Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to play craps in 2024, brought to you by Wild.io! Craps is an exciting and fast-paced casino game that players have enjoyed for generations.

However, the rules and terminology of the game can be confusing for beginners. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand the objective of craps, the layout of the table, and the basics of the game setup.

By the end of this guide, you'll have all the knowledge you need to confidently step up to the craps table and play like a pro. So, let's dive in!

How to Play Craps in 4 Steps

1. Understanding the Objective of Craps

Craps have been popular since ancient times and were even played by Roman soldiers during their free time. It was also a favorite pastime of aristocrats and was even incorporated into the celebration of the Saturnalia festival. Gaming structures with strict rules and the option to bet money were available then. Roman emperor Claudius even wrote a manual with all his tricks and strategies.

Despite its ancient roots, the true origins of the game are uncertain. Some sources say that the first games date back to the Trojan War, with evidence of craps games appearing in ancient texts such as the Iliad. The East played similar games as well.

As for its spread in America, the game was brought over by European settlers and became popular in saloons during the 19th century. Various gambling laws were created to regulate the game's use, as it was often played for money. At present, people from all walks of life worldwide indulge in it, and there are a plethora of diverse selections available.

However, if you're planning to play it, it's important to understand the game's objective beforehand. As mentioned above, craps is a casino game that involves rolling a set of craps and betting on the number that the shooter will get. In any case, the rules of this game of chance can be quite complex, so it's advisable to familiarize yourself with them before starting. It's also essential to remember that all players play against the house, represented by the dealer.

2. Learn the Basics: The Game Setup

Before learning how to play craps, it's important to understand the game setup. Craps is usually played on a large table with high edges to prevent the craps from falling off. The table is divided into sections for different types of bets, and players place their chips on the sections they want to bet on.

The two dealers at the table are responsible for collecting and paying out bets. One dealer stands at the center of the table, while the other stands at the opposite end. The shooter, the player currently rolling the dice, stands at one end of the table. The game starts with a come-out roll, and this roll determines the point. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, it is a win for the pass-line bettors, but if it is a 2, 3, or 12, it is a loss. If any other number is rolled, it becomes the point number, and the game continues until the shooter rolls the point number again, which is a win for the pass line bettors, or rolls a 7, which is a loss.

3. Understand the Craps Table

The aforementioned craps table is a unique and exciting feature of the game. It is usually made of wood and has a green felt surface, which is marked with various betting options. The table is divided into two sections: the "come" and "don't come" areas. There are also areas for placing bets on specific numbers and areas for more complex bets. The table layout can initially be intimidating, but players quickly get the hang of it.

4. Be Aware of the Rules

1. The thrower must place a bet on the pass line to start the throwing round.

2. Players around the table can bet for or against the pass line.

3. If a 7 or an 11 comes up on the first roll, the shooter and those who bet in favor win.

4. If a 2, 3 or 12 is rolled on the first roll, those who bet on the pass line lose.

5. Any other number rolled on the first roll becomes a "point".

6. When a point is rolled, one of the croupiers places a disk on the table corresponding to the number released.

7. The shooter must roll the dice again to get the same point before a 7 is rolled to win.

8. Players can continuously bet on the outcome of one or another number.

9. Different types of bets are available on the game table with varying payout based on the probability of achievement.

Betting Options in Craps

Craps is a game that offers a vast array of betting options. These options can be broadly categorized into two types: multiple-shot bets and single-shot bets. The payouts and casino edge in craps vary greatly depending on your bet type. Some bets are more profitable for players than others.

Therefore, it's crucial to choose your bets wisely if you wish to end your betting session with a profit. And as a result, we will discuss the different types of wagers available in craps:

Pass Line

In order to win, you need to roll either a 7 or 11 on your first roll. However, if you roll "craps" (a 2, 3, 11, or 12), the bet will be lost. If you roll any of the remaining numbers, it becomes the target number. From here on, you must keep rolling the dice until you reach the target number or lose the bet by rolling a 7.

Don't Pass

This type of bet is the opposite of the pass bet in craps. You can win in two ways: by rolling "Craps" on the first roll or by rolling a 7 on subsequent rolls, as long as the target number is not rolled. Essentially, this bet is against the player's roll. Choosing to take the banker's side and speculate on the failure of other players can be an unpopular betting option.

Taking The Odds

"Taking the odds" allows you to increase your bet without increasing the house edge, unlike taking an additional pass bet.

Laying The Odds

When you choose to go for the "Don't Pass" option, you are essentially taking the opposite approach to the "Taking the Odds" bet. This option involves increasing your bet amount but has no impact on the house edge. It is simply a way to raise the money you have on the bet.

Come

You can place a pass bet on the first throw, which is only valid for that specific throw. However, for all subsequent throws, you can place a come bet. The rules for winning remain the same as for the pass bet, so there's no need to learn anything new.

Don't Come

As you can imagine, this bet is similar to the Don't Pass option but can be placed on every roll except the first.

Field

The field bet in craps has different winning points compared to the regular bets. You can win by rolling a 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11. If you roll a 2 or 12, you can get paid out double or triple your bet amount.

Place

In this table game, certain numbers are known as place numbers. These include 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. You can place a bet that any of these numbers will appear before a 7 is rolled. The payout for each number varies depending on the specific number achieved.

Hardway

When you roll two identical dice, the resulting numbers are called "hard" numbers. A Hardway bet is placed on a pair of numbers. For instance, you can achieve an 8 in five different ways. However, a hard 8 is specifically the result of getting two 4s.

Starting a Game: The Come-Out Roll

Here are the Wild.io’s step-by-step guidelines to start playing craps:

1. Place a bet on the "pass line" or "don't pass line" before the come out roll.

2. If the come out roll is a 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins and the don't pass line bet loses.

3. If the come out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the pass line bet loses and the don't pass line bet wins.

4. If the come out roll is any other number, that number becomes the point.

5. The shooter must then roll the point number again before rolling a 7 to win the pass line bet.

6. If the player bets on the don't pass line, they win if the come out roll is a 2 or 3 and lose if it's a 7 or 11.

7. The game continues until the shooter either makes the point or rolls a 7.

How to Calculate Craps Payouts Online

Craps payouts are determined by understanding the house edge and craps odds. Well, let's break it down:

Suppose you bet $10 on the Pass Line, and the dice roll a 7. The odds of winning a Pass Line bet on the come-out roll are 251/495, or 50.7%. So, you win $10 - which is even money.

Now, let's say you want to bet $10 on the point of 6 with odds of -110. If you place a $5 bet on point 6, you'll receive a payout of $6. The return on a $10 wager is $12.

The method for determining winnings on other bets is similar. When you place any bet, it's essential to consider not only the best odds of winning at craps, but also your potential return.

How to Play Craps: Wild.io Tips

1.  Understand the Basics:

  • Craps is played with two six-sided dice.
  • One player, the "shooter," rolls the dice.
  • The first roll is the "come-out roll."

2.  Pass Line Bet:

  • Before the come-out roll, place bets on the "Pass Line."
  • If the come-out roll is 7 or 11, you win. If it's 2, 3, or 12, you lose.
  • Any other number becomes the "point."

3.  Point Phase:

  • If a point is established, the shooter continues to roll.
  • Bet on the "Come" if you want to join the game after the come-out roll.

4.  Winning and Losing:

  • If the shooter rolls the point, Pass Line and Come bets win.
  • If a 7 is rolled before the point, these bets lose.

5. Other Bets:

  • Explore additional bets like "Place Bets" on specific numbers.
  • Consider "Odds Bets" to increase your wager with no house edge.

6. Seven-Out:

  • The round ends when the shooter rolls a 7 after establishing a point.
  • Pass Line and Come bets lose, and a new shooter begins.

7. Etiquette:

  • Be mindful of others at the table.
  • Familiarize yourself with craps terminology.
  • Consider tipping the dealers for good luck.

8. Enjoy the Game:

  • Craps is a social and exciting game, so have fun and soak in the energy of the table!

Remember, craps might seem complex at first, but these basic steps cover the core gameplay. As you play, you'll become more comfortable with the various bets and strategies. Good luck, and may the dice roll in your favor!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the basic structure of a craps game?

Craps is a fast-paced dice game that allows multiple bettors to stake their chips on the outcome of a dice roll. The game begins with a come-out roll, which the shooter rolls. The shooter continues to roll the dice until they roll a seven at the wrong time, which is referred to as "seven out." At this point, the dice are passed on to the next player.

The craps table layout consists of two side sections and a center section. Most bets, like Pass Line or Don't Pass, are made in the side section. The center section contains high-risk proposition bets managed by a stickman.

What is the role of the table staff in a craps game?

In a craps game, a team of dealers and other casino staff work together to ensure the smooth running of the game. The crew consists of the following people, and their roles is are outlined below:

1. Box man: This person is in charge of the table and oversees the dealers. They manage the chips and exchange smaller denominations for larger ones to ensure enough space on the table.

2. Stick man: The stickman calls out the results of each dice roll, controls the game's pace, takes and pays the bets in the center of the table, and moves the dice across the layout using an elongated wooden stick.

3. Dealer: The dealer handles the chips and payouts, assists with questions, and guides players through the game.

How do I get started at the craps table?

To get started at the craps table, you'll need to occupy a space around the table and bet using color-coded chips placed in the chip rail. Play proceeds clockwise, and if you make a minimum pass line or don't pass line bet, you'll have a chance to throw the dice. Before playing craps, you must buy some chips or "credits." You can do this at the craps table by exchanging cash or casino chips for chips of a different color representing your betting credits.

To sum it all up,

With this comprehensive guide's help, you now know and understand the game's basics and rules. Whether you want to try your luck at our online crypto casino or play with friends, you can approach the craps table with confidence.

So, go ahead and give it a try, and who knows, you might even become a craps pro! Thank you for choosing Wild.io as your guide to the ultimate craps experience.

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