Craps is a fast-paced dice game found in casinos, where players bet on the outcome of dice rolls. The game involves two phases⁚ the come-out roll and the point phase. It offers various betting options, making it engaging and strategic for players. The shooter rolls dice to determine outcomes.

Overview of Craps

Craps is a dynamic dice game typically played in casinos, involving a shooter who rolls a pair of dice. Players place bets on the outcomes of these rolls, with the game progressing through two main stages⁚ the come-out roll and the point phase. The objective is to correctly predict the dice results to win against the house. The game begins with a come-out roll, where specific numbers determine immediate wins or losses. If a point is established, the game enters the point phase, requiring the point number to be rolled again before a seven to win. Craps offers a wide array of betting options, adding to its complexity and excitement. These bets can be placed on individual numbers, specific combinations, or overall outcomes. Understanding the different bets and the probabilities associated with each is crucial for successful craps play. The game’s fast-paced nature and diverse wagering opportunities make it a popular choice for both new and experienced gamblers. Mastering the basics and strategies can significantly improve one’s chances of winning.

The Come-Out Roll

The come-out roll is the first roll of the dice in a craps game. This roll determines the initial outcome, with specific numbers leading to wins, losses, or the establishment of a point, shaping the game’s progression.

Winning on the Come-Out

On the come-out roll, a player wins immediately if the dice total a 7 or 11. This is often referred to as a “natural” win, and it results in a payout for those who have placed bets on the Pass Line. This is a straightforward win scenario in the game, concluding the come-out roll phase for those bettors. The excitement of landing a 7 or 11 on the initial roll makes for a thrilling start to the game, providing immediate gratification for successful wagers. This outcome simplifies the game and allows for a quick win and payout, before moving into the next phase. Players anticipate these numbers during the come-out roll for a swift victory, which is a fundamental aspect of the game. It’s a moment of immediate success and celebration for Pass Line bettors, creating an electric atmosphere at the craps table. The win is direct and without complication, which is a key part of the game’s appeal.

Losing on the Come-Out (Craps)

Conversely, on the come-out roll, a player loses immediately if the dice total a 2, 3, or 12. This outcome is commonly known as “craps” or “crapping out.” When any of these numbers appear on the come-out roll, all Pass Line bets are immediately lost, resulting in a win for the house. This loss is a critical part of the game’s dynamics, creating tension and excitement for those who placed Pass Line bets, as the chances of rolling these numbers is a real concern on the first roll. The speed of the loss adds to the game’s fast-paced nature. Players try to avoid these totals on the come-out roll, as it results in an immediate loss of the wager. It is a crucial aspect to understand when playing craps, emphasizing the risk of the initial roll. Crapping out is a quick and clear loss, adding to the game’s volatility and making for an exciting start for the players. It is a fundamental part of the game and the players’ experience.

The Point Phase

If the come-out roll results in a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the game enters the point phase. The number rolled becomes the “point”, and the shooter tries to roll this point number again before rolling a seven.

Establishing the Point Number

After the initial come-out roll, if a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is thrown, this number becomes the “point.” This action signifies the transition into the point phase of the game. The establishment of the point number is crucial because it sets the target for the shooter’s subsequent rolls. The shooter’s objective in this phase is to roll the same point number again before a 7 appears. Successfully repeating the point number results in a win for those who have bet on the pass line, while a 7 leads to a loss. The point number remains in effect until either it is rolled again or a 7 is rolled, concluding this phase of the game. The point number therefore dictates the direction of the game, setting the stage for either a win or a loss. The point phase introduces an element of suspense as players eagerly await each dice roll; All bets are centered on this point number, waiting for a final resolution.

Winning on the Point

Once a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) has been established after the come-out roll, the shooter continues to roll the dice. The objective now shifts to rolling the point number again before rolling a 7. If the shooter successfully rolls the point number, bets placed on the Pass Line are declared winners. This outcome signifies a successful completion of the point phase, resulting in payouts for the players who backed the shooter by betting on the Pass Line. Winning on the point is the aim for many craps players, providing a sense of accomplishment. The anticipation builds with each roll as players hope for the point to reappear. This particular win is crucial to the overall game as it determines the payout for the main bets on the table. This process of rolling for the point is essential to gameplay.

Losing on the Point (Seven Out)

In the point phase, after a point number is established, the shooter’s goal is to roll that number again before rolling a 7. However, if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point number, this is known as “sevening out”. When a seven out occurs, all bets on the Pass Line are immediately lost. This outcome signifies the end of the current point phase and can be a swift end to the betting round for Pass Line bettors. The seven out is a major turning point in the game, leading to a loss for the shooter and those who bet with the shooter. It is a pivotal aspect of craps, creating both tension and excitement. This possibility of losing is an integral part of craps.

Common Craps Bets

Craps offers a variety of bets, each with its own rules and payouts. These bets allow players to engage with the game in different ways, adding to the complexity and excitement of each roll. Some common wagers include pass line and don’t pass line.

Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line bet is one of the most fundamental wagers in craps, typically the first bet a player makes in a round. This bet is placed before the come-out roll, which is the first roll of the dice in a new game or after a point has been resolved. If the come-out roll results in a 7 or 11, the Pass Line bet wins immediately. Conversely, if the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses, and it’s called “craps.” If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the “point”. Once the point is established, the shooter continues to roll until either the point number is rolled again, resulting in a win for the Pass Line bet, or a 7 is rolled, causing the bet to lose. This bet is a cornerstone of the game.

Don’t Pass Line Bet

The Don’t Pass Line bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet, offering a different approach to wagering in craps. Like the Pass Line, this bet is placed before the come-out roll. With a Don’t Pass bet, you are wagering that the shooter will not make their point. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, the Don’t Pass bet wins. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the bet loses. A roll of 12 on the come-out is a push, meaning neither win nor lose. If the come-out roll establishes a point, then the shooter continues rolling. If the point is rolled before a 7, the Don’t Pass bet loses. If a 7 is rolled before the point, the Don’t Pass bet wins. This wager provides a different perspective.