Craps may look complicated to the uninitiated, with its many betting options and rowdy atmosphere. However, this Spin Casino classic built around rolling dice offers beginners fantastic odds and thrilling gameplay when you understand the basics.
This masterclass breaks down everything you need to know to step up to a craps table and roll with the best. You’ll discover essential terminology, tips for calculating odds, strategies for smart betting, proper rolling techniques, and how to read the table like a pro. Once you master the fundamentals, you can rake in wins with one roll of the dice!
Understanding Essential Craps Terminology
The game of craps has its own language. By learning these key terms, you’ll understand the action at the table:
- Point: The number rolled on a come out roll after the pass or don’t pass bets have been placed. This number becomes the objective for the shooter to roll again before a 7.
- Shooter: The player currently rolling the dice, who continues rolling until they “seven out” (roll a 7).
- Come out roll: The first roll of a round to determine the point. Come out rolls establish pass or don’t pass bets.
- Seven out: When the shooter rolls a 7 after a point has been established, ending their turn and passing the dice.
See the table below for additional common craps lingo:
| Term | Definition |
| Buy bet | A bet paying out true odds, but requiring an additional fee or “vig” |
| Comps | Free perks like meals or rooms offered by casinos |
| Crap out | Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come out roll |
| Hardway | Rolling doubles (4, 6, 8, 10) |
Calculating the Odds in Craps
The odds of any bet are determined by the number of ways a given outcome can occur out of all potential outcomes. With just two six-sided dice, 36 possible number combinations exist. By comparing the ways to win versus the ways to lose, you can calculate the house edge and true odds of each wager.
For example, the odds of rolling a 7 are 6 in 36, or 1 in 6. The house edge on basic pass/don’t pass bets is just 1.41% – one of the lowest in the casino! Compare this to a single 0 roulette wheel with a much higher 5.26% house advantage.
Smart craps players leverage odds bets after establishing a point for absolutely zero house edge. Casinos still make money on the initial pass line bet, but by taking full odds you can erase their statistical advantage. Just remember – the higher the stakes, the higher the potential winnings!
Crafting a Craps Betting Strategy
While craps may seem chaotic with so much rolling and betting action, going in with a solid strategy is key to managing risk and securing payouts. Follow these tips when playing:
Stick to Pass/Don’t Pass in Early Rounds
Focus on pass or don’t pass bets while getting comfortable, taking odds when possible. Avoid complicated bets like hards, props, or lays that have higher house edges.
Manage Your Bankroll
Set a budget per session and scale bets to table minimums. Avoid chasing losses by increasing stakes too hastily.
Take Breaks
Step back if on a cold streak and reassess your bankroll. Fatigue leads to poor strategy, so take breathers to refresh.
Quit While You’re Ahead
Have a win goal in mind and be prepared to walk away while up. Limit losses and protect your bankroll for future sessions.
Mastering Rolling Techniques
While luck plays a role, proper rolling technique improves consistency, controls unpredictability, and builds confidence. Follow these tips for tossing the dice like a pro:
Grip Behind the Dot
Hold a die between thumb and middle finger, gripping just behind the center dot to avoid rounding off corners and altering randomness.
Aim for Back Wall
Toss hard enough to hit the back wall to randomize which side lands face up. A soft lofted roll is more predictable.
Roll Together
For simultaneous impact, synchronize the release so that dice stay together in flight. Individuals who die have a higher chance of cocked landing.
Toss Straight On
Throw flat with wrist action only so dice don’t drift left or right. Maintain table alignment for most direct shots.
With practice, these techniques give better control for accurate rolls every time the dice come your way.
Reading a Craps Table Like a Pro
The craps table layout holds valuable info to track gameplay. Monitor these spaces and the dealer’s signals:
- Points Boxes: Displays the active point numbers for each shooter. Let you see what totals players are trying to repeat.
- Boardman: Electronic readerboard showing game stats like roll counts, wins, losses, and percentage odds.
- Rail: Area for players to handle dice and prepare for come out rolls.
- On/Off Buttons: Signals made by dealers to indicate when players can and can’t touch dice.
By navigating the table view, you gain valuable context about shooters’ success and keep the pulse on shifting dynamics after every roll.
Roll Like You’re in the Craps Masters Tournament
While casino craps appear fast and furious, players armed with the fundamentals hold an advantage. Commit essential terminology, odds calculations, smart betting practices, proper rolling methods, and table reading tips to memory before playing. Then step up and put your skills to the test!
Stay cool under pressure, play the percentages, take odds when available, and don’t be afraid to adjust strategy mid-game. Follow these pro tips for minimizing house edge so more winning rolls land your way. Soon you’ll be a confident shooter racking up hot streaks and serious payouts worthy of a craps master.