Shooting Craps
The Basics of Craps
To begin a round of craps, the shooter (the person with the dice) makes a come-out roll. If the initial roll is a seven or eleven (known as a “natural”), anyone who wagered on the “Pass Line” wins (with “Don’t Pass” bets losing).
Shooting Craps Game
If the first roll results in a two, three, or twelve, then anyone who bet on the “Don’t Pass Line” wins or, in the case of a twelve, has their wager pushed (with the “Pass Line” losing).
- Craps is a group game that can get pretty loud as bettors show enthusiasm for one another. When you’re not rolling the dice, root for the shooter to win the line bet or roll the point as quickly as possible. If you happen to go against the shooter with a don’t pass or don’t come bet, stay quiet to avoid spoiling the fun.
- Craps Check: Betting on any craps during the come out roll to hedge your pass line bet. Don't Come bet: A don't pass bet made after the point is established. Don't Pass bet: A bet that the shooter will not make his point. Double odds: An odds bet that is twice the size of the original pass/come bet. Some casinos offer higher odds.
When the result is any other number, this becomes the “point.” The shooter then continues to roll, and his objective is to get the point again before a seven is rolled. Pass bets will win if he is successful, while Don’t Pass wagers are paid for unsuccessful attempts.
However, controlled shooting (a.k.a. Dice control) is a proposed method of circumventing the house edge. Controlled shooting sees you grip and toss dice the same way every time, in hopes of producing desired results. Of course, you have no chance to consistently roll the numbers you want.
The first time you play free online craps, it may feel as though you’re competing in a game from another planet.
With numerous betting options and a fast pace, craps have a different feel from other casino games like video poker or blackjack. Craps can be learned easily through a bit of practice and patience.
Advantages of Free Online Craps
Playing free online craps has several advantages. Some of these include:
Quiet – While some might view the lack of crowd interaction as a negative, it can actually be beneficial to those who are still learning the basics of the game.
Solo Play – Another advantage of playing solo is the ability to move at your own pace and consult a crib sheet without getting embarrassed. If you’re unfamiliar with the game, this can be a major benefit.
Free – This one is a no-brainer, as free online craps doesn’t cost anything to play. If you’re going to sharpen your skills, why not do it when there isn’t money on the line? If you’re the type who likes to play in land-based casinos, online craps will also save you money on gas, hotel accommodations, and airfare.
Convenience – Playing online is more convenient than visiting a land-based casino, as all the games are only a click away. You won’t have to deal with casino patrons, many of whom seem to have forgotten all about social graces. There’s also the convenience of not having to walk around with a wad of cash, as all your funds are kept online and managed by the casino software.
Once you’ve honed your skills at the free table, you’ll be ready to graduate to low or high limit craps. For now, let’s focus on the many versions of free craps.
Craps rules determine how a typical round of dice shooting happens. Craps rules are easy to learn, though the game has a lot of slang and terminology which might cause issues for beginners. Craps also has a lot of different bets, so a tutorial is needed when learning to play craps.
Before we discuss the rules pertaining to a typical hand, I want to point out a few specific rules. These special rules should be remembered when playing craps. This is especially true for shooters.
Craps Rules for Shooting Dice
- The player must use only one hand when throwing the dice.
- Do not hold the dice under the table. Keep them in the line of sight of dealers and other players.
- The dice must hit the wall on the other side of the table when throwing the dice.
- If one or both dice are thrown off the table, the stickman (or another dealer) must inspect them before using them again.
- Players can decline to be the shooter. If so, the dice go to the next bettor to the player’s left.
Rolling the Dice
Shooting Craps Lingo
A single round of craps is divided into two parts: the come-out roll and the point roll. A player known as the “shooter” rolls two dice to determine results. Each involves the placement of bets, though one is contingent on the other. If a player either rolls a “7” or craps out on the come-out roll, then that round of betting ends. Since there is a sequence to the game, let’s start with the basic roll in craps.