Craps Strategies

Winning at the online craps table.

Read More About Craps Strategy.

HOW TO PLAY CRAPS

Rules of the Game

Learning the basics of craps is fairly simple, especially compared to other casino games. The game of craps usually involves one player or more, each taking turns to roll two dice. Craps is played in multiple rounds; the first round is called the coming out roll. If during the coming out roll, the total of both dice is 7, 11, 2, 3, or 12, the round is over and the shooter (person rolling the dice) gets another coming out roll. Rolling a 7 or 11 is considered a win, also known as a natural, whereas rolling a 2, 3, or 12 is considered craps. If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, this is considered a point. When this happens the shooter keeps rolling until they hit a 7 or the point again.

Craps Bets

Now that you know the basic rules of craps, let's talk about the types of bets available. Obviously, if you're new to the game you'll want to keep your limits low. Some casinos allow what is referred to as a fire bet. Fire bets are typically between $1 and $5 and believed to get the action going. As a shooter, you'll have to decide which type of line bet you will place. The shooter is required to make a bet of pass line or don't pass before you can bet. Pass line bets can be won if 7 or 11 comes on the coming out roll, if a 2, 3, or 12 are rolled, the pass line bet loses. The rules of the don't pass bet are the opposite of pass line bets; 7 or 11 loses and 2, 3, or 12 are winners.

Other betting options include single and multi-roll bets. Single roll bets are won or loss in one roll, depending on the total of the dice. Multi-roll bets on the other hand may require several additional rolls before determining winners and losers. You may be familiar with the term hard way, which makes reference to rolling doubles. You can bet on 2, 6, 8 and 10 the hard way. Betting on the easy way means betting on the shooter's dice total made any way other than by doubles.

You should always familiarize yourself with the odds before placing a bet at the craps table. Because the house advantage can grow exponentially in craps and can get as high as more than 10%, knowing your chances of winning will help you determine how to bet. Even though in the end most players will lose money, understanding the rules and exploiting advantages in your favor can lead to incredible Craps earnings.