Craps is one of the most popular and exciting casino games, combining simple rules with a wide range of bets. For beginners, three key bets are of particular importance: Pass Line, Don’t Pass and Come Bet. Understanding their mechanics, winning probabilities and strategic features is an important step towards confident and successful play. Let’s take a closer look at what these bets are, how they differ and how to use them to maximum advantage.
What Is Craps and What Is the Purpose of the Game?
Among all gambling entertainment with dice, it is the game of craps that is considered the most famous and popular. It attracts with the simplicity of the rules, fast games, the ability to use experience and strategy to increase the chances of winning. Casinos, both land-based and online, offer several options for this entertainment in slots and in rooms with live dealers.
The essence of the game comes down to guessing the value of the combination obtained after throwing two dice. Participants bet on the outcome, hoping for luck or using basic strategies. The winner is the one who guessed correctly. And to safely hone your skills and test your strategies without risking your bankroll, you can use a craps simulator, a great tool for practicing and analyzing game situations.
Types of Craps Bets
The variety of bets makes craps not only exciting, but also strategically interesting, allowing players to choose between safer options and high-risk decisions.
Main types of bets:
- Pass Line. This bet is made before the first roll of the dice. It wins if the dice roll 7 or 11, and loses if the dice roll 2, 3, or 12. If the dice roll 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. To win, you must roll it before a 7 rolls. Payouts: 1:1.
- Don’t Pass Line. This bet is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. It wins if the first roll is 2 or 3, and loses if the dice roll 7 or 11. If the dice roll is 12, it’s a tie (bet is returned). If the first roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, that number becomes the point. To win, 7 must come up before the point. Payouts: 1:1.
- Come. This bet is made after the first roll, when the point has already been established. It wins if the next roll is 7 or 11, and loses if 2, 3 or 12. If a number from 4 to 10 comes up, it becomes the “Come” point. Payouts: 1:1.
- Don’t Come. This is the opposite of the Come bet. It wins if the next roll is 2 or 3, and loses if 7 or 11. If 12 comes up, it’s a tie (bet returned). If a number from 4 to 10 comes up, it becomes the “Don’t Come” point. Payouts: 1:1.
Profitable and Risky Bets in Craps
These are of course not all the bets, there are others, such as Odds, Field, Big 6, Big 8, Place Win, Place Lose, Any 7, Horn, Hardways, Any Craps and others. Some of them are more risky, some less so. Let’s look at which ones are best to use.
Profitable bets:
- Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line. They are made before the first throw, a distinctive feature is a low casino advantage (about 1.4%). When setting a point, a player can win if he rolls the point before 7 (or vice versa with a Don’t Pass Line bet).
- Come or Don’t Come. They work on the same principles as Pass Line/Don’t Pass Line, but they are made after the point is established. They also have a low casino advantage.
- Odds. Additional bets that can be added to the main ones. Payouts are calculated based on real probabilities, i.e. the casino has no mathematical advantage. In combination with the main bets, they make the basic strategy as profitable as possible for the player.
Risky bets:
- Bets that are calculated for one throw. Includes Field, Any 7, Any 11, Any Craps, Horn and Hardways. Although the payouts look attractive (for example, Horn with payouts of 15:1 or 30:1, Hardways with payouts of 7:1 or 9:1), the probability of winning them is lower.
- Buy and Lay. Often involve an additional commission, which reduces their attractiveness.
Conclusion
Pass Line, Don’t Pass, and Come Bet are the foundation of craps and are great for both beginners and experienced players. Each offers its own benefits and risks, allowing you to choose a strategy that suits your playing style. A thorough understanding of these bets will help you make more informed decisions at the table and increase your chances of winning.
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