Craps is one of the most exciting and fast-paced games in any casino, yet it can seem intimidating to beginners due to its energetic atmosphere and complex-looking table layout. In reality, craps is based on a few simple principles, and once you understand the basic flow of the game, it becomes much more approachable. Whether you’re playing at a land-based casino or online, learning how to play craps starts with understanding the roles of the dice, the types of bets available, and the stages of each round. This guide breaks down the core rules and betting strategies to help you get started with confidence.
The Basic Objective of Craps
At its core, craps is a game where players bet on the outcome of a roll (or series of rolls) of two six-sided dice. The person rolling the dice is called the shooter, and each round starts with a “come-out” roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, it’s an instant win for bets on the Pass Line. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, that’s called “craps,” and Pass Line bets lose. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point. From there, the shooter continues rolling until they either roll the point again (win) or roll a 7 (lose). The game is simple once you understand this basic structure: bet on what you think the outcome of the dice will be.
Key Bets for Beginners
Craps offers dozens of betting options, but new players should focus on the core bets first:
- Pass Line Bet: This is the most straightforward bet. You win on a 7 or 11 and lose on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, you win if the shooter rolls the point again before a 7.
- Don’t Pass Bet: This is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line. You win on 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and 12 is a push. After a point is set, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point.
- Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line, but placed after the point is established. It follows the same rules as a Pass Line bet but is treated as a separate wager.
- Don’t Come Bet: The reverse of the Come Bet, again functioning like the Don’t Pass bet but made after a point is set.
Sticking to these four basic bets gives you a solid start without diving into more complex wagers.
Understanding the Table Layout
The craps table might look overwhelming at first, but it’s designed to support various betting options and multiple players at once. The main areas beginners need to understand include:
- Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line: These are located around the outer edge of the table and are the primary betting areas.
- Come and Don’t Come Boxes: Found near the center, these are used once a point has been established.
- Field, Big 6/8, and Proposition Bets: These offer higher-risk wagers and are best avoided by beginners until they understand the game more fully.
The layout is mirrored on both ends of the table so that multiple players can participate easily. Dealers, a boxman, and stickman manage the action and help keep the game running smoothly.
Odds Bets and House Edge
One of the best aspects of craps is the availability of odds bets, which have no house edge. After placing a Pass Line or Come bet and a point is established, players can place an additional wager behind their original bet—this is the odds bet. It pays true odds depending on the point number:
- 6 or 8 pays 6:5
- 5 or 9 pays 3:2
- 4 or 10 pays 2:1
Casinos often allow 2x, 3x, or even 10x odds, meaning you can bet a multiple of your original wager. This is where experienced players can reduce the overall house edge to under 1%, making craps one of the most player-friendly games in the casino when odds bets are used properly.
Tips for First-Time Players
To ease into craps, consider watching a few rounds before jumping in. Most casinos offer free lessons or beginner-friendly tables, especially during off-peak hours. Start with Pass Line bets to get a feel for the rhythm of the game. Avoid complicated bets like hardways, proposition bets, or hop bets, which have higher house edges and more complex rules. Keep your bankroll in mind, as the fast pace of craps can lead to rapid wins—or losses. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask dealers for help. Craps tables are known for their friendly, team-oriented energy, and staff are usually happy to assist new players.