Craps
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About
Early Origins of Craps
Craps is a casino dice game which is very popular in the United States. In Craps, the players wager money against the casino and bet on the outcome of one or a number of rolls of two dice.
The most commonly accepted version of the history of Craps claims that this dice-based game of chance was a descendant of an early-English game called Hazard. Hazard was a game invented by an English noble Sir William of Tyre and his knights during the Crusades. The name seems to originate from a game developed by the knights to pass the time while waiting to lay siege on a castle called Hazarth, in 1125 AD. The name of the game is thus a corruption of the name of the castle.
There is other evidence that a form of Craps dates back to the Roman Empire when soldiers of the Roman Legions used to shave down pigs knuckles into the shapes of cubes (dice) and throw them into their inverted shields to entertain themselves while in camp. The term – to roll the bones – is said to originate from this version of the game.
Spread of Craps in Medieval Europe
The early origins of Craps spread rapidly and formed into a very popular game with the English in the Middle Ages. Famous medieval author Geoffrey Chaucer frequently mentions the game being played by characters in his work, the “Canterbury Tales”. Chaucer’s work is often referenced by scholars who wish to know about the social and leisure life of people in that period, so it is a good indicator of the popularity of the game at the time.
Hazard spread to luxurious gambling houses in the late 1600's and early 1700's in England. The English noblemen and royalty were enthusiastic players of this game and staging a game of Craps was a huge social event with much preplanning. Betting amongst the noblemen was a very common pastime – they had so much money that they did not feel their losses and gains – and many fortunes were won and lost amongst this class.
The French caught on to the popularity of Hazard and after a few decades of playing, changed the name from Hazard to Crabs. This name was given because the lowest value of a throw of the dice in Hazard was called crabs. In the early 1700's the game crossed the Atlantic and its English/French origins were transferred to the French colony of Acadia.
Coming to America
In 1755 the French lost control of their colony Acadia to the English and they renamed the territory Nova Scotia. The French who had been living in the territory were forced out and, after some wandering, ended up in Louisiana. Named the Cajuns, these people brought with them a language of their own and a rich culture; part of this culture was the dice game of Crabs, which they referred to as "crebs" or "creps".
There are some that argue that Craps came to America along with the first English settlers on the Mayflower. It is quite possible that Craps spread from both the English and the French, each one bringing with their own version of the game. Due to the popularity of the dice usage of Craps, the basics of the game always remained the same.
The 19th century African-Americans of the South are attributed with the development and invention of "modern day" Craps. The game spread around America via the riverboats on the Mississippi. A few new variations of the game appeared which were simpler and faster than the original game of Hazard. One such variation – Table Off – became very popular with gambling establishments at the end of the 19th century.
The Father of Modern Craps
John H. Winn has been given the honorable title of the “Father of "Modern-Day Craps". In 1907 Winn revolutionized the game and his changes made it possible for Craps Players to bet right or wrong. He improved the layout and introduced an area on the board called "Don’t Pass" bets. Winn was a famous dice maker and his introduction allowed that players could bet with or against the Shooter.
The layout and betting system changes that Winn introduced to the game are still kept to this day. Winn’s version of Craps became known as modern day Craps or "Casino Craps" and it is this much-loved version that is a major hit in casinos today.
Craps in the 20th Century
With the legalization of gambling in Nevada in the 1930's and the onslaught of bettors into the casino capital of America, Craps and other casino games became extremely popular. Casino Craps, which was also known as Las Vegas Craps, was an instant hit in the casino world because of the excitement of dice throwing, compared to other card-based games which were very prominent in casinos.
During the Second World War, many soldiers on both sides of the fronts played Craps to pass the time between battles. With the soldiers, the game spread to the corners of the globe and there are now very few places on Earth that do not know what the game of Craps is.
For the past century, craps shooters have been trying to find the best way to beat the house in Craps. Hundreds of betting and progressive Craps systems have been developed as well as the crooked dice system reinvented. The dream to control the way that the dice roll on the casino tables has been preoccupying the minds of craps shooters around the world.
Hollywood has also shown a great interest in the game of craps and many movies have featured an exciting crowd around a craps table.
How To Play
Placing Wagers
There are multiple areas on the Craps table where wagers may be placed. To place a wager, simply tap the spot on the board that corresponds to the desired wager. To remove a wager, simply press and hold until the wager is removed. The amount of the wager is set by selecting from the $1, $5, $25, and $100 chips that appear below the Pass Line. In cases where there is a minimum allowable wager, the Player’s bet will be increased appropriately to ensure that the minimum wager is placed. Anytime a wager is placed that exceeds the maximum allowable wager, it will be removed. Non-odds wagers may not exceed $500.
While the Shooter is rolling and attempting to make his point, Players may make additional wagers and modify existing wagers on each new roll of the dice.
When a 7 is rolled during a "Come Out", all Pass Line and "Any Seven" bets are paid and the rest of the money (for wagers that are "On") is removed from the table.
For all other numbers, there is continued action. For Pass Line Players, the goal in Craps is to make as much money as possible before the Shooter craps out and the table is reset.
There are many different ways to place wagers. Please refer to the following instructions in order to understand how and when a wager type can be placed and for advice on how to place those wagers in Riverboat Gambler:
✧ Come Out Roll
After the Player has placed a minimum wager on either the Pass Line or the Don't Pass Line, he or she may roll the dice. In Craps, the person who is rolling the dice is referred to as "The Shooter". The initial roll is called the "Come Out Roll". On this initial roll, the Shooter will either Win, Lose, Push, or establish a "Point" that needs to be made in order to ultimately win the round.
To place a Pass Line or Don't Pass Line wager, use the area that is at the bottom of the Craps board. The spaces on the right side of the board are purely asthetic and are not active.
✧ Playing The Pass Line
If the Player has money on the Pass Line during the Come Out roll and a 7 or 11 is thrown, the Player wins and is paid even money for the Pass Line wager. If, though, the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the Shooter is said to have "rolled craps" (or "crapped out") and the Pass Line wager is lost. If any of the remaining numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10) is thrown, the Shooter is said to have established a Point and they will continue to roll the dice until the point number is rolled a second time or until a 7 is rolled.
If the point number is rolled, the Shooter is said to have "Made the Point". When the point is made the Pass Line Players have won and all related bets are paid. At this point, the point is reset and the Shooter will roll a new Come Out.
If, however, the Shooter rolls a 7 before the Point is made, the Shooter is said to have "Crapped Out", the round ends as a loss for the Pass Line Players and the board is cleared and prepared for a new Come Out roll.
✧ Adding Odds to Pass Line Bets
After a point has been established, the Player has the option to lay odds on the Pass Line bet. Odds are paid at a higher rate than the even money that is paid on the Pass Line if the round is won. The amount of the winner's payout for a point depends on the point that was wagered. To see the payouts, refer to the Payout Table that is contained in these instructions or by tapping the game logo on the Craps board.
To place odds, simply tap the Pass Line wager. A new chip will be placed on the board and can then be incremented up to 10x the Pass Line amount. While the Pass Line wager cannot be removed or reduced after a point has been established, the odds can be removed at any time while the round is in play.
✧ Playing The Don't Pass Line
Players that bet on the "Don't Pass Line" are betting that the Shooter will ultimately crap out. These bets win when the Pass Line bets lose. If a 7 or 11 is thrown on the Come Out roll, the Don't Pass Line loses. If a 2 or a 3 is thrown on the Come Out roll, the Don't Pass Line wins even money. If a 12 is thrown on the Come Out roll, the Don't Pass Line wagers are a Push. Once a point has been established, the Don't Pass Players are betting that the Shooter will roll a 7 and "Crap Out" before the established point is rolled again. If this happens, the Don't Pass Line is paid. However, if the Shooter makes his point, the Don't Pass Line wagers are lost.
✧ Adding Odds to Don’t Pass Bets
In the same manner as the Pass Line wagers, additional odds may be wagered on the Don’t Pass Line. To lay odds on the Don’t Pass, tap the original wager until an additional chip appears on the Don’t Pass Line. This chip may be increased up to ten times the amount of the initial wager. Typically, Don’t Pass Line wagers and their odds may be removed at any time while the round is in play. However, if the shooter is shooting from the Don’t Pass and does not have a Pass Line wager, the wager may not be removed.
✧ Come Bets
Come bets can be placed anytime after a Shooter's point has been established. To place this wager, tap in the Come area of the Craps board. Come bets are the same as Pass Line wagers and are based on the next roll of the dice. A roll of 7 or 11 is an immediate winner and a roll of 2, 3, or 12 is an immediate loss. If the Shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the Player has another point to watch and is betting that the number will be rolled again before a 7 is rolled. A Come bet cannot be removed after it has been moved to the bar.
Just as odds can be placed on the Pass Line wagers, they can also be placed on Come bets. To place the odds, see the "Adding Odds to Come & Don’t Come Bets" section later in these instructions.
✧ Don't Come Bets
Don't Come bets can be placed anytime after a Shooter's point has been established. To place this wager, tap in the "Don't Come Bar 12" area of the Craps board. Don't Come bets are the same as Don't Pass Line wagers and are based on the next roll of the dice. A roll of 7 or 11 is an immediate loss and a roll of 2 or 3 is a winner. A roll of 12 is a push. If the Shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the Player has another point to watch and is betting that a 7 will be rolled before the number is rolled again. A Don't Come bet can be removed at any time during active play after a number is established for the bet.
Just as odds can be placed on the Don't Pass Line wagers, they can also be placed on Don't Come bets. To place the odds, see the "Adding Odds to Come & Don’t Come Wagers" section next in these instructions.
✧ Adding Odds to Come & Don’t Come Bets
When a point is called for a Come or Don’t Come bet, the Player’s wager will be moved to the appropriate area of the Craps board. Once they have been made these wager amounts may not be increased. If the wager is a Come bet, it may not be removed. However, if the wager is a Don’t Come bet it can be removed while the round is still in play.
Both of these types of wagers support the concept of additional odds. To place odds on a Come or Don’t Come wager, tap the original wager until a new chip appears. Then, tap that chip until the amount of odds has been placed. Riverboat Gambler supports up to ten times odds which means the Player may wager an additional amount that is not more than ten times the amount of the initial wager. For example, if a $5 Come bet is placed, the Player may add up to $50 in odds to that wager. The amount of the odds payout for a point depends on whether the bet is Come or Don’t Come and on the point that was wagered. To see the payouts, refer to the Payout Table that is contained in these instructions or by tapping the game logo on the Craps board.
✧ Place Bets
With a Place bet, the Player can bet on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 at any time. These wagers are made by tapping the rectangle below the number that is being wagered. If that number is rolled before a 7 is rolled, the wager wins and is paid according to the odds in the Payout Table. If a 7 rolls before the number is rolled, the wager loses. Place bets are inactive on the Come Out Roll unless called "On" by the Player and can be removed at any time during the game. The "On/Off" indicator on the table can be changed by using the "Chip Action" option available on the Pass Line.
✧ Lay Bets
Lay bets are the opposite of Place bets. With these wagers, the Player may bet against 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 at any time. If a 7 is rolled before the selected number, the wager wins and is paid in accordance with the odds in the Payout Table. If the number is rolled before a 7 is rolled, the wager loses and is removed from the table. To place a Lay bet, tap in the rectangle that is located above the number that is being wagered. The minimum wager for a Lay bet is $30 and a 5% commission (a "Vig") is charged if the wager wins. These wagers may be removed at any time during active play.
✧ Buy Bets
Buy bets are a favorite of veteran Craps Players; most usually, the 4 & 10 because those points pay 2:1. For a 5% commission ("a Vig"), the Player may buy the "True Odds" for a number.
Buying a point in Riverboat Gambler is a two-step process. First, tap the yellow "Buy" button on the table. Then, tap the board where you would normally make a "Place" bet. A Buy bet is distinguished on the table with a yellow circle around it. In order to convert an existing Place bet to a Buy bet, the Place bet must first be removed.
Because of the Vig that is charged, there are minimums for Buy bets: $20 for the 4 & 10, $25 for the 5 & 9, and $30 for the 6 & 8. These wagers increment by amounts that ensure that payouts can be made evenly based on the corresponding odds. Buy Bets are "Off" on the Come Out unless declared "On" by the Player.
I want to give a huge shout-out to Jim who was instrumental in helping me to implement this feature. With its addition, the RBG Craps tables are quite likely the most accurate and complete in the world of mobile apps!
✧ The Hardways
"Hardways" are the numbers 4, 6, 8, and 10 when thrown as doubles; meaning the two dice are rolled with the same numbers. This section of the board is directly left of the main Craps board. These bets remain until the wagered number is thrown or until a 7 is thrown. If the number is made with doubles, the Player is paid the odds that are designated for the wager. If the number is thrown and it is not doubles, the wager is lost and removed from the board. If a 7 is thrown, the wager is lost if the bets were "On". In Riverboat Gambler, pressing the On/Off button will change the status of these wagers.
The concept of "On and Off" is unique to Craps. If a wager is called "On", it is considered active and in play. This means the wager will be paid if it wins or will be taken if it loses. If a wager is called "Off", it is inactive and not in play. By default, Hardway bets are Off during a Come Out roll and then remain On until the Player either cancels the wager or calls them Off for a period of time. If the Shooter rolls a 7 during a Come Out roll, any odds that are Off will be refunded to the Player as the board is being cleared. The "On/Off" indicator on the table can be changed before a roll by tapping it.
Single Roll Bets
The following wagers are single roll bets. If the roll following the wager matches the bet criteria, the Player is paid the corresponding payout. If the criteria is not made, the wager is lost.
✧ The Field
The Field is a betting section located in the center of the Craps table directly beneath the Come section. Field bets are a one time wager on the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. If one of these numbers is thrown, the Player will be paid double his wager amount for a 2, triple his wager amount for a 12, and even money for the remaining Field numbers (4, 9. 10, and 11). If a 5, 6, 7, or 8 are rolled, the Field bets lose.
✧ Big 6 & Big 8
The Big 6 and Big 8 betting sections are located at the right corner of the Craps table. These bets are a one time wager that the roll that occurs after they are placed will be a 6 (Big 6 wager) or an 8 (Big 8 wager). In the case of these two wagers, it does not matter whether the roll is doubles or not. When won, these bets pay even money whereas the 6 and 8 "Place" bets pay slightly better odds at 7:6. For this reason, Players are encouraged to "Place" the 6 or the 8 and to avoid the Big 6 and Big 8.
Those who bet the Big 6 and Big 8 numbers typically do so because the minimum wager amount is $1 while the minimum to place either of those two numbers is $6.
✧ Any 7
The Any 7 wager is self-describing. It is a wager that the next roll will be the number 7. This wager is placed by tapping the area of the board above The Horn area that is labeled "Any Seven".
✧ Horn & Horn High Bets
The Horn bet is a minimum $4 wager and must be increased by amounts of $4. This is because The Horn is a bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 11, or 12. The $4 wager effectively places a $1 wager on each of those numbers. If one of those four numbers is rolled, the Player will be paid the corresponding payout and will forfeit the remaining $3 for the numbers that were not rolled. This bet is made by tapping the center of the Horn square.
The concept of "Horn High" wagers is for those players who want to bet The Horn and place additional money on one of the four numbers. To place a Horn High wager, tap the corner of the Horn square that corresponds to the number that is to be increased. The minimum for a Horn High wager is $5; $1 for each of the numbers and at least an additional $1 for the number that is being pressed.
✧ C&E (Any Craps or Eleven)
The C&E wager is a single roll wager that is a split bet between any craps roll (2, 3, and 12) and an 11. This is a popular wager during a Come Out roll. Interestingly, it is also the same as a Horn bet. Were one to figure the house advantage on each bet, they would find that the C&E wager provides the House with an 11.1% advantage while a Horn bet gives the House a 12.5% advantage. That having been said, the Player can wager less on a C&E. Where the Horn bet requires a minimum of $4 to ensure all four numbers are covered, the C&E wager can be made for $1.
✧ Any Craps
The Any Craps wager is a bet that the next number that will be rolled is one of the craps numbers: 2 3, or 12. This wager is placed by tapping the area of the board below The Horn area that is labeled "Any Craps".
✧ Hop Bets
The Player has the option to wager on what the next dice roll will be by taking advantage of "Hop Bets". These wagers are placed on the side panel that can be expanded by tapping on the tab labeled "HOP". This panel has a spot for each of the 21 possible combinations of two dice. Hop wagers are single roll wagers. If both dice have the same value, the roll is considered a "Hardway" and pays at odds of 30 to 1. If the values of the dice are different, this "Easy" roll pays out at odds of 15 to 1.
Dealer Assist
A good Craps Dealer develops a sense for how a Player prefers to wager and helps that Player to keep his or her wagers refreshed and on the table. Dealer Assist can be found in Preferences and was designed to simulate the type of assistance one can generally expect from the Craps Dealer at a live table. There will likely never be an option to parlay or press existing wagers, but many of the most common services that the Dealers provide have been covered. I will be adding additional features as time passes.
✧ Auto Replace Pass Line Wager
If this is toggled, anytime the Pass Line wager is cleared, it will be auto replaced with the preceding wager.
✧ Auto Replace Don’t Pass Wager
This is the same as the Pass Line option except that it applies to Don’t Pass wagers.
✧ Place Pass Line/Don’t Pass Odds
This option allows you to set an increment for Odds on the Pass and Don’t Pass (0-10x). If it’s set, at the appropriate time, odds will automatically be placed for those two wagers.
✧ Replace Come Wager
This is a favorite of mine because I am always on the Come and it is frustrating to miss one and end up not covered. As the name implies, if you had a Come wager on the previous roll, the same Come bet will be placed after the current wager has been resolved.
✧ Default Come Wager
If an amount is specified and if it is appropriate to the table, a Come Wager of this amount will be made.
✧ Replace Don’t Come Wager
This is the same as "Replace Come Wager", but designed to support folks who play on the "Dark Side".
✧ Default Don't Come Wager
If an amount is specified and if it is appropriate to the table, a Don't Come Wager of this amount will be made.
✧ Auto Place Come/Don’t Come Odds
Like the Pass Line odds option, this feature will automatically place the number of odds (0-10x) every time a Come/Don’t Come wager is moved to the bar.
✧ Replace Hard Ways
Another favorite of mine because I am always on the Hard Ways. This feature will replace a Hard Way anytime is comes down as a result of an easy roll.
✧ Hard Ways Always On
If this is enabled, Hard Ways will always remain working.
✧ Remember Come Out Wagers
Many Players have a series of wagers that they always place at the start of a round; at the "Come Out" when the Shooter is establishing her point. If the "Remember Come Out Wagers" option is on, these favorites will be stored when a Come Out roll occurs and will automatically be placed at the next Come Out roll.
✧ Replace Single Roll Wagers
If this feature is enabled, this option will auto-repeat any one-time roll wagers (e.g. Horn & Hops).
✧ Odds Always Working
If this feature is enabled, Come/Don't Come Odds will remain "on" regardless of whether there is an active point.
Pay Table
Passline/Come/Buy | |
| Passline, Come | 1 to 1 |
| Come 4 Odds | 2 to 1 |
| Come 5 Odds | 3 to 3 |
| Come 6 Odds | 6 to 5 |
| Come 8 Odds | 6 to 5 |
| Come 9 Odds | 3 to 3 |
| Come 10 Odds | 2 to 1 |
Place Wagers | |
| Place 4 | 9 to 5 |
| Place 5 | 7 to 5 |
| Place 6 | 7 to 6 |
| Place 8 | 7 to 6 |
| Place 9 | 7 to 5 |
| Place 10 | 9 to 5 |
Don't Pass/Don't Come/Lay | |
| Don't Pass/Don't Come | 1 to 1 |
| Don't Come/Lay 4 Odds | 1 to 2 |
| Don't Come/Lay 5 Odds | 2 to 3 |
| Don't Come/Lay 6 Odds | 5 to 6 |
| Don't Come/Lay 8 Odds | 5 to 6 |
| Don't Come/Lay 9 Odds | 2 to 3 |
| Don't Come/Lay 10 Odds | 1 to 2 |
Single Roll Wagers | |
| Any 7 | 4 to 1 |
| Any Craps | 7 to 1 |
| Craps 2 | 30 to 1 |
| Craps 3 | 15 to 1 |
| Craps 12 | 30 to 1 |
| Yo (11) | 15 to 1 |
| Horn (3 or 11) | 3.75 to 1 |
| Horn (2 or 12) | 7.5 to 1 |
| Field 3,4,9,10,11 | 1 to 1 |
| Field 2 | 2 to 1 |
| Field 12 | 3 to 1 |
Hop Wagers | |
| Easy (Different Dice) | 15 to 1 |
| Hard (Same Dice) | 30 to 1 |
Smalls & Talls | |
(All are rolled before any 7) | |
| All Smalls (2,3,4,5,6) | 30 to 1 |
| All Talls (8,9,10,11,12) | 30 to 1 |
| Make'em All | 150 to 1 |