Master the Rules of Craps
Craps is a dice game based on the British game called ‘hazard.’ In this popular game, you bet on the dice roll. The action centers on a colorful dedicated table with different sections representing all bets to play. Although the primary objective is to bet on the registration of dice, there are a set of dice-rolling rules in Place.
Also, their payouts and house edge differ for most types of bets. To fully enjoy this game, make sure to read this guide and master the rules of craps.
The Objective
In online craps, your objective is to bet on the outcome of the roll of the dice. Under the craps rules, there are several combinations that you can play.
In most US casinos, the most popular is the main game called the ‘Pass Line’ and the ‘Don’t Pass line. However, there are other variants or betting combos you can try.
The craps table
The craps table displays several sections representing the different bets you can play.
As you can see, the game’s table displays all the essential information that you need in making an informed bet. Aside from the popular craps bets to play, you will also find information on its payouts.
The dice
In craps, the dice play a crucial role in determining the game’s results. At the start of the game, a player is assigned as the ‘shooter’ who will roll the dice on the table.
The Puck
The puck looks like a button that can display the words ‘On’ or ‘Off.’ Before a Point is established on the come-out roll, the ‘Off’ side is shown. After the Point has been based, the dealer then turns over the puck and puts this above the Point represented on the table.
The Stick
This is the long and curved stick used b the dealer to collect the dice after completing each roll.
The shooter
In this game, players take turns rolling the dice on the table. The player assigned to roll the dice for a specific round is called the ‘shooter.’
The boxperson
The box person is the casino team member that supervises the box or that area on the table where the center bets are placed. The box person is authorized to accept bets, verify payments, and facilitate the game’s flow.
The stickperson
He is the person who is responsible for continuously tracking the dice. It’s also his job to announce the roll’s outcome and use the stick to collect the dice and throw this to the next shooter.
The dealers
You will find the dealers on each side of the box person. The dealers are tasked to handle the chips and money. They are responsible for exchanging cash for chips and completing the payments to the winning players.
To confidently play this game, you need to know the odds of any number before the shooter rolls a seven. Here’s a sample of the possible combinations that you can generate at any time when playing craps online.
| Dice Total | Possible Combinations | Total Combinations | Odds of Winning | Odds Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two | 1,1 | 1 | 25:1 | 2.78% |
| Twelve | 6,6 | 1 | 25:1 | 2.78% |
| Three | (2,1) (1,3) | 2 | 17:1 | 5.56% |
| Eleven | (6,5) (5,6) | 2 | 17:1 | 5.56% |
| Four | (1.3) (2,2) (3.1) | 3 | 11:1 | 8.83% |
| Ten | (4,6) (5,5) (6,4) | 3 | 11:1 | 8.83% |
| Six | (1,5) (2,4) (3,3) (4,2) (5,1) | 5 | 31:5 | 13.89% |
10 Best Craps bets
Let’s look at the most popular craps bets you can play online.
1. Pass Line
With a house edge of 1.41%, your winning Pass line bet is paid even money. On the come-out roll, if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win your bet.
2. Don’t Pass
This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. You win on the shooter’s come-out bet if the roll is a 2 or 3.
3. Come Bet
This works like the Pass bet, except that you will place this after a Point has been established.
4. Don’t Come Bet
Again, this is the opposite of the Come bet.
5. Field Bets
With a house edge of 2.78%, you win these bets if the next roll of the dice results in 2,3,4,9,10, 11, and 12.
6. Place Bets
You can make these bets after a come-out roll has been identified. You can bet on 4,5,6,8,9 or 10, and you win if the number selected comes out before a 7.
7. Hardways
If a specific number is rolled as a double, it simply means it was moved the hard way. For example, a hard is a double 4.
8. One Roll Bets
One roll bets are those that can be identified after just one role. Most of the one-roll bets in craps are service bets.
Any 7
This is a type of craps betting that awards a payout if one of the six dice combos results in a total of seven.
Any Craps
This works like the Any Seven bet, where your win or loss is dependent on the next roll of the dice. Here, you are betting on one of the three craps numbers that will be rolled on the throw of the dice.
2 or 12 Bets
These bets are hard to win, but they provide players with a lucrative payout of up to 30:1. For example, if you wager on 2, it must land on the next roll for you to win.
3 or 11 Bets
This works like the 2 or 12 bets. Here, you need to bet on the shooter lading a 3 or 11 before the appearance of 7.
Horn Bets
This is a wager that’s split between 2,3,11, or 12. This is a one-time roll bet and pays up to 30 to 1 if you win your bet on 2 and 12.
Big Six, Big Eight
A bet on the Big Six and Big Eight boasts a house edge of 9%, making this bet unpopular among many experienced craps players.
9. Free Odds/Laying the Odds Bets
These are popular and exciting bets because they offer a ‘zero’ house advantage. It would help if you placed a Pass/Don’t Pass bet or the Come/Don’t Come bets to enjoy the free odds wager.
10. Buy Bets
The Buy bets work like the Place bets, except you need to shoulder the 5% commission on the wager. So, if you win, you are paid using the true odds subject to a 5% commission.
Craps odds and payouts
When planning a strategy for the game, you also need to review the craps odds schedule and payouts. Knowing what bets offer a lower house edge can benefit you in the long run. Let’s check a sample table that displays the popular bets, the odds, payouts, and the house edge.
| Types of Bets | Odds | Payouts | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line/Come Bet | 251 to 244 | 1:1 | 1.414% |
| Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Bet | 976 to 949 | 1:1 | 1.402% |
| Pass Line Odds/ Come Bet Odds. Buy Bets (Have 5% Commission) | Odds | Payouts | House Edge |
| Numbers 4 or 10 | 2 to 1 | 2 to 1 | 4.7600% |
| Numbers 5 or 9 | 3 to 2 | 3 to 2 | 4.7600% |
| Numbers 6 or 8 | 5 to 6 | 5 to 6 | 4.7600% |
| Don’t Pass Odds/ Don’t Come bet Odds / Lay Bets (5% Commission) | Odds | Payouts | House Edge |
| Numbers 4 or 10 | 1 to 2 | 1 to 2 | 2.4400% |
| Numbers 5 or 9 | 2 to 3 | 2 to 3 | 2.4400% |
| Numbers 6 or 8 | 5 to 6 | 5 to 6 | 2.4400% |
| Field Bets | Odds | Payouts | House Edge |
| 3,4,9,10, or 11 | N/A | 1 to 1 | 5.5000 |
| 2,12 | N/A | 2 to 1 | 5.5000 |
Craps House edge
This refers to the operator’s built-in advantage in this game. The house edge depends on the type of bet you play in this game.
How to play Online Craps – Breakdown of a round
1. Now that you know the rules of craps, then you are ready to play! Log in to your casino account, visit the Games Lobby and pick a craps game to play.
2. Select your preferred craps table by considering the betting limits and the current mood and pace of the game. If you are new to the game, you may want to start at a table with a few players.
3. Buy your chips. You can place your money on the table and let one of the crew members know that you want to buy chips and play. Make sure you do this after the shooter completes the roll of the dice!
4. Now that you have your chips, you can now make a bet! There are more than a dozen craps bets to choose from, so you’ll have time to place your wager.
5. If you win, don’t forget to collect your winnings based on the schedule of craps payouts!
6. Don’t forget to have fun when playing the game. Remember, only play what you can afford to lose in online craps.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casino newcomer eager to learn the ins and outs of Craps or a seasoned high roller in need of a refresher, America Casino Guide has you covered with our exhaustive Craps Rules.
Learn the rules to stand the best chance of emerging a winner playing this beloved casino game that has provided hours of endless entertainment for gamblers across the country.