The Ultimate Craps Tips and Strategies for Beginners

For newcomers to craps, the array of betting options and terminology can seem overwhelming. It’s crucial to start by understanding the basic aspects of the game, including its rules, etiquette, and the various bets you can place. Initially, focus on the simplest bets that don’t require many conditions to win. These straightforward wagers are ideal for beginners, allowing you to engage with the game and gain practical experience. As you become more familiar with craps, you can then explore the more complex betting options available.

Tip #1: Understand the Basic Terminology and Bets of Craps

Key Terms and Bets:

Come Out:

The initial roll in a series of bets. A 7 or 11 wins for pass line bets, while 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss.

Craps:

Rolls of 2, 3, or 12 that end the game and start a new betting round, paying out on Don’t Pass Line bets.

Point Number:

A roll of any number other than 7, 11, 2, 3, or 12 on the come out. It needs to be rolled again for pass line bets to win, setting the stage for field bets.

Pass Line:

A bet that wins double if a 7 or 11 is rolled on the come out. If a Point number is rolled, it wins when that number is rolled again.

Don’t Pass Line:

Wins on a come out roll of 2, 3, or 12, and after a point is established, it wins if a 7 is rolled.

The Field:

A bet on the next roll, offering 2:1 odds on 2 or 3:1 on 12. It has the highest house edge of 2.78%.

Sevens Out:

Rolling a 7 after a point number has been established, passing the turn to another player.

Don’t Come Bar:

A bet placed after the come out roll and point establishment, predicting a 2 or 3 on subsequent rolls.

Come:

Wins if the point number is rolled again before a 7, 2, 3, or 12. It can only be placed after a point is established on the come out.

Place Bets:

Bets on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to come up before a craps roll or a 7, after the point number is rolled. By starting with these fundamental bets and terms, new players can gradually build their understanding and strategy in craps.

Tip #2: Low House Edge in Craps Bets

Choosing bets with a low house edge in craps is crucial for increasing your chances of winning. The house edge represents the casino’s average profit on your bets. Lower house edge bets might offer smaller payouts, but they also mean you’re more likely to win. Many seasoned players prefer these bets as part of their strategy, as they are easier to win and less taxing on your bankroll, allowing for longer play and more opportunities to win.

Strategies and Probabilities:

Pass Line Bets: With a house edge of only 1.41%, this is one of the most favorable bets for players. The strategy here is simple: bet on the pass line during the come-out roll. You win if a 7 or 11 is rolled, and lose if it’s 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, it becomes the “point,” and you win if this number is rolled again before a 7.

Don’t Pass Line Bets: Slightly better than the pass line bet, with a house edge of 1.36%. This bet is essentially the opposite of the pass line bet. You win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 and lose on 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a push (tie). After the point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point number.

**Come Bets: **Similar to pass line bets but made after the point is established. They have the same house edge of 1.41%. This bet wins if the next roll is 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12. Any other number becomes the come bet’s point, and you win if this number is rolled again before a 7.

Don’t Come Bets: The counterpart to come bets, with a house edge of 1.36%. After the point is established, you place this bet. It wins on rolls of 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and pushes on 12. If another number is rolled, that becomes your point, and you win if a 7 is rolled before this number.

Supporting Probabilities:

The probability of rolling a 7 is the highest at 16.67%, making bets that hinge on rolling a 7 before a specific point number statistically advantageous.

The odds of rolling a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) vary, but since 7 has the highest probability of being rolled, don’t pass and don’t come bets slightly edge out their counterparts in terms of winning probability.

By focusing on these bets with lower house edges and understanding the underlying probabilities, players can adopt a strategy that maximizes their chances of winning while minimizing expected losses over time.

Tip #3: Basic Craps Strategy For Beginners

For beginners at craps, developing a basic strategy is essential, not just in terms of which bets to place but also in how to manage your funds effectively. A well-thought-out approach helps you enjoy the game while minimizing losses.

Strategy Steps:

Start with Simple Bets: Focus on bets with a low house edge, such as the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets. These wagers are straightforward and offer a good chance of winning, making them ideal for beginners.

Set a Betting Limit: Before playing, decide on the maximum amount you’re willing to lose and stick to it. This helps prevent significant losses and ensures that you play within your means.

Use the 3-Point Molly Strategy: This strategy involves placing a Pass Line bet and following up with two Come bets, aiming to have three numbers working for you simultaneously. It’s a balanced approach that offers a chance to win on multiple rolls while protecting your initial Pass Line bet.

Implement a Loss Limit: Establish a point where you’ll stop for the day if you’re losing, such as 50% of your session bankroll. This prevents the temptation to chase losses, which can lead to bigger financial problems.

Fund Management Plan:

Allocate Your Bankroll: Divide your total bankroll into smaller session bankrolls. If you plan to play multiple times, this ensures you don’t spend all your funds in one go.

Bet Consistently: Stick to betting a consistent percentage of your session bankroll on each bet, such as 5%. This method helps extend your playtime and reduces the risk of blowing your bankroll on a few high-stake bets.

Take Advantage of Winning Streaks: If you’re on a winning streak, consider pocketing a portion of your winnings and playing with the remainder. This way, you can ensure you don’t lose all your winnings in subsequent bets.

**Know When to Walk Away: **Whether you’re winning or losing, it’s crucial to know when to end your session. If you’ve hit your loss limit or achieved a significant win, it’s a good time to step away.

Tip #4: Understand Your Odds of Winning on Craps Bets

Grasping the odds of winning on various craps bets is pivotal for strategic betting. The odds determine the likelihood of each roll and help you make informed decisions on where to place your bets. Below is a simplified odds table in markdown format, followed by an explanation of its implications.

Odds Table:

Implications of the Odds Table:

The Power of Seven: The table highlights that a roll of 7 is the most probable outcome, with a 16.67% chance. This statistic is crucial because many bets in craps are decided by the roll of a 7, making it a pivotal number in the game. For instance, Pass Line bets win if a 7 is rolled before the point number is repeated.

Rare Rolls: Rolls of 2 and 12 are the least likely, each with a 2.78% chance. Bets that hinge on these numbers, like the “Any Craps” bet (which wins on rolls of 2, 3, or 12), have high payouts but are less likely to occur.

**Moderate Probabilities: **Numbers like 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 have moderate probabilities, ranging from 8.33% to 13.89%. These numbers are important for “Place” and “Come” bets, where you bet on these numbers to be rolled before a 7.

Understanding these odds helps players gauge the risk and potential reward of different bets in craps. For example, while bets on rare rolls offer high payouts, they’re less likely to occur, making them riskier. Conversely, bets that play off the high probability of rolling a 7 can be more reliable but might offer lower payouts. This knowledge allows players to tailor their betting strategies to their risk tolerance and goals, aiming for a balance between potential winnings and the likelihood of those winnings occurring.