12 Craps Tips for Winning More Often
Craps might seem like a simple pastime, but it's actually been going through a slow metamorphosis that started all the way back in the 14th century with an English game known as "hazard". It's underwent a number of permutations since that time, with the current version migrating to the United States (via New Orleans) in the first half of the 19th century. It now ranks as one of the most popular casino games on the planet, standing alongside gambling giants such as blackjack and roulette.
In a lot of ways, craps personifies the hobby of gambling in a casino. Not only does it combine a visual element that's sure to lure in players, but it also presents the potential for big wins on long odds. Perhaps even more importantly, those who bother to pay attention can find a few wagering options that are among the best at any online or brick-and-mortar facility.
While the virtual version of the game lacks the pizzazz of its land-based counterpart, it can still provide players with hours of enjoyment. If you're thinking about giving the online edition a try, be sure to take a long look at my 12 craps tips for winning more often. These tidbits of advice might not lead to a payout on every roll, but I'm confident that your overall game should see an improvement.
1. Use the Chat Feature
The land-based version of craps is a social game, and much of this is lost when it takes place online. However, it doesn't have to be entirely devoid of interaction with other gamblers, as some craps tables allow for multiple players and even offer a chat feature. If you want to recreate the excitement of brick-and-mortar craps, then take advantage of this option whenever possible.
2. Practice Makes Perfect...Sort Of
No amount of practice is going to help you roll sevens consistently, but you can get a better feel for the betting options by playing a free version of craps. These programs can be found all over the Internet, and you'll be able to make the same wagers that a paying customer would. Just don't spend too much time here, as each free bet is one that could've been making you money at the casino.
3. Avoid the Prop Bets
Proposition bets are resolved on a single roll of the dice, but they also offer the worst odds at the table. The house edge ranges from 11.1% to 16.67%, which more than cancels out the allure of their generous payoffs. When you're ready to make a wager, skip these options and look for something else.
4. Don't Worry about Bonuses
Most casinos offer a sign-up bonus to encourage new customers to open an account, but craps players shouldn't worry about this perk. That's because sign-up bonuses have wagering requirements that must be fulfilled before the bonus can be withdrawn, and craps usually counts 0% towards meeting this demand.
5. Forget about Dice Control
At land-based casinos, some players swear they can control the spin of the dice. While this claim is subject to debate, there's no point in worrying about it at a virtual establishment. No matter how you click on the buttons, it's not going to have an impact on the roll.
6. Concentrate on Having Fun
If you're sitting down at the craps table to make a consistent profit, then you're playing for the wrong reason. The ultimate objective should be to have fun, with any payouts viewed as icing on top of the cake. Try to savor the excitement of each roll, and don't be afraid to try another game if craps ever starts feeling like a chore.
7. Take the Free Odds on the Pass Line
Once the point has been established, the player is allowed to increase their pass line wager by doing what's known as "taking the odds." These wagers pay at true odds (2 to 1, 3 to 2, and 6 to 5), which eliminates the house edge and makes them the strongest betting option at the casino. A house multiple determines how much you can increase your wager, and this often ranges from 5x to 100x. Obviously, finding a casino with a higher multiple is always desirable.
8. Try Place Bets for Six or Eight
The player bets that the 6 or 8 will turn up before a 7. This wager carries a decent house edge of 1.52%, and it pays 7 to 6 ($7 payout on a $6 wager). If you're looking for a solid craps bet that isn't a pass or don't pass, then this is one to focus on.
9. Lay on Six and Eight
With this wager, the player is betting that the 7 will be rolled before a 6 or 8. The 7 has a 16.67% of turning up on any roll, while the 6 and 8 each have a 13.89%. While the margin for error isn't great, the 5 to 6 payout make this my favorite lay bet.
10. Learn the Chances for Each Roll
As we learned in the last section, knowing the odds for each roll can have a dramatic impact on your overall game. I suggest memorizing the percentage chance for each value, and here's a helpful chart to get your started:
11. Stay Focused
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game, although virtual players aren't nearly as susceptible as their land-based counterparts. Whether you're winning or suffering through a cold streak, always keep your emotions in check.
12. Know When to Walk Away
No matter how kind Lady Luck has been to you during a session, she's bound to give you the cold shoulder sooner or later. If you want to log out on a high note, try to develop a sort of sixth sense about the flow of the game. When you feel that the tide is starting to turn against you, don't be afraid to call it a night and depart with your winnings.
