Craps is one of the most thrilling casino games, often associated with loud cheers, clapping, and intense action. For South African players, this game offers a chance to experience excitement and potential profits, but success in craps doesn’t come by chance alone. Like any casino game, mastering craps requires understanding the rules, developing effective strategies, and knowing when to bet and when to hold back. In this article, we’ll explore the best craps strategies for South African players, providing you with tips and tricks that can help boost your chances of winning.
What is Craps? A Quick Overview for South African Players
Craps is a popular casino dice game that is played with two six-sided dice. The main objective of the game is to predict the outcome of a roll (or a series of rolls) of the dice. Players can bet on various possible outcomes, such as whether the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will roll a specific number or whether certain combinations will appear. The beauty of craps lies in its wide variety of betting options, which can be both exciting and challenging for players of all skill levels. With so many ways to wager, craps offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a first-time player.
The game is centered around the concept of a “shooter,” who is the person rolling the dice. The outcome of each roll or series of rolls can result in different scenarios, and players bet on these potential outcomes. For example, one of the most common bets is on whether the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, which is the first roll in a round. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, players who bet on that outcome win. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, it results in a loss for those players. The variety of bets available adds a level of excitement to the game, but it also makes it essential for players to understand the different betting options and their corresponding odds.
Craps can be overwhelming for new players because of its complexity and the numerous betting opportunities it provides. However, once you get the hang of the basic rules, the game becomes much more enjoyable. Each player at the table has the chance to place their bets on the outcome of the roll, and many different types of wagers can be made. For instance, players can bet on a “pass line,” which is a wager that the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or a “don’t pass line,” which is the opposite, betting that the shooter will lose. There are also more advanced bets like “come bets” and “place bets” that offer different odds and payouts.
The complexity of craps makes it a game of skill and strategy, as understanding how each bet works and how to minimize the house edge is crucial for long-term success. South African players who want to excel at craps need to familiarize themselves with the rules, the betting options, and the best strategies. With practice and knowledge, craps can be a highly rewarding game, offering both an entertaining and potentially lucrative experience. Whether playing in a physical casino or an online platform, the goal is to make informed decisions that maximize your chances of winning while enjoying the thrilling action that craps brings to the table.
Understanding the Basic Craps Rules
| Rule | Explanation | Outcome of a Roll | Example Bet | Why It Matters |
| The Come-Out Roll | The first roll of the round where players make bets on the outcome. | A roll of 7 or 11 is a win (natural), 2, 3, or 12 is a loss (craps). Any other number becomes the point. | Pass Line Bet: Bet on a 7 or 11 for a win. | This is the most critical roll, setting the tone for the round. |
| The Point | If a point is established, the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win the round. | Shooter aims for the point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) before rolling a 7. If a 7 is rolled first, it’s a loss. | Pass Line Bet: Bet that the point will be hit before a 7. | Understanding the point is essential for knowing how long the round will last. |
| Pass Line Bet | A bet that the shooter will win on the come-out roll by rolling a 7 or 11 or by hitting the point. | Wins with 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. Loses with 2, 3, or 12. If a point is set, wins by rolling the point again before a 7. | Bet on 7 or 11 for an initial win. | This is the most basic and fundamental bet in craps, ideal for beginners. |
| Don’t Pass Line Bet | A bet against the shooter, hoping for a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll, or that a 7 will be rolled before the point. | Wins with 2 or 3 on the come-out roll, or if the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point. Loses with 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. | Bet on a 7 being rolled before the point number. | This is the opposite of the Pass Line Bet and requires a bit more strategy. |
| Come Bet | Similar to the Pass Line bet, but placed after the point is established. | Wins if the shooter rolls the bet number (7 or 11) before a 7 is rolled. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the bet loses. | Bet on the next roll after the point is established. | This bet allows players to place a similar wager after the come-out roll. |
Key Craps Strategies for South African Players
- Stick to the Pass Line Bet
One of the most popular and beginner-friendly strategies in craps is to stick with the Pass Line bet. This bet has one of the lowest house edges, around 1.41%, which makes it a great option for players looking to maximize their chances of winning. When the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, you win, while rolling a 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss. If a point is established, you win by betting that the point will be rolled before a 7. - Take the Odds Bet
After a point is set, players can take the Odds Bet, which is an additional bet placed on the point number. The beauty of this bet is that it has no house edge, meaning you’re paid the true odds of rolling that number. It’s one of the most favorable bets in craps, so always consider taking the odds when possible to increase your potential payout without increasing the house edge. - Avoid Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are bets placed on specific dice combinations or outcomes, such as rolling a 2, 3, 12, or other rare combinations. While these bets offer high payouts, they also come with a significantly higher house edge, which can quickly eat away at your bankroll. Unless you’re feeling particularly lucky, it’s generally best to avoid these bets in favor of the more consistent and lower-risk options. - Use the Don’t Pass Line Bet for Counterplay
For players who enjoy betting against the shooter, the Don’t Pass Line bet can be a strong strategy. It offers a slightly lower house edge than the Pass Line bet, and it wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll or a 7 before hitting the point number. While betting against the shooter might feel uncomfortable for some, it can be a profitable strategy for those who understand the math behind the game. - Place Bets on 6 and 8
When you’re past the come-out roll and a point has been established, betting on the 6 and 8 is a solid choice. These numbers are rolled frequently and offer favorable odds, with the house edge being around 1.52%. By placing a bet on these numbers, you’re stacking the odds in your favor without taking on excessive risk. - Avoid the Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
While the Big 6 and Big 8 bets may seem appealing due to their simplicity, they carry a higher house edge (around 9.09%) than betting on the 6 and 8 directly. Avoid these bets and place your chips on the 6 and 8 individually for a much better return on investment. - Use the Come Bet After the Point is Established
Once a point is set, the Come Bet is a great way to continue placing bets with the same favorable odds as the Pass Line. A Come Bet works similarly to the Pass Line bet, but it can be placed after the point is established. This strategy allows you to spread out your wagers and take advantage of multiple opportunities for winning throughout the round.
Stick to the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line Bets
When it comes to keeping your bankroll in check, one of the smartest moves you can make is to stick with the most straightforward and basic bets in craps—the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets. These two bets offer some of the best odds in the game, making them ideal choices for both beginners and seasoned players who want to minimize their risk.
The Pass Line bet is the most popular wager in craps, and it’s easy to see why. On the come-out roll, you’re betting that the shooter will either roll a 7 or 11, known as a “natural” win. If a point is established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), you’re betting that the shooter will roll the point number again before rolling a 7. This bet has a relatively low house edge of 1.41%, meaning your chances of winning are significantly better compared to other more complex bets in the game.
On the other hand, the Don’t Pass Line bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Here, you’re betting against the shooter, meaning you want them to lose. This can happen if they roll a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll, or if they roll a 7 before hitting the point number. The house edge on the Don’t Pass Line bet is even slightly lower at 1.36%, making it a fantastic option for players who prefer to bet against the shooter rather than with them. While this bet isn’t as popular as the Pass Line bet due to the psychological element of betting against the shooter, it offers slightly better odds.
Both the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets are considered low-risk wagers that should form the foundation of any solid craps strategy. A strategic player may even alternate between these two bets depending on the situation. For example, if you feel that the shooter is on a hot streak and likely to hit their point, you might stick with the Pass Line. However, if the shooter seems to be struggling or on a cold streak, betting the Don’t Pass Line might be a more favorable option. Either way, both bets offer great value for players looking to minimize their exposure to the house edge while still enjoying the excitement of the game.
Utilize the Odds Bet
| Point Number | Odds Payout | Description | True Odds Advantage | Recommended Strategy |
| 4 or 10 | 2 to 1 | The shooter must roll a 4 or 10 again before rolling a 7 | Higher payout, fewer chances to hit | Best for larger payouts, but riskier |
| 5 or 9 | 3 to 2 | The shooter must roll a 5 or 9 again before rolling a 7 | Balanced risk-reward | A solid middle ground bet |
| 6 or 8 | 6 to 5 | The shooter must roll a 6 or 8 again before rolling a 7 | Most favorable with more rolls | Great for higher consistency, lower payouts |
The Come Bet Strategy
The Come Bet is an excellent strategy for South African players who are looking for another reliable way to increase their chances of winning in craps. This bet functions similarly to the Pass Line bet, but there are key differences that make it an interesting addition to your betting strategy. The Come Bet can be placed once a point is established, and it essentially acts like a “mini-come-out roll” for the player. Here’s a breakdown of how the Come Bet strategy works:
- Place the Bet After the Point Is Established: The Come Bet is only available once a point has been established. It’s similar to the Pass Line bet but is made after the come-out roll.
- If a 7 or 11 Is Rolled: When you place a Come Bet, if a 7 or 11 is rolled on the next roll, you win. This mirrors the natural win scenario of the Pass Line bet.
- Point Number Scenario: If any number other than 7 or 11 is rolled, that number becomes your “point,” and your goal is to roll that number again before a 7 is rolled. This is very similar to the Point situation in the Pass Line bet.
- Continuous Action: The Come Bet gives you the opportunity to stay in the game, even if you’re not actively rolling the dice. Each new Come Bet you make essentially starts a new “round” in your favor, keeping you engaged in the action.
- Diversifying Bets: While the Come Bet works similarly to the Pass Line, it adds an element of diversity to your strategy by allowing you to place multiple bets during a round. This increases your chances of winning by having more opportunities for favorable rolls.
- Low House Edge: Like the Pass Line bet, the Come Bet carries a relatively low house edge (around 1.41%), which makes it an attractive option for players who want to maximize their odds while keeping risk low.
- Combining with Other Bets: Since the Come Bet can be made at any time after a point is established, it can be combined with other bets to enhance your overall strategy. For instance, you could pair a Come Bet with a Don’t Pass Line bet to diversify your portfolio of wagers.
