Listen up, casino-goers! If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled, high-energy game, look no further than craps. This game is like a wild ride with a group of your closest buddies, complete with tons of cheering and high-fives when those dice come up hot.
Craps is one of those games where you can win big in a flash or lose it all just as quickly, but that’s all part of the fun. When the table gets hot, you better believe that players will stick around for hours on end, soaking up the excitement and trying to keep their lucky streak alive.
But craps isn’t just any old game. It’s got history, baby! People have been playing variations of this dice game for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s easy to learn but hard to master, and it’s always evolving, so there’s never a dull moment.
So, if you want to experience the rush of craps and learn all about its fascinating history, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find out why craps is the king of all dice games.
How to play Craps
Are you ready to learn how to play craps like a pro? It’s understandable if you’re feeling a bit intimidated at first. The craps table is typically a hub of activity, with players crowding around, chips flying left and right, and dealers trying to keep up with the action. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems.
First things first, let’s talk about the bets. While there are countless possible combinations, most seasoned players stick to a few key bets that give them the best chance of winning big. If you want to be a savvy craps player, you’ll need to know which bets to make.
Now, onto the gameplay itself. The objective of craps is to predict the outcome of a roll, or series of rolls, of two dice. A round of craps starts with a “come-out” roll, which can result in an immediate win, loss, or point. From there, players can make various types of bets on the outcome of subsequent rolls.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more nuances to the game, from the various betting options to the etiquette expected of players at the table. Don’t worry, though, with this general guide on how to play craps, you’ll be rolling with the pros in no time.
Craps in a Casino
If you’re a casino-goer, chances are you’ll come across a game of craps sooner or later. While it may seem intimidating at first, it’s actually quite easy to get the hang of. The most popular and simple bet is the Pass Line, which has the best odds of winning.
The game kicks off with the “come out roll.” If the roll results in a 2, 3, or 12, it’s known as “crapping out,” and all Pass Line bets are lost. If the roll is a 7 or 11, however, Pass Line bettors win even money. If the roll lands on a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point number.” The shooter then aims to roll that number again before “sevening out.” If the roll results in a 7, all Pass Line bets are lost, and the dealer collects the chips.
In addition to betting on the Pass Line, players can also “take odds” on their initial bet by placing chips behind it once a point number has been established. This is one of the best bets you can make in a casino, as it pays out the actual true odds of hitting that number. The payout odds vary depending on the point number rolled.
Alternatively, players can bet against the shooter by placing a “Don’t Pass” bet. There are other betting options on the craps table, but these are the basics and the most popular ones for players looking for the best odds.
So, if you’re ready to try your luck at craps, keep it simple and stick to the Pass Line bet, and don’t forget to take odds if the point number is in your favor.
Street Craps
Street craps is a popular version of the game that has been played by gamblers for generations. Unlike the casino version, street craps can be played in any setting and doesn’t require an ornate craps table. Players are generally only focused on hitting their point number, and one player usually acts as the house while another player functions as the shooter. Other players may also be involved, betting for or against the shooter.
Just like in the casino version, a player wins on a roll of 7 or 11 on the come out roll and loses on a roll of 2, 3, or 12. Once a point number is established, the shooter continues rolling the dice, hoping to hit that number.
However, street craps games usually only use the point number as an opportunity for players to win their even-money Pass Line wager. The more advanced and intricate wagers found in the casino version are typically not included.
Despite its informal nature, street craps has a rich history that has evolved alongside the casino version. As you’ve learned how to play craps, you can appreciate how this game has transformed into a beloved classic with a multitude of variations played by gamblers around the world.
Ancient dice games
Rolling dice and placing bets has been a popular pastime since ancient times. The use of dice in wagering can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire, where it’s said that Roman soldiers played dice games using pig knuckles shaved into cubes. These soldiers would toss the cubes into their shields as they awaited their next battle.
Gambling with cards and dice continued to be popular among soldiers in the centuries that followed. In fact, many believe that games played by Roman soldiers inspired the saying “roll the bones,” which is still used today.
By the 13th century, King Alphonso X of Castile, Spain, was so enamored with gambling that he commissioned the Book of Games, a work that featured 98 pages and 150 illustrations. Two-thirds of the book focused on chess, while the rest focused on games of luck and skill, including dice games. The book even offered Alphonso’s views on the correct shape and form of dice to avoid cheating.
The book featured several games that used three dice, including Hazard and Marlota. Both games featured players rolling dice, trying to reach a number before an opponent rolls that number. Hazard is believed to have been invented by England’s Sir William of Tyre during the Crusades around 1125.
Dice gambling games appear to have become popular as traders came and went throughout the region, bringing these games back home. The word “hazard” is apparently derived from the Arabic word “az-zahr,” and it’s believed that Europeans learned of the game following an eighth-century Saracen invasion of Corsica.
While some, like Italian poet Petrarch, were critical of gambling with dice, the popularity of the games continued to grow. The evolution of these games led to the development of modern-day craps, one of the most popular dice games in the world.
As dice games continued to evolve and spread throughout Europe and the Middle East, the popularity of these games continued to grow. Even Italian poet Petrarch, who was considered the father of the Renaissance, wrote about gambling and dice in his work “Remedies for Fortune Fair and Foul,” though he was critical of the practice.
Despite criticism from some, the allure of dice games continued to captivate players, and new variations of these games continued to emerge. Over time, the games began to develop more formal rules and structures, and many of the games played today have deep roots in these early versions of dice games.
Today, craps is one of the most popular and exciting games to play in a casino, with players cheering and high-fiving each other as the dice are rolled. The game has come a long way from the informal street versions played by soldiers in ancient times, but the excitement and thrill of rolling the bones has remained a constant throughout the ages.
So whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the world of gambling, you can appreciate the rich history and evolution of dice games and the important role they have played in the world of gaming and entertainment.
Transitioning More to the Modern Game of Craps
By the 1600s, Hazard had become extremely popular among gambling houses in England and remained so for the next 200 years. Crockford’s Casino, which was founded in London in 1823, became one of the most popular establishments, attracting a wide range of players, including the Duke of Wellington.
The game continued to evolve and spread throughout Europe, eventually making its way to North America, where French settlers in Acadia (which included Nova Scotia, Canada) introduced the game to the region. When the French ceded control of the territory to the British in 1755, many French settlers headed south to Louisiana, where the game continued to evolve.
In New Orleans, the game was altered to make it easier for a house to back the action or to play on the street among friends and acquaintances. It was during this time that the game began to be known as “Craps,” which has become the more modern game that many players recognize today, either at a casino or online.
In fact, according to author David Schwartz, African-Americans were among the first players of American Craps, and likely the inventors of the game. Black roustabouts and other river workers up and down the Mississippi were for years the most eager players of “American dominoes,” which was played as a social game.
Today, Craps is one of the most popular games in casinos around the world, with players placing their bets and cheering as the dice are rolled. While the game has come a long way from its ancient origins, the thrill of rolling the bones and the excitement of the game has remained a constant throughout the ages, making it one of the most beloved and enduring games in the world of gambling and entertainment.
Playing Craps in Today’s Casinos
Today, craps can be found in casinos around the world and is one of the most popular games in the gambling industry. Thanks to the modernization of the game and the efforts of John H. Winn, the “Father of Craps,” players can now enjoy the same game that soldiers played on the front lines in Europe or Southeast Asia, but with more formal rules and structures.
The game’s popularity has only grown over time, and it’s now possible to play craps online as well as in brick-and-mortar casinos. Players can enjoy the game for free or with real money on the line, and the game’s unique jargon has even found its way into everyday conversations.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the world of gambling, craps is a game that offers plenty of excitement and fun, with a deep history that has captured the imaginations of players for centuries. So why not try your luck and see where those dice will take you? Who knows, you may just roll your way to a big win and become the next craps champion.
It’s worth noting that while playing craps for real money is a game of chance, there are certain strategies and techniques that players can use to increase their chances of winning. Some players swear by specific betting systems or techniques, while others rely on their intuition and experience to guide their wagers.
Of course, no strategy is foolproof, and there is always an element of luck involved in any gambling game. But that’s part of what makes craps so exciting – the anticipation of the next roll and the possibility of a big win are what keep players coming back for more.
Whether you’re a high roller or a casual player, craps offers something for everyone. It’s a game that is easy to learn but difficult to master, and it rewards both skill and luck in equal measure.
So if you’re looking for a thrilling and fast-paced game that is steeped in history and tradition, give craps a try. With its unique culture, jargon, and strategies, it’s a game that is sure to provide hours of entertainment and excitement for players of all levels.
It’s also worth noting that craps has a significant following in South Africa, where it’s often referred to as “shooting dice.” The game has been popular there for many years, and it’s played in both land-based casinos and online.
In South Africa, craps is often associated with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with players cheering each other on and high-fiving when they hit their numbers. It’s a game that brings people together and creates a sense of camaraderie and excitement, much like it does in other parts of the world.
Overall, craps is a game that has truly transcended borders and cultures, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Whether you’re playing in Las Vegas, Johannesburg, or anywhere in between, the game offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience that is sure to keep you coming back for more.