Craps Rules and Craps Bets Guide

Craps

Don't judge it by its name. Craps isn't such a bad thing. In fact, it is one of the most exciting games of all in the casino. Craps is a game in which players wager on the outcome of the roll of dice. It is unique among games in the house since one can take sides with fellow players, meaning if they win then you win also. This makes craps a very enjoyable social pastime. Let us look briefly at craps rules and bets.

Craps Rules

There is no limit to the number of players that can play a craps game. But no matter how many they are, players must take turns "rolling" or tossing a pair of dice. Whoever does the rolling is referred to as the "shooter." The result of a roll of the cubes is called the "come-out." When a player shoots, he or she must make the dice total either 11 or 7 for an instant win. If they make 2, 3 or else 12, they immediately lose. If the dice yield any other total - let us say 8 - the shooter must repeat that number again to win his or her turn. This new number for the shooter to aim for is known as the "point." He or she must hit it without making a 7 first. If a 7 occurs before the point, the shooter has lost his or her chance to win and another player must shoot in a new game.

The rest of craps is about betting. Next are the craps bets you should make.

Pass Line Craps Bet

Players other than the shooter have many wagering options before every cast of the dice. They can wager that the shooter will win; this is the bet known as "pass line" and it is by far the most popular betting option of all. The house edge for this craps bet is a mere 1.4%. Add to that the pleasure that comes from rooting for your fellow players (and they for you) and you have a winning combination indeed.

Free Odds Craps Bet

If the shooter misses the 11 or 7 but instead gets a point, you can make a free odds craps bet. This bet will be paid according to its correct odds value by the casino if the bet wins. That cuts the house edge anywhere from .06% to .02% depending on how many times the odds bet is a multiple of your original bet.

Don't Pass Line Craps Bet

Aside from the pass line and odds wagers, you can also make the "don't pass line" craps bet. If the shooter hits a 3 or 2, this wager wins; on a 12 it pushes; on an 11 or 7, it loses. Using this option gives you slightly better odds than the pass line, but be warned that it can make you very unpopular in the craps table. People won't be happy when you wager against them. When it is your turn, they might all do the same to you. If it is important for you to be liked by others in the casino, avoid this craps bet.

Other Craps Bets

Craps bets are among the most numerous and complicated. It is fun to make these exotic bets, such as guessing a double 6 would roll out next. Your chances of winning these bets are much lower than the other wagers we described. Avoid these exotic bets if you have only a modest budget.