Craps can be a difficult game to play and get your head around if you’re new to the world of gambling; however, for all its alien elements, the game is actually relatively simple once you master the basics.
To help disseminate the range of information you’re presented with when you walk up to a craps table you need to understand the main aim of the game. In a nutshell, what you’re trying to do is predict the outcome of a dice throw. If you can manage to correctly bet on a roll before the dealer calls time on a round of action, you win a payout based on the likelihood of your selection.
Every game of craps requires someone to throw the dice “a shooter” and it’s their job to establish a point. Their initial roll of the two dice is is known as the “come out” roll and here two betting options are available: “Pass” and “Don’t Pass”. If the combined value of the twice dice thrown equals seven or eleven then all “pass (line)” bets win some money.
However, if the shooter rolls a two, three or twelve, this is known as craps and all “pass line” bets are declared losers and scooped by the croupier. If none of these numbers are rolled then whichever number is rolled becomes the point number.
At this point the game moves into a new stage and players now have the option to add to their original wagers by betting on a number which they feel will win. The only caveat at this point is that in order to be a winner, a player’s number must come in before the shooter rolls a seven or eleven. This switch in the significance of seven and eleven is one of the most important parts of the game.
During the come out roll phase of the game, a player with a “pass line” bet wants these numbers to hit because it means they win. However, after a point has been established, players are rooting against these numbers because they signal the end of the round.
If you can get your head around the shift in value of seven and eleven then the game is simple. Indeed, because the casino edge is so low and games are usually only played by experienced players, craps tables are often the poplar retreat of professional gamblers. However, if you can master the basics, it’s a great game to play.