is a bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12. The payout for this bet is typically 7 to 1, but the house edge is around 11.11%.
Eleven – This is a bet that the next roll will be an 11. The payout for this bet is typically 15 to 1, but the house edge is around 11.11%.
Hardways
This is a bet that a specific combination of doubles will be rolled before a 7 or any other combination of the same total is rolled. For example, you can bet that the next roll will be a “hard 8” (two 4s) before a 7 or a “soft 8” (4 and 4 or 5 and 3) is rolled. The payouts for these bets vary depending on the specific hardway bet, but the house edge is usually around 9%.
Horn Bet
This is a bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 11, or 12. The bet is typically split into four equal parts, with each part wagered on one of the four numbers. The payouts for this bet vary depending on the specific numbers rolled, but the house edge is around 12.5%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, craps is a popular casino game that involves rolling two dice and betting on the outcome. It’s a game of chance, but there are certain strategies and betting options that can improve your odds of winning. The pass line and come bets are considered the best bets in craps, with a relatively low house edge. However, proposition bets offer higher payouts but also have a higher house edge, making them a riskier option. Overall, craps is an exciting game with many different betting options, but it’s important to understand the rules and odds before placing your bets to maximize your chances of winning.
