craps rules pdf
Craps Rules⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
Craps is a dice game played at casinos where a shooter rolls dice trying to win against the house. To play‚ the shooter rolls dice and needs to roll a 7 or 11 to win or 2‚ 3 or 12 to lose on the first roll. Craps is an exciting‚ fast-action game that often creates bursts of cheer throughout the casino. Although the game may look difficult‚ this guide will help any player understand the different bets that can be made on the craps table.
Introduction
Craps is a thrilling and fast-paced dice game that has captivated casino enthusiasts for generations. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times‚ with variations of the game played in various cultures. In its modern form‚ craps is a game of chance where players wager on the outcome of rolls made by a designated “shooter.” The game is played on a specialized table with a layout that depicts the various bets that can be placed. Players can bet on the shooter’s initial roll‚ known as the “come-out roll‚” or on subsequent rolls‚ where they attempt to predict the outcome of the dice.
Craps is a game that combines elements of skill and luck. While the outcome of each roll is ultimately determined by chance‚ players can employ strategies to maximize their odds of winning. Understanding the rules and different bets available is crucial for any craps player‚ as it allows them to make informed decisions and increase their chances of success. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of craps‚ covering everything from the basic rules to advanced betting strategies.
Understanding the Basics
At the heart of craps lies the concept of the “come-out roll‚” which is the first roll of the dice in a round. This roll determines whether the round ends immediately or if a “point” is established. A “natural” roll of 7 or 11 on the come-out roll results in an instant win for players who bet on the “Pass Line.” Conversely‚ a “craps” roll of 2‚ 3‚ or 12 on the come-out roll leads to an immediate loss for Pass Line bettors.
If the come-out roll results in any number other than a natural or craps‚ that number becomes the “point.” The shooter then continues to roll the dice until either the point is rolled again‚ resulting in a win for Pass Line bettors‚ or a 7 is rolled‚ leading to a loss. This process of rolling until the point is made or a 7 is rolled is known as the “point phase.” The game continues with the shooter rolling the dice until a natural‚ craps‚ or the point is achieved‚ at which point a new round begins with a new come-out roll.
Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line bet is considered the most basic and popular wager in craps. It’s an even-money bet placed before the come-out roll‚ essentially betting that the shooter will succeed in rolling a natural (7 or 11) or the point number before rolling a 7. If the come-out roll results in a natural‚ Pass Line bettors win immediately. If a craps (2‚ 3‚ or 12) is rolled‚ they lose.
However‚ if the come-out roll establishes a point‚ the game enters the point phase. In this phase‚ the shooter continues rolling until either the point number is rolled again‚ in which case Pass Line bettors win‚ or a 7 is rolled‚ leading to a loss. The Pass Line bet is a straightforward wager that mirrors the core objective of the game⁚ to successfully roll the point before a 7.
Don’t Pass Bet
The Don’t Pass bet is the direct opposite of the Pass Line bet‚ offering a chance to wager against the shooter’s success. It’s also an even-money bet‚ placed before the come-out roll. Unlike the Pass Line‚ Don’t Pass bettors win if the come-out roll results in craps (2‚ 3‚ or 12)‚ while losing if a natural (7 or 11) is rolled.
During the point phase‚ the dynamics shift. Don’t Pass bettors now win if a 7 is rolled before the point number is rolled again. If the point is rolled before a 7‚ they lose. The Don’t Pass bet provides a unique perspective on the game‚ allowing players to bet against the shooter’s ability to establish and roll their point. It’s a strategic choice for those who prefer to bet against the odds of a successful roll.
Come Bet
The Come bet is a versatile wager that mirrors the Pass Line bet‚ but with the added flexibility of being placed after the come-out roll. Once a point has been established‚ players can make Come bets‚ essentially placing a Pass Line bet on the subsequent rolls. The Come bet operates on the same principles as the Pass Line bet‚ with a 7 or 11 winning and craps (2‚ 3‚ or 12) losing on the first roll.
If the shooter rolls a number other than a 7‚ 11‚ or craps‚ that number becomes the “come point.” Similar to the Pass Line bet‚ the Come bet wins if the come point is rolled before a 7. However‚ the Come bet can be placed at any time during the point phase‚ offering players more opportunities to wager and potentially win. The Come bet adds another layer of excitement and strategic options to the craps table‚ allowing players to bet on the shooter’s success even after the initial come-out roll.
Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Come bet is the inverse of the Come bet‚ offering a wager against the shooter’s success. Placed after the come-out roll‚ it’s a bet that the shooter will not roll a 7 or 11 on the next roll. If the shooter rolls a 2‚ 3‚ or 12 (craps)‚ the Don’t Come bet wins.
If the shooter rolls a number other than 7‚ 11‚ or craps‚ that number becomes the “Don’t Come point.” Similar to the Don’t Pass bet‚ the Don’t Come bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the Don’t Come point. However‚ if the shooter rolls the Don’t Come point before a 7‚ the bet loses. The Don’t Come bet is a good option for players who want to bet against the shooter’s success‚ offering a different perspective on the game.
It’s important to remember that the Don’t Come bet is a wager that the shooter will not roll a 7 or 11‚ and that the Don’t Come point is established only after the come-out roll. This creates a unique betting opportunity for players who are confident in their prediction of the shooter’s outcome.
Odds Bets
Odds bets are a crucial element of craps strategy‚ allowing players to increase their potential winnings while maintaining a low house edge. These bets are made after a point has been established (either on the Pass Line or Come bet)‚ and they essentially wager on the shooter hitting the point before rolling a 7.
The odds bet is a true odds bet‚ meaning the payout is based on the actual odds of the point being rolled. For instance‚ if the point is 4 or 10‚ the odds bet pays out 2⁚1. If the point is 5 or 9‚ the odds bet pays out 3⁚2. Finally‚ if the point is 6 or 8‚ the odds bet pays out 6⁚5.
The key advantage of odds bets is their low house edge. In fact‚ the house edge on odds bets is zero‚ making them the most favorable bet in craps. While odds bets cannot be made on the come-out roll‚ they offer a significant opportunity to increase your potential winnings once a point is established.
Place Bets
Place bets are a popular option in craps‚ allowing players to wager on specific numbers (4‚ 5‚ 6‚ 8‚ 9‚ or 10) being rolled before a 7. These bets are typically made after a point has been established‚ offering a way to diversify your wagers and potentially win even if the shooter doesn’t hit the initial point.
Place bets pay out based on the odds of the number being rolled. For example‚ a place bet on 4 or 10 pays 9⁚5‚ while a place bet on 5 or 9 pays 7⁚5. Place bets on 6 or 8 pay out 7⁚6. These payouts are slightly less favorable than odds bets‚ but still offer a reasonable return.
The key difference between place bets and odds bets is that place bets can be made at any time during a round‚ even before a point is established. This flexibility allows players to place bets on multiple numbers simultaneously‚ potentially increasing their chances of winning. However‚ it’s important to note that place bets have a higher house edge than odds bets‚ making them less advantageous in the long run.
Field Bet
The Field bet is a simple and straightforward wager in craps‚ allowing players to bet on the outcome of a single roll. It’s a relatively high-risk‚ high-reward bet‚ with payouts depending on the specific number rolled.
A Field bet wins if the dice result in 2‚ 3‚ 4‚ 9‚ 10‚ 11‚ or 12. The payout for these winning numbers is typically 1⁚1‚ meaning you win the same amount as your bet. However‚ if the shooter rolls a 5 or 6‚ the Field bet loses.
The Field bet offers a chance to potentially win quickly and easily‚ but it’s important to understand its inherent volatility. The odds are against the player‚ as there are more losing numbers than winning numbers. The house edge on the Field bet is higher than many other bets‚ making it less advantageous in the long run. Nevertheless‚ for players seeking a thrilling and unpredictable wager‚ the Field bet can add excitement to the game.
Other Bets
Beyond the fundamental bets like Pass Line‚ Don’t Pass‚ Come‚ and Don’t Come‚ craps offers a diverse range of additional wagers‚ each with its own unique rules and payout structures. These “other bets” can add complexity and excitement to the game‚ catering to players with different risk appetites and strategies.
Among these bets are the “Hard Way” bets‚ where players wager on specific combinations of dice. For instance‚ a “Hard 8” bet wins if the shooter rolls two 4s before a 7‚ while losing if a 7 rolls first. “Proposition bets” are one-roll bets that pay out based on specific number combinations‚ like “Any Craps” (winning on a 2‚ 3‚ or 12) or “Horn” (winning on a 2‚ 3‚ 11‚ or 12).
Craps also features bets like “Place Bets” (wagering on specific numbers to be rolled before a 7) and “Buy Bets” (similar to Place Bets but with higher payouts). These bets often involve higher house edges than the basic bets‚ emphasizing the importance of understanding the odds before placing them. While these “other bets” can add variety and potential for big wins‚ they should be approached with caution and a clear understanding of their associated risks.