Craps is an exhilarating dice game that has been enjoyed by players for centuries. With its fast-paced action and numerous betting options, it can be an exciting and rewarding game to play. However, for newcomers to the game, understanding the various bets can be a bit overwhelming. In this article, we will explore seven essential bets that every craps player should know. By familiarizing yourself with these bets, you can confidently join a craps table and enhance your chances of winning.

1. Pass Line Bet:

The Pass Line bet is one of the most fundamental and popular bets in craps. To make this bet, simply place your chips on the “Pass Line” area before the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win even money. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number rolled becomes the “point,” and the objective is for the shooter to roll that number again before rolling a 7. If the point is rolled before a 7, you win. Otherwise, you lose.

2. Don’t Pass Line Bet:

The Don’t Pass Line bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Here, you are betting against the shooter. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, you win even money. A roll of 7 or 11 results in a loss. Rolling a 12 is a push (neither a win nor a loss). If a point is established, your objective is for the shooter to roll a 7 before hitting the point. If a 7 is rolled before the point, you win. Otherwise, you lose.

3. Come Bet:

The Come bet is similar to the Pass Line bet, but it can be placed after the point is established. You place your bet on the “Come” area, and the next roll becomes the come-out roll for your bet. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win. A roll of 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss. Any other number becomes your point, and you win if that number is rolled before a 7.

4. Don’t Come Bet:

The Don’t Come bet mirrors the Don’t Pass Line bet and can be placed after the point is established. It works similarly to the Come bet but in the opposite direction. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, you win. A roll of 7 or 11 is a loss, and a roll of 12 is a push. If a point is established, your objective is for a 7 to be rolled before the point.

5. Place Bets:

Place bets allow you to wager on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. To make a place bet, put your chips on the corresponding number box on the craps table layout. The payouts vary depending on the number you choose, with higher payouts for numbers that are less likely to be rolled.

6. Field Bet:

The Field bet is a one-roll bet that can be placed on the next roll. It wins if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. A roll of 5, 6, 7, or 8 results in a loss. The payouts on a Field bet typically vary for different numbers, with 2 and 12 often offering higher payouts.

7. Any Craps Bet:

The Any Craps bet is another one-roll bet. It wins if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 and loses on any other number. The payout for an Any Craps bet is typically higher than for individual numbers in the Field bet.

Conclusion:

Understanding these seven essential bets will provide you with a solid foundation for playing craps. While there are numerous other bets available in the game, these bets cover the basics and are commonly used by both novice and experienced players. Remember to familiarize yourself with the rules, odds, and payout ratios associated with each bet before placing your wagers. With practice and strategic betting, you can enhance your craps experience and increase your chances of winning in this thrilling dice game. Good luck!

Here is some additional information about craps and its various bets:

1. Odds Bets:

In addition to the essential bets mentioned earlier, craps offers an additional type of bet called an Odds bet. This bet is considered one of the best bets in the casino, as it has no house edge. The Odds bet can be placed after a point is established (on the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, or Don’t Come bets). It is an additional wager on whether the point will be rolled before a 7. The payout for an Odds bet varies depending on the point number, and some casinos may have restrictions on the maximum amount you can wager on this bet.

2. Place to Lose Bet:

Similar to the Place bet, the Place to Lose bet allows you to wager on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), but in this case, you are betting that the chosen number will be rolled before a 7. The Place to Lose bet has the opposite objective of the Place bet and is often used by experienced players who prefer to bet against certain numbers.

3. Hardways Bets:

Hardways bets are bets on specific combinations of numbers being rolled as doubles before a 7 or before the corresponding “easy” way (a non-doubles combination) is rolled. For example, a Hard 6 bet wins if a 3-3 combination is rolled before a 7 or a 6 made up of a 5-1 or 4-2 combination. Hardways bets can be placed on the numbers 4, 6, 8, or 10. These bets offer higher payouts but have higher house edges compared to some other bets.

4. Big 6 and Big 8 Bets:

The Big 6 and Big 8 bets are simple bets that wager on the shooter rolling a 6 or 8 before a 7. These bets are placed in the designated areas on the craps table layout and pay even money. However, many experienced players tend to avoid these bets because they offer lower payouts compared to other bets on the table.

5. Proposition Bets:

Proposition bets, also known as prop bets or center bets, are one-roll bets that are typically placed in the center of the craps table. These bets can be made on specific numbers, combinations, or outcomes occurring on the next roll. Examples of proposition bets include Any Seven (wins if a 7 is rolled), Any Craps (wins if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled), and the Horn bet (combines bets on 2, 3, 11, and 12). Proposition bets often have higher payouts but come with higher house edges, making them riskier wagers.

6. Bankroll Management:

As with any casino game, proper bankroll management is crucial in craps. It’s essential to set a budget for your gambling session and stick to it. Determine the amount you’re comfortable risking and avoid chasing losses. It’s also wise to divide your bankroll into smaller betting units, allowing you to make multiple bets and extend your playing time.

Remember, craps is a game of chance, and outcomes are determined by dice rolls and random number generators. While understanding the various bets can enhance your gameplay, it’s important to approach the game with responsible gambling habits and enjoy the excitement it offers. Take the time to learn the rules, practice different strategies, and have fun rolling the dice in this thrilling and social casino game.