Playing Craps

Added On: July 18, 2009 at 9:58AM

Category: Craps

Author: Fred Killington

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Craps has become very popular as an online gambling game. Many people find virtual gambling more convenient than going into a real casino as they do not have to leave the comfort of their home. It is also ideal if a player enjoys gambling in a non-social environment.

Craps is considered one of the easiest games to play if one has the basics right. The game has a specially designed table with a diagram showing the different kinds of bets. It is played by one or more players. The players have to roll a pair of dice and bet against the casino. Many players are at first put off by the number of types of bets available for craps, but once the basics of the game have been learnt, it is a very simple game to follow. Most online casinos will also offer explanations about the different betting options as bets are placed.

Craps is played in rounds. In the first round– the come-out roll round, the player starts by making a bet on the Pass line or the Don’t Pass line. The player should bet at least the minimum amount for the table. The player throwing the dice is called a shooter. The player will throw a pair of dice. The other players bet on the shooters dice roll.

One can play Craps based on several bets. The most popular bet is the Line bet. There are two types of Line bets- the Pass Line bet and the Don’t Pass Line bet.

The Pass Line bet is the most favored bet for a player to start off with. The Pass line runs through the table layout. In a Pass line bet, the shooter must throw a 7 or an 11. The shooter will win if the combination of the dice roll is a 7 or 11. This is called a ‘Natural’ win. If the shooter throws a 2, 3 or 12 it is called craps and he will lose the bet. If any other number– 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is rolled, a point is established. At this time, a white ‘On’ button is placed on the point so that the other players can identify the number. The shooter must continue to throw the dice till the point is rolled. If the shooter rolls a 7 before the point is rolled, he loses this round and the dice is passed to the next player. This is called a ’seven out’.

The Don’t Pass Line bet is less preferred by most players as it is considered unconventional. On a Don’t Pass line bet, the shooter wins when the other players lose and vice versa. Here, the shooter must roll a 2, 3 or 12. The shooter will win if the dice roll is a 2 or 3. A dice roll of 12 indicates a draw. During a draw, the casino maintains a house edge regardless of the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line bet. The house edge is a percentage of the bet and the odds. The shooter loses if the dice roll is a 7 or 11. If the shooter rolls a point and if the point is rolled again, the Don’t Pass Line bet loses. If the shooter rolls a 7 instead of a point, the Don’t Pass Line bet wins.