A noisy whirlwind of passion, where the tinkling of the chips merges with the screaming and rattling of the dice. Craps is not just a board game, it is a storm of emotions, exciting from the first seconds. Let’s dive into the world of excitement and unveil all the secrets of this legendary entertainment.
The history of craps – how the journey of craps began
The journey of dice began in the Middle Ages, when an amusement similar to the modern version was known as hazard. French aristocrats loved to spend their time playing. Historians say it was they who brought dice to America. There they received a new name – Craps, and the game became a symbol of Louisiana casinos.
The entertainment gained popularity due to its simplicity and ability to create emotional intensity. The Craps table game continues to attract people thanks to its atmosphere full of tension and luck.
Craps rules: understanding the essence of the table game
To understand the mechanics, you must first understand the basic rules. The session begins with a Come Out Roll. Its main purpose is to establish a point, which determines the next steps. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, the participant wins immediately. If a 2, 3 or 12 is rolled, a Crap Out occurs and the player loses. In other cases, the number becomes a point, and the person continues to roll until that point or 7 is rolled.
There are a variety of bets:
- Pass Line – on whether the player will win by throwing a 7 or an 11 on the first throw. This bet is the most popular and is suitable for beginners, as the rules are simple and straightforward.
- Don’t Pass Line – Against the player’s luck, i.e. on whether a combination of 2, 3 or 12 will come up, causing the player to lose. This bet is best suited to those who prefer to play against the mainstream and look for alternative strategies.
- Come Bet – is placed after the point set and works in a similar way to the Pass Line bet, allowing the player to add more excitement to the game.
- Don’t Come Bet – the opposite of Come Bet, where the participant expects to lose on the next few spins.
How to play craps and succeed
The board game of craps offers many opportunities for those who are ready for risk and adrenaline. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to start playing and what to do:
- Choose a bet. Start with simple bets such as Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line.
- Understand the point settings. The first roll, called the Come Out Roll, determines the ‘point’. If you roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, that number becomes a point, and your goal is to roll that number again before rolling a 7.
- Place additional bets. Once the point is established, you can place additional bets such as Come Bet, which works similarly to Pass Line and adds more excitement.
- Pay attention to the odds. Keep in mind that luck plays a key role in craps, but understanding the odds and choosing the right bets will help you increase your odds. For example, a bet on 7 has the highest odds (around 16.67%), which can be a point for or against you depending on your current position in the game.
- Be aware of the behaviour of the players at the table. Always observe the actions of the other players and follow the rules of etiquette. A proper understanding of the actions of others can tell you when to bet or refrain.
By following these tips, you can quickly get used to the game and increase your chances of success. The board game of craps is full of surprises, and the right approach will help you get the most out of every roll.
Basic combinations in craps
Combinations play a key role. The 7 is the most frequent number and has an approximate 16.67% chance of occurring. A 7 can win or lose, depending on the phase you are in. Knowing the probabilities of the different combinations will help you make more informed decisions at each stage:
- 2 (Snake Eyes) occurs when both dice roll a 1. It has a probability of around 2.78%. It is considered one of the unluckiest, as it leads to a loss on most bets.
- 12 (Boxcars) occurs when both dice roll a 6. The probability of 12 is also 2.78%, and in most cases leads to a loss if the bet was on a Pass Line.
- Hard 4 and Hard 10 occur when two identical numbers, such as two 2‘s or 5’s, add up to 4 or 10 respectively. The probability is lower than that of a simple combination of 4 or 10, but the winnings from these bets are usually higher.
- Easy 8 and Easy 6 are relevant when the sum of 6 or 8 does not consist of identical numbers, such as 4 and 2 or 5 and 3. They fall more often than their ‘hard counterparts’ (deuces or fives).
- I (11) – the combination of 5 and 6 makes the sum of 11. The probability is 5.56% and plays a key role in some specific bets, such as Come Bet.
Strategies in the board game of craps – from excitement to calculation
The transition from simple excitement to meaningful craps play begins with choosing a strategy for the table battle. Tactics for beginners include minimising risk, such as always betting on the pass line. Advanced players, on the other hand, can combine different bets and take into account the probability of certain numbers coming up. For example, the Odds Bet strategy takes place after the point set and offers the best odds in the game.
Everyone can choose their own strategy depending on their experience and willingness to take risks.
Craps Terms: A Glossary for Beginners
To feel confident at the table, it is important to understand the terminology:
- Shooter – participant who rolls the dice.
- Crap Out – when a 2, 3 or 12 is rolled and the bet is lost.
- Point – the number that is established on the first roll and that the player attempts to roll again.
Conclusion
Craps is a board game where luck meets skill. By understanding the odds and applying the right strategies, you can increase your chances of winning. But remember that even the most experienced player is not immune to surprises.