All You Need To Know How to Play Craps

Do you know Craps? In this article, we tell you the interesting history of this long-standing casino game played with only two dice, and we even teach you how to play it. Are you curious? Then join us!

What is Craps Game?

Craps is a game of chance not to be missed in any self-respecting casino. It is considered one of the most classic table games and is very simple to understand.

The game consists of placing different bets on the outcome of the roll of two dice on the next roll, or on an entire tournament round. Usually, the bet is made against the dealer, although there are other versions in which players place bets against each other, as in what is known as ‘Street Craps’.

The origin of Craps

As is often the case with ancient games, the origin of Craps is uncertain, and there are several theories regarding its invention. One version claims it originated as a game-like pastime in the Roman Empire. At that time, warriors carved pig bones into cubes and used them to amuse themselves between battles by betting on the outcome.

Another version says that Craps originates from an English game called ‘Hazard‘, played since the Middle Ages. According to this version, its inventor was Sir William of Tyre, who, in 1125, used the game to entertain his troops during the conquest of an Arab castle called “Hazarth”.

The latest version says that the game’s origin precedes the Middle Ages and that the Arabs played it with little cubes with numbers and called it “Azzahr”. The game crossed the border thanks to traders and was called “Hazard”.

The Different Names of Craps

In Great Britain in the 17th and 18th centuries, Hazard was loved in popular taverns and high-society gambling dens. It was also played quite frequently in France, being called ‘Crabe‘. Little by little, this dice game evolved into the name ‘Craps’ by which it is known today.

Introducing Craps to the United States and the world

English and French players brought Craps to the southeastern United States around the 19th century. There, the game was transformed and became simpler and more popular.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that Craps became known worldwide. And during World War II, soldiers played it to entertain themselves in between the fighting. This is how the game crossed the borders of America, Europe, and Asia and is enjoyed today worldwide.

How to play Craps online?

Now we will teach you the basic rules of the game and what the main bets are. You’ll see that Craps is a simple game to understand, a lot of fun, and a great opportunity to win money. Before you try your luck and skills in some sweepstake casino, you can have a free practice on our website.

Basic Craps Rules

Craps is played with two six-sided dice (the more traditional in any regular board game). Up to twelve people can play at the same time. However, only one player becomes the shooter in each round. To participate, everyone has to pay the minimum bet determined by the table (unless you are playing the free version), which can vary according to the level of the game.

All players must choose a bet type for each new round, and then the shooter starts the game by throwing the dice on the table. The winner of the round is determined by adding up the results of the dice rolled, associated with the possible bet types.

Types of Craps Bets

There are many kinds of bets possible in Craps. This section will present only the most common bets with the best chances of winning.

Pass Line Bet

This is the most common bet type in learning to play Craps. When a player places a Pass Line bet, they are wagering that the dice will roll either 7 or 11 on the initial roll, and if they do, each player who placed the bet will receive double the amount wagered.

If the value of the dice rolled is 2, 3, or 12 (craps), these bettors lose. If the sum is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the shooter gets 1 point and rolls the dice again. If the result is 7, the shooter wins; if it’s any other number, the other players win.

Don’t Pass Line Bets

This is the type of bet against the shooter, which is the reverse of the previous chance. Here, the player who chooses the don’t-pass line is betting that, on the initial roll, the sum of the dice will be 2, 3, or 12, receiving double the amount bet. If the dice add up to 7 or 11, the bettor loses.

If the die roll adds up to 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, then 1 point is awarded to the shooter, and the non-passing line bettor must hope that the sum on the second roll will be 7.

Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Craps

Although we are familiar with dice games, each has its strategy, and Craps is no different. Now, let’s talk about some of the most common mistakes you can make to avoid them and have much more success playing Craps.

Poor Understanding of the Rules

Some enthusiastic players imagine that their luck can make up for their lack of understanding of Craps, but like any game of strategy, it is necessary to understand all the rules involved to come out on top.

One cause of not knowing the rules may be the language, as it is often in English or another foreign language. Even if you are not fluent in the language used at the table, if you are familiar with the main terms of the game, you will manage to do well in the match.

You also have the option to better understand the game by watching other players play. Although the games require understanding, you should always remember that a good dose of luck that can set the outcome totally in your favor.

Bad Bets

If you think the house has too many advantages in all games, you will be happy: Craps has the lowest advantage among all casino games. But don’t worry! Before placing your chips, understand that this rule applies only to pass/no pass line bets where the house has a 1.41% and 1.36% advantage, respectively.

There are also bets where the house has a much bigger advantage, such as the Big Six and the Big Eight, where the casino has a 9.1% advantage. These bets should be avoided unless the bettor is sure of his strategy and luck.

The best way to make money playing online craps is to have a good strategy that includes betting on the odds in the players’ favor and avoiding the bets in the casino’s favor. See how it’s not complicated?

Lack of Speed or Poor Connection

In a physical casino, the rounds have a time limit determined by the players when placing their chips, rolling the dice, and by the house for paying out winning bets and withdrawing losing bets. In an online game, this delay is eliminated, which makes the game much more dynamic and consequently requires more attention and agility from the player.

For this, you must have a stable connection to avoid the risk of a sudden disconnection, as you can see in the image above, which would bring a lot of frustration.

Conclusion

Craps is a glamorous looking game that is very easy to understand. Before you take your chances with real money bets, visit our site and try out the game’s demo version. Practice is always welcome. Oh, and remember to have fun… a lot!