Craps Introduction

Although craps is very popular in land-based casinos many fans of craps tend shy away from the internet casino version of the game, maybe it could be as a result of the solitary format offered on the web.

After all craps is considered to be one of the loudest, fastest and most exciting casino games traditional casinos have to offer. Why would any craps player give that up to play with an imaginary dice on a screen? Although craps poses some basic advantages for your more experienced player (table is not too crowded, no distractions), it presents the biggest benefit for novice and intermediate players who want to learn the game in a less controlled environment. The sheer number of bets that are available in craps can be very intimidating for beginners.

Stage 1, is the first roll of the dice, it is also called the come-out roll. For this roll the dice is thrown by the shooter toward the table wall opposite his/her position. In some cases, stage 1 will begin and end with that roll. For example, if the shooter throws a 2, 3, 7, 11 or a 12, the round ends there. If any other total for the dice is rolled-4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10-that number would be termed the “point” and the dealer will place a small round “puck” on that number’s location on the table. That puck has no significance to the game other than to announce to the table what the point number is for the current round.

Stage 2, of craps gains momentum once the point has been established. The game continues with the same shooter throwing the dice until either the point number has been rolled again or a seven is rolled. If either of those happens, that round is over and the game will start all over again.

Prior to the start of Stage 1 and continuing until the game is over, players can make an array of different wagers. Some are betting that the shooter will reroll the point number-this is the “Do” side of the game while others, on the “Don’t” side, are betting that the shooter will roll a 7 before the point number is rolled. Still there are others who are betting on the outcome of rolls completely unrelated to the point. There are a number of bets of this nature, including “Place” bets and “Proposition” bets.

Some basic Craps tips:

• Make a betting selection(s) or establish a pattern of play to your liking and stick to it.
• If you want to play longer and enjoy the action, stick to the ‘pass/don’t pass’ and ‘come/don’t come’ bets.
• If you aim to ‘hit and run’ and winning is a priority, give preference to high-odds bets.
• Don’t plan to win every roll of the dice.
• Raise as you win, lower as you lose.
• Never quit after a win. If the table is choppy, a good way to hedge your bet is to establish a don’t pass bet then place bet the on 6 & 8.
• On the come out roll, place a pass bet and an equivalent field bet, that way if the shooter craps out, you still win in the field, if the shooter wins with 7 or 11 you still break even.
• Try to do the same as the player with the most chips. If he’s a high roller then use a smaller amount for yourself.
• Don’t press your place bets until you take your winnings down at least once first.
• Never walk up to a table and throw your money in. Take a moment to review the table, people and the game in progress. I neglected this once and was yelled at by the dealers and players alike.
• Give people elbow room, if you aren’t betting, get off the rail.