Craps is a dynamic and exhilarating casino dice game that offers players a myriad of betting options and the potential for large payouts. Whether you’re standing around a bustling craps table in a casino or playing online, the energy of the game is infectious. For those with some table game experience, understanding the nuances of craps can significantly lessen the house edge and improve your chances of winning.

Understanding the Basics

Craps is played with two dice, and the game revolves around the numbers that come up on the roll. The person rolling the dice is called the “shooter.” The game progresses in two phases: the “come-out” roll and the “point” phase.

• Come-Out Roll: This is the first phase of the game where the shooter aims to set a “point” (a target number) by rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Rolling a 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12 will end the come-out roll with varying results. Rolling a 7 or 11 wins even money for bets on the “pass line,” whereas rolling a 2, 3, or 12 (known as “craps”) results in a loss.
• Point Phase: If the shooter establishes a point on the come-out roll, they must try to roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win bets on the pass line. Rolling a 7 first results in a loss.

Bets to Embrace and Avoid

To enhance your odds of winning at craps, it’s essential to understand which bets to embrace and which to avoid:

• Good Bets:
  • Pass Line: This is one of the most fundamental bets in craps. The house edge is only about 1.41%, making it one of the best bets available. If the come-out roll is 7 or 11, you win. If it’s 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number sets the point, and you win if the point is rolled again before a 7.
  • Don’t Pass Line: This is the opposite of the pass line. You win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3, push (tie) on 12, and lose on 7 or 11. If a point is established, you win if a 7 comes before the point. This bet has a slightly lower house edge than the pass line at about 1.36%.
  • Come Bets: Similar to the pass line bet, but made after the point is established. It wins if a 7 or 11 is rolled after the come bet is made and loses on 2, 3, or 12.
  • Don’t Come Bets: The opposite of come bets. Wins on 2 or 3, push on 12, and loses on 7 or 11. A point makes it win if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
• Bad Bets:
  • Proposition Bets: These bets are decided in one roll and offer large payouts but come with a significantly higher house edge, often exceeding 10%.
  • Hardways: These are bets that a specific hard number (e.g., hard 8 (4-4)) will be rolled before a 7 or any other combination of that number. The house edge here is high, making it an unfavorable bet.
  • Big 6 and Big 8: These bets win if a 6 or 8 is rolled before a 7. Despite seeming simple, the house edge is higher than a place bet on these numbers.

Strategy Tips to Optimize Your Game

1. Keep it Simple: Stick with pass line and come bets, or their “don’t” counterparts, to maximize your chances. These bets offer the best odds and are straightforward, making them ideal for enhancing your gameplay without increasing risk.
2. Use Odds Bets: Once a point is established in either the pass line or come bet, you can take an “odds bet,” which is an additional bet that the point will be rolled again before a 7. Odds bets are unique as they pay at true odds and the house has no edge on these bets. You can usually bet multiple times your original bet amount in odds, depending on the casino.
3. Manage Your Bankroll: Craps can be a fast-paced game, so it’s crucial to manage your bankroll effectively. Decide in advance how much you are willing to risk and stick to your limits.
4. Stay Disciplined: Avoid the temptation to make high-risk bets despite the allure of high payouts. Stick to bets with lower house edges to preserve and grow your bankroll over time.
5. Learn from Experience: Spend time at the tables to observe and learn. The more you play, the better you’ll understand the flow of the game and the behavior of its players, which can inform your betting strategy.

Craps is a game of chance, but with knowledge and strategy, you can significantly improve your chances of winning. By focusing on the best bets and employing a disciplined approach, you can enjoy this exciting game while minimizing losses and maximizing your potential for success.