Craps game wikipedia

Craps is a game with a fascinating history that spans numerous centuries and countries. Here is a quick look at where and when Craps originates from, how it evolved into the game we know today and why it become popular at casinos around the world. According to some historians, the roots of Craps can be traced back to the Roman era, during which soldiers are believed to have shaved down pig knuckles into cube shapes to resemble dice and played games that involved throwing them into their inverted shields.

The more commonly accepted version of events suggests that Craps evolved from a comparable dice game that emerged in England named Hazard.

Hazard was created by Sir William of Tyre and his knights during the Crusades in circa as a game to play and pass the time while waiting to lay siege on a castle named Hazarth. Similarly to Craps, Hazard involved players taking turns to serve as the caster , who was responsible for throwing two dice and placing bets on whether they thought they would win the round. Much like its modern equivalent, in Hazard rounds were determined according to whether the caster rolled a specified number and successfully avoided rolling others.

Hazard gradually grew in popularity throughout the English Middle Ages and was notably repeatedly referenced in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, considered one of the most iconic literary works of all time. It was regularly played in the first English gambling houses that emerged in the late 17th and early 18th century, and was particularly enjoyed by royalty and noblemen.

Around this time, Hazard reached France, where it became known as Crabs due to the fact that was the nickname given to the worst possible roll of two.

A couple of decades later, it crossed the Atlantic to the French colony of Acadia, which comprised parts of Canada and Maine. The French nationals who inhabited the area who became known as Cajuns were dispersed and trekked southwards to Louisiana, sharing their knowledge of the game on the journey.

At this point, the game was referred to as Crebs or Creps. Marigny developed a simplified version that required players to roll a seven, which he realised was the most likely dice roll to occur. However, the game struggled to court approval amongst the American social and wealthy elite, so he turned to the poorer working classes.

As a result, knowledge of the game was predominantly broadened into the 19th century by labourers who would play it on boats travelling the Mississippi River. Due to its status as a working class game, in the US it could be witnessed being played in streets and back alleys as regularly as in casinos. Indeed, it was around this time that Craps was finally settled upon as the primary name of the game.

Debates continue to this day as to whether this was simply a corruption of Crebs or Crabs, or instead a play on the French world crapaud meaning toad, referencing the wide-legged crouching position people would often adopt when playing it in the street.

While Craps was available to play in an increasing proportion of American casinos by this point, it often proved controversial, as there were differing versions of rules being used which prompted some casinos to deploy rigged dice in a bid to secure a house edge. To overcome this problem, in a dicemaker named John H. These expanded and consistent rules were quickly adopted by casinos, as they ensured they could guarantee a house edge simply by the payouts they set.

This removed the need for rigged dice and helped to erode the negative, sketchy image attached to the game. Craps slowly became more prevalent during the 20th century and was regularly played by American soldiers during World War II, firmly extending both its worldwide appeal and popularity in the US beyond the working class.

Casinos in Las Vegas and the Caribbean capitalised on this in the s by increasing their quantity of Craps tables, and those in central Europe, Australia and Asia followed suit shortly after.

Craps has continued to grow in popularity into the 21st century and remains widely played at casinos across the globe. It has also proved its ability to proliferate popular culture. If the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12, they win. If the shooter rolls a 6 or 8 before sevening out, players who bet on the corresponding space win. Once the shooter sevens out, the round is over and the dice are passed to the next player. Then, a new round of betting and rolling starts. To learn more about the lingo of the game or your odds of winning, keep reading!

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Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. Win money by betting on what numbers are rolled on a pair of dice. One player rolls the dice, typically trying to get a 7 or Generally, you bet with the table in the hopes that the player rolls the number they need. There are also some options for betting against the table, meaning the player rolls a losing number. On the first roll, called a come-out roll, 7 and 11 are winners.

The numbers 2, 3, and 12 are called craps numbers and mean bettors lose. The winning and losing numbers vary depending on the stage of the game. If the player establishes a point, 7 becomes a losing number. Place a bet on the pass line to play during the come-out roll. The dealer lays a disk on the table to keep track of the game. On the first roll, the come-out roll, a 7 or an 11 means everyone who bet on the pass line wins.

A 2, 3, or 12 means everyone loses. A new round cannot begin until someone places a bet on the pass. Numbers like 4, 5, and 6 are neither wins nor losses. The rolled number becomes known as the point, and the game moves to the next phase of play.

You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 but lose if they roll a 7 or Play the point if no one wins or loses on the come-out roll. The potential point numbers are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or Rolling a 7 means a loss. You win your pass bet if the player rolls their point number. For example, when the point number is an 8, the shooter tries to roll an 8.

If the shooter rolls a 7, all pass line bets lose. Play continues until the shooter rolls one of these numbers. If the shooter rolls the point number, play starts over with new pass bets. If a 7 comes up, the same thing happens but someone else has to roll the dice. Place a come bet if the come-out roll has already happened.

Place your chips on the come space for a bet that is very similar to the pass bet. When the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose your bet. The come bet is also separate from the pass line.

You may win the come bet with a 7 but lose the pass bet after the point is established. Similarly, play may continue even after a 2, 3, or 12 comes up. This is a relatively safe and simple bet, but keep in mind that it means going against other bettors.

Start with conservative, basic bets when you begin playing. The line and come bets are the most important bets to know before stepping up to the table. Place some odds bets if you have extra money to spend. Watch for a while if you need to, then start with a basic line bet when you get a chance to step in.

Roll the dice across the table when the stickperson hands them to you. Expect to get a chance to roll the dice if you play at a table long enough. To become the shooter, you have to place a pass or come bet. Generally, the stickperson presents you with 5 dice. Choose the 2 dice you like best and toss them so they hit the rail on the opposite side of the table.

Shake and toss! The craps table is long, so you throw the dice rather than roll them. If the dice bounce off the table or fail to hit the back rail, you have to toss them again. Method 2. Identify the casino personnel operating the craps table. Because craps tables involve the most money out of any standard casino game, they are managed by teams of workers. A standard team consists of 4 casino employees.

Many crews also include a fifth member that rotates in for the other dealers. This person may be wearing a suit and tie. The boxperson keeps tabs on the game, stashing and guarding betting chips. The stickperson is on the opposite side of the table from the boxperson.

The stickperson is the one using the long stick to push the dice around. The remaining crew members are dealers. There are at least 2 at every busy craps table. They manage the money, converting cash into chips and paying out winning bets as needed. Stand behind the pass line when approaching the table. It is always opposite of where the stickperson stands. As a player, you stand by the table and place basic bets without relying on the staff.

The pass line is where you place your chips to start the game by betting on the come-out roll. It is for players who wish to bet against the shooter. Get some chips at the table before you play. Instead of handing your money to the dealer, cash in for chips. Set your money on the table and ask for change. Wait for an open spot and try to come in when the disk on the table is flipped to off.

Cheer for other players at the table as they roll. Craps is a group game that can get pretty loud as bettors show enthusiasm for one another. The excitement from a craps game is very easy to hear in most casinos. Ask the dealers to help you place bets in off-limits spots on the table. A big part of craps etiquette is dealing with chips and placing bets. In most cases, you handle bets yourself by stacking your chips on a betting space such as the pass line. Keep your remaining chips on the rail, which is the elevated edge around the table.

Watch where all the chips are on the table. Keep an eye on your own chips and avoid knocking over someone else's stack. If you need help, ask the dealers! They are there to help you have a good time shooting craps. Method 3. Memorize the odds to increase your chances of winning. A lot of the game revolves around how often a number combination comes up during a roll.

The most common number is 7, followed by 6 and 8. The numbers 2 and 12 are least likely to appear because you need a pair of 1s or a pair of 6s, respectively. The house has a 1. Big 6 and 8 spaces, for instance, pay poorly and tend to be excluded from most tables. Proposition bets are also usually good ways to blow through a stack of chips.

For more information on odds and betting strategies, look for a probability guide or betting strategy guide online. Master some of the common lingo to have an easier time betting. Like many other casino games, craps has its own special terminology.

If you know how the table works, you can follow along even without leafing through a craps glossary. These usually are bad news, depending on the bet. A right bettor is a person betting on the pass line.

Betting terms like parlay are the same as in other casino games. A parlay, for example, means adding your stakes from a winning bet to another bet.

The house edge means how much of an advantage the house has on a given bet. For example, a pair of 1s is called snake eyes and a 9 is called center field. Use the field numbers to predict the next roll. The field is one of the most popular betting areas in craps. Since these rolls are less common, you win or even , depending on the house rules. They are separate from the field box, so notify a dealer before using these areas to bet. In the corners of the field boxes, you may see spots marked Big 6 and Big 8.

These are additional bets that a 6 or 8 comes up before a 7. Use the top row of numbers for a place bet. Look for the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 near the stickperson. You can make a place bet anytime before the shooter rolls the dice. These place numbers are similar to field bets, except you win if the place number is rolled before a 7.