Craps is a thrilling casino game that combines luck, strategy, and a bit of social interaction. Whether you’re playing in a physical casino or online, the excitement of craps can be equally intoxicating. This guide aims to demystify the game of craps for beginners and provide insights into the various types of bets that can be placed. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to play craps online and be well on your way to enjoying this classic game.
Understanding the Basics of Craps
Craps is played with two dice, and the game revolves around the numbers that come up when these dice are rolled. The person rolling the dice is known as “the shooter.” In an online setting, you’ll be the shooter every time. The game consists of rounds, and each round has two phases: the “come-out roll” and the “point phase.”
The come-out roll is the first roll of a new round. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, this is called a “Natural,” and it results in a win for bets on the “Pass Line.” Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 is known as “Crapping Out,” which means Pass Line bets lose, but the shooter gets to roll again. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) establishes the “Point,” moving the game to the next phase.
During the point phase, the shooter aims to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. If the point number comes up, pass line bets win. If a 7 is rolled first, Pass Line bets lose, and the round ends.
Types of Bets in Craps
There are many bets on the craps felt at a table game. This includes line bets and props. The bets at live and online craps games are usually the same.
Pass Line Bets
The most basic bet in craps is the Pass Line bet. It’s a bet that the shooter will win their point number. As mentioned, if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win. If the come-out roll is 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point, and the Pass Line bet wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Pass Line Bets
The Don’t Pass Line bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Here, you’re betting against the shooter. If the come-out roll is 2 or 3, Don’t Pass Line bets win. If the come-out roll is 7 or 11, these bets lose. A roll of 12 results in a push, meaning the bet neither wins nor loses. If a point is established, Don’t Pass Line bets win if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
Come Bets
Come bets are similar to Pass Line bets but can be made any time after the point is established. If the next roll is a 7 or 11, the Come bet wins. If it’s 2, 3, or 12, the Come bet loses. Any other number becomes the point for the Come bet, which wins if this number is rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Come Bets
Don’t Come bets are the opposite of Come bets. After the point is established, a Don’t Come bet wins on a roll of 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and pushes on 12. Any other number becomes the point for this bet, which wins if a 7 is rolled before this number.
Place Bets
Place bets allow you to bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7. You can make a Place bet on any of these numbers at any time.
Field Bets
Field bets are single-roll bets that win if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. They lose if any other number is rolled.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are high-risk, high-reward single-roll bets on specific outcomes, such as rolling a 2, 3, 11, or 12.
Strategies for Playing Craps Online
While craps is largely a game of chance, there are strategies you can employ to improve your odds. Starting with simple bets like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line can help you get a feel for the game without risking too much. As you become more comfortable, you can explore more complex betting options.
Playing craps online also allows you to practice for free. Many online casinos offer demo versions of their games, giving you a chance to learn the ropes without risking real money.
Craps is an exciting game that offers a variety of betting options and strategies. By understanding the basic rules and the different types of bets available, you can enjoy playing craps online with confidence. Remember, while there’s no guaranteed way to win, starting with simpler bets and taking advantage of free play options can help you become a more skilled player. Whether you’re rolling the dice in a live casino or clicking the “roll” button online, craps is sure to provide a thrilling gaming experience.