Craps Betting: A Beginner's Guide To Winning

Craps, the thrilling and fast-paced dice game, can seem intimidating at first glance. With its complex betting options and lively atmosphere, many beginners feel overwhelmed. But don't worry, guys! This guide breaks down the basics of how to bet on craps, making it easy for you to join the action and experience the excitement. Whether you're a complete novice or just looking to brush up on your knowledge, we've got you covered. Understanding craps betting can be super rewarding, as it opens up a world of strategic possibilities and potential wins. Let's dive in and learn how to navigate the craps table like a pro.

Understanding the Basics of Craps

Before we get into the specifics of betting, let's cover some fundamental aspects of the game. Craps is played with two dice, and the outcome of each roll determines the winning bets. The game is played in rounds, with each round having two phases: the Come Out roll and the Point phase. The Come Out roll initiates a new round, and the Point phase continues until a decision is made.

The Come Out Roll

The Come Out roll is the first roll of the dice in a craps round. The shooter, the player rolling the dice, aims to establish either a winning outcome or a point number. On this initial roll, certain numbers have immediate consequences:

• 7 or 11: These numbers are natural winners! If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the Come Out roll, bets placed on the Pass Line win immediately. This is one of the most common and straightforward bets in craps.
• 2, 3, or 12: These numbers are known as craps numbers. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the Come Out roll, bets placed on the Pass Line lose. However, some bets, like the Don't Pass Line bet, win on these numbers.
• 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: If the shooter rolls any of these numbers, that number becomes the point number. The game then moves into the Point phase, where the shooter tries to roll the point number again before rolling a 7.

The Come Out roll is a crucial part of craps, as it sets the stage for the rest of the round. Understanding the possible outcomes and their implications is essential for making informed betting decisions. Many players place their initial bets on the Pass Line or Don't Pass Line during the Come Out roll, hoping for a quick win or to establish a point number for the next phase.

The Point Phase

Once a point number is established during the Come Out roll, the game enters the Point phase. The shooter's goal now is to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. The point number remains the target until either it is rolled again or a 7 appears. This phase of the game can be filled with anticipation and excitement, as players root for the shooter to hit the point.

During the Point phase, additional bets become available, offering more opportunities to win. Players can place bets on specific numbers, combinations, or even the outcome of future rolls. This is where the complexity and strategic depth of craps truly shine. It's important to remember that while the point number is the focus, the dreaded 7 is the number to avoid. Rolling a 7 during the Point phase results in the loss of Pass Line bets and ends the round.

The Point phase continues until either the point number is rolled again, resulting in a win for Pass Line bets, or a 7 is rolled, leading to a loss for Pass Line bets. Once a decision is made, a new round begins with a fresh Come Out roll. Understanding the dynamics of the Point phase is crucial for developing effective craps betting strategies and maximizing your chances of success.

Popular Craps Bets Explained

Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore some of the most common and important bets in craps. Knowing these bets will help you navigate the table with confidence and make informed decisions.

Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line bet is one of the most fundamental and popular bets in craps. It's placed before the Come Out roll and offers a straightforward way to get into the game. Here's how it works:

• Winning: If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the Come Out roll, the Pass Line bet wins. If a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is established, the bet wins if the shooter rolls the point number again before rolling a 7.
• Losing: If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the Come Out roll, the Pass Line bet loses. If a point number is established and the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point number again, the Pass Line bet loses.
• Payout: The Pass Line bet typically pays even money (1:1), meaning you win the same amount you bet.

The Pass Line bet is a great starting point for beginners because it's easy to understand and has a relatively low house edge. It's also a social bet, as many players at the table will be betting on the Pass Line, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, the Pass Line bet is a staple of craps strategy.

Don't Pass Line Bet

In contrast to the Pass Line bet, the Don't Pass Line bet is a wager that the shooter will not pass, meaning they will not roll a 7 or 11 on the Come Out roll, or that they will roll a 7 before rolling the point number. Here's the breakdown:

• Winning: The Don't Pass Line bet wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the Come Out roll. If the shooter rolls a 12 on the Come Out roll, the bet is typically a push (neither wins nor loses), although some casinos may treat it as a loss. If a point number is established, the bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point number again.
• Losing: The Don't Pass Line bet loses if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the Come Out roll. If a point number is established and the shooter rolls the point number before rolling a 7, the Don't Pass Line bet loses.
• Payout: Like the Pass Line bet, the Don't Pass Line bet typically pays even money (1:1).

The Don't Pass Line bet can be a good option for players who prefer to bet against the shooter or who are looking for a different perspective on the game. It's important to note that betting the Don't Pass Line can sometimes put you at odds with other players who are betting the Pass Line, so it's essential to be mindful of the social dynamics at the table. The Don't Pass Line bet offers a similar house edge to the Pass Line bet, making it a strategic choice for many craps players.

Come Bet and Don't Come Bet

The Come bet and Don't Come bet are similar to the Pass Line and Don't Pass Line bets, but they are placed after a point number has been established. These bets allow you to enter the action in the middle of a round, offering additional flexibility in your betting strategy. Let's take a closer look:

Come Bet

• Placement: The Come bet is placed after a point number has been established on the Come Out roll. It's placed in the