Craps

Craps is a dice game that involves the wagering of money based on the outcome of an individual roll or series of rolls involving two dice. Craps is a derivation of the Old English game hazard that is said to have dated back to the Middle Ages. The game involves the placing of independent wagers against a house (i.e. casino) by one or more individuals in which success will be based on a specific outcome which may take one or more rolls to achieve.

Gameplay and Rules

Gameplay consists of a series of rolls that may end after one roll or continue indefintely (although probability states that there will eventually be an end to the series). At least one player is necessary and may include many players although most modern casinos limit the number of players at twelve. Play consists of one player, called the shooter, rolling the dice. The shooter as well as any other player places wagers on the outcome of the shooter's roll. Each new round starts with a come out roll.

The come out roll is the first roll of the series. The series will end immediately if the first roll is a 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12. The numbers 2, 3, and 12 are called "crap" numbers and the numbers 7 and 11 are are "winner" or "natural" numbers. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) are considered "point numbers" and will set the end goal for the remainder of the series. Once a point number is set, the goal of the shooter is to repeat that point number before rolling a 7, which is called a seven out. If the shooter repeats their point number, they are considered victorious, the series ends, and that shooter is allowed to continue by starting a new series. If they "seven out" by rolling a 7 before their point number, then play passes on to a new shooter.

Before and during a series, the players may place a number of wagers. There are two types of wagers: single roll wagers and series wagers. Single roll wagers can be made at any point during the game and consist of some wager where the next roll will dictate the success or failure of that roll. A series wager differs in that the next roll can dictate success or failure, however it may also have no impact on the wager.

Types of Bets

Pass Line A pass line bet is a bet that is made before the come out roll. There are two ways to be sucessful. The first is an outcome of 7 or 11 on the come out roll. The second is for the the shooter to successfully complete a series of rolls by rolling the point number again after it is established. Failure occurs when a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled on the come out roll or if the shooter does not complete a series by rolling a 7 before rolling the established point. No other rolls effect the pass line bet.

Don't Pass Line The don't pass line is the exact opposite of the pass line bet with one minor exception. There are two ways to be successful. The first is an outcome of 2 or 3 on the come out roll. A roll of 12 is considered a push (tie) and is referred to as "barring the don't." This is done in order for the house to maintain its edge in wagering. The second successful outcome is when the shooter commits a "seven out" before they reroll the established point. Failure occurs when a 7 or 11 is rolled on the come out roll or when the shooter completes a series by rerolling the established point. It is considered taboo to bet the don't pass line because you are betting against the shooter and, in most cases, the majority of other players at the table.