As we continue to cover the basics of all games we turn our focus to the game of shooting dice. Street craps is the simpler version of it’s online casinos counterpart, but there are still rules to take note of. Even if you are a players who frequently take Las Vegas by storm, by reading through this blog, you can pick up some worthy tips and guidelines on how to improve your dice numbers and gain an advantage over other participants. Join EnergyCasino as we provide a comprehensive overview on street craps.
INTRODUCTION TO STREET CRAPS
Street Craps is an exciting and fast-paced alternative to traditional casino craps. Unlike its casino counterpart, this simplified game is played informally, often on sidewalks, backyards, or even in alleyways. Players roll the dice against a vertical surface, like a wall or curb, to ensure fairness. Due to its low entry requirements and straightforward gameplay, Street Craps has gained immense popularity, making it an accessible and engaging dice game for all.
OVERVIEW OF STREET CRAPS AND ITS ORIGINS
Street Craps has roots in traditional casino craps but evolved as an informal, community-based dice game. This street version removes the house edge, allowing players to bet directly against each other rather than a casino. Historically, Street Craps has been popular in urban areas where players gather to roll the dice and wager on the outcome. This variation relies on player agreements, making it a more flexible and social dice game.
RULES AND GAMEPLAY OF STREET CRAPS
To be able to play street dice and the game crap out, you need to understand the basics and the overall objective, how to place bets, and what is a shooter’s bet.
BASIC GAMEPLAY AND OBJECTIVE
The objective of Street Craps is similar to casino craps—players bet on the outcome of a roll of two dice. The game begins with a player, known as the shooter, rolling the dice. The first roll, called the “come out roll,” determines the course of the game. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, they win the round. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12 (crap out), they lose instantly. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the “point value.”
HOW TO PLAY CRAPS IN STREET VARIANT
Once a point value is established, the shooter rolls the dice again to either match the point value and win or roll a seven and lose. Players place wagers before each roll. Since Street Craps lacks a formal dealer, players negotiate bets among themselves. Those who know the rules can quickly grasp how to play Street Craps effectively.
BETTING IN STREET CRAPS
MAIN BETS IN STREET CRAPS
- Pass Bets: A bet that the shooter will win by rolling a seven or 11 on the come-out roll or by rolling the point value before a seven.
- Don’t Pass Bets: A wager that the shooter will lose by rolling a two, three, or 12 on the come-out roll or a seven before the point value.
- Come Bets: Similar to Pass Bets but made after the come-out roll.
- Point Bets: Wagering that the shooter will match the point value before rolling a seven.
SIDE BETS AND NEGOTIATED WAGERS
- Crap Out Bets: A bet that the shooter will roll a two, three, or 12 on the first roll.
- Brick Bet: A bet that the shooter will miss the point value and lose.
- Even Money Wagers: Bets that pay 1:1, making them simpler than casino odds.
- Other Player Bets: Spectators can place side bets on outcomes, adding more engagement.
STRATEGIES FOR WINNING AT STREET CRAPS AND TIPS
Understanding the best strategies for playing traditional craps can help improve your chances of winning. While luck plays a major role, smart betting decisions can maximise success.
Effective Strategies:
- Master Proper Dice Control: Learning dice control techniques can improve your roll accuracy.
- Stick to Pass Bets: These provide a fair chance of winning without complex odds.
- Avoid High-Risk Side Bets: Side bets may seem tempting but often carry higher risks.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set betting limits to avoid losing too much in one game.
- Play Defensively: Consider betting against the shooter when the odds favour it.
TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR GAME
By now you already know the main tricks and tips for playing craps, in this section we will introduce a couple more that aims to improve your game.
- Learn Dice Control: Understanding how dice bounce can help with better rolls.
- Know the Common Payouts: Be familiar with standard bet payouts to avoid confusion.
- Observe Other Players: Watching experienced players can help refine your tactics.
- Practice Rolling Dice: Improving accuracy may slightly boost your odds.
- Stick to a Strategy: Avoid impulsive bets that can lead to rapid losses.
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STREET CRAPS AND CASINO CRAPS
- No House Edge: Unlike casino craps, there is no built-in advantage for a casino.
- Player-Driven Betting: Players negotiate and manage their own bets.
- Simpler Rules: Without a dealer, the game runs on basic rules.
- No Official Table: Dice are rolled against a wall or other solid surface.
- More Flexible Wagering: Players can place custom bets not available in casinos.
ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY FOR STREET CRAPS
- Shooter: The player rolling the dice.
- Come Out Roll: The first roll of a round.
- Point Value: The number set after the come out roll.
- Crap Out: Losing on the come out roll with a 2, 3, or 12.
- Pass Bets Turn: The phase where players can place pass line bets.
- Rolling Dice: The act of throwing the dice to determine outcomes.
- Seven Out: Losing by rolling a 7 after a point is established.
- Bet Wins: When a player’s bet is successful.
- Brick Bet: A wager that the shooter will lose the round.
- Dice Controllers: Skilled players who aim to influence dice rolls.
For more information about the most important terms of traditional craps make sure to visit our comprehensive guide on this topic.
THE SOCIAL AND SAFETY ASPECTS OF STREET CRAPS
Street Craps is a highly social game where players interact directly, unlike casino craps, which follows strict rules. However, safety concerns should be noted, as informal gambling settings may involve disputes. To ensure fairness and security:
- Play in well-lit, safe locations.
- Establish clear betting agreements before rolling.
- Avoid high-stakes games with unfamiliar players.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID IN STREET CRAPS
- Not Understanding the Rules: Misinterpreting basic bets can lead to unnecessary losses.
- Making Unfavourable Side Bets: High-risk bets often result in quick losses.
- Ignoring Bankroll Management: Betting too much too soon can end your game quickly.
- Playing Without a Betting Plan: Lack of strategy leads to reckless wagering. This mistake can be done in other games as well, a good understanding of bankroll management is needed for successful trips to the table.
- Failing to Observe Opponents: Understanding how others bet can provide insights.
- Losing Control of Dice Rolls: Rolling too aggressively can affect accuracy.
- Not Knowing When to Walk Away: Knowing when to quit helps protect winnings. There’s no need to wait for when the game ends to stop placing your bets.
FAQ
⭐ CAN YOU PLAY STREET CRAPS LEGALLY?
Street Craps legality depends on local gambling laws. Unlike casino craps, which is regulated, street craps is often played informally, sometimes for money, without the oversight of a licensed gaming authority. Many jurisdictions classify unlicensed gambling as illegal, which means street craps could be against the law in public or private settings if there’s real money involved.
For example, in the U.S., some states allow private, social gambling where no “house” profits from the bets, but others prohibit unregulated wagering altogether. Players should always check their local gambling regulations before participating in street craps.
⭐ CAN YOU CONTROL THE DICE ROLL IN STREET CRAPS?
While some players believe in "dice control" or "dice setting," the reality is that controlling the outcome of a dice roll in street craps is extremely difficult. Unlike in a casino where dice must hit a back wall, street craps are often played on uneven surfaces, such as sidewalks or carpets, making it nearly impossible to influence results consistently.
Some experienced players attempt to grip and throw the dice in a way that minimises randomness, but factors like surface texture, bounce, and roll distance make true control nearly impossible. This means street craps is largely a game of chance rather than skill.
⭐ WHAT ARE THE BEST BETS TO MAKE IN STREET CRAPS?
The best bets in street craps are those that offer the highest probability of winning and the lowest risk. Some of the most common and favourable bets include:
- Pass Line Bet: A wager that the shooter will roll a seven or 11 on the come-out roll or establish a point and roll it again before a seven. This bet is similar to casino craps and gives the player a reasonable chance of winning.
- Don't Pass Bet: The opposite of the pass line bet. You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll or if they establish a point but roll a seven before repeating the point.
- Side Bets (Agreed Bets): Players can negotiate bets, such as betting on whether a certain number will roll before a 7. These bets vary by game and should be carefully considered.
To improve your odds, stick to bets that have clear rules and lower risks rather than high-risk wagers with uncertain payouts.
⭐ WHAT HAPPENS IF THE SHOOTER ROLLS A 7 ON THE COME-OUT ROLL?
If the shooter rolls a seven on the come-out roll, the results depend on the type of bet placed:
- Pass Line Bet Wins: A 7 or 11 on the come-out roll is an automatic win for players betting on the pass line.
- Don't Pass Bet Loses: Players who bet on the don't pass line lose instantly when a seven is rolled on the come-out.
- New Round Begins: Since the shooter did not establish a point, the round resets, and the same shooter rolls the dice again for a new come-out roll.
This rule makes the pass line bet one of the best options for beginners since a seven on the first roll results in an immediate win.
⭐ WHAT IS THE BEST STRATEGY FOR PLAYING STREET CRAPS?
While street craps is a game of chance, using smart betting strategies can improve your odds:
- Stick to Pass and Don’t Pass Bets: These bets have straightforward rules and a reasonable chance of winning, making them safer than riskier side bets.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a limit on how much you're willing to wager and avoid chasing losses.
- Agree on Rules Before Playing: Since street craps doesn’t have official casino regulations, make sure all players agree on the betting structure before rolling.
- Control the Game Pace: Some experienced players take time to shoot the dice properly rather than rolling quickly and randomly.
- Know When to Walk Away: If you're winning, set aside a portion of your earnings instead of reinvesting everything. If you're on a losing streak, avoid making reckless bets to recover losses.
By following these strategies, players can make the most of their street craps experience while keeping risks manageable.