How to Play Craps to Win: A Comprehensive Guide

Craps is an exciting and fast-paced dice game that has been a staple of casinos for decades. While it may initially seem intimidating with its numerous betting options and complex rules, with a little practice and understanding, you can significantly increase your chances of winning. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of craps and provide you with tips and strategies to improve your game and hopefully stack up some wins.

Understanding the Basics

To play craps, you’ll need a pair of dice and a betting layout. The objective is to predict the outcome when the dice are rolled. The game is usually played with multiple players, each taking turns to be the shooter (the one rolling the dice) and the others placing bets on the outcome. However, when playing online, you can be the shooter for every round.

The Craps Table

The craps table can be intimidating at first glance, filled with various betting options. Let’s break it down:

Pass Line Bet: This is the most common bet in craps. The shooter needs to roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll (the first roll of a new round) to win. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, known as “craps,” the bet is lost. Any other number rolled becomes the “point,” and the shooter must roll it again before rolling a 7 to win the Pass Line bet.

Don’t Pass Line Bet: The opposite of the Pass Line bet. The shooter must roll a 2 or 3 to win, and a 7 or 11 results in a loss. Rolling a 12 is a tie (called a push). If any other number becomes the point, the shooter must roll a 7 before hitting the point to win.

Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line bet but placed after the point is established. The shooter must roll a 7 or 11 for a win, and a 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss. Rolling any other number establishes that as the come-bet point, and the shooter must roll it again before hitting a 7 for a win.

Don’t Come Bet: The opposite of the Come bet, placed after the point is established. The shooter must roll a 2 or 3 for a win, and a 7 or 11 results in a loss. Rolling a 12 is a tie. Rolling any other number establishes it as the don’t-come point, and the shooter must roll a 7 before hitting the don’t-come point for a win.

Place Bets: Once the point is established, players can make place bets on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) to be rolled before a 7. Place bets have better odds but lower payouts compared to the Pass Line or Come bets.

Field Bet: A one-roll bet that wins if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12 on the next roll. It loses if a 5, 6, 7, or 8 is rolled. The numbers 2 and 12 usually offer higher payouts.

Proposition Bets: These are high-risk, high-reward bets placed on specific outcomes within the next roll. They are generally not recommended for consistent winning strategies.

Now that we have covered the essential bets and the craps table layout, let’s move on to strategies for playing craps to win.

Best Strategies for Winning at Craps

Managing Your Bankroll: Before diving into the gameplay, it is crucial to set a budget and stick to it. Determine how much you are willing to lose and do not exceed that amount. Craps can be an exhilarating game, but chasing losses can be detrimental to your bankroll.

Take Advantage of the Pass Line and Come Bets: These bets have the best odds in craps, with a low house edge of around 1.4%. Placing these bets allows you to exploit the favorable odds and increase your chances of winning. Additionally, consider placing odds on your Pass Line and Come bets, as they pay out true odds (no house edge).

Avoid Proposition Bets and Hard Ways: While proposition bets may seem appealing due to their high payouts, they come with a substantial house edge. These bets are essentially pure luck, and relying on them for consistent winnings is not a wise strategy. Similarly, hard ways (doubles) should be avoided, as they carry a significant house edge as well.

Utilize a Controlled Throw: Dice control is a technique where the shooter attempts to minimize the randomness of the dice roll to increase the chances of hitting desired numbers. The theory is that an even throw with a specific grip and release can manipulate the outcome. While this technique is controversial and often disputed, practicing a controlled throw can impact your results positively.

Take Advantage of Free Odds Bets: Once the point is established (typically on the come-out roll), you can place additional bets behind your Pass Line or Come bet, known as “taking the odds.” These bets have no house edge and pay out true odds. Taking advantage of this bet maximizes your potential winnings and significantly reduces the overall house edge.

Avoid Bad Bets: Certain bets should be completely avoided due to their high house edge. For example, the Big 6 or Big 8 bets are essentially a wager that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. This bet carries a house edge of around 9%, making it one of the worst craps bets you can make.

Practice Patience and Self-Discipline: Craps is a game of both luck and skill. It is essential to stay calm, focused, and avoid making impulsive bets. Follow your strategy and have realistic expectations. Remember, winning in craps is about making consistent, small wins rather than seeking a massive payout.

Conclusion

Craps is a thrilling casino game that offers plenty of opportunities for players to win. By understanding the basic rules and implementing strategic betting techniques, you can increase your chances of success at the craps table. Remember to manage your bankroll, focus on the Pass Line and Come bets, and avoid the sucker bets with high house edges. With patience, practice, and a dash of luck, you can master the game of craps and enjoy more victories.