A Basic Introduction to Online Craps

Craps is a fairly complicated game to fully master. Even some expert gamblers struggle to fully grasp craps on their initial introduction to the game. The game can appear very intimidating and this prevents lots of people from trying it out. However, once you understand some of the basic rules, things begin to start becoming clear, and all the rules and bets that appear complicated start to become clear with time as well.

In this article, we'll cover the absolute basics, which will be enough to get you rolling in your first game of craps. Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can start to branch out with different bets and work out the little intricacies of this wonderful game.

We'll start with the layout – each side of the betting layout on a craps table is a mirror image of the other side. There is a centre area of the layout with various different kinds of proposition bets, but we won't need to worry about the centre area just yet. Some online casinos only show one side of the layout and the middle area as there is no real need to show both mirrored areas of the layout.

To place a bet at an online craps table, simply use your mouse to click on which denomination chips you would like to bet with and then click on the area of the layout where you would like to place those chips.

The first bet you need to be aware of is the Pass Line Bet which pays Even Money if you win. It's actually one of the best bets in any casino (online or land-based). Two dice are used for each roll and a new game begins with a Come Out Roll and this is when you place your first bet. On the Come Out Roll, if the shooter rolls a Natural (7 or 11), Pass Line bettors win straight away. If the shooter rolls Craps (2, 3 or 12), Pass Line bettors lose. If the shooter rolls a Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10), the game begins. For the Pass Line bettors to win, the shooter needs to roll that Point again before they roll a Seven. If that cursed number Seven is rolled before the shooter's Point is rolled, Pass Line bettors lose.

There is a bet you can also make called Taking the Odds which gives you the chance to make an additional wager behind your Pass Line Bet. The house takes no commission on this bet, making it an excellent bet to make. You are paid out at true mathematical odds if you win when the shooter makes their Point: 2:1 on the 4 and the 10, 3:2 on the 5 and 9, and 6:5 on the 6 and the 8.

When the shooter rolls a Seven on any roll apart from the Come Out roll, it's called a Seven Out. All wagers are settled (Pass Line bettors and Point bettors lose) and a new game begins with another Come Out roll.

The next simple bet you need to learn is Placing the Six and/or the Eight. You can place this bet at any time and you don't need a Pass Line Bet to be able to place the Six or Eight. Once you've placed a bet on the Six or Eight, if the shooter rolls that number, you'll be paid out at 7:6. You'll lose any wagers you have on the Six or Eight if a Seven is rolled.

You can increase or decrease your Place Bets at any time or take the bets off completely if you wish to do so.

There are many more bets you can make, but hopefully these simple bets will be enough to get you started. The bets above are the best bets you can make playing online craps. Once you are comfortable with these bets, experiment with some other bets and see how you go. Remember, you can always practice for Play Money at any online casino before risking your money playing for real.

Ed note: Play online craps for play money or for real at Golden Palace Casino!

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