Common Craps Mistakes

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Playing craps in casinos is a common phenomenon. When gathered at gambling tables, players may enjoy a cheerful, joyous atmosphere mixed with thrills and excitement. For some, the game of craps is one of the easiest to play. However, if you are a novice, there is a great chance of making a mistake.

At first appearance, craps may seem to be very simple, but there are so many hidden pitfalls over which to stumble when playing this game. Craps is not just about rolling dice and betting on numbers; there are a lot of approaches you need to learn before laying the first bet. Here is a review of the most common craps mistakes made by gamblers.

Ignoring the Basics

Like other gambling activities, craps has its own terminology and rules. It is obligatory to study the basics of craps, as ignoring them may lead to total failure. Below are some general rules of craps.

Brief on Basics

The game itself is not that complicated once you understand that the whole idea is betting on a pair of dice. Usually, people bet with the table, assuming that those rolling the dice will get the number they need. The most common numbers on which to bet are 7 and 11. If a player does not get the necessary number, the “point” number is established.

A point number should be rolled out again before getting a 7. On the come-out-roll numbers, 7 and 11 are the winning combination, whereas 2, 3 and 12 mean that you lost. They may change according to the stage of the game. If the shooter determines the point, 7 may be a loser.

Players lay bets on the table, which has a special disk where the dealer can monitor the game. The “OFF” side of the disk means that the new round of the game is starting. The table has different fields and lines to distinguish the bets. In case 7 or 11 appears on the come-out-roll, every player who bets on the pass line wins. Rookies often use the pass line, as it is the key element in craps. A new round will not start till someone bets on the pass.

The bet on the “Don’t pass the bar” is the opposite to the pass line bet. Wagering on it will make 2 or 3 your winning numbers if the dice rolls out 7 or 11.

Possible point numbers in the game are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. Once the dealer flips the disk to the “ON” side – the shooter has to roll out the point number. The bets on the pass line stay there until the round is over. If a shooter throws out the point number – this line will win, in case the number is 7 –  the whole line loses. The game starts over with the new pass bets in case the point number is rolled out. The same thing occurs when the dice combination is 7; however, there should be another player to begin craps.

The come space is dedicated to the bets after the round has already started. If you are lucky enough, you can place your chips there. You win when a shooter rolls out 7 or 11, and if you get the 2, 3 or 12, you lose.

Also, you can do single roll predictions or do the free odds bet; however, we do not suggest doing so for inexperienced gamblers. Having explained the craps bets, we can continue on to the common mistakes.

Betting Without Studying the Odds

Consider the house edge the next time you decide to wager on the come or the place spaces. This pitfall of craps rips off the players, who do not care about the odds in the game. For example, the edge is about 6.67% on the 4 and 10 place bets; on 5 and 9, the edge is an almost staggering 4%. The chances of winning decrease when you put the bet on the 6 and 8 place, as the house edge is about 1.52%. Remember that the 6 and 8 place bets should be done in the accession of six units. Experienced craps players know that place bets do not differ from come with odds.

Once you learn about the odds, it is time to benefit from them. Combining pass line and don’t pass line bets may increase your odds and lower the house edge. In the following table, you may find the scheme of the odds and how they may force the casino to pay.

You can do bets in real life and in online casinos; however, the land one offers higher odds.

Multiple Betting Never Helps

Some punters are so confident that they bet on both the pass line and any number at the same time. They think they can diminish the house edge, always remaining in profit. In reality, the house edge is about 11.11% on any number bets, so there is a low possibility one can ever win using this strategy.

Trends are also popular with some players. They try to find a pattern in how the numbers are dropped. Craps is a game of sheer probability, and no one can predict what number may come out.

Appreciate the Odds Bet

This is the only bet without the house edge. Chances of winning are quite high. Try to put more units in odds, backing them up with some placed on the pass.

Stop Chasing Comps

Professional gamblers often stay at the table for too long to chase the comps. To be fair, this is not the best practice to follow. Craps has a low house edge, and casinos do not frequently complement the players. Players are usually complemented with 0.1% of their total wagers. You need to be ranked very high for a pit boss to check out your playing style.

There is no point in ignoring the comps, though. Try to register online and get a player’s club card. Once you are in the casino, hand it to the dealer and ask him to rate you. The dealer will pass it to the pit boss. The volume and bet sizes will determine the number of comps.

Do not Cash a Dealer

Never try to hand cash to a dealer. Buy chips and make your first bet.

Misuse of the Dice

Do not forget that casinos track cheating. This is why most of them have some rules to obey. Hold the dice in the dealer’s sight and above the table. The same thing concerns the drinks. There is a special “rail” below the table. Take a sip and put it there. What is more, do not put your hands over the table, as they create an obstacle for other players.

Never touch or throw the dice with two hands. Gamblers are allowed to shake and roll the dice with one hand only. Using both hands may throw a shadow on you and the casino may think you are a cheater.

Hit the back wall with the dice. You need to throw it hard enough to eliminate cheating. The dealers watch how the dice are thrown and let you know if something goes wrong.

Chip Colors

Each chip has its denomination color. Check out what each color means before you make a bet. Generally, $5 chips are red, $25 chips are green. You can also tip the waitress or a dealer at the end of the game using chips.

Keep Calm

Craps is a game full of excitement, which may give players goosebumps. This is why you need to enjoy the game but within some parameters. Try not to bother shooters when they hold the dice. What is more, do not shout at them once you have lost or they have evened out.

Conclusion

Even though craps creates a friendly atmosphere, and the chances of winning are rather high, one cannot ignore the rules of the game. Once you start to play, you need to be sure that you know about the odds and develop your own betting strategy. And last but not least, as with all casino games, remember that craps is a game of chance, so luck is its most important factor.

Best Questions and Answers About Craps

If you still experiencing some hesitation regarding your craps strategies then, please read the answers we have prepared for you.

• Can craps be rigged?

There is no interest for casinos to use rigged craps games. They try to make them as transparent as possible to avoid the intervention of different swindlers into the process.

• What are the pass line odds?

The house edge on the pass line is very close to zero. The exact odds ranking can be seen from the following example.

• What are the craps numbers?

The most common numbers to bet are 7 and 11. This is the most natural come out roll. The point numbers are: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.

• Can craps be beaten?

There are different craps strategies that may be useful when you try to beat the game. From Martingale to reverse Martingale, people search for the perfect winning system. Still, there is a huge influence of luck on the outcome of the game.

• Do casinos cheat?

No. It’s considered to be a felony and fraud. If you choose to play online, then you should check for the licenses and customer feedback.