If you've read any of my articles before, you know I always emphasize the fact that there are many viable systems for any type of gambling. Craps is one of those games that has many systems, and out of all the casino games, I'd say its one of the ones that involves the most skill on the part of the player in order to gain an edge over the casino. Before we delve into any complicated systems, lets cover some of the basics about craps.

Because the Craps table uses unfamiliar language, it is often considered very complicated. However, after learning the terminology, it is in reality, quite easy. In the middle of the Craps table are what is known as proposition bets. This includes all one roll proposition bets. The House has an advantage on these bets of from 2.778% on the "field" to 16.667% on any 2 or 12. For this reason, we will not be going into detail on any of these bets. If you want to win consistently, you want to stay away from these bets.

You may stand at either end of the table, as both sides contain exactly the same bets. If you were the first player at the table you would stand at one end of the long table and the stickman would let you pick a pair of dice. You, being the "shooter" would have to bet on either the pass line bet or the Don't pass. The first roll of the dice is called the "come-out" roll.

For today we'll cover the "Pass Line Bet" and the "Don't Pass Bet" to get you familiar with the game. Then next time we'll cover some additional bets, and start getting into the real craps strategy.

PASS LINE BET

If the dice thrown on the come-out roll total 7 or 11, (a natural) you win and are paid 1 to 1. (You would then bet and roll another come-out.) If the dice thrown total 2, 2 or 12 (a crap) you lose. (The dice would then go to the next player for another come-out roll.)

If the dice thrown total 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 then the total becomes the "point". You are more likely to win, than lose on the come-out roll. However, once the point is made, the odds turn against you.

Now, if 7 comes up on the dice, you lose the bet you made at the beginning. If the point comes up, you win.

Pass Bet Rules:

Come-out roll: Natural 7 or 11 you win Crap 2, 3, or 12 you lose

Points: 4 5 6 8 9 10

Point rolls: Point you win 7 you lose



DON'T PASS BET

If the dice thrown on the come-out roll bet total 7 or 11, you lose. 2 and 3 win, and on 12 you "push" (neither winning or losing).

If the dice come up 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 as before, this becomes the point. After this, if 7 comes up first, you win. To lose, the point must come up.

Don't Pass Rules:

Come-out roll: Natural 7 or 11 you lose Crap 2 or 3 you win Crap 12 push

Points: 4 5 6 8 9 10

Point rolls: Point you lose 7 you win

Like I said, we'll cover more next time but I don't want to overload you with too much info at one time. Craps is an intricate game, and warrants that you take the time to learn it properly before trying to master its strategies.

About the author:

Yes it's true: Ellison Mansfield has made a career out of gambling. He's flown under the radar for virtually his entire adult life, beating the casinos and stockpiling his winnings. After holding onto these secrets and amassing a private fortune over the past 16 years, he finally decided it was time to come out and share some of his knowledge with the world. Please see insidersystem.com