Craps is one of the oldest games in the world. The game of dice is mentioned in the Bible and the ancient Indian epic, and its popularity flourished during the era of Ancient Rome and the Middle Ages. The church tried to ban the game because the dice were used for fortune telling, but without success.
Craps was not popular in the former USSR. In 2004–2005, when about 35–40 establishments operated in Moscow, only 6 of them had craps tables.
Gradually, the game evolved from simple fun to world-class entertainment. You can join the game online, but you can only get unforgettable emotions with chips at a real table.
GENERAL RULES FOR PLAYING CRAPS
Playing craps at home is problematic. To do this, you need a special table, which is equipped with high sides with soft upholstery so that the dice bounce when thrown. The table can be double-sided (with two playing fields) or single-sided (with one field up to 3.5 meters in length).
The focus is on the bones. This is the name for cubes with sides on which from 1 to 6 dots are drawn, determining the number of points. After throwing the dice, the round ends with one of 36 outcomes.
Interesting ! Previously, natural materials were used to make cubes – wood, metal, nuts and animal teeth. Ivory was especially popular. Today, bones are made from dense cellulose.
You can ask the dealer for another pair of dice, so the game involves:
- 2 dice to roll;
- 3 dice per change.
A special stick is also used. It is used by a casino employee (stickman) to return the dice from the field.
The goal of the game is to roll a given number before the dice show 7 points. The winning value is marked with a puck with sides “ON” and “OFF”.
There are 2 approaches to the game:
- Strategic . Players bet according to a certain pattern in 2 stages, using a limited number of bets. Their goal is to play with the highest probability of winning, which is around 99.56%.
- Recreational . Players place bets spontaneously, choosing numbers or combinations that they like. Their goal is to enjoy the game process.
One of the table participants is selected as the thrower (shooter). This role can be transferred to another player.
On the casino side, 3–5 employees are usually involved:
- The stickman (dealer) plays the game and hands the dice to the shooter. Also places the players’ chips in the center of the table.
- Two basemen work different parts of the table, taking bets and paying out winnings.
- The boxer exchanges chips for money and monitors the calculation of payments.
- The inspector monitors players’ compliance with the rules.
Only a stickman and a baseman are enough for one player. The games move very quickly, so if there are a large number of participants at the table, an additional employee will monitor the table.
Interesting ! Usually more than 10 people play at one table! To avoid confusion, the casino uses plastic chips in up to 20 colors.
TYPES OF BETS
To start playing, you just need to know about the Pass Line/Pass Odds combination. Based on it, it is easier to understand other events.
PASS LINE
By playing only on the pass line, you maintain a statistical advantage over the casino.
At the first stage of Pass Line the chances exceed 30% , which makes this bet profitable:
- If the roll lands 7 or 11, the player receives a 1:1 payout.
- If 2, 3 or 12 are rolled out, the bet loses.
- Any other number becomes a “point” for the second stage.
Interesting ! You can bet against players. On the field this section is called D on’t pass. It is completely opposite to Pass Line with one difference: if 12 points are rolled out, the bet is returned.
The point is marked with the “ON” marker. This number of points must be obtained again before a 7 is rolled. The chances of winning are reduced, but the bet cannot be withdrawn. If you are lucky, the player will receive a 1:1 payout. If a 7 is rolled, the bet loses.
PASS ODDS
Pass odds (delivery) play with a 50/50 chance with no advantage in either direction. This is an additional bet that can be made after moving to the second stage of the Pass Line.
The number of chips on Pass Odds depends on the rules of the particular game variant. Most often, you are allowed to bet 3 times more than on the Pass Line.
Example : if there are 5 chips on the pass line, you can bet 15 on delivery. Pass odds reduce the casino’s mathematical advantage to 0.4% !
COME
The bet is similar to the standard Pass Line, but only plays after the point has been established. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, Come wins. If 2, 3 or 12 are rolled out, then the bet loses. If another number is drawn, the bet is transferred to it. Subsequent rolls of this number result in a win, while rolling a 7 results in a loss.
The Don’t Come bet is the opposite of Come. She wins if she rolls a 2 or 3, and loses if she rolls a 7 or 11. If the dice total 12, the bet is returned.
Important ! After setting the point, rolling a 7 results in a win, and rolling a number of the point results in a loss.
The advantage of Come and Don’t Come is their flexibility: players can place and withdraw bets at any time during the game (unlike Pass Odds).
OTHER BETS
The field’s capabilities are not limited to Pass Line, Pass Odds and Come.
Table participants can additionally bet:
- to roll a specific number (Field, Any 7);
- on the loss of a double (Hardways);
- to get a specific number before 7 (Place Win, Big).
Most extra boxes on the field are unprofitable in the long run due to the statistical advantage in favor of the casino.
BREAKING THE RULES
The throw is considered invalid if at least one of the dice rolls out of the boundaries of the playing field.
If the dice lands on an edge, then an outside player or spectator is invited to determine the result. The roll is repeated if he cannot make a decision.
If, after hitting the wall, the dice touches any object or person, the result of the throw is taken into account.
The throw is considered unsuccessful if none of the dice hits the back wall of the table. If only one die is touched, the roll counts, but the player will be given a warning.
The player after the throw cannot declare its cancellation. The result is recorded according to the position of the bones.
PLAYER CATEGORIES
Craps is characterized by active interaction between players. There is noise and excitement around the tables as participants cheer each other on, worry about their partners and cheer for the shooter.
Right” or “wrong” player are relative concepts not related to skill. The “wrong” player may know the rules perfectly well, while the “correct” one may approach the table for the first time.
Those who bet on the shooter to win are considered “ correct ” players. They create a friendly atmosphere and are united by a common goal. The right bets allow you to be happy and sad together.
” Wrong ” players bet against the shooter (Don’t Pass Line, Don’t Come). This behavior is despised. The reason is that the casino has a smaller edge on these bets – 1.36% versus 1.41% on Pass Line and Come. For the sake of this 0.05% , “wrong” players sacrifice the favor of others.
PREJUDICE
You can meet superstitious players at the table. Their behavior will seem strange if you do not familiarize yourself with the following signs:
- Most of the superstitions in craps are associated with the seven . If a die flies off the table when rolled, it will almost certainly roll a 7 next time. To avoid this, the player can ask the dealer to return the same die for a re-roll rather than replacing it.
- It is believed that you cannot buy chips with cash at the table immediately after a successful throw. If at least one of the dice touches this money, the next time the dice will roll is a seven.
- Many craps players are very afraid that the dice will not hit someone’s hand when thrown – after that, a seven will definitely fall out. Even the casino staff shares this opinion and makes sure that their hands do not fall under the thrown dice.
- The presence of at least one player who makes “wrong” bets significantly increases the likelihood of rolling a seven. The more such players there are, the more often seven will appear on the edges of the dice. This is another reason for hostility towards those who bet on losing.
- Under no circumstances should you shout “Seven!” during the throw. Many players believe that the dice can hear them and roll a seven in retaliation.
You should also be wary of the situation when the dealer moves dice towards the player whose top faces show 7 points. According to the sign, you will definitely not be lucky with your bet.
Traditions related to beginning players:
- If a woman takes on the position of a shooter for the first time, she will definitely be lucky . As soon as others find out that there is a newbie girl in front of them, a crowd of players will flock to the table to place bets on her success.
- Beginners are not recommended to open the game alone. It is necessary to “warm up” the dice in the presence of a large number of players, then the chances of winning increase.
- Experienced players pay attention to those who are new to the craps table. Perhaps they will actively encourage or give advice.
Superstitious visitors also believe that the fewer times the dice are turned over during a roll, the less likely it is to get a seven. They try to throw the dice so that they rotate as little as possible in flight.
SUCCESS STORIES
Some of the most amazing events in the world of craps are “monster rolls.” There is no exact data on the longest series, since official statistics are not kept.
The record holder, nicknamed “Captain”, made 147 shots in a row in 2005 before falling to a losing seven. His episode lasted 2 hours and 18 minutes. A year earlier, he had already managed to throw the dice more than 100 times in a row.
Another famous player nicknamed “Golden Hand” in one of the Las Vegas casinos managed to throw 118 numbers in a row in more than 3 hours of play.
Patricia Demauro set what may be an all-time record with 154 straight rolls at an Atlantic City casino. Her episode lasted from 8 pm until half past midnight. Although many doubt the veracity of this story, the casino itself confirms it.
In addition to long streaks, there are huge wins in craps. Thus, a certain Fast Eddie, having started the game with $100, managed to increase his bankroll to $250 thousand.
An impressive story can be told about Lee Bergstrom, who heard that the famous Binion casino accepted bets of any size. He decided to check it out and brought $777000 in cash with him in his suitcase . He was actually allowed to place a bet and he won immediately, doubling his money.
Bergstrom didn’t stop there. He returned to the same casino several times, making winning bets ranging from $190,000 to $590,000. On his last run, having bet a whole million , the incredibly lucky Lee still lost. However, even taking into account the defeat, he left the casino with a solid plus.
VARIETIES OF CRAPS
Craps doesn’t boast much variety. The games differ only in the size of the delivery (Pass Odds). The bet can be 1, 2, 3 or 4 chips. The rest of the rules of the game do not change.
House craps is usually played by two players. First, the banker is determined by lot – he will play for seven. His opponent chooses which numbers he will bet on. Both players then contribute one chip to the pot. The first person to throw away their points takes the entire amount. If the banker’s opponent’s points are rolled before a seven, then in the next round the role passes to another player.
Interesting ! Sometimes table participants agree to pay a small bonus if an opponent throws a rare combination.
It is also possible to play craps without dice – using cards. All denominations are removed from two decks, except numbers from 2 to 6 and aces (ones). Instead of rolling dice, participants draw two cards from the resulting deck.
TRADITIONAL CRAPS PHRASES
Craps is played in a noisy environment, and dealers must strictly follow the rules and communicate with players. For these purposes, special terms and phrases are used that allow the parties to understand each other well.
Certain numbers and terms in craps sound very similar in English, which can lead to confusion due to noise in the room.
Example : “seven” and “eleven” are written and pronounced almost identically. If the number is heard incorrectly, it can cause conflict. To avoid such situations, the dealer announces eleven as “Yo! Eleven”, and seven as “Seven – out!”.
Knowing these terms allows the player to place bets and interact with the dealer and other players more effectively:
- If a player places a bet with the words “ Two ways ”, this means that part of the possible winnings will go to the dealer. This is how the player thanks the dealer for the game. Although this is not required, dealers appreciate such gestures.
- When the acceptance of bets ends, the dealer announces “ Dice out ”, which means the upcoming roll of the dice. After the roll, the dice are removed from the table and the dealer says “ Dice in the middle ,” allowing bets on the next roll.
- Using the ” Off ” command, a player can temporarily suspend his bet. To return to the game, you need to say “ Working ”.
- For convenience, the terms ” Inside ” and ” Outside ” are used when betting on certain dice numbers – 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10. To bet on numbers 5, 6, 8 and 9, the player says “Inside” and indicates the bet size. Likewise, a bet on 4, 5, 9 and 10 is designated as “Outside”.
- The “ Press ” command allows you to double your winning bet or increase it to a certain amount.
Particular attention should be paid to the size of winnings. The same payout can be specified as “4 to 1” or “4 for 1”. Despite the similarity, these designations imply different winning sizes – 1:4 and 1:3 of the original bet.
CRAPS STRATEGIES
Some adhere to clear systems, others act spontaneously, increasing the stakes in successful series. The main thing is not to give in to excitement and not to violate the limits set for yourself in advance. This will help you maintain your bankroll and enjoy the game.
IRON CROSS
The system is easy to use: you need to place a Field bet and Place bets on the numbers 5, 6 and 8.
Possible outcomes:
- Field wins, Place remains.
- Place on 5/6/8 wins, Field loses, the rest remain.
- If a 7 is rolled out, all bets are lost.
Seven is the most likely outcome, it appears with a ~16% chance (every 6 games). For the system to be profitable for the player, the sum of winnings on the Place and Field bets must compensate for losses from 7.
From a statistical point of view, it is impossible to achieve such a result in the long term. By combining unprofitable bets, it is impossible to make the system as a whole profitable for the player.
The casino advantage is:
- for the bet on Field ~ 3%;
- for the Place rate ~ 4%.
The player will remain in the red if he aims to play for the long haul.
INVINCIBLE IRON CROSS
This is an improved version of the previous strategy.
After installing the point, you need to do the following:
- put 5 chips on Field;
- Bet 6 chips on the numbers 5, 6 and 8.
The difference from the regular version is that the player focuses not only on restoring his bets, but also on winning the Pass Line. When the latter wins, he no longer invests money in bets removed from the field.
This is due to the belief that a 7 is about to roll out. Some even count, after which they stop betting. However, this is a misconception, because each throw is independent.
The Invincible Iron Cross has a 3.34% edge with a 1:1 payout per bet. This is better than the first system, but worse than the combination of Pass Line/Don`t Pass Line bets with Odds.
PLAYING THROUGH POINT
The round begins with a bet on the Pass Line. Then the dice are rolled. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, the bet wins. 2, 3 or 12 – loss. For other numbers, a point is set. The goal is to repeat the point until a 7 is rolled.
Odds bets are used to increase the odds. They complement the main bet and are paid with a large odds when you win.
Another way is to place additional Come bets. They play regardless of the Pass Line. If the outcome is successful, they are moved to a separate field with the corresponding number and can also be supplemented with Odds bets.
An experienced player simultaneously supports several combinations of Pass Line, Come and Odds bets. This allows you to distribute risks and increase potential winnings.
CPR (COLLECT, PRESS, REGRESS)
Using the CPR system, you can play for a long time even with a small starting capital.
Let’s consider the strategy using the example of one of the most profitable bets for a player – on 6 or 8:
- 10 chips for rolling 6/8 before 7.
- If the bet wins, you need to take the winnings, but leave 10 chips in the game ( collect ).
- If the bet wins a second time, you need to double it ( press ). The dealer will pay out the winnings at a ratio of 7:6, so the player will remain in the black even if he loses.
- If the third throw also ends in victory, then the profit is recorded, and the initial bet of 10 chips remains on the field ( regress ).
- Return to the beginning of the strategy when completing a circle or losing.
The system allows you to gradually increase your winnings while controlling risks. It can be used to get acquainted with craps without fear of losing too much. The strategy works both on one bet and on several at the same time.
5 COUNT
The strategy identifies players who demonstrate consistency in their shooting. Using calculation, you can recognize a potentially winning situation and place a bet on a shooter with less risk.
As soon as the player picks up the dice, the counting of his rolls begins. If you roll 4–10 for the first time, it counts as a 1-count. Each subsequent roll increases the counter by one, regardless of the result (2-count, 3-count, etc.).
At 4 the climax occurs. If on the fifth throw the player manages to roll one of the Point numbers, this is recorded as a 5-count. It is at this moment that you should bet on this player.
FAVORABLE DICE LAYOUT
The outcome of the roll is random, but many players believe that there are ways to at least partially control the numbers that appear. This belief has given rise to many theories and practices for “manipulating” bones.
According to the rules of craps, the result of a roll must be completely random. However, some tricks can actually reduce the likelihood of unwanted combinations. This is achieved due to the special arrangement of the bones, correct grip and well-developed throwing technique.
Dice placement methods used by experienced players:
- “Hard” . Before throwing, the dice are folded so that adjacent faces have the same numbers: 5 and 5, 4 and 4, 3 and 3, 2 and 2. With this arrangement, one dice can turn in any direction without forming a seven. If both dice rotate around the same axis, a seven can only come up if one of them makes a double flip.
- 3V . The dice are laid out so that the threes on adjacent faces form the letter “V”. This option gives you a better chance of 6 or 8 points. Combinations on other faces: 4 and 4, 5 and 1, 6 and 2. The 2V method is similar , where the letter “V” is formed by twos. It is used to roll 4 or 10 points. On adjacent faces there are 3 and 1, 4 and 6, 5 and 5.
- All sevens . The dice are laid out so that the sum of adjacent faces is equal to 7. This makes it more likely to roll a seven on the first move.
Laying out the dice should look natural and take a moment so as not to arouse suspicion among casino staff.
SAME THROWS
Controlled dice rolling is an important skill that reduces the house edge. Its essence is the ability to consistently make the same throws, avoiding rolling a seven. Not everyone can master this skill.
Success stories confirm the effectiveness of controlled throwing. Although many doubt it, hours of training can achieve impressive results.
Interesting ! The “hard” method is good for training throw control. It is recommended to use dice of different colors to track their rotation and flight path.
INSURANCE THROUGH BETS
A player can place a $5 main bet on the Pass Line and then bet $1 on rolling a 2, 3 or 12. If craps is rolled, they will lose $5 on the main bet but win $7 on the insurance bet. However, such a strategy is unprofitable in the long term, since the casino advantage in craps bets is more than 11% .
A common mistake is to withdraw Don’t Pass after the throwing player has set a Point (target number). Although the odds of winning are increased at this point, seven is still more likely than any other combination, so it makes sense to leave the bet.
Some players try to secure Don’t Pass by additionally betting on Point.
Example : Betting $10 on Don’t Pass and $6 on Point. Additionally, you need to bet $6 on 6. Now if you roll a 7, you will win $10 and lose $6 (net win $4), and if you roll a Point, you will lose $10 but win $7 (net loss $3).
PLANNING A GAMING SESSION
Best bets in craps:
- Pass Line;
- Don’t Pass Line;
- Come;
- Don’t Come;
- Odds.
Their advantage is that the casino’s mathematical advantage is minimal or non-existent. To reduce risks, experts advise combining Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come bets with additional Odds bets. It is also important to study the payout odds and betting limits at a particular establishment.
In order not to go into a big loss, you need to learn how to manage your bankroll. It is necessary to determine in advance the amount you can risk.
The bet size should not exceed 1% of the initial bankroll . Experts advise setting a time frame for the game in advance and be sure to stick to it. It is also useful to determine the maximum winning amount, upon reaching which the player must end the gaming session.
Playing craps involves active actions – throwing dice, placing bets on the playing field. This is an exciting process that takes your attention away from your surroundings.
It is recommended to place gaming chips in neat piles at face value. You should not keep too many chips with you. It is better to regularly exchange them for money and hide them in your pockets or bag. Unfortunately, even in respectable gambling establishments there are sometimes thieves and scammers.
It is also important to remember which sectors of the playing field were bet on. This will allow you to control payments and avoid fraud on the part of dealers or other players.
TIPS FOR PLAYING CRAPS
For new craps players, the best option is to first practice with the free online versions of the game to get the hang of the interface and basic moves without risking any money.
When the basics are mastered, you can move on to playing for money – either in a real casino at a gambling table, or in an online casino. The advantage of online craps is that there are no time restrictions on moves, which is very important for making informed decisions. But in a real casino, players are attracted by the unique atmosphere of excitement and adrenaline at the gambling table.
To achieve consistent results in craps, you need to practice and practice strategies. Gambling requires composure and the ability to make quick decisions, and this only comes with experience.
In addition to practice, it is very important to understand the mathematical aspects – the probabilities of outcomes and the size of the casino advantage at different bets. This knowledge will allow you to make better decisions before throwing.
Example : bets like Any Craps, Any Seven give high payouts, but in them the house edge reaches 16%, which makes them extremely unprofitable in the long term. It is much better to use Pass, Come, and Odds bets whenever possible – the casino advantage in them is minimal.
You should also not rely on systems to provide a guaranteed win. They increase the player’s chances, but cannot completely eliminate the randomness factor. The key to success in craps is a combination of a good knowledge of game theory, the mathematical foundations of betting and practical skills.
