Understanding Craps for Beginners

Understanding Craps for Beginners

Craps can seem daunting at first, but with these beginner-friendly tips and essential bets, you’ll be on your way to the craps table in no time.

Dice Probability Basics

Get familiar with the probability of each number appearing on a single roll:

Roll Instances Percentage Odds
2 1/36 2.7% 35:1
3 2/36 5.5% 17:1
4 3/36 8.3% 11:1
5 4/36 14.8% 5:1
6 6/36 16.7% Even
7 7/36 19.2% 4:1
8 8/36 21.2% 3:1
9 1/36 2.7% 35:1

Craps Basics

  • Pass Line - The simplest bet, where you win if the roll is a natural (2 through 12).
  • Don’t Pass Bar - Opposite of the pass line, where you place a bet that the roll won’t be a natural.
  • Point of Play - Craps can be played both traditionally at a table and online.

Essential Bets for Beginners

  1. Pass Line Bet - The most straightforward bet; win if the roll is 2 through 12 (natural).
  2. Come Bet - A variation of the pass line, but placed after the first roll; works well with progressive betting systems.
  3. Field Bet (11)** - A relatively safe bet for beginners, covering all rolls that add up to 11.
  4. Big Six or Big Eight** - Bets on either six appearances before a seven or eight appearances before a nine; good for entertainment betting.
  5. Yo (11) Field Bet** - Similar to the field bet but focusing specifically on the roll of 11.

Get Started with Craps

To start playing craps, follow these steps:

  1. Learn the Table Layout - Familiarize yourself with the different sections and betting areas.
  2. Understand the Pass Line Bet - This is a beginner-friendly bet that pays out if the roll is a natural (2 through 12).
  3. Practice Basic Rolls - Get comfortable with single dice rolls to understand probabilities better.
  4. Gradually Introduce More Complex Bets - As you become more confident, explore other bets like place bets or hard-way bets.
  5. Find a Trusted Online Casino - Bovada is a popular choice for beginners, offering a friendly interface and accessible craps games.

Remember that while craps can be complex, it’s also incredibly fun once you get the hang of it. Start slow, learn the basics, and gradually increase your bet sizes as you become more comfortable with the game.