Best Online Craps Casino Games and Sites to Play
Craps is one of the most thrilling and dynamic games available in any casino. Known for its engaging table action and social atmosphere, understanding the intricacies of the game is crucial for maximizing your potential wins and fully enjoying the experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover every aspect of craps, from rules and betting options to advanced strategies.
What is Craps?
Craps online casino is a dice game that typically takes place on a specially designed table and is played using two six-sided dice. Players make wagers on the outcomes of a roll or series of rolls. The game may seem complicated at first, but once you get the hang of the basic rules, it becomes far easier to grasp.
The Basic Rules of Online Casino Craps
The game begins with one player, known as the shooter, rolling two dice. Craps rounds start with a come-out roll. There are two main phases in craps: the “come-out” phase and the “point” phase.
- Come-Out Roll: The come-out roll determines whether the game transitions into the point phase. A natural (rolling a 7 or 11) means automatic wins for pass line bettors, while a roll of 2, 3, or 12 (craps) results in losses for pass line bets. If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, this number becomes the “point.”
- Point Phase: Once the point is established, the shooter continues rolling until they either roll the point number again (resulting in a win for pass line bets) or roll a 7 (ending the round with a loss for pass line bets).
How to Place Bets
Craps offers a wide array of betting options, each with different odds and house edge percentages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common bets:
Key Craps Bets Explained
- Pass Line Bet: The Pass Line bet is one of the simplest and most popular wagers. It’s placed before the come-out roll and wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If any other number is rolled, it becomes the point, and you win if the shooter rolls the point again before rolling a 7.
- Don’t Pass Line Bet: Opposite to the Pass Line, the Don’t Pass Line bet wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll (a 12 results in a push). If the point is established, this bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before the point number.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
These bets are similar to Pass and Don’t Pass bets but can be made at any point after the come-out roll.
- Come Bet: Wins if a 7 or 11 is rolled after it’s placed, and loses on a 2, 3, or 12. If another number is rolled, that number becomes the point for the Come Bet.
- Don’t Come Bet: Wins on a roll of 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and pushes on a 12. Any other number becomes the point, and you win if a 7 is rolled before the point.
Odds Bets
Odds bets are additional wagers made in conjunction with Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets. These bets have no house edge, making them a crucial part of a winning craps strategy.
Place Bets
You can bet on the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 at any time. If the shooter rolls your number before rolling a 7, you win. Different numbers have different payouts:
- 4 or 10: Pays 9:5
- 5 or 9: Pays 7:5
- 6 or 8: Pays 7:6
Field Bets
Field bets are one-roll bets that win if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. They lose on 5, 6, 7, or 8. Winning numbers have different payouts, with 2 and 12 typically offering double or triple your wager.
Proposition Bets
These bets are made on specific outcomes of the next roll. Examples include betting on any 7, any craps, or hard ways. Proposition bets have a high house edge and should be approached with caution.
Strategy 1 – Establishing a Solid Betting System
- Use Odds Bets Wisely: Since Odds bets have no house edge, always back up your Pass or Come bets with Odds. The higher your odds bet, the better your overall chances of winning.
- Stick to Low House Edge Bets: Focusing on Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come bets keeps the house edge as low as possible. Avoid risky proposition bets.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set limits for your betting session and stick to them. Craps is a fast-paced game, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement.
Strategy 2 – The 3-Point Molly Strategy
This strategy is a conservative yet effective way to maximize profits while minimizing risk:
- Step 1: Place a Pass Line bet.
- Step 2: If a point is established, make a Come bet.
- Step 3: Back both bets with maximum Odds. If the shooter establishes a new point, make another Come bet.
The idea is to always have three bets working simultaneously, which provides a balanced approach to winning.
Common Craps Myths and Misconceptions
- Myth: “Hot and Cold Tables”: Many players believe in the concept of hot and cold tables. While it’s true that the outcomes can vary, remember that craps is a game of pure chance. Each roll is independent of the last, and past outcomes have no effect on future results.
- Myth: “Betting Systems Guarantee Wins”: No betting system can guarantee a win in craps. Strategies like the Martingale may seem promising, but they come with significant risk, especially when a losing streak occurs.
Conclusion
Craps is a captivating game that offers plenty of opportunities for excitement and profit if you understand the rules and adopt a strategic approach. By focusing on low house edge bets and managing your bankroll, you can enhance your chances of success. Remember to enjoy the game responsibly and savor the adrenaline rush that only craps can deliver.