Craps, with its fast-paced action and seemingly complex rules, can be intimidating for newcomers. Walking up to a craps table for the first time can feel like entering a foreign land, complete with its own language and customs. However, with a little preparation and the right approach, you can navigate the craps table with confidence and enjoy the excitement the game offers. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to not only understand the game but also to act like you belong.
Craps Table Etiquette, Bets, and Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide
| Topic | Description | Details/Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Table Etiquette | Understanding the unwritten rules of the craps table to avoid disrupting the game and showing respect to fellow players and the dealers. | Waiting for a break to join, avoiding reaching over the table, tipping the dealers, knowing when to place bets, handling chips properly, and avoiding superstitions that annoy others. |
| Basic Bets | Learning the fundamental bets that form the foundation of craps, including the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come bets. | Understanding the payout odds, house edge, and strategy behind each bet. Knowing when to place these bets based on the point and the shooter. |
| Odds Bets | Taking advantage of the "Odds" bet, a bet with no house edge that can significantly improve your chances of winning. | Understanding the maximum odds allowed (e.g., 3x-4x-5x), how to place the odds bet behind the Pass/Come line, and the payout structure. |
| Place Bets | Betting on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) to be rolled before a 7. | Understanding the different payouts for each number, knowing when to place these bets (after a point is established), and how to "take down" or "turn off" these bets. |
| Proposition Bets (Avoid) | Understanding the high-house-edge bets in the center of the table, generally considered sucker bets. | Knowing the names of these bets (e.g., Any 7, Any Craps, 2, 12, 3, 11), understanding their extremely low odds, and avoiding them unless you’re specifically looking for a long-shot gamble. |
| Calling Out Bets | Learning the correct terminology and phrases to use when placing bets with the dealers. | Using clear and concise language, announcing the bet amount and the specific bet, and understanding how the dealer will interpret your instructions. Examples: "Two on the four," "Five on the six," "Odds on the come." |
| Chip Handling | Understanding how to properly handle chips, including placing bets, making change, and tipping the dealers. | Keeping chips organized, avoiding touching other players’ chips, placing bets within the designated areas, and knowing when and how to tip the dealers (typically after a winning roll or when leaving the table). |
| Understanding the Point | Comprehending the significance of the "point" number established after the come-out roll and how it affects the game. | Knowing that the shooter must roll the point number again before rolling a 7 to win on the Pass Line bet, and that rolling a 7 before the point results in a loss. |
| The Come-Out Roll | Recognizing the "come-out roll" and the specific rules that apply during this initial roll. | Understanding that on the come-out roll, a 7 or 11 wins on the Pass Line, a 2, 3, or 12 loses (craps out), and any other number establishes the point. |
| Managing Your Bankroll | Implementing strategies for managing your bankroll effectively to avoid losing all your money quickly. | Setting a budget before you start playing, sticking to your budget, avoiding chasing losses, and knowing when to walk away. Consider using a betting unit system. |
| Observing Before Playing | Taking time to observe the game before jumping in to understand the flow and learn from experienced players. | Watching a few rolls, paying attention to the bets being placed, listening to the dealer’s announcements, and asking questions if you’re unsure about something. |
| Knowing When to Walk Away | Recognizing when it’s time to stop playing, whether you’re winning or losing. | Setting win and loss limits before you start playing, and sticking to them. Avoid playing when you’re tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol. |
| Understanding House Edge | Grasping the concept of house edge and how it affects your long-term chances of winning. | Knowing that the house always has an edge in casino games, understanding the house edge for different craps bets, and choosing bets with lower house edges to improve your odds. |
| Avoiding Superstitions | While some players are superstitious, avoid actions that might annoy or offend other players. | Don’t blow on dice that aren’t yours, avoid making negative comments about the shooter, and respect other players’ personal space. |
| Tipping the Dealers | Understanding the custom of tipping the dealers and how to do it appropriately. | Tipping after a winning roll for everyone, placing a bet for the dealers ("for the boys"), or tipping when leaving the table are all common practices. |
| Understanding "Pressing" Bets | Knowing what it means to "press" a bet and when it might be a good strategy. | "Pressing" a bet means increasing the amount of your bet after a win. This can be a way to capitalize on a hot streak, but it also increases your risk. |
| Recognizing a "Cold" Table | Understanding what a "cold" table is and how it might influence your betting strategy. | A "cold" table is one where the shooter is consistently rolling sevens and losing points. Some players may choose to bet the "Don’t Pass" line on a cold table. |
| Recognizing a "Hot" Table | Understanding what a "hot" table is and how it might influence your betting strategy. | A "hot" table is one where the shooter is consistently making points and hitting numbers. Some players may choose to increase their bets or take more risks on a hot table. |
| Understanding "Working" vs. "Off" Bets | Knowing when your bets are "working" (active) and when they are "off" (inactive). | Most Place bets are "off" on the come-out roll unless you specifically tell the dealer you want them "working." This means they won’t pay out if the number is rolled on the come-out roll. |
| Asking Questions | Don’t be afraid to ask the dealers or other players for clarification if you’re unsure about something. | The dealers are there to help you understand the game, and most players are happy to offer advice to newcomers. |
Detailed Explanations
Table Etiquette: Craps tables have a certain unspoken code of conduct. Waiting for a break in the action before joining is crucial, as is avoiding reaching over the table to place bets. Tipping the dealers is customary, especially after a good roll or when you leave. Be mindful of where you place your chips and avoid touching other players’ chips. Finally, try to avoid any superstitions that might annoy other players.
Basic Bets: The foundation of craps lies in the basic bets. The Pass Line bet wins on the come-out roll if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and loses if they roll a 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win. The Don’t Pass Line is the opposite – it wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll and loses on a 7 or 11. The Come and Don’t Come bets are similar to the Pass and Don’t Pass bets but are placed after a point has been established.
Odds Bets: After a point has been established on the Pass Line or Come bet, you can place an Odds bet behind your original bet. This bet pays out at true odds, meaning the house has no edge. The maximum odds allowed vary by casino (e.g., 3x-4x-5x), and this is one of the best bets in the casino.
Place Bets: Place bets are wagers that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. The payouts vary depending on the number, with 6 and 8 paying the best (7 to 6). These bets are typically placed after a point has been established.
Proposition Bets (Avoid): These bets are located in the center of the table and offer high payouts but also have extremely high house edges. Bets like "Any 7," "Any Craps," and specific number combinations (e.g., 2 or 12) should generally be avoided unless you’re looking for a high-risk, high-reward gamble.
Calling Out Bets: When placing bets with the dealers, it’s important to use clear and concise language. For example, "Two on the four" or "Five on the six." The dealer will interpret your instructions and place the bet accordingly.
Chip Handling: Keep your chips organized and avoid touching other players’ chips. Place your bets within the designated areas on the table. When making change, ask the dealer for assistance. Tipping the dealers is customary, especially after a winning roll or when leaving the table.
Understanding the Point: The "point" is the number established after the come-out roll (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). The shooter must roll this number again before rolling a 7 to win on the Pass Line bet.
The Come-Out Roll: The "come-out roll" is the first roll of the dice in a new round. On this roll, a 7 or 11 wins on the Pass Line, a 2, 3, or 12 loses, and any other number establishes the point.
Managing Your Bankroll: Setting a budget before you start playing is crucial. Stick to your budget and avoid chasing losses. Know when to walk away, whether you’re winning or losing.
Observing Before Playing: Take some time to watch the game before jumping in. Pay attention to the bets being placed, listen to the dealer’s announcements, and ask questions if you’re unsure about something.
Knowing When to Walk Away: Set win and loss limits before you start playing and stick to them. Avoid playing when you’re tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol.
Understanding House Edge: The house always has an edge in casino games. Understanding the house edge for different craps bets and choosing bets with lower house edges will improve your odds of winning in the long run.
Avoiding Superstitions: While some players are superstitious, avoid actions that might annoy or offend other players. Don’t blow on dice that aren’t yours, avoid making negative comments about the shooter, and respect other players’ personal space.
Tipping the Dealers: Tipping the dealers is a common practice. You can tip after a winning roll for everyone, place a bet for the dealers ("for the boys"), or tip when leaving the table.
Understanding "Pressing" Bets: "Pressing" a bet means increasing the amount of your bet after a win. This can be a way to capitalize on a hot streak, but it also increases your risk.
Recognizing a "Cold" Table: A "cold" table is one where the shooter is consistently rolling sevens and losing points. Some players may choose to bet the "Don’t Pass" line on a cold table.
Recognizing a "Hot" Table: A "hot" table is one where the shooter is consistently making points and hitting numbers. Some players may choose to increase their bets or take more risks on a hot table.
Understanding "Working" vs. "Off" Bets: Most Place bets are "off" on the come-out roll unless you specifically tell the dealer you want them "working." This means they won’t pay out if the number is rolled on the come-out roll.
Asking Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the dealers or other players for clarification if you’re unsure about something. They are there to help you understand the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for a beginner?
The Pass Line bet is generally considered the best bet for beginners due to its relatively low house edge and straightforward rules.
How do I tip the dealers?
You can tip the dealers after a winning roll for everyone, place a bet "for the boys," or tip when leaving the table.
What is the house edge in craps?
The house edge varies depending on the bet, but the Pass Line bet has a house edge of around 1.41%.
What does it mean to "press" a bet?
"Pressing" a bet means increasing the amount of your bet after a win.
What is a "come-out roll"?
The "come-out roll" is the first roll of the dice in a new round.
What does it mean when a bet is "working"?
When a bet is "working," it is active and eligible to pay out.
How much money should I bring to a craps table?
This depends on your budget, but it is generally recommended to bring at least 20 times the minimum bet.
Is it okay to ask questions at the craps table?
Yes, dealers and other players are usually happy to answer questions.
What is the maximum odds bet I can make?
The maximum odds allowed varies by casino, but common limits are 3x-4x-5x.
Should I bet on proposition bets?
Proposition bets have a high house edge and should generally be avoided.
Conclusion
By understanding the basic rules, etiquette, and strategies of craps, you can confidently approach the table and enjoy the game. Remember to manage your bankroll, choose your bets wisely, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. With a little practice, you’ll be rolling the dice like a pro in no time.