Basic Craps Strategy for Beginners

Craps Basics

To find the best strategy, you first need to understand the basics of craps. Let’s start with some definitions.

• Come out roll: This is the first roll of the dice after the previous round of betting has ended.
• Shooter: The player throwing the dice is called the shooter.

 

Once the shooter has thrown the dice, there are three possible outcomes.

• Natural: This is when the shooter throws a 7 or an 11 and gets to throw again.
• Craps: If the shooter throws a 2, 3, or 12, they lose but can go again.
• Point: If the shooter throws a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the number they rolled becomes the point and is marked on the table. The shooter then needs to roll that number again to win. If they roll a 7, they automatically lose, and the betting round ends. 

 

Now that we have covered some basic definitions, we can talk about betting options. There are several ways you can bet on a craps game, some carrying more risk than others.

• Pass and don’t pass line: A pass line bet means you bet that the shooter will win by rolling out the natural or by winning the point before rolling a 7. A don’t pass line bet is the opposite of a pass line bet. These bets can only be made before the point has been established. 
• Come or don’t come bets: After the point has been established, you can place a come or don’t come bet. A come bet will win if the natural is rolled out and will lose if the craps are. If the point is rolled, it is the come-bet point. Come-bet points work like the pass line. If it rolls out again before a 7, you win, and if not, you lose. Don’t come bets win only if they roll a 2 or 3 and lose if it’s a 7 or 11. If a 12 is rolled, it’s called a push where you don’t win or lose. Once the point is made, you need a 7 before the shooter rolls out the point again. 
• Proposition bets: These are one-roll bets you can place on any dice roll. There is one exception to this, the hardways bet. With the hardways bet, you win if a 4, 6, 8, or 10 is rolled with the same pair of numbers. For example, 2 and 2 or a 3 and 3. 
• Place bets: Place bets can be made once the point is established. You bet on any number on the table, and you win if your number is rolled before a 7. 
• Field bets: A field bet is only active for one roll of the dice. Winning numbers are 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. 
• Big 6 and big 8 bets: With these bets, you need a 6 or 8 to be rolled before a 7 to win. 

 

Not all bets are created equal, and it’s important to know which ones are most likely to help you win. The pass line and don’t pass bets are not only popular choices; they’re the best choices. When you make a pass line bet, you are betting the dice will win. A don’t pass bet is betting the dice will lose. With the pass line bet, there are eight ways a better can win immediately, and only four ways they can lose. If the point is established, the odds shift to the don’t pass bet. 

Don’t be afraid of the odds bet (also known as the free odds bet), which is the only bet where the house does not retain an edge. Odds bets can only be placed after the point is established, and it is in addition to a pass line or don’t pass bet. 

Now that you understand the basics of the game, it’s time to talk about winning.

Creating a Winning Strategy

The first rule of a winning strategy is to practice. Consider ways you can play with low risk, avoiding real dollar amounts until you get the hang of it. Spend some time getting comfortable with the definitions and how the game flows. Once you are ready to play in a casino or online with real money, there are some additional ways to help ensure you walk away from the table a winner.

Set a Limit 

Before you step up to the table, set your loss and your winnings limits so that you know when to walk away. Once you’ve set both of those limits, make sure to stick to them. It’s important to quit before losing more than you can afford, but it’s also important to know when to quit while you’re ahead. Another tip regarding limits is don’t be tempted by table minimums that are too large. You will be able to find a table within your budget. 

Play With Your Winnings 

If you are winning, consider putting your original loss limit amount back in your pocket. If you play exclusively with your winnings, you protect that loss limit you set. Wisely betting can help you achieve this goal.

Stay Calm

The game can be lively and fast-paced. Don’t let your win or loss streak or your interactions with other players distract you from playing wisely and managing your money. Stay calm and focus on better play. 

Bet on the Right Things

Most online craps games don’t include live dealers, but there are a few that do. If you happen into a game with a live dealer, don’t fall for the showmanship of the dealers. Dealers are trained to encourage you to make riskier bets. 

As discussed, many bets can be placed, but only a few carry a reasonable amount of risk. Until you know the game better, it’s best to stick with safer bets like the pass line, come bets, and place bets. Proposition bets are considered the longest odds for winning, so stay away from them until you have mastered the game. 

Don’t Try to Keep Up With More Experienced Players 

If seeing others place riskier bets is tempting to you, remember that a more advanced strategy will include placing several bets at once, which is more likely to increase your winnings. Managing a strategy like that takes time, and it’s best to learn the basic skills first. 

Have a Money Management System

Managing your money when playing craps takes a combination of setting a firm budget and creativity. Once you have your budget, you need to set a per-hour gambling rate. There are many ways to do this, and some work better than others for different people. You’ll have to find one that works for you, and when you do, stick to it. 

One way would be to divide your budget evenly by the number of hours you plan to play. Creativity comes into play when making sure you stick to your budget. For example, consider buying chips once every hour. Then, if you know you have $400 to spend over four hours, you could buy $100 in chips at the top of each hour. 

Another option is to divide your bankroll by 50. For example, if you have $200 to spend, you’ll make wagers no higher than $4 in each round. Whatever you decide, be strict about making your money last.

Practice Makes Perfect

Craps can be a fun way to put your skills to the test. Now that you understand the basics and the best tips for a winning strategy, it’s time to put them into practice and begin playing. There are many options for low-risk playing before you begin putting real money on the line. However, when you are ready to advance, check out GamblersPick for online casino reviews to get started.

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