Online Casino blog

Craps History

Craps has been around for a long time, it has a long and rich history. According to the historians, craps has been played since the times of the crusades. The game of craps is believed to be derived from the game Hazard. The person that invented Hazard is Sir William of Tyre. The English nobility appreciated the game during the 17th century and enjoyed playing it.

The game eventually found its way to France, where it was a big hit. The French renamed the game and called it “crabs”. The term crabs also referred to the lowest value dice roll. The game then spread to The United States, where it was originally played in Mississippi river boats.

John H. Winn, a famous dice maker, had a great influence of the game. He actually revolutionized craps by changing the layout of the board and introducing the “Don’t pass bets” area.

Types of Craps

There 3 main types of craps played in the world today:

- Casino craps;

This type of game is played in a casino, just as the name suggests. It obeys the rules of the game and the terms and regulations of the casino. Special tables and precision dice are used.

- Street craps;

This type of game is played in the streets, just as the name suggests. It is very informal and it is popular amongst soldiers and students looking to pass the time. A craps table is not required and all types of dice are used.

- Online craps.

The popular game of casino craps has been transformed thanks to science. This type of craps is similar to casino craps, just that it is played in an online casino and not in a land based casino. While some craps players consider online craps as dull since there is no crowd, other players consider this an advantage as they get to better focus on the game.

The best part about online craps is that you can always play a game for free. Most online casinos offer free variations of the game they offer, including craps. Since you are online you could also check out information regarding craps strategies, history, vocabulary, and even tips.

Craps Rules

The first thing that you must know is that craps is a dice game. When playing craps you are playing against the casino and not against other players at the craps table. Usually a large crowd will form around the craps table, giving the participants a sense of camaraderie.

The shooter is the player that gets to roll the dice. The outcome of the game depends on his roll. Each player around the table will get his chance to be the shooter. The first throw of the dice is known as the come-out roll.

There are several rules that apply to the “come-out roll”. “Natural” means that the shooter has rolled a 7 or 11. In this case the pass line bet wins. “Craps” means that the shooter has rolled a 2, 3 or 12. In this case the do not pass line bet wins. The do not pass bet ties if the shooter rolled a 12.

If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 as his come-out roll then this number becomes his “point”. The stickman will place a puck on the table layout, on the number that the shooter has rolled. The puck has the word “on” written on it and serves as a reminder of the shooter’s point.

The outcome of pass line or do not pass line bets will not be decided at this time. The shooter will continue to roll the dice. Pass line bets will win if he will roll the same number as his “point”. But if he rolls a 7 before the point number then all pass line bets will be lost. The round will end, losing bets will be collected and winning bets will be paid.

The same player will be the shooter for the next round. He will continue to be the shooter until he sevens out. This means that as long as he rolls naturals or as long as he makes the point he will continue to be the shooter. But if he rolls a 7 before the point number, then he sevens out. Another player will be asked to be the shooter. This is done in a clockwise manner.

The Craps Table and Betting options

The craps table itself is similar to a blackjack table. It is covered with felt, each end is a mirror image of the opposite and it is really long. It does not need to be so long, but the casinos made it so long in order to let more players gamble at the same time.

The “crew” is the official name for all the people standing around the craps table. On each side of the table you will see two dealers. They are responsible for their half of the table. Their responsibilities include exchanging cash to chips and collecting or paying off bets. The seated boxman is found in between the two dealers. He will keep an eye on the crew and all the betting. If any problem arises he will solve it.

Across the table from the seated boxman you will see the stickman. He is called this way because he has a big, curved stick which he uses to push and pull the dice. He is responsible for setting the pace of the game, announcing the outcome of a roll and keeping track of the center bets. Some players are attracted by their calls while others are intimidated and avoid the craps table because of this.

On the craps table you will find these betting areas:

- Pass and Don’t Pass Line betting area;
- Come and Don’t Come betting area;
- Odds Bets;
- Place Bets;
- Field Bets.

Note that there are several other bets that you can place, such Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come, Place, Odds, Field, Buy, Lay, Proposition Bets, C & E Split, Big 6 and Big 8, Any Seven, Any 11, Horn and Hop Bets. For additional information about them consult craps sites or expert articles.

Craps Etiquette

The crowds that gather around the craps table tend to be very particular about craps etiquette. So if you are playing craps in a land based casino, keep the following things in mind:

- Never say “seven” because it is considered bad luck and craps players are rather superstitious. Say “big red” instead.

- Do not leave the table after a successful come out roll because it is considered bad luck.

- Do not change the dice in the middle of a roll because it is considered bad luck.

- Keep your arms and elbows out of the way. You must not interfere with the roll in any way.

- Do not place food or drinks on the table rail.

- Do not place late bets. Place your bets while the dice are in the middle of the table.

- Remember to tip the dealers, especially if you had a run of good luck.