There are many casino table games you can play at both a brick-and-mortar and online casino, but few have the reputation and style of craps, a simple but exciting dice game that’s been played for hundreds of years.
Even though luck decides how the dice will land after you roll them down a craps table, there are still many who look for some kind of advantage to help them understand and win a game. One of the tools that some new craps players have turned to is the craps odds chart.
Let’s look at the rules of craps and then dive into everything you need to know about craps odds charts and some craps tips to help you out when you play.
How To Play Craps
On the surface, craps seems relatively straightforward. You place a bet, roll the dice down the craps table and see how they land. But there’s a bit more to craps than that.
A game of craps begins with the player, known as the Shooter, placing a line bet (and any other wagers that they want to) and performing the come out roll. This initial roll can have several outcomes. If the Shooter lands a seven or 11, they’ve landed a “natural” and anyone who bet on the pass line wins. If the Shooter lands a two, three or 12, they’ve landed a “craps” and anyone who bet on the pass line loses. Finally, if the shooter lands any other value, that’s known as the “point.”
If the shooter lands a point value, they must roll again, but they have to land the point value again before they roll a seven in order to win. If a shooter rolls a seven after the come-out roll, the game is over, all bets are forfeited and a new Shooter is free to take their place.
If you’re worried about your dice-throwing skills, don’t worry, that’s not the only way to bet and win in craps. Other gamblers are free to wager on the outcome of a game as well, with gamblers placing their bets on the many different wagering options available at the craps table. If the Shooter lands the right dice combination, they can also walk away with a win.
Here are some of the main bets that you can wager on, whether you’re the Shooter or just a spectator who wants to wager on the outcome of the game.
- Pass line bet: This is the most popular bet, with a house edge of only 1.41%. This wager works by a gambler placing a bet that the Shooter will land a come-out roll of seven or 11 before they land a two, three or 12.
- Don’t pass line bet: This is the opposite of a pass-line bet, with gamblers wagering on a two or three to win, with a seven or 11 costing them their wager. However, it differs slightly from a pass-line bet in the sense that if the Shooter lands a 12, a push (or draw) is declared.
- Come bet: This bet is the same as the pass-line bet but can only be placed after the shooter has set the point.
- Don’t-come bet: This bet is the same as the don’t-pass-line bet but can only be placed after the shooter has set the point.
There are just a few of the bets that you can place in craps, so be sure to read up on all the different wagers and how they work before you place a bet in a game of craps.
What is a Craps Odds Chart?
Now that you’ve been introduced to the basic rules of craps, it’s time to learn exactly what a craps odds chart is. A craps odds chart is a chart that shows the different possible dice combinations, the probability that you will land a specific combination and the payout odds. Some odds charts may also include the house edge and other information.
It is a tool that players can use to help them make the best choice when playing.
How to Use a Craps Odds Chart
There are plenty of existing craps odds charts available online. Some are more detailed than others, but you can browse through the available options and choose one that suits your needs. Once you have a chart that works for you, you can refer to it for the information you need when necessary.
Making Your Own Craps Odds Chart
If you’re unable to find a craps odds chart with all the information you’d like, it’s easy to create your own. Simply create a table with as many columns and rows as necessary to include all the information you’d like on your craps odds chart. You may want to include the following:
- The different dice combinations.
- The likelihood of your landing a specific combination (also known as true odds.)
- The payout odds for each combination.
- The house edge.
- The odds for specific bets.
Can a Craps Odds Chart Help You Play and Win?
A craps chart can help you win by ensuring that you have all the information you need at your fingertips so that you make the best decision each time you place a wager. Sadly, only Lady Luck knows what the outcome of each dice roll will be (and she’s not telling,) so even if you have a craps odds chart, you’re still going to have to wait and see how the dice land each time a shooter sends them rolling.
Tips For Playing Craps Online
If you’re looking for some craps betting tips and strategies, or maybe even some advice on how you should roll the dice in craps, here are some quick and easy tips that you can take advantage of:
- Wager on bets with the lowest house edge: While the bets with the lowest house edge may not offer the highest payouts, you’re more likely to win when you place a bet on a wager with a low house edge.
- Take advantage of bonuses and promotions: Many virtual casinos offer excellent promotions, such as matching deposit bonuses, welcome bonuses and more, that allow you to get more bang for your buck when playing online casino games. Be sure to use these to your benefit when playing craps online.
- Remember that craps is a pure game of chance: There’s no doubt that it would be great to be able to practise or learn new skills that can help you win more consistently but remember that each roll of the dice and the outcome will be decided by luck. Each roll is a “fresh start” so don’t assume that the outcome of future dice rolls might be affected by previous ones.
Roll the Bones at Borgata Online
If you’re looking for thrilling games of craps you can find them at Borgata Online. We have a variety of craps games in both digital and live dealer formats, allowing you to experience the best of the virtual and traditional game from the comfort of your home.
But that’s not all we have to offer at our online casino. When you play at our casino online, you can also enjoy exciting gambling experiences such as online slots, blackjack, roulette, poker and more – also available as digital or live dealer casino games.
Register at Borgata Online to enjoy all these games of chance and more.