Casino craps is a popular dice game that has been enjoyed by players for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Rome. The game offers an exciting and social experience, but it can also be intimidating kiwitreasures for beginners due to its complex rules and terminology. In this article, we will break down the basics of how to play casino craps, including its history, basic rules, types of bets, and strategies.
A Brief History of Casino Craps
Craps has a rich and varied history that spans over 2,000 years. The game originated in ancient Rome as a simple dice game called "crabs," which was played by rolling a pair of dice to win or lose. Over time, the game spread throughout Europe, where it evolved into various forms, such as "crapette" in France and "craps" in England.
In the United States, craps became a popular casino game in the early 20th century, particularly among gamblers who visited Las Vegas during its heyday. The modern version of casino craps that we know today was formalized by the Nevada Gaming Control Board in 1954, which established the standard rules and regulations for playing the game.
Basic Rules of Casino Craps
The objective of casino craps is simple: players bet on the outcome of rolling two dice. The game begins with a "come-out roll," where one player, known as the shooter, rolls both dice to determine if they will win or lose. If the sum of the numbers on both dice is 7 or 11, the shooter wins and scores points for their team (or "house"). If the result is 2, 3, or 12, the shooter loses.
However, if the come-out roll results in a number other than 7, 11, or 2-12, that number becomes known as the "point." The game continues with subsequent rolls, and players can bet on various outcomes depending on their point of view. The goal is to predict whether the shooter will score points by rolling numbers higher or lower than their initial roll.
Types of Bets in Casino Craps
There are numerous types of bets available in casino craps, which can be broadly categorized into two groups: "pass" and "don’t pass." Pass bets favor the shooter winning on the come-out roll (i.e., rolling a 7 or 11), while don’t-pass bets favor the shooter losing.
Pass Line Bet: A classic bet where players wager that the shooter will roll either 7, 11, or their initial point number again. Payout: even money.
Don’t Pass Bet: The opposite of the pass line bet, which favors the house (or "don’t come"). Players win when the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll.
How to Play Casino Craps
Here’s an overview of how to play casino craps in four main steps:
- The Come-Out Roll : The game begins with one player rolling both dice to determine if they will win (7 or 11) or lose (2, 3, or 12).
- Setting the Point : If the come-out roll is neither a winner nor loser (a number between 4 and 10), that number becomes known as the point.
- The Game Continues : The shooter continues to roll the dice until either their point number rolls again, at which time they win; or the opposite happens – i.e., another 7 or 11 is rolled, making them lose (also referred to as a "craps out").
- Game Over : After every new game begins with a fresh shooter and come-out roll.
Strategies for Winning
Casino craps involves both chance and skill components, which can be intimidating for beginners. To succeed in casino craps, it is essential to:
- Understand the odds of each bet
- Develop effective money management strategies (e.g., setting bankrolls or betting limits)
- Master basic probability calculations to adjust bets based on recent rolls
Additionally, successful players often employ various systems and tactics to optimize their chances of winning. These include "progressive hedging" techniques to manage risk while chasing long-term profit; using math-based models to predict the likelihood of future roll outcomes; or even combining multiple wagers for added diversification.
Real Money vs Free Play Differences
While both real-money play and practice games can help develop a player’s skills, there are fundamental differences in gameplay between these two formats:
- Free Play Mode : Typically played with digital simulations that replicate the dice rolling experience without betting actual money or using credit.
- Live Table Game Play : Requires registration at an online casino site (and/or real-world establishment) and placing valid wagers for potential gains/losses.
Advantages and Disadvantages
While enjoying a thrilling gaming experience is undeniable, it’s essential to note the following pros and cons of playing craps:
Pros:
- Exciting atmosphere with active dealer interaction
- Opportunities for players to develop their own tactics or systems
Cons:
- The risk of heavy loss from prolonged streaks or significant losses
- Complexity involved in calculating probability, which can lead to mismanagement of bankroll