Craps is one of the most popular online casino games, but it’s also got the most intimidating table of most casino table games. This makes it look like a very complicated game to master, but the truth is that it’s actually one of the simplest luck-based games out there.
It only takes a short time of learning about this casino game to become an accomplished craps player. Here are some handy craps tips and tricks to help you get started.
1. Learn the Rules
The rules are the biggest stumbling block in craps because they’re quite intricate and take time to master. Don’t let this put you off, though. There are plenty of online guides to read and videos to watch that’ll give you the basic breakdown of craps rules.
Try to memorize these rules bit by bit and keep them handy while you play online. That way, you can learn from your mistakes and evaluate situations in real time.
2. Learn the Terminology
You won’t master any kind of game if you have no idea what everyone is talking about while you play. Learning craps terminology is vital to success at the table. The most important terms to familiarize yourself with are:
- Come Out: This is the very first die roll of the craps round.
- Craps numbers: Craps numbers are 2, 3 or 12. These end the roll and begin a new round of betting.
- Place numbers: The numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 on the craps table.
- Point: If the come out roll lands on a place number, this will become the point on the craps table.
- Place bets: A bet that the shooter will roll 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 before a 7.
- Pass Line: A section on the craps table where Pass Line bets are made.
- Pass Bet: A bet that the shooter will pass the Come Out roll and roll a 7 or 11.
- Don’t Come bet: A bet that the shooter won’t make their point and will roll a 2, 3 or 12.
- Sevens Out: Rolling a 7 after the point number is in play.
3. Practice Before You Play
One of the best craps tips is simply to take your time practicing before you play an actual game. Online casinos offer free games for this very reason and it makes complete sense to take advantage of this.
Trying out some free games helps you to figure out what variation of craps you like because there are many to choose from; it gives you real-life experience in calculating craps odds for a particular table to find out where you have the best chance of winning big; and to put your newly-acquired knowledge to the test.
You can do all of this without putting a wager down, which means that your hard-earned money is safe while you experiment and learn about craps and how to play.
4. Start Simple
It’s always a good idea to start out simple when you first give craps a go. This means finding bets that might not sound wildly exciting but that are relatively safe and easy to place. The two simplest bets on a craps table that are perfect for beginners are the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets.
If you can choose only one bet to make on the craps table, then it should be the Pass Line bet because it has one of the lowest house edges at 1.41%, alongside the chances of landing (251–244) and payout odds of 1:1.
This is an even-money bet that’s made before the first Come Out roll of the game. If the Come Out bet is a 7 or 11, then you win. But if a 2, 3 or 12 is rolled, you’ll lose. Any other number — 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 — rolled becomes the point. The point must be rolled again, then a 7 to win. If a 7 is rolled before the point, you seven out and lose the bet.
The Don’t Pass Line bet is just as simple and is simply the opposite of the Pass Line bet. You’ll lose the bet if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, while you’ll win the bet if they roll a 2 or 3. If a 12 is rolled in the Come Out roll, then it’s a tie. Any other number — 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 — becomes the point. You’ll win if the shooter rolls a 7 before the point is rolled again, but you’ll lose if the point number is rolled before a 7.
5. Manage Your Bankroll
No matter what type of game you’re playing at a casino, it’s of the utmost importance to manage your bankroll. All this takes is discipline. Your bankroll is the money you’ve set aside for gambling and you should only wager a small percentage of this on every game. Generally, it’s recommended that you keep this between 5–10% of your bankroll per game.
Remember that chasing losses or putting huge amounts of money down on one game is a sure way to deplete your bankroll quickly and possibly put you in a difficult situation.
6. Have Fun
Ultimately, you’re learning to play craps because it’s an enjoyable game that you can play in your spare time. Like most casino games, most of the results rely on luck, so there’s no point in getting too wound up and chasing your losses.
Bet a small percentage of your bankroll, gamble responsibly and enjoy the experience. That’s what it’s all about.
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