The classic high-octane American casino game is a pretty rare sight over here, but craps is a fantastic communal game that really gets the party started.
While the beauty of core European casino games like blackjack and roulette is their simplicity, craps can seem complicated and bewildering to a non-gambling novices. As a result many potential players choose not to step up to the table, which is a great shame.
At its most simplistic, craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a two dice roll. The playing table is a large pit, shaped not unlike a bathtub, and run by as many as four staff: two dealers, the stickman (who pushes chips around using a large stick and who typically offers a charismatic commentary to build to the excitement) and the boxman, who supervises the three croupiers. It attracts a big crowd and there’s always a real camaraderie among the players.
The dice are thrown by one of the players, called the shooter, and both they and the other players are crowded around and betting on the outcome by placing their chips on the appropriate place on the table layout. It’s this ‘us against the casino’ vibe and sheer chaotic splashing around of chips which makes craps so intoxicating, but also intimidating for the novice.
The table markings can also be somewhat off-putting for the newcomer, with numbers and terms like ‘come’ and ‘pass line’ printed on the cloth. There is just so much jargon and many options presented to the player and, unlike more sedate games like blackjack and roulette, the somewhat raucous environment can be nerve-wracking for players seeking advice on how to play. Die hard craps players tend to be pretty superstitious, and the game has a lingo and etiquette all of its own, but that’s a story for another day…
The basics of craps
The stickman pushes the five dice around and towards the shooter, who must take two and throw them with only one hand. The shooter must also ensure they bounce off the far end padding of the table. This foam is covered in pyramid shapes which are designed to ensure the player cannot manipulate the otherwise random outcome of the throw. Interestingly craps is one of the few casino games where players are allowed to touch the playing equipment (poker being another) as it is forbidden for the player to touch the roulette ball or wheel, or the cards during a game of blackjack.
The game continues based on the outcome of these rolls and bets are paid accordingly. There really is a lot going on in a game of craps, too much to cover in an introductory blog, but we’ll put some interesting links below and revisit the subject in more depth another day.
How do I win at craps?
Odds are worked out based on probability, with two (1:1) and 12 (6:6) the least likely outcomes and therefore paying the most (usually 35:1). The casino has a mathematical edge with the odds it lays, sometimes as much as 13%, but there’s no doubt that a player can win big if they go ‘on a roll’.
Why is it called craps?
It’s thought to have originated and evolved from an 18th century European game called ‘crabs’. In the modern game, any two, three or 12 roll on the first (come out) roll is called craps and is a losing roll. Sevens (the most common number to roll) and 11 win on the come out. Any other number becomes known as the point. In this case the shooter keeps rolling until they roll the same number again (in which case it is a win) or a seven (which is a loss).
Further reading
There’s a pretty comprehensive entry on Wikipedia, and this feature on gambling.com explains the bets and terminology pretty well. This 50 minute video is also very comprehensive, if you have the time!
Can we book a craps table for a casino party?
You sure can! Although craps is not a core casino hire game at Red Casino Events, it’s a game we’re able to provide by special arrangement. It’s an option which carries a price premium over our other table games, due to the extra size and specific staffing requirements, but there’s no doubt it’s a raucous addition to any casino party night – especially for clients who want to go down the prohibition gambling den theme or to replicate that modern day Las Vegas or Atlantic City vibe.
