how to play craps casino game

Contents

1. Understanding the Basics of Craps

2. The Craps Table Layout

3. The Key Terms and Phrases

4. Rolling the Dice: The Basics of Rolling

5. Bets in Craps: The Basics

6. Advanced Bets in Craps

7. The Role of the Dealer and the Boxman

8. The Importance of Bankroll Management

9. Strategies for Winning at Craps

10. The Psychology of Craps

11. The Impact of Craps on Casino Culture

12. Craps in Literature and Media

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1. Understanding the Basics of Craps

Craps is a popular dice game that has been a staple of casinos for centuries. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, with some attributing it to the ancient Egyptians and others to the Romans. Despite its age, craps remains a vibrant and exciting game that continues to captivate players with its fast-paced action and numerous betting options.

2. The Craps Table Layout

The craps table is a large, circular table with a felt surface. It is typically found in the center of a casino, where it serves as the focal point for craps players. The table is divided into two main sections: the pass line and the don't pass line. These lines are surrounded by a series of boxes and areas that represent various bets and outcomes.

3. The Key Terms and Phrases

To fully understand and enjoy craps, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the key terms and phrases used in the game. Here are some of the most important ones:

- Come out roll: The first roll of the dice in a new game or round.

- Point: The number rolled on the come out roll that the shooter must hit again to win.

- Pass line bet: A bet made on the shooter rolling a 7 or 11 on the come out roll.

- Don't pass line bet: A bet made on the shooter rolling a 2 or 3 on the come out roll.

- Field bet: A bet on any of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.

- Big six and eight bets: Bets on the shooter rolling a 6 or 8 before a 7.

- Odds bet: A bet made on the outcome of a point number after the come out roll.

4. Rolling the Dice: The Basics of Rolling

Rolling the dice is the heart of craps. The game is played with two six-sided dice, and the objective is to roll a specific number or combination of numbers. The shooter, who is the player rolling the dice, must hit the point number to win. If the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point, the game is over, and the don't pass bet wins.

5. Bets in Craps: The Basics

Craps offers a wide range of betting options, from simple bets like the pass line and don't pass line to more complex bets like the big six and eight. Here's a brief overview of some of the most popular bets:

- Pass line bet: The most common bet in craps, this bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come out roll and loses if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3.

- Don't pass line bet: The opposite of the pass line bet, this bet wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come out roll and loses if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11.

- Field bet: A simple bet on any of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.

- Big six and eight bets: Bets on the shooter rolling a 6 or 8 before a 7.

- Odds bet: A bet made on the outcome of a point number after the come out roll.

6. Advanced Bets in Craps

In addition to the basic bets, craps offers a variety of advanced bets that can increase your chances of winning. These bets include:

- Come bet: Similar to the pass line bet, but made after the come out roll.

- Don't come bet: The opposite of the come bet, but made after the come out roll.

- Place bets: Bets on specific numbers to be rolled before a 7.

- Buy bets: Similar to place bets, but with better odds.

7. The Role of the Dealer and the Boxman

In craps, the dealer is responsible for managing the game and handling the bets. The dealer also rolls the dice on the come out roll. The boxman, on the other hand, is responsible for supervising the game and ensuring that the dice are fair. The boxman also collects and pays out winnings.

8. The Importance of Bankroll Management

One of the most important aspects of playing craps is managing your bankroll. This means setting a budget for your gaming session and sticking to it. It's essential to avoid chasing losses and to only bet an amount you can afford to lose.

9. Strategies for Winning at Craps

While there is no guaranteed way to win at craps, there are several strategies you can use to increase your chances of success. These strategies include:

- Avoid betting on numbers with a low probability of winning, such as the big six and eight bets.

- Use a betting strategy that is consistent with your bankroll.

- Stay focused and avoid distractions.

- Learn from your mistakes and adjust your strategy accordingly.

10. The Psychology of Craps

Craps is not just a game of chance; it's also a game of psychology. The fast-paced action and the numerous betting options can create a sense of excitement and tension. It's essential to stay calm and focused, and to avoid making impulsive decisions.

11. The Impact of Craps on Casino Culture

Craps has had a significant impact on casino culture. It is one of the most popular games in casinos worldwide, and it has been featured in countless movies, books, and songs. Craps has also played a role in the development of other games, such as sic bo.

12. Craps in Literature and Media

Craps has been featured in numerous books, movies, and songs. Some of the most notable examples include:

- The Big Easy: A novel by Don Rickles that features a craps game as a central plot point.

- Ocean's Eleven: A movie that includes a scene where the characters play craps.

- The Great Gatsby: A novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that mentions a craps game in the book.

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Questions and Answers

1. Q: What is the difference between the pass line and don't pass line bets?

A: The pass line bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come out roll, while the don't pass line bet wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come out roll.

2. Q: Can you explain the concept of the point in craps?

A: After the come out roll, if the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10, that number becomes the point. The shooter must then roll the point number again to win.

3. Q: What is a field bet in craps?

A: A field bet is a bet on any of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 on the next roll of the dice.

4. Q: How do odds bets work in craps?

A: Odds bets are placed on the outcome of a point number after the come out roll. They pay out at odds of 2:1 for a 6 or 8 and 3:1 for a 4 or 10.

5. Q: What is the role of the dealer in craps?

A: The dealer is responsible for managing the game and handling the bets. The dealer also rolls the dice on the come out roll.

6. Q: How can you manage your bankroll when playing craps?

A: Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and only bet an amount you can afford to lose.

7. Q: What are some strategies for winning at craps?

A: Avoid betting on numbers with a low probability of winning, use a betting strategy that is consistent with your bankroll, stay focused and avoid distractions, and learn from your mistakes.

8. Q: How has craps impacted casino culture?

A: Craps is one of the most popular games in casinos worldwide and has been featured in countless movies, books, and songs. It has also played a role in the development of other games.

9. Q: What is the significance of craps in literature and media?

A: Craps has been featured in numerous books, movies, and songs, including "The Big Easy," "Ocean's Eleven," and "The Great Gatsby."

10. Q: How can you stay calm and focused when playing craps?

A: Stay focused and avoid distractions. Take deep breaths and stay positive. Remember that craps is a game of chance, and there is no guaranteed way to win.