Whenever you talk to people about Craps you run into one of two reactions... The people who have played it and understand it generally LOVE the game and are itching to talk about it. Then there are the people who have either never played, or went in blind and had a terrible time due to not understanding the game. They generally aren't fans of the game.
Craps, at first glance, is an intimidating game... no doubt. It's noisy, fast paced, crowded, and seemingly a swirling chaos of chips, hands and dice. The beauty of craps is the underlying simplicity of the game... and how deceptively simple it can become once you understand the nuances of the game. Another factor that keeps people from trying the best game in the casino is the unwritten code of conduct that exists at a craps table.
I started this post in the Casino Basics thread and it's grown (via contributions and requests for more info) to the point where I figured the forum would benefit from it being in dedicated thread. The first 3 "PHASES" are designed to help complete newbie be able to walk up to a table and play correctly. The 4th and 5th "PHASE" are designed to help beginner players flesh out their game a little and either capitalize on "hot" tables or help ease the pain of a bad one. Hopefully you guys find this thread interesting/helpful. If you have any questions/requests please fire away!
I always start by explaining Craps in it's most basic form to my buddies... my 6 Step Craps system...
MY 6 STEP CRAPS SYSTEM:
1) Find Table
2) Order Drink
3) Place Bet on PASS LINE
4) Drink
5) If Bet goes away, replace it. If it multiplies, pick up the extra (this is the complicated part)
6) Drink
In all seriousness... if all you did was do the following then you'd have the basics of craps down just fine and would look like you knew what you were doing:
CRAPS PHASE 1: PLAYING THE PASS LINE
Walk up to the table and look for the "puck" . If it's on OFF and off to the side, feel free to put a bet (lets assume $10 is table minumum) on the Pass line in front of you. Congrats. You're playing craps.
The shooter will throw the dice to the opposite wall. On the come out roll 2/3/12 are "Craps" or a loss (You will have to put $10 out again). 7/11 are wins (You will pick up the extra chips you just won). Anything else will "establish the point" meaning they will move the puck onto that number, ON side up. That is now your number. Root for it to hit before the shooter rolls a "7". Once the table is ON (puck on a number) then the only roll that can hurt you is a 7.
TLDR: Put $10 on passline when table is OFF... wait for number to be ON...root for that number, and avoid 7. Simple enough?
---
CRAPS PHASE 2: TAKING ODDS
You want to know what the best bet in the casino is? "Taking Odds" on a pass line bet in a craps game. There is ZERO house edge. Kinda cool eh? Yep. Once a number is established (ON Puck is placed on a number), you can place anywhere from your original bet, up to MAX ODDS (varies by table) behind your original passline bet (looks like you're placing it out of bounds.
TLDR: Once your passline bet has a number ON, put $10+ right behind your passline bet to add 0% house edge action.
---
CRAPS PHASE 3: PLACING THE 6 AND 8
Once you've mastered the art of placing pass line bets, and then taking odds on your bet... you're ready to move up to ways to get even MORE money in play. Let's be honest... sometimes it gets boring just rooting for that one number. The 6 and 8 are the best odds of the place bets. I suggest starting with them. Once the table is ON (remember the white puck?)... you set $12 on the table (Preferably in the COME bet area) and tell your dealer clearly "PLACE 6" or PLACE 8". He will put that bet in the right spot for you and congrats, you're now playing 6 or 8 too. Do NOT throw the money at the dealer. Do NOT try to put it on the number yourself. Set it in the middle of the table and speak clearly where he/she can see/hear you. Once you master 6/8 you can place other numbers.
TLDR: When table is ON, pace $12 in center of table and say "PLACE 6" Or "PLACE 8".
AT THIS POINT:
At this point you've got a great basic knowledge of how to play craps. If you follow this guide you can walk up to any table and folks will assume you know what you're doing (and you do, now). However for those playing long session, or those looking to ramp up for big wins, there are some other options to flesh out your craps bet repertoire. Does this include playing in the "middle" of the table? No. Those bets are all terrible (double digit house edge) and should be avoided unless for sheer fun factor. Here are two ways you can adapt your play for a higher degree of "difficulty" and potentially fun.
END OF BASIC CRAPS LESSON : BEGIN MORE DETAILED TECHNIQUES
CRAPS PHASE 4: PRESSING YOUR BETS (Great for HOT Tables)
Most gamblers are familiar with the term "Let it ride"... meaning to take your winnings and add them to your original bet in an effort to go "Double or nothing". Pressing is the same thing for placed bets in craps. Let's say you place $12 on 6 and it hits. The dealer will place $14 (winnings) behind to your pass line bet and leave the 12 out there. If you wish, you can say "Press my bet, please" and the dealer will up your bet on the 6 by one unit ($12..making it $24) and hand you $2 extra. You've increased your risk but next time that 6 hits you will be paid $28 instead of $14. You can take this to another level by continuing to "press 1 unit" for each hit. This can add up to BIG wins if the table gets hot.
TLDR: If you're trying to win big. Say "Press 1 unit" every time you hit a placed number bet.
----
CRAPS PHASE 5: THE COME BET (Great for COOL/CHOPPY Tables)
Ever been at a table where it seems like the shooter hits a 7 on the first or second roll every time? That is NOT fun and can cost you some cash quick. Luckily the game of craps has a bet built in to help offset that. It's indicated by the LARGE surface on either side called "COME" . This bet is designed to make the table act just like the "come out roll" on the pass line (table is OFF). See Craps Phase 1 above.
When you play the COME, this is what happens (similar to a pass line bet):
1) 2/3/12 rolled = You Lose
2) 7 or 11 rolled = You Win
3) Anything else, and bet goes to that number as if placed (Yes, you can take odds ala CRAPS Phase #2 above)
What this means is instead of, say, placing 6 and 8, exposing yourself to 3 bets immediately. Now you're "protected" somewhat by at least getting a win on that COME bet if a 7 is rolled immediately. Thus somewhat offsetting the "Choppy Table".
NOTES:
• Most folks will only play 2 COME bets after the number is established.
• If your bankroll supports, it's smart to take odds on COME Bets that turn into numbers...still 0% house edge on those!
TLDR: If the table is choppy, place $10 pass line, then $10 on COME for the next two rolls to protect against a quick 7-OUT.
Craps, at first glance, is an intimidating game... no doubt. It's noisy, fast paced, crowded, and seemingly a swirling chaos of chips, hands and dice. The beauty of craps is the underlying simplicity of the game... and how deceptively simple it can become once you understand the nuances of the game. Another factor that keeps people from trying the best game in the casino is the unwritten code of conduct that exists at a craps table.
I started this post in the Casino Basics thread and it's grown (via contributions and requests for more info) to the point where I figured the forum would benefit from it being in dedicated thread. The first 3 "PHASES" are designed to help complete newbie be able to walk up to a table and play correctly. The 4th and 5th "PHASE" are designed to help beginner players flesh out their game a little and either capitalize on "hot" tables or help ease the pain of a bad one. Hopefully you guys find this thread interesting/helpful. If you have any questions/requests please fire away!
I always start by explaining Craps in it's most basic form to my buddies... my 6 Step Craps system...
MY 6 STEP CRAPS SYSTEM:
1) Find Table
2) Order Drink
3) Place Bet on PASS LINE
4) Drink
5) If Bet goes away, replace it. If it multiplies, pick up the extra (this is the complicated part)
6) Drink
In all seriousness... if all you did was do the following then you'd have the basics of craps down just fine and would look like you knew what you were doing:
CRAPS PHASE 1: PLAYING THE PASS LINE
Walk up to the table and look for the "puck" . If it's on OFF and off to the side, feel free to put a bet (lets assume $10 is table minumum) on the Pass line in front of you. Congrats. You're playing craps.
The shooter will throw the dice to the opposite wall. On the come out roll 2/3/12 are "Craps" or a loss (You will have to put $10 out again). 7/11 are wins (You will pick up the extra chips you just won). Anything else will "establish the point" meaning they will move the puck onto that number, ON side up. That is now your number. Root for it to hit before the shooter rolls a "7". Once the table is ON (puck on a number) then the only roll that can hurt you is a 7.
TLDR: Put $10 on passline when table is OFF... wait for number to be ON...root for that number, and avoid 7. Simple enough?
---
CRAPS PHASE 2: TAKING ODDS
You want to know what the best bet in the casino is? "Taking Odds" on a pass line bet in a craps game. There is ZERO house edge. Kinda cool eh? Yep. Once a number is established (ON Puck is placed on a number), you can place anywhere from your original bet, up to MAX ODDS (varies by table) behind your original passline bet (looks like you're placing it out of bounds.
TLDR: Once your passline bet has a number ON, put $10+ right behind your passline bet to add 0% house edge action.
---
CRAPS PHASE 3: PLACING THE 6 AND 8
Once you've mastered the art of placing pass line bets, and then taking odds on your bet... you're ready to move up to ways to get even MORE money in play. Let's be honest... sometimes it gets boring just rooting for that one number. The 6 and 8 are the best odds of the place bets. I suggest starting with them. Once the table is ON (remember the white puck?)... you set $12 on the table (Preferably in the COME bet area) and tell your dealer clearly "PLACE 6" or PLACE 8". He will put that bet in the right spot for you and congrats, you're now playing 6 or 8 too. Do NOT throw the money at the dealer. Do NOT try to put it on the number yourself. Set it in the middle of the table and speak clearly where he/she can see/hear you. Once you master 6/8 you can place other numbers.
TLDR: When table is ON, pace $12 in center of table and say "PLACE 6" Or "PLACE 8".
AT THIS POINT:
At this point you've got a great basic knowledge of how to play craps. If you follow this guide you can walk up to any table and folks will assume you know what you're doing (and you do, now). However for those playing long session, or those looking to ramp up for big wins, there are some other options to flesh out your craps bet repertoire. Does this include playing in the "middle" of the table? No. Those bets are all terrible (double digit house edge) and should be avoided unless for sheer fun factor. Here are two ways you can adapt your play for a higher degree of "difficulty" and potentially fun.
END OF BASIC CRAPS LESSON : BEGIN MORE DETAILED TECHNIQUES
CRAPS PHASE 4: PRESSING YOUR BETS (Great for HOT Tables)
Most gamblers are familiar with the term "Let it ride"... meaning to take your winnings and add them to your original bet in an effort to go "Double or nothing". Pressing is the same thing for placed bets in craps. Let's say you place $12 on 6 and it hits. The dealer will place $14 (winnings) behind to your pass line bet and leave the 12 out there. If you wish, you can say "Press my bet, please" and the dealer will up your bet on the 6 by one unit ($12..making it $24) and hand you $2 extra. You've increased your risk but next time that 6 hits you will be paid $28 instead of $14. You can take this to another level by continuing to "press 1 unit" for each hit. This can add up to BIG wins if the table gets hot.
EXAMPLE:
1) PLACE $12 on 6. Shooter throws a 6. You WIN $14 but say "press my 6". RESULT: $2 WIN // $24 Bet on 6
2) Shooter throws another 6. You WIN $28 but say "Press 1 unit on my 6". RESULT: $16 WIN // $36 Bet on 6
3) Shooter throws ANOTHER 6. You win $42 but say "Press 1 unit on my 6". RESULT: $30 WIN // $48 Bet on 6.
Let's look at where things are now after 3 hits.. comparing normal bets and pressing 1 unit:
NORMAL $12 BET: You've won $36 and have a $12 bet on the 6. Total $48
PRESSING 1 UNIT: You've won $48 and have a $48 bet on the 6. Total $96
If there is a good roll, you can capitalize with this exponential betting strategy.
1) PLACE $12 on 6. Shooter throws a 6. You WIN $14 but say "press my 6". RESULT: $2 WIN // $24 Bet on 6
2) Shooter throws another 6. You WIN $28 but say "Press 1 unit on my 6". RESULT: $16 WIN // $36 Bet on 6
3) Shooter throws ANOTHER 6. You win $42 but say "Press 1 unit on my 6". RESULT: $30 WIN // $48 Bet on 6.
Let's look at where things are now after 3 hits.. comparing normal bets and pressing 1 unit:
NORMAL $12 BET: You've won $36 and have a $12 bet on the 6. Total $48
PRESSING 1 UNIT: You've won $48 and have a $48 bet on the 6. Total $96
If there is a good roll, you can capitalize with this exponential betting strategy.
----
CRAPS PHASE 5: THE COME BET (Great for COOL/CHOPPY Tables)
Ever been at a table where it seems like the shooter hits a 7 on the first or second roll every time? That is NOT fun and can cost you some cash quick. Luckily the game of craps has a bet built in to help offset that. It's indicated by the LARGE surface on either side called "COME" . This bet is designed to make the table act just like the "come out roll" on the pass line (table is OFF). See Craps Phase 1 above.
When you play the COME, this is what happens (similar to a pass line bet):
1) 2/3/12 rolled = You Lose
2) 7 or 11 rolled = You Win
3) Anything else, and bet goes to that number as if placed (Yes, you can take odds ala CRAPS Phase #2 above)
What this means is instead of, say, placing 6 and 8, exposing yourself to 3 bets immediately. Now you're "protected" somewhat by at least getting a win on that COME bet if a 7 is rolled immediately. Thus somewhat offsetting the "Choppy Table".
EXAMPLE: Let's assume the shooter throws a 5 on the come out roll, and then a 7. Let's also assume you're placing the 6 and 8 as stated in PHASE #3 above.
NORMAL CRAPS: To Start you place $10 on pass line
ROLL IS A 5: You put $10 in odds behind your pass line then place $12ea on 6 and 8 (TOTAL RISK: $44)
ROLL IS A 7: You lose all your bets (TOTAL LOSS $44)
PLAYING "COME BET" : To Start you place $10 on the pass line
ROLL IS A 5: You put $10 in odds behind your pass line bet then place $10 on COME (TOTAL RISK: $30)
ROLL IS A 7: You LOSE your $10 pass line and $10 odds. Your $10 COME bet pays $10. (TOTAL LOSS: $10)
NORMAL CRAPS: To Start you place $10 on pass line
ROLL IS A 5: You put $10 in odds behind your pass line then place $12ea on 6 and 8 (TOTAL RISK: $44)
ROLL IS A 7: You lose all your bets (TOTAL LOSS $44)
PLAYING "COME BET" : To Start you place $10 on the pass line
ROLL IS A 5: You put $10 in odds behind your pass line bet then place $10 on COME (TOTAL RISK: $30)
ROLL IS A 7: You LOSE your $10 pass line and $10 odds. Your $10 COME bet pays $10. (TOTAL LOSS: $10)
• Most folks will only play 2 COME bets after the number is established.
• If your bankroll supports, it's smart to take odds on COME Bets that turn into numbers...still 0% house edge on those!
TLDR: If the table is choppy, place $10 pass line, then $10 on COME for the next two rolls to protect against a quick 7-OUT.
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