Hurricane Las Vegas
Hurricane Las Vegas: A Beginner's Guide to Craps
Craps, often called “Hurricane Las Vegas,” is a fast-paced, exciting dice game found in casinos worldwide. The table is usually the loudest and most energetic spot on the casino floor, and while it might seem intimidating at first glance, the basic rules are surprisingly straightforward. This guide will break down the game into manageable pieces, demystifying the terminology and helping you understand the fundamental bets and strategies.
The Basics: The Table and the Equipment
The craps table is a large, rectangular table with identical layouts on either side. This allows many players to participate simultaneously. The main components are:
- The Dice: Two standard six-sided dice are used.
- The Layout: The layout is the printed area on the table where you place your bets. It’s covered in various betting options, each with its own odds and payouts.
- The Stickman: The casino employee who retrieves the dice after a roll, calls out the dice totals, and pushes chips around the table.
- The Boxman: The casino employee who sits between the dealers and oversees the game, verifying payouts and resolving disputes.
- The Dealers: Typically two dealers stand on either side of the boxman, handling bets and payouts from the players in their respective areas.
- The Puck: A small, round marker with "ON" and "OFF" sides. It indicates the current stage of the game. When it reads "OFF," a new game is about to begin. When it reads "ON," a point has been established.
- Pass Line Bet: You're betting that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the Come Out Roll. If they do, you win even money (1:1). If they roll a 2, 3, or 12 (called "craps"), you lose.
- Don't Pass Line Bet: You're betting that the shooter will *not* roll a 7 or 11 on the Come Out Roll. If they roll a 2 or 3, you win even money. If they roll a 7 or 11, you lose. If they roll a 12, it's a "push" (your bet is returned).
- Pass Line Bet (after the Point is established): Your Pass Line bet now wins if the shooter rolls the Point number before rolling a 7. If the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the Point, you lose.
- Don't Pass Line Bet (after the Point is established): Your Don't Pass Line bet now wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the Point number. If the shooter rolls the Point before rolling a 7, you lose.
- Come Bet: This bet is essentially a Pass Line bet, but it's made *after* a Point has already been established. The next roll becomes the "Come Point" for your Come Bet. You win if that Come Point is rolled before a 7.
- Don't Come Bet: This is the opposite of the Come Bet, similar to the Don't Pass Line bet. You're betting that a 7 will be rolled before the Come Point.
- Place Bets: These are bets placed on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10). You're betting that that specific number will be rolled before a 7. The payouts vary depending on the number. For example, a Place bet on 6 or 8 typically pays 7:6, while a Place bet on 4 or 10 typically pays 9:5.
- Proposition Bets (Prop Bets): These are single-roll bets placed in the center of the table. They offer high payouts but have a very high house edge. Examples include betting on a specific combination like "Hard 8" (two 4s) or betting that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12. *Beginners should generally avoid these bets.*
- Understanding the House Edge: Every bet in craps has a house edge, meaning the casino has a statistical advantage. The Pass Line and Don't Pass Line bets have some of the lowest house edges, making them good choices for beginners. Prop bets have some of the highest.
- Betting Too Much, Too Soon: Start small. Get comfortable with the game and the flow of play before increasing your bet sizes.
- Chasing Losses: A common mistake is to increase your bets in an attempt to recoup losses quickly. This can lead to even greater losses. Stick to your predetermined budget and betting strategy.
- Ignoring the Odds: Understand the payouts and probabilities of each bet. This will help you make informed decisions.
- Getting Intimidated: The craps table can be loud and chaotic. Don't be afraid to ask the dealers questions. They are there to help.
- Superstition: While some players believe in lucky dice or rituals, craps is ultimately a game of chance. Don't let superstition dictate your betting strategy.
- The "Dark Side" vs. "Light Side": Pass Line bets are often called "Light Side" bets, while Don't Pass Line bets are "Dark Side" bets. Some players frown upon Dark Side bettors, especially when the table is on a hot streak. This is just part of the game's culture; don't take it personally.
- Example 1: Come Out Roll - Pass Line Win: You place a $5 Pass Line bet. The shooter rolls an 11. You win $5.
- Example 2: Come Out Roll - Point Established: You place a $10 Pass Line bet. The shooter rolls a 4. The Point is now 4.
- Example 3: Point Phase - Pass Line Win: You have a $10 Pass Line bet on the 4 (the Point). The shooter rolls a 4. You win $10.
- Example 4: Point Phase - Pass Line Loss: You have a $10 Pass Line bet on the 4 (the Point). The shooter rolls a 7. You lose $10.
- Example 5: Place Bet Win: You place a $6 Place bet on the number 8. The shooter rolls an 8 before a 7. You win $7 (7:6 payout).
The Game: Two Phases - Come Out Roll and Point Phase
A craps game has two distinct phases: the Come Out Roll and the Point Phase.
1. The Come Out Roll:
This is the initial roll of the dice that starts a new game. The shooter (the player rolling the dice) must make a "Pass Line" or "Don't Pass Line" bet before rolling. These are the most fundamental bets in craps.
If the Come Out Roll results in a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the "Point." The game then moves to the Point Phase.
2. The Point Phase:
The goal now is for the shooter to roll the Point number again *before* rolling a 7.
Once the Point is either made (rolled again) or "sevened out" (a 7 is rolled), the Point Phase ends, and a new Come Out Roll begins with a new shooter (usually rotating clockwise around the table). The puck is flipped back to the "OFF" position.
Beyond the Basics: More Common Bets
While the Pass Line and Don't Pass Line bets are the foundation, craps offers a multitude of other betting options. Here are a few of the most popular:
Common Pitfalls and Tips for Beginners
Practical Examples:
Conclusion:
Craps can seem daunting at first, but by understanding the basic rules, betting options, and common pitfalls, you can confidently step up to the table and enjoy the excitement of "Hurricane Las Vegas." Remember to start small, learn as you go, and most importantly, have fun! Good luck!
