Learning how to play craps isn’t as difficult as you might think. People are often steer away from playing the game because they think its too complex, but the only particularly complicated aspect is all the different types of bets that can be placed.
The Don’t Pass area is called the “back line” (opposite of the Pass Line, which is called the “front line”). The minimum and maximum Don’t Pass Flat bets are the same as those for the Flat Pass Line as defined on the placard located on the inside wall of the table. Pass / Come Free Odds Bet This is the most powerful bet in all of craps. In order to play the free odds bet, you must have wagered on the pass line bet or the come bet. If the shooter has not rolled a craps number (2, 3, or 12) or a 7 or 11, then there must be a point number established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10).
You don’t actually need to learn all of them to start playing and you can just stick to the simplest ones if you like.
You do, however, need to understand how the game is played.
This article will help as we cover everything you need to know to play craps in a live casino or online.
We explain the main objective of the game, the craps table, the betting layout, and the basic rules. We also introduce the different types of bets.
Game Objective in Craps
The main objective in craps is really quite straightforward. Basically you are just betting on the outcome of the roll of two dice.
Craps is pure chance since you can’t affect the outcome in any way, but you do have the choice of several wagers. The majority of these wagers are ultimately based on what combination of dice will be rolled.
The goal in craps is therefore to try to correctly predict which numbers will come up on the next roll. This is, of course, guesswork, but it doesn’t stop the game being a lot of fun.
Craps is played on a specially-designed table that features a betting layout where players can place their wagers. In a live casino, a table would look something like this.The dice are rolled on the table by one of the participating players, referred to as the shooter. Typically, a new player will become the shooter at the end of each round, although one player may remain as the shooter for several in a row.
Anyone at the table, including the shooter, can make wagers by placing their chips in the appropriate spot on the betting layout.
A craps table requires the attention of several casino employees. You’ll usually find the following people running a table.
Craps Pass Line Odds
- Boxman
- Stickman
- Base Dealers
The boxman is in charge of the chips at the table. He (or she) will exchange cash into chips for players and swap them for different denominations if required. He’s also responsible for supervising the dealers and generally ensuring that the game runs smoothly.
The stickman is in charge of the dice. He moves them around the table with the use of a stick (hence the name), passing them to the shooter at the start of each roll. He will also announce the outcome of each roll.
A craps table usually features two base dealers, one standing on either side. They are responsible for collecting losing bets and paying out winners. When requested to do so, they can also place certain bets on behalf of players.
The rules of craps are the same regardless of whether you are playing in a live setting or online. However, things are a lot simpler online. There’s no allocated shooter, as technically you are the shooter every time you play.
The diced are rolled automatically when you press the relevant button, and you place your bets by clicking in the appropriate place on the betting layout.
The following is an example of what an online craps table looks like:
Craps Pass Line With Odds
Basic Rules
Each round in craps starts with what is known as the come-out roll. Most casinos will require that the shooter place a bet before making this roll on either the pass line or the don’t pass line.
If the combined value of the two dice on a come-out roll equals 2, 3, or 12, then this is “crapping out” and the round is over. Players will lose pass line bets and win don’t pass bets. If the come-out roll is 7 or 11, the round is also over.
Players win pass line bets and lose don’t pass bets.
If any other value is rolled on the come-out roll i.e. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, then a point is established, equal to the value rolled, and the round continues into the next stage.
The shooter continues to roll with players betting on the outcome of each, until they roll either a 7 or the point value that has been established.
Following a roll of either 7 or the point value, the round is over and a new come-out roll is required. It’s standard practice for the shooter to pass the dice to another player if a round ends with a 7, and to stay as shooter if the round ends with the point value being rolled.
This is essentially all there is to the basic rules of craps. What makes the game more complex are all the different bets that can be placed.
The following is a list of the different wagers you can place when playing craps.
- Pass Line
- Don’t Pass
- Come
- Don’t Come
- Pass Line Odds
- Don’t Pass Odds
- Come Odds
- Don’t Come Odds
- Place Win
- Place Lose
- Buy
- Lay
- Big 6
- Big 8
- Hardways
- Field
- Any 7
- Any 11
- Any Craps
- Ace Deuce
- Aces
- Boxcar
As you can see, there are numerous different bets in craps. Please don’t let this steer you away from playing the game as you really don’t need to learn them all.
They are pretty simple overall; it just takes a little time to familiarize yourself with each one.
Games online to win real money. You can read about all these bets in more detail here.
If you’re ready to put what you’ve learned here into action, you might want to consider trying out an online casino. You can play craps at most of the top online casinos that we recommend. If you want to play for real money, you’ll get a bonus for signing up and making your first deposit. And if you prefer to just play for fun, that’s an option at most places, too. Here are some of the online casinos we recommend playing at.
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When it comes to craps bet patterns, it is important for players to be provided with the chance to learn both the “right” and the “wrong” side. After all, players need to be familiar with the rules and principles of playing both sides in order to take advantage of various trends, streaks and chances once such occur.
On the other hand, knowing the different aspects of playing both on the “right” and on the “wrong” side would offer craps players the opportunity to learn the different angles of the game, which would undoubtedly help them deal manage with the experience at every level possible.
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When the term “wrong” side betting is used, it is referred to the so-called Don't Pass bets, which could be exactly as profitable as the Pass Line betting. In addition, as long as craps players realize the fact that the Don't Side strategies are quite similar to the “right” side betting, it would be easier for them to understand these strategies.
Of course, statistical correctness is of paramount importance when it comes to bet patterns. So, in order to match the Pass Line bet pattern, we would provide players with three major Don't Pass bet patters, including a more conservative one, a more aggressive one, and strongly aggressive one. None of these patterns violate in any way the 3% rule. Best casino game to play.
Craps Pass Line Odds Payout
Don't Pass Bet with 1 Don't Come Bet
The Don't Pass bet with Don't Come bet pattern is a conservative one. It provides players with the chance to feel safe while playing and at the same time ensures a nice profit while limiting their exposure to losses. First, the player needs to make their Don't Pass bet and once the point number has been established, they must lay full double odds against the point.
After that, a Don't Come bet should be made by the player in order for them to get one Don't Come number established. Once this is done, the player should lay double odds against the point number and stop betting. In other words, this pattern is exactly the opposite of the “right” side betting in which the player puts everything at risk to the 7. In this case, players could only lose one bet in case one of their numbers repeat. And if the 7 comes out, they win both their bets.
The two Don't numbers established provide players with security, as their exposure to risk is limited to two numbers that might repeat on any roll. In addition, this pattern considerably reduces the house edge to 0.6% or 0.8% in case they choose to lay only single odds.
In case that the Don't Come number actually is repeated, the player has the right to replace it with another Don't Come bet, which is also backed with double odds. What is important for players to remember is the fact that the Don't Come bet should not be replaced more than once. This would protect them against an eventual continuous roll of point numbers that repeat and lead to the player losing.
If the point repeats, the player would come out and would try another Don't Pass bet. In case such a thing happens again, another Don't Pass bet is not recommended. The player is recommended to stop and wait for the shooter to roll a 7 to start over again in order to protect their bet against the hot roll.
Craps Pass Line And Field
Don't Pass Bet with 2 Don't Come Bets
This type of “wrong” bet pattern is a bit more aggressive than the previous one as one more Don't Come bet is added to the previous one. This pattern offers the players the chance to have half of the point numbers covered. If they have managed to successfully establish all 3 Don't numbers and back them with double odds against the 7, the player would make a win on all bets.
As a matter of fact, casino customers should be aware of the fact that the wins generated on the “wrong” side are happening a bit slower, but are more steady when compared to the wins made on the “right” side that usually happens more quickly. Of course, players made the decision on which side to bet depending on their personal preferences, comfort level and experience.
Don't Pass Bet with 2 Don't Come Bets Plus a Field and Lay Bets on 4 and 10
As already mentioned above, all of these craps bet patterns correspond to the 3% rule never to make a bet that offers the casino a house edge larger than 3%. In other words, the closer the house edge gets to 3%, the less frequently should a player use such a pattern.
This betting pattern is considered as the most aggressive one of the three.
Of course, craps players should always remember that the house advantage jumps to 5.55% in case that the Field paid double on both 2 and 12, so they are not recommended to use it. However, this betting pattern could turn out effective in order for the player to draw profit at a time when the table is cold.
Craps Pass Line Odds Bet
The pattern starts in a similar way to the previous one, meaning that the player is required to first make a Don't Pass bet, followed by 2 Don't Come Bets. In addition, Double odds should be laid on them all. But things do not stop here. On the come-out roll, the player should make a Field bet of the same size as their Don't Pass bet.
Once a point number is finally established, the Field bet must be pulled down. This provides the player with the chance to limit the frequency of using such a bet to the come-out rolls only. Statistically speaking, if a player participates in a typical run of between 5 and 12 rolls, they would be using the Field bet in only 10% to 20% of the time, which is pretty much manageable.
![Craps Craps](https://www.casinonewsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/craps-shooter-throwing-e1466605977325.jpg)
The player could have a strong start when outside numbers appear. On the other hand, when the 7 appears on the come-out roll, they would lose both bets. Of course, craps players should always remember to bet when the house advantage is limited to a reasonable level to prevent them from losing large bankrolls.
Craps Pass Line Odds Bet
The “wrong” bet pattern is supposed to protect players against eventual substantial losses over a hot roll. Players, on the other hand, should always stick to the rule that if the point repeats, they should only replace it once. The same applies to the Don't Come numbers. If a Don't Come number repeats more than once, the player is recommended for the shooter to roll a 7 and then start over again.
Still, regardless of the fact that this betting pattern is considered the most aggressive one, it could provide players with a certain flexibility. If a Don't Come toss is lost over the gameplay, the craps player is allowed to replace it with a Lay bet against the numbers 4 or 10 instead of placing a Don't Come bet. Again, double odds are set against the 4 or 10.