The Ultimate Guide: How to Play Craps Like a Pro

 

Introduction:

 

Craps is a thrilling dice game that has been enjoyed by casino enthusiasts for decades. With its fast-paced action and numerous betting options, it's no wonder that craps attracts both novice and experienced players alike. If you're looking to dive into the world of craps and improve your gameplay, you've come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the basic rules and strategies of craps to help you become a skilled player. Let's roll the dice!

 

Understanding the Basics:

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Craps is played with two dice, and players take turns rolling the dice as the "shooter."

The game takes place on a specially designed table with various betting areas and options.

The objective is to predict the outcome of the dice roll, either by betting on specific numbers or combinations.

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The Pass Line Bet:

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The Pass Line bet is the most fundamental and popular bet in craps.

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To make a Pass Line bet, place your chips on the designated area on the table before the come-out roll (the first roll of a new round).

If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, you win. If it's a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the "point."

Once the point is established, the objective is to roll the point again before rolling a 7 to win. If a 7 comes up first, you lose.

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The Odds Bet:

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Once the point is established, players can make an Odds bet in addition to their Pass Line bet.

The Odds bet is a side bet with no house edge, making it one of the best bets in the casino.

To place an Odds bet, simply put your chips behind your Pass Line bet on the table.

The payout of the Odds bet depends on the point number. It pays true odds for rolling the point before a 7.

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Come and Don't Come Bets:

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Similar to the Pass Line bet, the Come bet is placed after the point is established.

The Come bet wins on a 7 or 11 and loses on a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number becomes the "come point."

The objective is to roll the come point again before rolling a 7 to win.

The Don't Come bet is the opposite of the Come bet and can be placed at any time.

It wins on a 2 or 3, loses on a 7 or 11, and ties on a 12. To win, a 7 must be rolled before the come point.

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Place Bets and Proposition Bets:

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Place Bets are wagers on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7.

These bets can be made at any time during the game and have different payouts depending on the number.

Proposition Bets are one-roll bets that offer higher payouts but have a higher house edge.

Examples include betting on specific numbers (hardways), craps (2, 3, or 12), or eleven (11).

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The Field Bet:

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The Field bet is a one-roll bet placed on the next roll.

It wins if the roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 and pays even money (1:1) for most numbers.

However, some casinos offer double or triple payouts for specific numbers, so

it's essential to check the table rules before placing your Field bet.

 

Understanding the House Edge:

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Craps offers a variety of betting options, each with its own house edge.

Bets like the Pass Line and Odds bet have a low house edge, making them favorable for players.

On the other hand, proposition bets and some field bets have a higher house edge, so it's important to approach them with caution.

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Practice Proper Bankroll Management:

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Like any casino game, managing your bankroll is crucial in craps.

Set a budget for your craps session and stick to it. Only wager what you can afford to lose.

Avoid chasing losses by making larger bets. Instead, focus on making strategic bets and enjoying the game.

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Take Advantage of Free Odds:

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Free Odds bets are the best bets in craps because they have no house edge.

Many casinos offer different multiples of your original bet as free odds, such as 2x, 3x, 5x, or even higher.

Always make the maximum Free Odds bet allowed to reduce the overall house edge.