A Comprehensive Guide on How to Play Craps at a Casino Like a Pro

Craps is one of the most popular games found in casinos worldwide. The game is fast-paced and exciting, and winning can be very lucrative. However, for many people, the rules of the game and the various betting strategies can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s where this article comes in.

In this article, we will guide you through the fundamentals of the game and teach you how to increase your odds of winning. We will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the different types of bets you can make, their respective payouts, and essential table etiquette to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who’s just starting, our comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and tricks that can help you maximize your winnings and minimize your losses. So sit tight and get ready to learn how to master craps and increase your chances of winning big at the casino.

Understanding the Basics of Craps

The Basic Gameplay: Players take turns rolling two dice and can bet on various outcomes of the roll or a series of rolls. The first roll of the dice in a betting round is called the “come-out” roll. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the bettors win and if it’s a 2, 3 or 12, they lose. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point,” and the game continues. The goal is to roll the point again before rolling a 7.

The Betting Options: The betting options in craps are extensive, but the most common bets are the “pass” and “don’t pass” bets. The pass bet is betting that the shooter will win. The don’t pass bet is betting that the shooter will lose. Other popular bets include the “come” and “don’t come” bets, as well as the “odds” bets, which offer better payouts but are riskier.

The Importance of the House Edge: It’s important to understand the house edge in craps, which refers to the advantage that the casino has over the player. The pass and don’t pass bets have a relatively low house edge, while some of the other bets have a much higher house edge. It’s crucial to understand the odds and payouts before placing any bets.

In summary, craps is a popular casino dice game with a variety of betting options and an important concept of the house edge. Understanding the basics of the game, the different betting options, and the odds and payouts can increase your chances of winning at the craps table.

Craps Table Layout and Bet Options

The Layout of the Craps Table

The craps table is divided into three main parts - the center section, the left section, and the right section. The center section includes the proposition bets, the stickman, the boxman, and the chip rack. The left and right sections include the area for pass, don't pass, come, and don't come bets LeoVegas.

Bet Options at the Craps Table

When playing craps, you have a variety of bet options available to you. Here are some that you will encounter:

• Pass Line Bet: This is the most basic and popular bet in craps. You win if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, and lose if it's a 2, 3, or 12.
• Don't Pass Bet: This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. You win if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, and lose if it's a 7 or 11.
• Come Bet: This is similar to the Pass Line bet, but it's placed after the come-out roll. You win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, and lose if it's a 2, 3, or 12.
• Don't Come Bet: This is the opposite of the Come Bet. You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, and lose if it's a 7 or 11.
• Place Bet: This is a bet that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7.
• Field Bet: This is a one-roll bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Proposition Bet: This is a one-roll bet on a specific outcome, such as a hard 6 or any craps.

There are many other bet options, but the above are the most common ones you will encounter at the craps table.

Pass Line Bet Strategy

Pass line bet is the most popular and easiest bet to make in craps. It is a bet on the outcome of the shooter's first roll, where a 7 or 11 means you win, and a 2, 3, or 12 means you lose. If the shooter rolls any other number, that number becomes the point, and the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win.

To increase your winning chances on pass line bet, it is important to understand the odds and the house edge. The house edge on pass line bet is only 1.41%, which is one of the lowest in casino table games.

One strategy to maximize your winnings on pass line bet is to place additional bets behind the pass line bet after the point is established. This is called taking odds, and it is a bet that the point will be rolled again before a 7. Taking odds bet has zero house edge, which means that it pays out at true odds. You can take odds up to 3 times your original pass line bet.

Another strategy is to avoid placing any other bets on the table, such as hardway bets or proposition bets, which have much higher house edge and are more likely to drain your bankroll quickly. Stick to pass line bet and taking odds, and you will have a better chance of walking away from the craps table with some winnings.

Don't Pass Bet Strategy

If you are looking for a strategy that offers a lower house edge than the Pass Line Bet, the Don't Pass Bet may be your go-to move. Essentially, this bet is the opposite of the Pass Line Bet, where you are betting that the shooter will not win. Instead, you are betting on the shooter to lose.

When placing the Don't Pass Bet, you are essentially betting against the shooter on the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll, you win and receive even money. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you lose. If the shooter rolls a 12, it is a tie or "push" and you do not win or lose.

However, if the shooter rolls any other number on the come-out roll, that number becomes the "point" number. Your bet now remains on the Don't Pass line and the shooter must roll a 7 before they roll the point number again. If the shooter rolls the point number before a 7, you lose your bet. If the shooter rolls a 7 before the point number, you win and receive even money.

One thing to note with the Don't Pass Bet is that it may not be as social as the Pass Line Bet, as you are essentially betting against the majority of the table. However, it can offer a slightly lower house edge and can be a strategic move for experienced players.

Come Bet Strategy

One of the most popular strategies among Craps players is the Come Bet strategy. This strategy is similar to the Pass Line bet, but it can be made at any time during a round of Craps. To make a Come bet, simply place your chips on the "Come" section of the Craps table.

Once a Come bet is made, the next roll of the dice becomes the "come-out" roll for that specific bet. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, the Come bet wins. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the Come bet loses. Any other number rolled becomes the "point" for that Come bet.

Once a point is established for a Come bet, the bettor is essentially "on the same team" as the shooter, hoping that the shooter can roll the point before rolling a 7. If the shooter rolls the point before a 7, the Come bet wins. If the shooter rolls a 7 before the point, the Come bet loses.

One advantage of the Come bet is that it allows players to take advantage of hot streaks by placing additional Come bets during a round. This can increase the overall payout potential for a player.

• To summarize, the Come Bet strategy involves:
• Placing chips on the "Come" section of the Craps table
• Winning on a 7 or 11
• Losing on a 2, 3, or 12
• Establishing a point on any other number
• Winning by rolling the point before a 7
• Losing by rolling a 7 before the point

Don't Come Bet Strategy

The Don't Come Bet is the opposite of the Come Bet and can be a valuable strategy for craps players. Instead of betting on the shooter, players bet against the shooter, hoping for a seven to be rolled before the point number. This strategy can be especially useful for those playing the Don't Pass line, as it provides an additional opportunity to continue betting against the shooter.

Players can place their Don't Come Bet at any time during the game, but it is often advantageous to wait until a point has been established. This way, the player is betting against a specific number, rather than a seven or eleven, which can be rolled on the Come Out roll.

As with any craps strategy, there are risks involved with the Don't Come Bet. If the shooter rolls the point number before a seven, the player loses. However, with a little luck and careful betting, this strategy can greatly increase a player's chances of winning at the craps table.

• Advantages of the Don't Come Bet:
• Provides an additional opportunity for those playing the Don't Pass line.
• Allows players to bet against a specific point, rather than a seven or eleven.
• Disadvantages of the Don't Come Bet:
• If the shooter rolls the point number before a seven, the player loses.
• It is a relatively advanced betting strategy and can be difficult to master.

Like any other betting strategy, the key to success with the Don't Come Bet is to know when to use it. By carefully analyzing the game and taking calculated risks, players can greatly increase their chances of winning at craps. So, go ahead and give it a try!

Place Bet Strategy

When playing craps, a popular betting strategy is known as the "place bet" strategy. This strategy involves choosing a number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and placing a bet on that number to be rolled before a 7 is rolled. This bet can be made at any time during the game and can be increased, decreased, or removed throughout the game.

One benefit of the place bet strategy is that it has relatively low house edge compared to other betting options. For example, the house edge for a place bet on the 6 or 8 is only 1.52%, while other bets such as the field bet have a much higher house edge of around 5.56%.

Another advantage of the place bet strategy is that it can be combined with other bets, such as the pass or don't pass line bets, to increase your overall chances of winning. Additionally, this strategy allows you to take advantage of hot streaks, where a number is repeatedly rolled, and capitalize on that trend by increasing your bet on that particular number.

It is important to note that while the place bet strategy can be a good option for many players, it is not a guarantee of winning. Like all betting strategies, the outcome is ultimately determined by chance, and it is important to set and stick to a betting limit to avoid losing too much money.

• The place bet strategy involves choosing a number and betting on it to be rolled before a 7.
• It has a lower house edge compared to other bets.
• It can be combined with other bets and take advantage of hot streaks.
• It is not a guarantee of winning and it is important to set a betting limit.

Field Bet Strategy

The Field Bet is a popular betting option in craps that offers a high payout. This bet covers the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. If any of these numbers are rolled on the next roll, the player wins. However, if a 5, 6, 7, or 8 is rolled, the player loses. The payout for a Field Bet is 1:1 for the numbers 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11, and 2:1 for the numbers 2 and 12.

The Field Bet can be a profitable betting option in the short term. However, it also has a high house edge of around 5.56%. This means that over the long term, the casino is likely to make more money from Field Bets than it pays out. Therefore, it is important to use a strategy when placing Field Bets.

One popular Field Bet strategy is the 5/9 System. With this system, the player places bets on the numbers 5 and 9, which have a higher payout of 3:1. The player then places a small bet on the Field. This way, if a 5 or 9 is rolled, the player wins a large payout. If a 2, 3, 4, or 10, 11, or 12 is rolled, the player still has a chance of winning a smaller payout with the Field Bet.

Another strategy is to limit the number of Field Bets placed. Instead of betting on every roll, the player can wait for certain numbers to appear before placing a Field Bet. For example, if the last few rolls have been 5 and 9, the player can place a Field Bet to cover those numbers. This reduces the number of bets placed and therefore reduces the overall house edge.

It is important to remember that like all betting options in craps, the Field Bet is a game of chance. While a strategy can help increase the chances of winning, there is no guarantee of a win. Therefore, it is important to set limits and gamble responsibly.

Big 6 and Big 8 Bet Strategy

If you're looking for a quick and easy bet to make in craps, the Big 6 and Big 8 bets may be just what you need. These bets are simple, straightforward, and can pay off nicely if luck is on your side.

Essentially, the Big 6 and Big 8 bets are wagers that the shooter will roll a 6 or an 8 before rolling a 7. They are called "Big" because they pay even money - meaning you'll win the same amount as you bet - and they cover two of the most commonly rolled numbers in the game.

However, it's important to note that these bets have a higher house edge than some of the other options on the craps table. The house edge for the Big 6 and Big 8 bets is around 9%, meaning the casino has a significant advantage over the player.

That being said, some players still like to use the Big 6 and Big 8 bets as part of their overall craps strategy. One approach is to make a small bet on these numbers while also placing larger bets on the Pass Line or Come bets, which have a lower house edge.

Another strategy is to only make these bets in certain situations, such as when the shooter is on a hot streak and has rolled multiple 6s and 8s in a row. In this case, the player may feel that their chances of winning the bet are higher and be willing to take the risk.

Ultimately, the decision to make a Big 6 or Big 8 bet comes down to personal preference and risk tolerance. While they may not be the most strategic bets on the table, they can add a bit of excitement to your craps experience and potentially pay off if luck is on your side.

Hardway Bet Strategy

If you are familiar with the game of craps, you may be aware of the "hardway" bets. Hardway bets are placed on the outcome of the dice rolls resulting in a specific combinations of 4, 6, 8 or 10. They are called "hard" because they cannot be won with an easy (or soft) total, where the specific number is rolled with different combinations of the dice.

The hardway bets can be considered as a high-risk play, since they require a specific combination of the dice to win, but they also offer higher payouts. With the right strategy, players can increase their winning chances while playing hardway bets.

• Limit Your Hardway Bets: Do not place bets on hardways too frequently, as they have lower winning odds. It is better to focus on other bets and use the hardway bets sparingly.
• Use a Combination of Bets: Combine hardway bets with other bets to balance the risk and reward. For example, you can place a hardway bet on a specific number, but also place a bet on the opposite side of the dice.
• Stick to the Lower House Edge Bets: While hardway bets offer higher payouts, they have a higher house edge, which means that the casino will most likely win in the long run. It is better to focus on bets with lower house edge, such as pass line bets or come bets.
• Walk Away When You Win: As with any gambling game, it is important to know when to quit. If you win a hardway bet, it is better to walk away and enjoy your winnings rather than risk losing them again.

By following these strategies, players can increase their chances of winning while playing hardway bets at the craps table. However, it is important to remember that craps is a game of chance, and there is no guaranteed winning strategy.

Maximizing Your Profits with Proposition Bets Strategy

What are Proposition Bets?

Proposition bets, also known as prop bets, are long shots that are placed in the middle of the craps table. They are called proposition bets because they are made on a specific outcome of the dice roll, such as the total sum of the roll or the specific combination of the numbers. Proposition bets generally have higher payouts compared to other types of bets, but they also have much lower chances of winning.

Advantages of Proposition Bets Strategy

Despite the lower chances of winning, some experienced craps players still prefer to use proposition bets strategy. This is because prop bets can offer high payouts that can quickly boost your profits, especially when combined with other established betting strategies. When used correctly, this strategy can also be an effective way to diversify your betting portfolio and add some excitement to your craps game.

Tips for Using Proposition Bets Strategy

• Stick to the basic prop bets. The basic prop bets, such as "Any Seven" or "Any Craps," have the highest payouts but are also the easiest to lose. Avoid the more exotic bets in the middle of the table that may have enticing payouts but also have even lower chances of winning.
• Pair proposition bets with other strategies. Use proposition bets as a complement to other established craps betting strategies, such as pass line bets or come bets, to create a diversified betting portfolio.
• Set a limit. It's easy to get carried away with proposition bets due to the high payouts, but it's important to set a limit on how much you're willing to lose.

Proposition bets can be a fun and exciting way to increase your profits at the craps table, but it's important to use them wisely and in conjunction with other betting strategies. By sticking to the basic bets, pairing with other strategies, and setting limits, you can maximize your chances of success while still enjoying the thrill of the game.

Craps Etiquette at the Casino

When playing craps at a casino, there are certain etiquette rules that players are expected to follow. These rules not only ensure that the game runs smoothly, but also show respect for other players.

• Be aware of your surroundings: When playing craps, it is important to be aware of where you are in relation to other players. Don't block anyone's view of the table or distract them with loud conversation.
• Be courteous to the dealers: The dealers are an integral part of the game, and it is important to treat them with respect. Don't blame them for your losses or get upset if they make a mistake.
• Know the rules: It's important to know the basic rules of craps before playing. Don't disrupt the game by constantly asking questions or making mistakes.
• Keep your hands off the table: Don't touch the chips or dice when they are in play, and never reach over the table. This is considered bad luck and can be grounds for removal from the table.
• Don't steal bets: Once a bet has been placed, it belongs to the person who made it. Don't try to take someone else's chips or moves.

By following these basic rules of craps etiquette, players can ensure that they have a positive experience at the casino and don't alienate themselves from other players.

Bankroll Management and Discipline

When playing craps at a casino, it's important to have a solid understanding of bankroll management and discipline. Bankroll management refers to the practice of setting a specific amount of money aside for gambling purposes. This amount should be an amount that you can afford to lose without negatively impacting your finances.

It's important to stick to your pre-determined bankroll in order to avoid overspending and potentially losing more money than you can afford. Additionally, discipline is crucial when it comes to craps and other casino games. It's important to not let emotions cloud your judgment and to stick to your betting strategy, even if you encounter a losing streak.

One important aspect of bankroll management is to set a "stop-loss" limit. This refers to the point at which you will stop playing if you've lost a certain amount of money. It's important to have this limit in place in order to avoid chasing losses and potentially losing even more money.

Discipline also involves knowing when to walk away from the table, regardless of whether you're on a winning or losing streak. It's important to not get too caught up in the excitement of the game and to maintain a level head throughout your gameplay.

• Set a specific bankroll amount that you can afford to lose
• Stick to your pre-determined bankroll and avoid overspending
• Set a "stop-loss" limit to avoid chasing losses
• Practice discipline by sticking to your betting strategy and knowing when to walk away

Practice Your Craps Skills Before Playing for Real Money

If you want to increase your chances of winning at craps in a casino, one of the best things you can do is practice beforehand. There are many different ways to practice your craps skills, whether you prefer playing online, at home with friends, or even with a craps simulator.

One of the advantages of practicing before you play for real money is that you can learn the ins and outs of craps without the pressure of actually playing for money. You can take your time, experiment with different betting strategies, and figure out which bets work best for you.

Another way to practice your craps skills is by reading up on the game and watching videos or tutorials online. There are many great resources available that can help you become a better craps player, regardless of your experience level.

Ultimately, the best way to improve your craps skills is by practicing in a live casino setting. Many casinos offer free craps lessons where you can learn the basics of the game and get some hands-on experience without risking any money. This can be a great way to build your confidence before you start playing for real money.

Remember, the key to winning at craps is to have a solid understanding of the game, a good betting strategy, and the ability to keep a cool head under pressure. By practicing your craps skills before you play for real money, you can give yourself the best possible chance of success and enjoy all the excitement and thrill that craps has to offer.