Craps is a fast-paced and exhilarating dice game that has been a staple in casinos around the world for centuries. With its origins deeply rooted in history and its thrilling gameplay that captivates both new and experienced players, craps offers an exciting experience for anyone at the casino. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the history of craps, explain the rules, explore various betting strategies, and share some fascinating fun facts to enhance your understanding of the game.
The History of Craps and Dice
The origins of craps are as intriguing as the game itself. From its roots in ancient cultures to its evolution into a modern casino game, craps has a rich history that dates back thousands of years.
The Ancient Beginnings of Dice
Dice have been used for gaming and divination purposes for over 5,000 years, with evidence of dice found in archeological digs in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. The ancient Egyptians are believed to have used dice in their burial rituals, while in Rome, dice games were popular among soldiers and civilians alike.
The concept of using dice to generate random outcomes paved the way for many modern casino games, including craps. While dice-based games had been played across many civilizations, the game we know today as craps started taking shape much later, around the 17th century.
The Birth of Craps in France
The game of craps is believed to have evolved from an ancient game called "hazard," which was played by the French in the 17th century. Hazard was a complex dice game involving betting on the outcomes of a roll or series of rolls, and it became incredibly popular among the French nobility.
The game of hazard made its way to England, where it was simplified and became known as “craps.” The name likely derives from the old French word “crapaud,” meaning toad, which refers to the position players would take while squatting to roll the dice. The name "craps" stuck, and by the 19th century, it had made its way across the Atlantic to the United States.
Craps in America
In the early 1800s, the game of craps gained popularity in the United States, particularly in New Orleans, Louisiana. Around this time, a gambling entrepreneur named John H. Winn helped refine the rules of the game to make it more accessible to a broader audience. He introduced the “don’t pass” and “come” bets, which became integral parts of the game’s modern ruleset.
By the mid-20th century, craps had become a mainstay in casinos, thanks to its inclusion in the gaming floors of Las Vegas. The game's popularity exploded during the 1940s and 1950s, and it continues to be a favorite among casino-goers today.
How to Play Craps: Rules and Gameplay
At first glance, craps can seem overwhelming due to the complex array of betting options. However, the basic rules are easy to understand, and with a little practice, anyone can learn how to play this exciting game.
The Craps Table Layout
The craps table is divided into several sections where players place their bets. These areas include betting zones for “Pass Line” bets, “Don’t Pass” bets, “Come” bets, and “Don’t Come” bets, among others. Players also have the option to place bets on specific numbers and combinations of numbers. Understanding these sections and how the betting works is key to playing craps effectively.
The Role of the Shooter
The game starts with a player acting as the “shooter.” The shooter rolls the dice, and all other players bet on the outcome of that roll. The dice are rolled onto the table, and the shooter must hit the back wall of the table to ensure the roll is valid.
The Come-Out Roll
On the first roll of the dice, known as the “come-out roll,” the shooter aims to establish a point. If the roll results in a 7 or 11, the Pass Line bet wins, and the round ends. If the roll results in a 2, 3, or 12, the Don’t Pass bet wins, and the round also ends. If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “point,” and the game continues.
Rolling for the Point
If a point is established, the shooter will continue rolling the dice until one of two outcomes occurs:
- If the shooter rolls the point number again before rolling a 7, the Pass Line bet wins, and the round ends.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 before the point number, the Pass Line bet loses, and the round ends.
The Don’t Pass bets work in the opposite way: Players win if a 7 is rolled before the point, and they lose if the point number is rolled again.
Types of Bets in Craps
Craps offers a wide variety of betting options, each with its own set of odds and payouts. Some of the most common bets include:
Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line bet is one of the most popular and straightforward bets in craps. It is placed before the come-out roll, and players win if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, and lose if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point, and players must wait for the shooter to roll the point number again to win.
Don't Pass Bet
The Don't Pass bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Players win if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, and lose if it’s a 7 or 11. If the come-out roll is a 12, the bet results in a push. If a point is established, the Don't Pass bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
Come Bet
The Come bet is similar to the Pass Line bet, but it can be placed after the come-out roll. The player is betting that the next roll will result in a 7 or 11, which would win the bet, or a point will be established. The odds are the same as the Pass Line bet.
Don't Come Bet
The Don't Come bet works like the Don't Pass bet but is placed after the come-out roll. It wins if the next roll results in a 2 or 3 and loses if it’s a 7 or 11. If the roll results in a point, the player is betting that the shooter will roll a 7 before the point is rolled again.
Odds Bets
Odds bets can be placed after a point is established and are made in addition to Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets. These bets offer the best odds in craps because they are "free" bets with no house edge. Players bet on whether the point will be rolled before a 7, and the odds are based on the point number.
Fun Facts About Craps
Craps has a long and storied history, and there are plenty of interesting and fun facts about the game that make it even more intriguing. Here are some of the most fascinating aspects of craps:
1. Craps Was Once Banned in the U.S.
In the early 19th century, craps was illegal in many parts of the United States. In fact, the game was banned in New York City in the early 1800s due to its popularity among gamblers. Despite these bans, the game managed to remain part of the gambling scene in various other regions.
2. Famous Craps Players
Over the years, craps has attracted many legendary players. One famous figure is “The Dice Doctor,” who became renowned for his ability to influence dice rolls using precise techniques. Though dice control is highly controversial and debated in the craps community, it has certainly contributed to the game’s allure.
3. The Origin of the Name “Craps”
The name "craps" is believed to come from the French word "crapaud," meaning toad. This refers to the squatting position that players would often take when they were rolling the dice. The term “craps” was popularized in the United States, where it became synonymous with the dice game.
4. The Probability of Rolling a 7
In craps, the 7 is one of the most commonly rolled numbers, and it plays a crucial role in the game. Statistically, the probability of rolling a 7 with two six-sided dice is 16.67%, making it the most likely number to come up. This is part of the reason why so many bets revolve around the roll of a 7.
Conclusion
Craps is a thrilling, fast-paced dice game with a rich history and many betting options. While it may seem complicated at first, understanding the basic rules and strategies can make the game incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re betting on the Pass Line or experimenting with more advanced wagers, craps offers endless excitement for players of all skill levels. So the next time you find yourself at the craps table, remember these rules, tips, and fun facts to help you make the most of your experience. Good luck, and may the dice roll in your favor!
