What Is Craps?

Craps is one of the most exciting games around, whether in a casino or playing mobile craps  on your phone. Not to be confused with the fact or crap card game  or the fact or crap board game , craps looks pretty simple to begin with, as it involves throwing just two dice.

Where it does get complicated is in the sheer amount of ways in which you can bet. Take a look at a craps table and you’ll see what we mean, as the layout can be pretty confusing when you’re new. That said, once you’ve gotten used to what everything means, it gets much easier.

So, What is Craps in Casino  Play?

Craps is a centuries-old game that dates back to Roman times when it was played with bones. What does crap mean?  Well, its name is believed to come from the word ‘crapaud’ which means ‘toad’ - a description of how people playing the game in the street would crouch down in a toad-like way.

Essentially, the basic crap definition  is a game that centres around placing wagers on the outcome of the rolling of two dice. With each throw, there are 36 possibilities and its your job to ensure that you bet on the right result. You’ll get different odds, depending on the likelihood of you being right and winning.

What Are The Numbers Called in Craps?

Whether you’re a novice using a learn to play craps app  on your smartphone or a pro craps player enjoying the game in a real casino, the rules are the same. The first roll you make has three possible outcomes.

1. Natural Numbers - The first possibility is that you roll either a 7 or an 11 in any combination and this winning throw is known as a natural number.
2. Craps Numbers - The next possibility is to throw a craps number which gamblers refer to as ‘crapping out’. This involves throwing a 2, a 3 or a 12.
3. Point Numbers - The remaining numbers; 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 and known as Place Numbers and if one is thrown it then becomes the Point Number.

What Can You Bet On When You Play Craps?

There are a myriad of ways in which you can bet when playing craps. We will try and be as comprehensive as we can be, but if you’d like a more detailed explanation, check out this video which will tell you what you need to know.

The many ways in which you can bet whether playing in person on a craps program  on your PC are listed below, each with a brief description.

• A Pass Line Bet - Perhaps the simplest bet that involves betting that a 7 or 11 is rolled or that they hit an established point. If craps numbers are rolled - you lose.
• Come Bets - Here you bet on a point number if one has been established. As soon as a 7 is rolled after a point number is established, come bets lose.
• Place Bets - This involves betting on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 being rolled before a 7 comes up.
• Don’t Bets - A non-contracted bet (meaning it can be withdrawn at any time) where you bet against the shooter and in turn, wager against Pass Line and Come Bets.
• Proposition Bets - Bets on specific numbers coming up, where you can also wager on doubles appearing. They’re often called ‘sucker bets’ due to their high probability of losing.
• Field Bets - Here you bet on the least likely numbers coming up, which are typically 2, 3, 4, 10, 11 & 12.
• Big Six & Eight Bets - As you would expect, this involves betting that a 6 or an 8 will come up before a 7.

Can you make money playing craps?  Absolutely, but like any type of gambling, you need a strategy and a bit of luck. There are a ton of craps strategies shown online to help you along, although we’d be cautious before you implement any of them and find out they don’t work!

Craps FAQs

Of course, there is a lot more to craps than can be explained on a single page, but to fill in any gaps that we’ve missed, here we look at a few of the most frequently asked questions about the game.

What is the best iOS craps game? 

While there are many available, Aw Craps! looks like quite a good app for beginners, as it’s great for helping you get used to how the game is played.

What’s the best craps bet for a beginner?

The pass bet is a great place to start, as it’s simple and you stand a good chance of winning.

Can I Play Craps Online?

Absolutely, yes. As a popular casino game, many online providers offer it as an option. Check out this link to find online craps with top rated casinos.