How to Win at Craps: The Guide for US Players
Looking for an exciting casino game? Craps is the perfect choice to keep you entertained. I first played craps 15 years ago in Vegas. Today, thanks to technology, you can find both online and offline variants, making this classic game more accessible than ever. Let’s explore how to win at craps!
Understanding the Basics of Craps
It would be wrong to start with tips immediately. I know there are many beginners here intending to become better at gambling. That’s why I want to explain how this game is functioning.
The Objective of the Game
Craps involves rolling two dice to achieve a specific point. The goal is to roll that point again before rolling a seven. Players bet on the outcome of each round, and anyone can take a turn as the shooter, adding a unique twist to the game.
Craps Table Layout and Terminology
Since you now understand the rules, the next step is getting familiar with craps terminology.
- Pass Line: This betting option brings an instant win or loss. If 7 or 11 appear on the table, you win. In case 2, 3, or 12 come out, you lose. If dice determine any other number, they become “the point.” If the shooter rolls.
- Don’t Pass Line: As you can conclude, this is quite the opposite thing. The point here is that a bet on an option that the point will appear before rolling the 7. If 2 or 3 appear, you win. If 7 or 11 rolls, you lose. Speaking of 12, if the shooter rolls 7 before the point, the player will win; if the outcome is the other way around, the gambler loses.
- Place Bets: To make things clear, you need to bet on an individual number before the shooter rolls the dice. Fortunately, wagers can be adjusted from one shooter’s round to another.
- Field bet: If you want to bet on a range of numbers, this craps option is for you. A total value of 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12 bring you a win.
Basic Rules and Gameplay Flow
Each craps round has two phases:
- Come-Out Phase: Players bet on Pass or Don’t Pass. Rolls of 7 or 11 win for Pass bets, while 2 and 3 win for Don’t Pass. Rolls from 4 to 10 establish a point.
- Point Phase: Players bet on whether the point will roll before a seven. Additional betting options, like Place Bets, become available.
Essential Craps Betting Strategies
Let’s move to tips on how to raise your chances of winning. My pieces of advice won’t bring millions, but they guarantee much better craps sessions.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line
Both types of bets come with a pretty low house edge; it is 1.41% for the pass option, and 1.36% for the don’t. I play these two options more commonly. Since the chances are low, you can’t expect massive rewards. The payout rate is 2/1.
I compare this with the red/black color in roulette. Applying progressive betting systems would be wise.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
Based on my previous explanation, you can conclude that there are similarities between pass/don’t pass and come/don’t come bets. The only difference is the phase of the round they are available in.
Apart from that, I need to say that their house edge is almost identical. For come bet, it is 1.41%, and for the don’t come bet, it is around 1.40% on average. In other words, establishing a with these two options comes with pretty high chances.
Odds Bets and Maximizing Payouts
Odds bets are the most interesting betting option that exists. I know it will seem strange, but the house edge here is 0%. Its purpose is to turn the payout odds into the true ones.
How exactly do they work? The player will bet on the point established before. More precisely, you are adding funds to the pass or don’t pass or come and don’t come bet. In the end, you are taking the odds that the point will be rolled again before seven immediately after pass-or-come bets.
Advanced Techniques to Enhance Your Game
Without any doubt, a low house edge gives you a big chance of winning. The good news is that you can increase them even more with a few advanced techniques.
Place Bets and Buy Bets
- Place Bets: Bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) during the Point Phase. Wins occur if the number rolls before 7.
- Buy Bets: Similar to Place Bets but available in upcoming rounds. A small commission applies.
Lay Bets and Field Bets
- Lay Bets: Bet against a specific number rolling before 7. Wins incur a 5% commission.
- Field Bets: Wins on numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12, with double payouts for 2 and 12.
Avoiding High House Edge Bets
Skip risky bets like “Any 7,” which has a house edge of nearly 17%! Focus on low-risk bets for more consistent success.
Managing Your Bankroll in Craps
The last thing you need to take care of is organizing your budget for craps. Trust me; it isn’t challenging. At least it isn’t with my complete guide on bankroll management.
- Setting a Budget: Plan your total gambling budget and allocate no more than 3%-5% to craps. Stick to this limit to maintain control.
- Betting Progressions and Systems: Use strategies like the 3-Point Molly to reduce the house edge. Place Pass or Come bets and back them with full odds for optimal returns.
- Knowing When to Walk Away: Set limits for wins and losses. Quit playing if you reach these thresholds or feel nervous—it’s the key to responsible gaming.
And Now?
Craps has many terms, so I recommend reading this guide again and again. When you master all the options, plan your budget and get ready to start your craps sessions. Read my other following articles to perfect your skills.