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Table Games What's the best way to learn craps?

Discussion in 'Table Games' started by makuk, Apr 27, 2017.

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  1. makuk

    makuk Low-Roller

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    I have gambled for many many years (every game) but never had the time or inclination to learn or play craps, and now I want to change that.

    Is there any easy way to learn the game apart from watching videos on YouTube?

    Thanks for your input.
     
  2. SH0CK

    SH0CK Stylin' and Profilin' Quasi Tech Admin

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    Some casinos offer a free "class" to learn the basics of the game. i think they go for a short time then will open up a $5 table for folks to get their feet wet.

    Personally, I learned the basics by trial by fire. That and I told the dealer it was my first time playing and he explained a lot of game to me as we went. Of course, this only works if you have a friendly and personable dealer.
     
  3. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    Yes, I agree that these are very good ways to learn the game. I would like to add that playing in the early mornings (around 6 am or so) enables you to play at a relatively empty or near empty table. The dealers are more apt to explain the game and offer some tips as well.
     
  4. Kevke

    Kevke Vegas Addict

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    Go downtown , i learned it all at at the Golden Gate Casino , the dealers tend to be more " relaxed " in my opinion , also its lower stakes.
     
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  5. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

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    There are several books that explain the fundamentals of the game. Several years ago I bought "Craps 101" by Michael Skaff. The book explains the rules of the game, type of bets and their payouts, house percentages of each bet and a glossary of craps terms and lingo. Several casinos offer free craps lessons during the mid-morning hours, which can give you some hands on experience at the table. You could also have a friend who is familiar with the game take you under his wing and play sided by side at a table, or you could stand and watch a game in progress to get a feel of what is going on. Finally, find yourself a low minimum game, buy in, inform the dealers that you are a newbie; they will help you out most of the time. Start with simple bets such as pass line with odds and maybe a few place bets (on 6 and 8) to start off with until you feel more comfortable. If you stick to the simple bets to start off with, it won't be as intimidating a game as it sometimes seems.
     
  6. bnlphan

    bnlphan Degenerate In Training

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    Agree with above post. I learned from reading a book but I'd just take some advice from this thread. Download one of the free apps there's probably even a trainer app like there is for video poker or black jack. and play around with it. You cant really go wrong just playing pass line with max odds then place bets on the 6 and the 8. The main thing to learn is how much to bet based on the odds. and the payouts on the place bets. Place on 6 and 8 pays back at 7:6 I believe at most tables so you make 6 dollar increments. 5 works good for any of the others. My strategy which I like but may not be what most people consider ideal is pass line bets with max odds whatever the table allows. Then minimum place bets across the board. if they hit let them ride once and then start taking the winnings. sometimes If I'm up I'll start doing a progressive bet on the field line like some do with blackjack. 5 dollar let it ride twice if it hits then pull back everythign if it hits again and bet on the house money. Beyond that not much too it. Just dont forget to throw five out on the passline for the boys every now and then. They will appreciate it.
     
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  7. Chuck2009x

    Chuck2009x VIP Whale

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    Take a lesson and then play during slow times with someone who can explain to you what they're doing. It doesn't really take that long for things to click.
     
  8. woodsie

    woodsie VIP Whale

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    Just go play. Craps is a much easier gamne than it looks because you don't have to understand every bet to play. It's sufficient to just walk up, make a passline bet and then learn the rest by watching.

    At the end of the day it's just a layout with many different ways to bet on the outcome of the dice. It's not like Blackjack where you are at an immediate disadvantage if you don't understand how to split, double down, or play a soft hand.
     
  9. Rush

    Rush MIA

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    Fond a dead table and let the dealers know you are new. They will take it from there.
     
  10. topcard

    topcard Here's to $10 3:2 two-deck, $5 Craps, and $5 UTH!

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    I learned at a 50-cent minimum table at the Westward Ho, about 9 AM on a weekday... it was just me at the table... all of the crew had fun teaching me (and playfully arguing with one another about "best" strategy).
    Within about 15 minutes, I was betting 10-20 times the "minimum" bet.
    No, you probably couldn't find 50-cent craps today, but I know for certain that $3 tables are around.
    Find one & play it on a weekday morning, before the crowds come rolling in.
     
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  11. vegasvic

    vegasvic VIP Whale

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    All great advice. Read a book and/or watch some youtube videos ahead of time then just jump in on a not so crowded table That way the jerks who think they own the game won't harass you if you make a betting mistake. Most players are great, everyone was new to the game. But some people are just jerks. Stick to the basics, pass line/odds and expand as you get more comfortable. Stay away from all center table bets. Once you fully understand the game, and just as important the house edge on all the bets, then you can decide what, if any, center bets to make. If you find a casino that still has craps lessons that's also a good idea.
     
  12. makuk

    makuk Low-Roller

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    Great information, thank you everyone, I will watch some videos, read a book, try to find an online simulator then find an empty table to play for real.

    Thanks again for everyone's input it's much appreciated.
     
  13. h0und10

    h0und10 VIP Whale

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    download a craps app on the telephone
     
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  14. vegasvic

    vegasvic VIP Whale

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    Don't get too wrapped up in craps "systems". The house edge is the house edge.
     
  15. gguerra

    gguerra High-Roller

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    I don't think it was mentioned but you can try bubble craps and play for real money. I've seen some minimums on that as low as $3. The most complex part of craps is learning how odds work and the house advantage. There are sucker bets and there are safe bets. Of course even the safe bets can lose. The safe bets tend to be boring but you could do several at the same time to make it more exciting.
     
  16. M0rtyC

    M0rtyC TBD

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    This is how I practiced after a free class. I believe the El cortez still has a $1 min. Cheap way to practice with real money. "Push the button" is the only downside.
     
  17. stackinchips

    stackinchips VIP Whale

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    Bubble craps is a good way for a beginner to learn. You get the benefit of seeing everything play out, the ability to easily place your bets on your own screen, and you don't have to worry about having the perfect amount on each number because it will pay you down to the penny what you're owed. Of course this also means some nuances won't be learned (like betting a multiple of $6 when placing the 6/8, always having even odds on your 5/9). The biggest caveat is though that you need someone who knows the game with you to explain it. It's much easier to teach someone on bubble craps because you don't have to worry of superstitions or holding up a game on a regular table while explaining things.

    In my experience, you can read, talk about it, mess with a simulator online, etc. but the easiest way to learn is to jump in to the real deal and put some money on the felt. Just find a low min table and ease your way into it...
     
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  18. Funstuie

    Funstuie Low-Roller

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    I'm still new to craps and learning but my way to learn was just to jump in and play. I ended up not losing, didn't win a lot but I didn't lose and I had a lot of fun. I went against all the advice you have been given and played my first game of craps at 11pm at night when I joined a raucous table with people screaming and hollerin and I just decided to join.

    Didn't learn a lot but got by enough by playing it safe.

    https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/craps-is-this-a-good-system.140940/
     
  19. Dan_Tanna

    Dan_Tanna Low-Roller

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    I recall that the Flamingo, maybe others as well, offered how to gaming videos on one ore more of their internal TV channels. There were presented by none other than Adam West, TV's Batman.
     
  20. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

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    Take a Free Class, play a short live session.
    Next day take another Free Class as it will help solidify what you learned and you will get to ask questions about some new stuff.
    I actually took one Free Class for 3 trips straight when I first started.
    In between I would play a session or two and each class it would confirm what I was seeing and I was asking questions about some new stuff.
     
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