Craps is a thrilling and dynamic casino game that combines strategy with the excitement of rolling dice. For newcomers to the game, the variety of betting options can be overwhelming. However, understanding which bets offer the best odds and the most favorable outcomes can significantly enhance your craps experience. At Hawkplay.com, a premier online casino platform, players can access a range of craps games and features designed to make the game both enjoyable and profitable. This comprehensive guide will help beginners navigate the world of online craps, focusing on the best bets to place and strategies to employ.
1. Understanding the Basics of Craps
Game Objective: In craps, players bet on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls of two six-sided dice. The game begins with the “Come Out Roll,” and depending on the outcome, the round progresses to additional rolls with different betting opportunities.
Key Terms:
- Pass Line Bet: A bet that the shooter (the player rolling the dice) will win.
- Don’t Pass Line Bet: A bet against the shooter, predicting they will lose.
- Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line Bet but made after the Come Out Roll.
- Don’t Come Bet: Similar to the Don’t Pass Line Bet but made after the Come Out Roll.
Basic Betting Rounds:
- Come Out Roll: The initial roll of the dice. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, Pass Line Bets win, and Don’t Pass Line Bets lose. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, Don’t Pass Line Bets win, and Pass Line Bets lose. Any other number becomes the “Point.”
- Point Phase: The shooter must roll the Point number again before rolling a 7. If the Point is rolled first, Pass Line Bets win. If a 7 is rolled before the Point, Pass Line Bets lose.
2. Best Bets for Beginners
1. Pass Line Bet
Overview: The Pass Line Bet is one of the most popular and straightforward bets in craps. It’s made before the Come Out Roll and wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the Point, and the bet continues until the Point is rolled again or a 7 appears.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Low House Edge: The Pass Line Bet has a house edge of approximately 1.41%, making it one of the best bets in craps.
- Simple to Understand: The rules are straightforward, and the bet is easy to follow.
2. Don’t Pass Line Bet
Overview: The Don’t Pass Line Bet is the opposite of the Pass Line Bet. It wins if a 2 or 3 is rolled on the Come Out Roll and loses if a 7 or 11 is rolled. If a 12 is rolled, it results in a push. The bet continues if a Point is established, and it wins if a 7 is rolled before the Point.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Lower House Edge: With a house edge of about 1.36%, it’s slightly better than the Pass Line Bet.
- Contrarian Strategy: For players who prefer betting against the shooter, this is a viable option.
3. Come Bet
Overview: The Come Bet is similar to the Pass Line Bet but placed after the Come Out Roll. It wins if a 7 or 11 is rolled immediately after the bet is placed and loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. If another number is rolled, that number becomes the Point for the Come Bet.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Easy to Learn: The Come Bet follows the same rules as the Pass Line Bet, making it easy for beginners to grasp.
- Flexible: It can be placed at any time during the game, adding more opportunities to bet.
4. Don’t Come Bet
Overview: Similar to the Don’t Pass Line Bet, the Don’t Come Bet is placed after the Come Out Roll. It wins if a 2 or 3 is rolled and loses if a 7 or 11 is rolled. A 12 results in a push. If a Point is established for the Don’t Come Bet, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the Point.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Low House Edge: It shares a similar house edge to the Don’t Pass Line Bet, around 1.36%.
- Strategic Play: Offers an alternative betting strategy for players who prefer betting against the shooter.
3. Other Considerations for Beginners
1. Place Bets
Overview: Place Bets allow players to bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) to be rolled before a 7. The payout varies depending on the number chosen, with the 6 and 8 having better odds.
Pros and Cons:
- Higher Payouts: Potentially higher payouts compared to Pass Line or Come Bets.
- Higher House Edge: The house edge varies by number, ranging from about 1.52% for 6 and 8 to 6.67% for 4 and 10.
2. Field Bets
Overview: Field Bets are one-roll bets where players wager that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Pros and Cons:
- Simple and Quick: Easy to place and understand.
- Higher House Edge: Typically around 5.56%, making it less favorable in the long run.
3. Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
Overview: Big 6 and Big 8 Bets are wagers that the 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. They pay even money but have a higher house edge compared to Place Bets on the same numbers.
Pros and Cons:
- Easy to Place: Simple and straightforward.
- Higher House Edge: Around 9.09%, making them less favorable than Place Bets on the same numbers.
4. Bankroll Management Tips
1. Set a Budget: Establish a budget for your craps session at Hawkplay.com. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it to avoid overspending.
2. Use Betting Limits: Place bets within your budget and avoid high-risk bets that can deplete your bankroll quickly.
3. Track Your Bets: Keep track of your bets and results to ensure you’re staying within your limits and managing your bankroll effectively.
5. Utilize Hawkplay.com’s Features
1. Free Play and Practice Modes: Hawkplay.com offers free play and practice modes for craps, allowing beginners to familiarize themselves with the game and practice their strategies without risking real money.
2. Interactive Tools: Explore Hawkplay.com’s interactive tools and resources to enhance your craps experience. These tools can help you better understand the game and improve your betting strategies.
3. Customer Support: If you have questions or need assistance, Hawkplay.com’s customer support team is available to help with game rules, promotions, or technical issues.
Conclusion
Mastering online craps involves understanding the game’s basics, choosing the right bets, and managing your bankroll effectively. At Hawkplay.com, you have access to a range of craps games and features designed to enhance your gaming experience. By focusing on the best bets for beginners, practicing your skills, and utilizing Hawkplay.com’s resources, you can increase your chances of winning and enjoy a rewarding craps experience. Dive into the exciting world of craps at Hawkplay.com and make the most of your gaming adventure.