The thing about online casino games is that there are many different types out there. You need to find the one that you feel would be most entertaining for you to engage with. For a lot of players, this happens to be a game of craps. Oh, you don’t know how to play the game? Well, then you’re in luck because you’re about to.
First, you need to understand the basics of craps. Then, as it’s a table game, you must learn how to read and understand the table layout. Next, it’s all about knowing how and when to either pass or not pass the bet. Lastly, how to place bets. Sound interesting? Great, time to dive in.
The Basics of Craps
Craps is a dice game played with two six-sided dice. The game revolves around rolls known as the “come-out roll” and what happens after it. You’ll hear the term “shooter” used to describe the person rolling the dice, though in online craps, the role is handled automatically. Sound confusing? Don’t worry, you’ll soon get the hang of it.
The aim of the game depends on the stage of play:
- On the come-out roll, if the dice total 7 or 11, you win instantly.
- If the total is 2, 3, or 12, that’s called “craps” and it results in an automatic loss.
- If the total is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 that number becomes the “point.” The goal then shifts to rolling the point again before rolling a 7.
You need a lot of focus at the beginning but after a while it will become much easier to play.
The Table Layout
When you first look at a craps table, either in person or online, all the betting areas can seem confusing. Each section is designed for different bets and once you know where things go, it becomes much easier to follow.
The main areas you’ll see are:
- Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line: The most basic bets, sitting at the front edge of the table.
- Come and Don’t Come: Similar to the Pass Line bets but placed after the come-out roll.
- Place Bets: Specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) you can bet will be rolled before a 7.
- Field, Big 6 and Big 8: Additional betting areas with straightforward payouts.
The Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line bet is the foundation of craps and the best place for beginners to start. You place your bet on the Pass Line before the come-out roll.
- If the roll is 7 or 11, you win right away.
- If the roll is 2, 3 or 12, you lose.
- If another number is rolled, that number becomes the point and you win if the shooter rolls it again before a 7.
Sound simple enough? Great!
The Don’t Pass Bet
The Don’t Pass bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line. You’re betting against the shooter.
- If the come-out roll is 2 or 3, you win.
- If it’s 7 or 11, you lose.
- If it’s 12, it’s a push (a tie, so your bet is returned).
- If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point.
This bet feels less common because it goes against the crowd but it’s another option with a low house edge.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
Come bets work like Pass Line bets but you place them after the point has already been established. Don’t Come bets work like Don’t Pass bets under the same conditions. These give you more flexibility, letting you join in at different stages of the game.
Place Bets
Place bets let you pick a number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) and wager that it will be rolled before a 7. Each number has different odds and payouts. For example, betting on 6 or 8 pays less than betting on 4 or 10 because 6 and 8 are statistically more likely to appear.
This type of bet adds variety to the game and lets you focus on numbers you feel confident about.
Field Bets and Other Options
The Field bet is a quick, one-roll bet. You’re wagering that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12. It pays even money for most of these outcomes but more for rolling a 2 or 12.
Big 6 and Big 8 are simple bets that the next roll will eventually land on a 6 or 8 before a 7. These are easy to understand but aren’t as favorable in terms of odds compared to other bets.
Playing Online Craps
Online craps takes away some of the intimidation factor. There’s no crowd, no fast-paced shouting and no pressure to place bets quickly. The interface usually guides you by showing clearly labeled betting areas and prompting you through the stages of the game.
Advantages of playing online include:
- Slower pace, giving you time to learn and place bets carefully.
- Free play modes that allow you to practice without risking money.
- Options to adjust bet sizes more flexibly than in a physical casino.
The digital version also ensures fair play through random number generators, which simulate dice rolls and also ensure that the game is completely fair. So, now that you know more about it, think it’s time to give it a go?
