Craps is an exhilarating and speedy dice game that has been a cornerstone in casinos across the globe for ages. Its roots, which dig deep into history, and the thrilling nature of the game, captivate both novices and seasoned players. This all-inclusive guide delves into the history of craps, clarifies the rules, examines various betting strategies, and shares interesting trivia to deepen your appreciation of the game.
The History of Craps and Dice
The beginnings of craps are as captivating as the game itself. Emerging from ancient societies, craps transformed into the modern-day casino game we know, boasting a vivid history that spans millennia.
The Ancient Beginnings of Dice
For over 5,000 years, dice have been used for gaming and prognostication, evidenced by discoveries in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. The ancient Egyptians reportedly incorporated dice in burial customs, while dice games enjoyed popularity amongst both Roman soldiers and civilians.
The notion of utilizing dice to produce random results paved the way for numerous contemporary casino games, such as craps. While dice-based games thrived in various civilizations, craps as we know it today began to form around the 1600s.
The Birth of Craps in France
The game of craps is thought to have originated from an ancient French game called 'hazard', prevalent in the 17th century. It was a complex dice game focused on betting on roll outcomes, gaining immense popularity within French high society.
Hazard crossed into England, where it underwent simplification, acquiring the name 'craps'. The term is likely derived from 'crapaud,' a French word for toad, reflecting the crouched position players took when rolling dice. By the 1800s, craps had migrated to the U.S.
Craps in America
During the early 1800s, craps gained traction in the United States, especially in New Orleans, Louisiana. An entrepreneur named John H. Winn played a crucial role in modifying the rules, introducing elements like the 'don't pass' and 'come' bets, now essential facets of the game’s current rules.
By the mid-20th century, craps became a prominent fixture in casinos, with its expansion on the floors of Las Vegas establishments. The 1940s and 1950s saw its popularity surge, and it remains a beloved choice among casino patrons.
How to Play Craps: Rules and Gameplay
To a newcomer, craps might seem daunting with its plethora of betting choices. Yet, its basic rules are straightforward, and with minimal practice, anyone can learn to enjoy this adrenaline-filled pursuit.
The Craps Table Layout
The craps table features numerous sections for players to place bets. These include spaces for 'Pass Line' bets, 'Don't Pass' bets, 'Come' bets, and 'Don't Come' bets. Additionally, bets can be placed on certain numbers and combinations. Understanding these sections and betting mechanics is vital for effective play.
The Role of the Shooter
Gameplay begins with a player taking on the role of the 'shooter'. The shooter casts the dice while others wager on the result. It’s crucial for the dice to hit the table's back wall to count as a legitimate roll.
The Come-Out Roll
The initial dice throw, known as the 'come-out roll', is where the shooter tries to set a point. If the roll yields a 7 or 11, the Pass Line bet wins, ending the round. A roll of 2, 3, or 12 secures a win for the Don't Pass bet, concluding the round. A roll of any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) establishes the 'point', allowing the game to continue.
Rolling for the Point
Once a point is fixed, the shooter keeps rolling the dice until one of two scenarios happens:
- If the point number reappears before rolling a 7, the Pass Line bet claims victory, and the round concludes.
- Should a 7 appear prior to hitting the point number again, the Pass Line bet goes bust, ending the round.
The Don't Pass bets are inverse: Winning occurs if a 7 is rolled prior to the point, while rolling the point number again results in a loss.
Types of Bets in Craps
Craps offers a vast array of betting opportunities, each with unique odds and potential returns. Notable bets include:
Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line bet ranks among the simplest craps wagers. Placed before the come-out roll, players win if the roll is a 7 or 11 and lose if it results in a 2, 3, or 12. If a different number rolls, that number becomes the point, and players wait for the point number to be rolled again to succeed.
Don’t Pass Bet
The Don't Pass bet effectively serves as the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Players succeed if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3 and fail if it's a 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a stalemate. If a point forms, the Don't Pass bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number reoccurs.
Come Bet
The Come bet mirrors the Pass Line bet but can be placed post come-out roll. Players anticipate the next roll to be a 7 or 11, resulting in a win, or for a point to be confirmed. Its odds match those of the Pass Line bet.
Don’t Come Bet
The Don't Come bet, akin to the Don't Pass bet, is set after the come-out roll. A win results from a roll of 2 or 3, while a roll of 7 or 11 signifies a loss. If a point is set, the bet wins if a 7 appears before re-rolling the point.
Odds Bets
Odds bets can be introduced after a point is fixed, supplementing Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come wagers. These bets offer outstanding craps odds as they are 'free' bets without a house advantage. Players bet on whether a point emerges before a 7, with odds determined by the point number.
Fun Facts About Craps
Craps boasts a lengthy, intriguing history, rich with captivating facts that add to the game's allure. These highlights showcase some of the most intriguing elements of craps:
1. Craps Was Once Banned in the U.S.
In the early 1800s, craps was outlawed in several U.S. territories, including an early ban in New York City, spurred by its gambler-driven popularity. Despite the restrictions, craps remained a gambling staple across different regions.
2. Famous Craps Players
Throughout its history, craps has drawn numerous legendary participants. One notable character is 'The Dice Doctor', famed for allegedly manipulating dice rolls with precision. Although dice control remains a contentious topic within the craps community, it undeniably adds to the game's mystique.
3. The Origin of the Name “Craps”
The term 'craps' likely stems from the French 'crapaud', meaning toad. This nods to players' crouched stance when casting dice. The name gained traction in the United States, becoming synonymous with the dice game.
4. The Probability of Rolling a 7
In craps, the number 7 holds immense significance due to its frequency in rolls. Statistically, rolling a 7 with two six-sided dice occurs at a 16.67% probability, making it the most recurrent number. This statistics foundation underpins many bets centered around seven.
Conclusion
Craps is an electrifying, brisk dice game rooted in tradition and offering a spectrum of betting prospects. Although complex at first glance, mastering its core rules and techniques proves greatly gratifying. Whether betting on the Pass Line or exploring intricate wagering options, craps delivers infinite excitement for enthusiasts of any skill level. As you step up to the craps table, remember these guidelines, strategies, and intriguing tidbits to maximize your enjoyment. Wishing you good fortune as the dice land in your favor!
