How to Play Craps in Vietnam

For several years, Vietnam has gambling laws in place that prohibits locals from engaging in any form of gambling. For foreigners and expats in the country, the laws do not apply. However, it is not uncommon to meet a local Vietnamese who will willingly play cards with betting with anyone they meet. One of the games commonly played in Vietnam is Craps. 

What is Craps?

Craps is a game where gamblers can place bets on a roll of dice. When you look at the craps table, it may seem a bit confusing with all the numbers written on it but the game is pretty easy to understand as you play along. Before you approach a table and play, it is best to learn more about the available bets and how the game is played. 

How to Play Craps in Vietnam

Starting the Game

When you start playing the game, it is important to keep in mind that your bets will always be on the SUM of the pair dice rolled. In a table, one player will roll the dice and try to get a 7 or 11. If on the first roll, any one of this number is not achieved, they establish a point number that they have to get after the roll before they roll a 7. 

In general, a player’s (other than the one who will roll the dice) bet, should be in the hope of the roller will get the number they need. A player, however, can also bet against the table or hope that the player will roll a losing number. 

In the come-out roll (first roll), 7 and 11 numbers are automatic winners. Getting numbers 2, 3, and 12 are craps numbers and mean bettors lose their bets. 

The winning and losing numbers change depending on the game stage. Once the player sets a point, the number 7 is now a losing number. 

Pass Line Bet

During the come-out roll, players can bet on the pass line. This is a basic bet in craps so it could be the best bet for a beginner. The dealer will place a disk on the table to keep track. Once this disk is flipped with the black side marked with OFF, it is a signal that a new round is about to start. On the come-out roll, a result of a 7 or 11 means that all who placed their bets on the pass line wins. A result of 2, 3, or 12 means everyone loses. Note that a new round will not begin unless someone places a bet on the pass. 

When the rolled out dice shows a 4, 5, or 6, it is neither a win nor a loss. It becomes a point and the game moves on the next phase of play. 

Players can also bet on the don't pass line. This bet is against everyone else. The bettor wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 but lose if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. 

Playing the Point

A point is when the shooter does not win or lose on the come-out roll. The point numbers can be 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10. The dealer will then flip the disk to the ON side to signal the next round. The shooter will then continue rolling the dice in the hopes of getting another point number once again. If the shooter rolls a 7, it is a loss. 

Bets placed on the pass line will remain on the board until the end of the round. This will win if the shooter rolls a point number. If the point number is a 9, the shooter must attempt to roll a 9. If the shooter rolls a 7, all [ass line bets lose. The play will proceed until the shooter rolls one of the numbers. 

Once the shooter rolls the point number, the play begins again with new pass bets. Should a 7 comes up, the same thing will happen but the shooter must be changed. 

How to Play Craps with the Come Bet

Going into a craps table after the start of a round is advantageous as players can choose to place their bets on the come space. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, come bets win. It is a loss if the shooter rolls a 2, 3 or 12. Note that point does not change the bet. If the point is a 5, the player does not get anything if the shooter rolls a 5. 

A come bet is different from a pass line. A player can win a come bet with a 7 but lose the pass bet once the point is known. Play may proceed even when a 2, 3, or 12 rolls. 

A don’t come bet allows a player to win when the shooter rolls a 7 and lose when the point number is rolled. This is often a safe and simple bet but this is also a bet against the table. 

How to Play Craps as a Beginner

• When you are still new in playing craps, it is best if you stick to conservative bets. Line and come bets is a safe option for you. If you have some money to spend, you can make some odds bets. If you are hoping to earn more, you can do single roll predictions via the field space. Never make proposition bets until you are more experienced and more comfortable betting away your money. 
• Remember that craps is a fast-paced game, so it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Get the feel of the game and the table first before making any bets. 
• In general, simple bets often have the best odds in a casino. Whilst they don’t pay much compared with high-risk bets, they are much better options for a beginner. 
• Memorize the odds to increase your chances of winning a bet. You can read about the advantage or house edge. The most common number to appear in dice is a 7, then a 6 and an 8. 2 and 12 appear less often because they need a pair to land. 
• Master craps lingo. It will help you understand bets much better. 
• Predict the next roll using the field numbers.

What You Need to Know When Playing Craps

Playing craps involves some form of basic etiquette, particularly if you are playing in a land-based casino. So there are some things you have to know before you approach a table. Some of them include: 

Roll the dice across the table when given the chance. If you are playing on the table for quite some time, the stick person may hand you the dice and ask you to roll it. To become a shooter, you have to at least make a pass or come bet. The stickperson will give you 5 dice to choose from. Choose two that makes you feel good and toss them to hit the rail on the opposite side of the table. Remember to handle the dice with only one hand. Do not blow on them but you may shake them before tossing. 

A craps table is long so instead of rolling it, you actually have to throw them strong enough to let them bounce off the table. If the dice do not hit the back rail, you have to do it again. 

Craps make huge amounts of money in a casino so it is often filled with people manning the table. A standard table may have four casino employees who have different roles. 

• The boxperson is the one closest to the pit. He is the one responsible for monitoring the game, stashing and guarding the betting chips. 
• The stickperson is located opposite the boxperson. He is the one holding the long stick to push the dice around the table. He controls the craps tempo and helps the bettors place bets and call results. 
• The dealers manage the money. They are responsible for converting cash into chips and paying out winners. 

Always stand behind a pass line when going to a craps table. This area covers ¾ of the outer edge of the table, opposite the stickperson. The pass line is the area where you can start placing your bets. You cannot miss this as the pass line is labelled with huge letters. 

Before playing, it is customary to buy chips at the table. Do not hand your cash to the dealer, cash in for chips by setting money on the table as dealers are not allowed to take money directly from the player’s hands. 

Do not try to squeeze in a table. Approach cautiously and wait for an open spot. Come in only when the disk is flipped OFF. 

It is common practice to cheer for a shooter. Craps is a group game that encourages players to support and show enthusiasm for other players. Cheer for the shooter to win the line bet or roll the point. But if your bet is against the shooter, stay quiet and do not ruin the fun.