Play Craps for FREE
Craps is one of those fast-paced casino games where two dice decide your fate. Been played for ages, still popular today in most casinos. Folks of all kinds enjoy it, doesn’t matter if you’re just starting or been doing this for years. But yeah, knowing how the game flows and the tricks that help — kinda important. Let’s go over it, plain and simple.
The History of Dice?
This dice game — craps — didn’t just pop up recently. It’s been around from way back, like during the time of the Crusades. Then somewhere in the 1800s, it made its way to the U.S. From there, things really took off. Soon enough, it was everywhere, especially in casinos.
Now you’ll find craps tables in big city casinos and also online. Still got that old-school feel but folks keep playing it ‘cause it’s got that thrill, that randomness. Been going strong for a long time, and that’s not changing soon.
How to Play Dice?
At its core, craps is just about guessing what the dice will show. It’s got this special table layout — kind of busy-looking — with lots of places where you can put your chips.
When the game begins, the person rolling the dice (they call them the shooter) places a bet. Usually, it’s either on something called the pass line or the don’t pass line. Others at the table can do the same. When the shooter rolls, if they get 7 or 11, those on pass line win. If it’s 2, 3, or 12, that’s a win for don’t pass instead. Other numbers? They turn into what’s known as the “point”, and the shooter keeps rolling until they either get that number again or hit a 7. That decides who wins.
The Different Types of Bets in Craps
Craps ain’t just one bet. There’s a handful of them — some basic, some kind of odd — all with different payouts and chances. Here’s a few you’ll see most:
- Pass Line Bet: This one’s simple. Put it down before the first roll. You win if the shooter rolls 7 or 11. Lose if it’s 2, 3, or 12.
- Don’t Pass Line Bet: This one’s the opposite. You win if the shooter rolls 2 or 3. But if it’s 7 or 11, you’re out.
- Come Bet: Like a repeat of the pass line bet, but you put it down after the first roll. Win on 7 or 11. Lose on 2, 3, or 12.
- Don’t Come Bet: Flip side of the come bet. You want 2 or 3 to win, but 7 or 11 means a loss.
- Odds Bet: Once that point is set, you can throw in an extra bet here. It’s like backing your original bet. The payouts are fair — no casino edge here, which is rare.
- Field Bet: You can place this one on any roll. If the shooter lands a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 — you win. Hit 5, 6, 7, or 8 — you lose.
Additional Bets
- Big 6 and Big 8 Bet: Pretty much you’re hoping for a 6 or 8 before a 7 comes up. Payout is even money.
- Hardways Bet: Betting that the shooter rolls a pair like two 4s or two 6s before they roll a 7 or a mixed combo. It pays well but odds aren’t great.
- Horn Bet: One-roll bet covering 2, 3, 11, and 12. Each has different payouts depending on which shows.
- Any Dice Bet: Betting the shooter lands 2, 3, or 12 on the very next throw. Big reward but risk is high.
- Place Bet: Bet on numbers like 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 being rolled before a 7. Payout depends on the number you choose.
- Lay Bet: Like a reverse of place bet. You want 7 to land before the number you picked.
- Proposition Bet: Wild single-roll bets on specific combos. Pays big, but house edge is rough — beginners better skip these.
Basic Craps Strategy
If you just want to keep it simple and maybe last longer at the table, stick with the pass line bet and toss in an odds bet if you can. These ones don’t eat your money fast. Also — manage your money. Don’t try chasing back every loss. That’s how things get messy.
Advanced Craps Strategy
Now if you’re trying to get clever with it, there’s ways to spread out your chances. Use stuff like come and don’t come bets together with odds bets. You’re sort of covering more ground that way. Not foolproof, but gives you more going on.
Tips for Playing Dice
- Learn the basics first. Don’t just dive in.
- Keep bets small at first. Get a feel.
- Avoid the bets with huge risk. They’re flashy but drain you fast.
- Keep track of what you’re spending. Decide in advance how much you’re okay to lose.
- Stay sharp. Don’t play when tired or distracted.
Conclusion
Craps brings that wild energy — two dice flying across the table and anything could happen. It’s been like that for ages. If you take the time to get how it works and go in with a little plan, you’ll likely enjoy it more. Winning? Maybe, maybe not. But at least you’re rolling smart.