Betting on craps can be an exciting and fast-paced experience. The game is played with two dice, and there are numerous betting options available. Before you start betting, it’s important to understand the rules and the types of bets you can make. Here’s a basic guide to get you started:
### Understand the Table and the Basics
1. **Table Layout**: Familiarize yourself with the craps table layout. There are different areas for different types of bets.
2. **Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bar**: These are the most common bets in craps. They’re placed before the dice are rolled in a new round, known as the come-out roll.
3. **Point Number**: If the come-out roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the ‘point.’ The game then continues until either the point is rolled again ( Pass Line wins) or a 7 is rolled (Don’t Pass Bar wins).
### Types of Bets
#### Pass Line Bet
– **When to place**: Before the come-out roll.
– **How to win**: If the first roll is a 7 or 11, you win. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If it’s a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the game establishes a point.
– **After a point is established**: Roll the point before a 7 to win.
#### Don’t Pass Bet
– **When to place**: Before the come-out roll.
– **How to win**: If the first roll is a 2 or 3, you win. If it’s a 7 or 11, you lose. If it’s a 12, it’s a tie (push). If it’s a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the game establishes a point.
– **After a point is established**: Roll a 7 before the point to win.
#### Come and Don’t Come Bets
– Similar to the Pass and Don’t Pass bets but can be made after the point has been established.
#### Place Bets
– **When to place**: After the come-out roll.
– **How to win**: You win if the number you bet on (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled before a 7.
#### Hardways Bets
– Bet that a pair will be rolled (4-4, 6-6, 8-8, or 10-10) before a 7 or any other combination that totals the same number.
#### One-Roll Bets (Prop Bets)
– These are bets on the outcome of the next roll only, such as betting that a 2 will be rolled (which pays 30:1).
### Betting Strategy Tips
– **Start with the Basics**: Begin with Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets, as they have the lowest house edge.
– **Manage Your Bankroll**: Set a budget for your betting session and stick to it.
– **Avoid Prop Bets**: These have high house edges and are more for entertainment than winning.
– **Know When to Take Odds**: After a point is established on a Pass Line or Come bet, you can take odds, which are additional bets with no house edge.
### Betting Etiquette
– **Keep it Civil**: Craps is a social game, so be polite to dealers and other players.
– **Understand the Table Minimums**: Before placing a bet, know the minimum bet amount required at the table.
– **Let the Shooter Roll**: If you’re not the person rolling the dice (the shooter), don’t touch the dice.
Remember that betting on craps, like any form of gambling, should be done responsibly. Always be aware of the risks involved and never bet more than you can afford to lose.