The gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas, offers such a variety of entertainment and casino games that the places that can compete with it can literally be counted on the fingers of one hand. This wonderful city in the American desert is known for some of its symbols, such as the main street, The Strip, the amazing hotels, and of course, the casino games. One of the most popular of these is craps—a Vegas symbol that, however, can be played in many other places as well. Here are the basics of craps and how beginners can start playing.
Intro to the casino game of craps
Although popular casino games differ greatly from one another, craps seems to be in a league of its own. One of the reasons is that this is one of those casino games where the player does almost everything related to the game. This is, for example, in contrast to blackjack or roulette, where the dealer respectively deals the cards and spins the ball. This feature of craps gives players a sense of more control, although ultimately, the final outcome depends on the dice. However, the initial roll of the two dice is only the first touch to the game, as the real action begins afterward. It is this part that tends to be confusing for beginners due to the many betting options that craps players can go for. However, things can become clearer with the help of a practical guide about craps payouts that’ll give descriptive instructions on the odds of winning at craps with regard to the different types of bets.
As long as the beginner player follows the natural progression of the game, there should be no problems with it. The steps of the rounds in the game of craps are clearly outlined, which is a great convenience. One of the important things that beginners should remember at the very start of the game is the position of the betting button. This is a large puck-like object with “on” written on one side and “off” on the other. The dealer places the button according to whether the game is in the process of accepting bets or if they’ve been completed. Accordingly, “on” means for the bettors to make their bets. The location of the button also means different things, as outlined below. Therefore, before joining a table, beginners should look at what position the button is in to avoid inadvertently interrupting a game in progress. By the way, many people that are not the person throwing the dice can bet on the game.
The basic steps in a round of craps
The craps game is very dynamic, and players can feel this even more strongly if they are surrounded by crowds of curious visitors. This is typical of large casinos, and you may be familiar with the movies with the pictures of people huddled around a dice table. This could be uncomfortable for rookie players. So here are the basic steps in playing craps to give new craps players more confidence in this endeavor. On a side note, for those who prefer to play in a more relaxed environment, a good option is to go for online craps.
The first step in a round of craps, when the dealer turns the button to read “on,” is to place the bets. The initial bet is called the “pass line,” and the place for all bets is indicated on the table. In a “pass line” bet, the bettors bet on whether the dice will “pass” or “not pass” the line. In the first case, the dice must show 7 or 11, and in the second case, 2, 3, or 12.
Next comes the rolling of the dice. If bettors have bet on the “pass line” and the player rolls a 7 or 11—the bet wins; it’s the same story if they bet “don’t pass” and the player rolls a 2, 3, or 12. Otherwise, the bet remains for subsequent rolls.
However, in the event that the initial roll shows a “point”: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the dealer will place the button on the corresponding number field on the table, and the player will continue to roll the dice until the “point” or 7 is hit again. If there is a “point,” betting can continue, that the player will throw a “point” or another number. Rolling a 7 after the “point” means a loss.
This continues until a “point” or 7 is reached. In the first case, all the bettors that placed a “pass line” win their bets. However, if the player throws a 7, “pass line” bets lose, and “don’t pass” bettors win.
These are the basic craps steps, but there are other options and betting combinations that this game offers and should be learned before the first play. This way, new players will be aware of what is happening at the table and will be able to focus on the experience rather than wondering what the dealer is actually trying to tell them.
Craps’ popularity and etiquette
Yes, the initial reading of the rules of craps can be confusing, but there are thousands of people all over the world who play this game. So anyone can learn it regardless of whether they have experience in casinos or with numbers.
In this line of thought, like any social casino game, there is an etiquette for craps that must be followed to make the experience enjoyable for everyone. This etiquette differs according to the location of the casino and the cultural characteristics of the patrons. For example, in Vegas, it is considered bad manners to mention the number seven at the table, as it is a loser after the initial roll of the dice. Also, the part of the table on the dealer’s side, the one with the “point” fields, is a no-go for bettors. That is, if they want to bet on the points, they must inform the dealer who will place the chips on the corresponding field.
Conclusion
The game of craps is one of the casino’s offers that enjoys great popularity among players. Although it looks intimidating to beginners, like any other game, it is learned based on its rules. For casino goers, this is one of the most social experiences as the craps tables usually attract a large number of curious onlookers. For those who prefer the convenience of mobile games, craps can also be played online.
