Craps is a popular dice game played in both land-based and online casinos. It is known for its fast-paced and energetic nature, and it offers various betting options. Here are the basic rules of craps:
Objective:
The primary objective in craps is to correctly predict the outcome of the roll or series of rolls of two six-sided dice.
Basic Gameplay:
- Come-Out Roll:
- The game begins with a come-out roll. The shooter (the person rolling the dice) establishes a point if they roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. If they roll a 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12, the round ends.
- Establishing the Point:
- If the come-out roll results in a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point.” The game then moves to the next phase.
- Point Phase:
- The shooter continues to roll the dice until they either roll the point again (a win for the Pass Line bets) or roll a 7 (a loss for the Pass Line bets). The shooter keeps rolling until one of these outcomes occurs.
- Pass Line Bet:
- Players can make a Pass Line bet before the come-out roll. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose. If the come-out roll establishes a point, the Pass Line bet wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.
- Don’t Pass Line Bet:
- This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. It wins if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, loses on a 7 or 11, and pushes (ties) on a 12. If a point is established, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.
- Other Bets:
- Craps offers a variety of additional betting options, including Come bets, Don’t Come bets, Place bets, Field bets, Proposition bets, and more. Each bet has its own rules and payouts.
Special Rolls:
- Natural:
- Rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll is called a “natural.”
- Craps:
- Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll is called “craps.”
- Seven-Out:
- Rolling a 7 before making the point in the point phase is called a “seven-out,” and it ends the round.
Etiquette:
- Shooter Changes:
- In a physical casino, players take turns being the shooter. In online craps, a random number generator determines the outcome.
- Handling the Dice:
- The shooter must handle the dice with one hand and throw them to the opposite end of the table to ensure fairness.
- Cheering and Socializing:
- Craps is often a lively game with cheering and socializing among players.
Odds and Payouts:
- Payouts vary depending on the type of bet, and the house edge varies accordingly.
Craps is a game with a lot of betting options, and players often have different strategies. It’s advisable to understand the basic bets before venturing into more complex options. Always be aware of the specific rules and payouts of the craps game you are playing.