Craps is a popular casino game that often looks complex to beginners due to the variety of betting options available. However, once you break down the game and understand the best bets, it becomes a thrilling experience, and you can play with confidence. If you’re new to the game and looking to try your luck at a South African casino, knowing the best craps bets is essential to boost your chances of winning. This article will walk you through the basics of craps, explain the rules, and highlight the best bets to make as a beginner.
What is Craps?
Craps is an exciting and fast-paced dice game that has become a favorite in casinos around the world, including those in South Africa. At its core, craps revolves around the outcome of two six-sided dice being rolled. Players place bets on the result of these rolls or the sequence of rolls, with various options to wager on different possible outcomes. While the rules of the game are relatively straightforward, the variety of betting choices is what makes craps both thrilling and complex, especially for newcomers.
The game begins with the “come-out roll,” where players place their bets on what the result of the dice will be. The primary bets are placed on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line. If the shooter, the person rolling the dice, rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, those who bet on the Pass Line win. Conversely, a roll of 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss for those betting on the Pass Line. The excitement continues as players bet on other possibilities, including whether certain numbers will be rolled again before a seven, which would end the round.
One of the most exciting aspects of craps is the social environment it creates. Players gather around the table, placing their bets, watching the dice, and celebrating victories together. The energy and tension around the craps table make it a unique experience compared to other casino games. Whether playing at a local casino in South Africa or online, the interaction and thrill of the game are palpable. Many players also enjoy the camaraderie and the shared experience of watching the shooter roll the dice, making it a social event as much as a gambling game.
Craps also stands out due to its strategic depth. While beginners often start with simple bets, more experienced players learn how to maximize their chances by understanding the odds of different bets. For instance, placing an “odds” bet after a point has been established offers the best payout without any house edge, making it one of the most profitable strategies. With a little practice, players can quickly grasp the flow of the game and start making more informed decisions, enhancing both their enjoyment and their chances of winning.
How to Play Craps: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the best craps bets, it’s essential to understand how the game works. Craps is a dice game, typically played with two six-sided dice. The aim of the game is to predict the outcome of the dice rolls, and there are many betting options available. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the game is played:
- The Come Out Roll:
- The game starts with the come out roll, which is the first roll of the dice.
- Players place their bets before this roll occurs.
- The shooter (the person rolling the dice) can win or lose immediately based on the result of the roll.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come out roll, those who bet on the Pass Line win.
- If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, those who bet on the Pass Line lose.
- Any other result establishes a “point” number.
- Establishing the Point:
- If the come out roll does not result in an immediate win or loss, the shooter will continue by establishing a point.
- The point is the number rolled on the come out roll (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10).
- Once a point is established, the shooter must keep rolling the dice with the goal of rolling the point number again before rolling a 7.
- If the shooter rolls the point number again before a 7, those who bet on the Pass Line win.
- If a 7 is rolled before the point number, those who bet on the Pass Line lose.
- The Point Phase Continues:
- The shooter continues rolling the dice, trying to hit the point number again.
- Players can place additional bets during the point phase.
- The round continues until the point is either rolled again or a 7 is rolled, which ends the round (this is called “sevening out”).
- After a “seven out,” the game resets with a new come out roll.
- The Role of the Other Bets:
- Players can place additional bets that are separate from the Pass and Don’t Pass Line bets.
- These include bets like the Come, Don’t Come, Place, Field, and others.
- Each of these bets has different odds and payout structures, adding layers of strategy to the game.
- It’s essential to understand the various betting options and how they affect your chances of winning before placing your wagers.
Understanding the Layout of the Craps Table
| Bet Type | Description | When to Place | How to Win | Payouts |
| Pass Line | One of the most common bets, placed before the come-out roll. | Before the come-out roll. | You win if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11. If a point is established, you win if the point is rolled again before a 7. | 1:1 (Even Money) |
| Don’t Pass Line | The opposite of the Pass Line. You place this bet before the come-out roll, betting against the shooter. | Before the come-out roll. | You win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 (12 is a push). You lose if the come-out roll is 7 or 11. If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point. | 1:1 (Even Money) |
| Come Bet | Similar to the Pass Line bet, but can be placed after the come-out roll. | After the come-out roll. | You win if the next roll is 7 or 11. If another point is rolled, the bet moves to that number, and you win if it is rolled again before a 7. | 1:1 (Even Money) |
| Don’t Come Bet | Similar to the Don’t Pass Line bet, but can be placed after the come-out roll. | After the come-out roll. | You win if the next roll is 2 or 3. If another point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before that point number. | 1:1 (Even Money) |
| Odds Bet | A bet placed after a point has been established, with payouts based on true odds. It is often seen as one of the best bets in craps. | After a point is established. | You win if the point number is rolled before a 7. This bet pays out at true odds based on the point number. | Varies: 2:1 for 4/10, 3:2 for 5/9, 6:5 for 6/8 |
Best Craps Bets for Beginners in South Africa
When you’re just starting out with craps, it’s important to choose bets that are easy to understand and offer a good chance of winning. Understanding the best craps bets for beginners is essential for maximizing your chances of success, especially when you’re playing in South Africa. Here are the most beginner-friendly bets that you should consider.
The Pass Line Bet is arguably the best option for beginners. It’s one of the simplest and most popular bets, making it an ideal starting point. You place the Pass Line bet before the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win. If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number establishes the “point,” and you win if the point is rolled again before a 7. The Pass Line bet has a low house edge, meaning you’re more likely to win in the long run. This simplicity and favorable odds make it the perfect choice for new players.
Another great option is the Don’t Pass Line Bet. This bet is similar to the Pass Line bet but works in the opposite way. While the Pass Line bet is about hoping for a 7 or 11, the Don’t Pass Line bet is about betting that the shooter won’t succeed. You win if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, and you lose if it’s a 7 or 11. If the roll is 12, the bet is a push (no one wins). Once a point is established, the shooter must roll a 7 before the point to win. The Don’t Pass Line has slightly better odds for the player than the Pass Line, and although it might seem unconventional to bet against the shooter, it’s one of the smartest bets in the game for beginners.
For those who are already familiar with the concept of the Pass Line but want to make their bets after the come-out roll, the Come Bet is another excellent choice. It works much like the Pass Line bet, but instead of placing it before the first roll, you place it after the come-out roll. If the next roll is a 7 or 11, you win. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number establishes a “come point,” and you must roll that same number again before a 7 to win. The Come Bet is simple to understand and provides a good chance of winning.
Why These Bets Are Best for Beginners
As a beginner, it’s essential to make informed decisions when choosing bets in craps. Some bets are more suited to newcomers because they offer simplicity, good odds, and the opportunity to control risk. Here’s why the bets mentioned earlier are ideal for beginners:
- Low House Edge: The bets that have the lowest house edge are the best for beginners. A low house edge means that you’re more likely to win over time because the casino’s advantage is minimized. For example, Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets have one of the lowest house edges in the game, making them favorable for new players.
- Simple to Understand: Craps can be a confusing game with many different types of bets, but the best bets for beginners are straightforward and easy to grasp. Bets like the Pass Line, Come Bet, and Don’t Pass Line are based on clear rules. Understanding the outcome of these bets is intuitive: you either win or lose based on the roll of the dice.
- Clear Outcomes Based on Dice Rolls: The simple bets in craps provide clear outcomes based directly on the dice rolls. There’s no need for complex calculations or strategies; you can easily tell whether you’ve won or lost based on the numbers rolled. For a beginner, this simplicity allows you to focus on learning the flow of the game without worrying about intricate rules.
- Control Over Risk: One of the most important things to consider when you’re just starting is controlling your risk. Many beginner-friendly bets like the Pass Line and Come Bet allow you to limit your exposure while still giving you a good chance of winning. These bets don’t require large stakes, so you can start small while you get comfortable with the game.
- Strategic Flexibility: While craps may seem fast-paced, sticking to simple bets gives you room to develop a strategy at your own pace. You can gradually start to understand the rhythm of the game, learning when to bet and when to step back. With more complex bets, the pace of the game can become overwhelming, but simple bets give you time to get acclimated without feeling rushed.
- Less Overwhelming for New Players: When you’re new to craps, the sheer number of betting options can be overwhelming. By focusing on bets with a low house edge and simple rules, you limit the risk of making mistakes. This allows you to enjoy the game without becoming too confused by the variety of options available.
Tips for Beginners Playing Craps in South Africa
| Tip | Description | Benefits | How to Apply | Additional Advice |
| Start Small | Begin with smaller bets to reduce your risk. | This allows you to get comfortable with the game without risking large sums of money. | Start with the minimum bet allowed at the table. Focus on understanding the rules before increasing your wager. | It’s important not to feel pressured to bet large amounts right away. Take your time to learn the game at your own pace. |
| Practice Online | Use online casinos to practice craps for free. | Online practice helps you familiarize yourself with the rules and pace of the game without financial risk. | Take advantage of free-to-play craps games to practice the various bets and outcomes before playing with real money. | Many online platforms have tutorial modes to guide you, helping you get used to the different bets and strategies. |
| Watch the Game | Observe a few rounds before placing your bets. | Watching others can help you understand the flow and betting patterns. | Sit at the table and watch the players. Pay attention to the types of bets they place and the dealer’s instructions. | Watching a game will help you understand the rhythm of craps and how experienced players approach the game. |
| Manage Your Bankroll | Set a budget and stick to it, regardless of the outcome. | Proper bankroll management ensures you don’t overspend and can keep playing for longer. | Determine how much you’re willing to lose before you start, and avoid increasing your bets after losses. | Make sure to factor in your bankroll for the entire session, and avoid the temptation to bet more after a losing streak. |
Understanding the Importance of Bankroll Management in Craps
When playing craps, one of the most critical aspects to focus on is bankroll management. While the excitement of the game may drive you to place multiple bets, it’s essential to establish clear boundaries regarding how much money you’re willing to risk. By setting a budget before you even step up to the table, you can avoid the temptation to overspend and ensure that you’re only risking what you can afford to lose. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, managing your bankroll properly is key to having a long-lasting and enjoyable craps experience.
A common mistake among beginners is to place bets without considering how much money they’ve brought to the table. Craps is a fast-paced game, and it can be easy to get caught up in the thrill of the action. However, without a solid budget in place, you might end up spending more than you intended. A good rule of thumb is to break your total bankroll into smaller amounts for each session and stick to it. This way, if you lose a few rounds, you won’t wipe out your entire bankroll.
Additionally, it’s essential to differentiate between your gambling money and your personal finances. Keeping your funds separate allows you to be more disciplined and helps prevent impulsive decisions that could lead to financial issues. It’s also worth noting that you should only gamble with money that you’re comfortable losing. The key to successful bankroll management is understanding that you’re playing for fun and entertainment, not as a way to make money.
Lastly, always remember that it’s better to walk away from the table when you’ve reached your limit than to keep chasing losses. Many experienced players will tell you that knowing when to quit is just as important as knowing when to bet. By sticking to your budget and walking away when you reach your predetermined limit, you’ll protect yourself from unnecessary losses and be able to come back another day with a fresh mindset.
