A Journey Through Time!
Craps is a well-known dice game played in casinos around the globe. It started with ancient Roman soldiers and their dice games, eventually developing into the lively casino game we see now. Knowing its history sheds light on the current rules, betting styles, and potential winnings.
Origins of Craps
The game traces back to Roman soldiers, who used pig knuckles as dice in their games. This evolved into Hazard during medieval times in England. Hazard later traveled to France, becoming known as crapaud, meaning “toad,” because players would crouch like toads while playing.
In the 1700s and 1800s, French settlers introduced crapaud to North America, particularly in Louisiana. American gamblers simplified the rules over time, leading to the modern game of craps, which gained fame in the early 1900s, especially in Las Vegas.
Playing Craps
Craps revolves around betting on the results of dice rolls. It’s played on a specially designed table with numerous betting choices. Here’s a brief overview of the game:
- The Come-Out Roll: The game begins with the shooter rolling two dice. Rolling a 7 or 11 wins for pass line bets, while rolling a 2, 3, or 12 means those bets lose. Any other number rolled becomes the “point.”
- The Point Phase: If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 on the first roll, that number becomes the point. The goal is to roll the point again before rolling a 7.
- Winning and Losing: If the shooter rolls the point before rolling a 7, pass line bets win. If a 7 appears first, these bets lose, and the round ends.
Craps has come a long way from its origins, now offering an exciting casino experience with many opportunities for winning.
Craps Rules and Payouts
The game offers various bets, each with its own rules and payout structures.
Pass Line Bet
This is the most common bet in craps. It wins on a come-out roll of 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, the bet wins if the shooter rolls the point before a 7. The payout is 1:1.
Don’t Pass Line Bet
This is the opposite of the pass line bet. It wins if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 and loses on 7 or 11. If a point is established, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point. The payout is 1:1.
Come Bet
Similar to the pass line craps bets but placed after the come-out roll. The rules and payouts mirror the pass line bet, paying 1:1.
Don’t Come Bet
The opposite of the come bet, following the same rules as the don’t pass line. The payout is 1:1.
Odds Bets
These are additional bets placed behind the pass or don’t pass line after a point is established. The payout depends on the point number:
- 4 or 10 pays 2:1
- 5 or 9 pays 3:2
- 6 or 8 pays 6:5
Place Bets
Players can bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) to appear before a 7. The payouts are:
- 4 and 10 pay 9:5
- 5 and 9 pay 7:5
- 6 and 8 pay 7:6
Big 6 and Big 8
Bets on rolling a 6 or 8 before a 7. The payout is 1:1, but these bets are generally not recommended since place bets on 6 or 8 offer better odds.
Field Bet
A one-roll bet that wins if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The payout is 1:1 for most numbers and 2:1 for 2 or 12.
Hardway Bets
Wagers on rolling a 4, 6, 8, or 10 as a pair before rolling a 7 or that number in an easier combination. The payouts vary:
- Hard 4 or Hard 10 pays 7:1
- Hard 6 or Hard 8 pays 9:1
What Is the 3/4/5 Rule in Craps?
The 3/4/5 rule in craps refers to the maximum odds a player can place on pass line bets. It is designed to simplify payouts and give players a structured way to maximize bets. The rule allows:
- 3x odds on points of 4 and 10
- 4x odds on points of 5 and 9
- 5x odds on points of 6 and 8
This rule ensures fair payouts while allowing players to increase potential winnings.
What Is the Pass Line in Craps?
The pass line bet is the most fundamental wager in craps. It is placed before the come-out roll and follows these rules:
- Wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11.
- Loses if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12.
- If a point is established, the bet wins if the shooter rolls the point before rolling a 7.
This bet is favored by players because it has one of the lowest house edges at 1.41%.
Craps in Modern Casinos
Craps is now accessible in casinos worldwide, both physical and online. Craps for real money online mirrors the in-person game with identical rules, making it straightforward to play.
Numerous online platforms provide tutorials, demo games, and bonuses to help players enhance their skills.
The rise of live dealer craps allows players to engage with real dealers in real time, even when betting from a distance. With the advent of automated craps tables and digital setups, accessing the game has never been simpler.
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