Mastering Craps: A Beginner’s Guide to Playing at the Casino

Essential Introduction to Craps in Casinos

Craps is one of the most thrilling and lively games found on casino floors, drawing large crowds, enthusiastic cheers, and rapid action. For newcomers, however, the game’s crowded table and maze of betting options can seem daunting. This step-by-step guide will break down everything you need to know, helping you approach the craps table with confidence and a clear understanding of the gameplay, strategy, and etiquette involved.

Key Elements of Craps: Table, Rules, and Basic Bets

To get started at a craps table, players should become familiar with the layout and core principles that govern the game. Below are the key components:

• The Table Layout: Craps tables display a wide variety of betting zones, each corresponding to different possible wagers. Understanding the placement of chips and the meaning of each area is essential for smooth gameplay.
• The Come-Out Roll: Every new round begins with a “come-out roll” performed by the shooter (the player rolling the dice). If the outcome is a 7 or 11, all bets on the “pass line” win instantly. Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 results in an immediate loss for pass line bets.
• Establishing a Point: Should the shooter roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this number becomes the “point” for that round. The shooter then continues to roll until they either repeat the point (pass line wins) or roll a 7 (pass line loses).
• Range of Bets: In addition to the pass line, there are numerous other wagers available including the don’t pass, come and don’t come, as well as various proposition bets—each offering different odds and payouts.
• Strategy and Table Etiquette: New players should make an effort to learn the rules, betting etiquette, and how to handle the dice respectfully to ensure a positive, collaborative atmosphere at the table.

If you’re new, watching a few rounds or practicing online can demystify the game. As you become familiar with the rhythm and customs, participating becomes far less intimidating.

Image Credit: Juan Roballo/Shutterstock

Starting a Round: The Come-Out Roll Explained

Though the craps table may at first seem overwhelming, the game itself centers on a straightforward sequence of dice rolls. Typically, play starts with a wager placed on the Pass Line. The shooter, after placing a bet, takes up the dice and launches the first or “come-out” roll. Here’s what to expect:

• Rolling a 7 or 11: The shooter immediately wins the pass line bet and can proceed with a new come-out roll.
• Rolling a 2, 3, or 12: This is known as “crapping out”—the pass line bet is lost. With a refreshed wager, the shooter rolls again.
• Rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: Any of these establish the “point,” changing the objective of the rest of the round.

Understanding and Playing the Point

When a point number is established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the focus shifts from instant wins or losses to rolling that number again before a 7 appears. The outcome for Pass Line bettors hinges on the following possibilities:

• If the shooter rolls the point number, Pass Line bets win.
• If a 7 is rolled first, Pass Line bets lose, ending the round.
• Other numbers maintain the status quo—bets remain until the point or a 7 emerges.

For example, if 8 is the point, the shooter must roll another 8 before rolling a 7 to win.

Taking Odds: Enhancing Your Wager Behind the Line

After the point is set, most players have the option to place an additional bet called “odds” behind their Pass Line wager. This bet, placed physically behind the original, comes with some of the best odds in the casino. The payout structure for these odds bets is:

For instance, backing up a $10 Pass Line bet on point 8 with $10 odds, a successful roll earns $12 on the odds bet and $10 on the Pass Line wager.

Image Credit: Nic Neufeld/Shutterstock

Placing Bets: Wagering on Individual Numbers

Once the point is established, players can make “Place Bets” on the table’s main numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10). These bets can be put down at any time (except on the current point) and pay out based on the odds below:

These bets remain on the table until a 7 is rolled (resulting in a loss) or the bettor decides to take the wager down. For flexibility, you may remove a Place Bet at almost any time before a losing roll occurs.

Other Popular Craps Bets and Their Functions

Beyond the core bets, craps offers a suite of options to vary your wagering approach:

• Field Bets: A one-roll wager that wins if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 (with increased payouts for a 2 or 12 on some tables).
• Big 6 or Big 8: Betting that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. Payout is 1:1 and offers a low minimum entry.
• Come Bets: Similar to the Pass Line bet but made after the point is set. It establishes its own “mini point” and follows the same rules as a come-out roll for that wager only.
• Hard Ways: Betting that a number will be rolled as doubles (e.g., 3+3=6) before it appears “the easy way” (not as doubles) or a 7.
• 2, 3, 11, 12, and Any Craps: One-roll proposition bets placed at the center of the table, these pay if the specific number comes up immediately after the bet is made.
• C & E Bets: Placed in circles at the center, these are one-roll wagers on either craps (2, 3, 12) or eleven (“yo”).
• Don’t Come/Don’t Pass Bets: These bets are the reverse of Pass Line and Come bets, paying out if the shooter rolls a 7 before the point is made or on a craps roll during the come-out.

Image Credit: Nic Neufeld/Shutterstock

Simulating Gameplay: A Look at Two Craps Rounds

Craps sessions can swing dramatically based on luck and bet choices. Here, we explore two common scenarios:

Scenario 1: A Winning Sequence

Imagine participating at a $10 minimum craps table for your first time:

• First Roll: 7 – The pass line pays; you win $10.
• Second Roll: 11 – Another instant win for $10.
• Third Roll: 5 – Point is set. You place $10 behind the Pass Line for odds.
• Fourth Roll: 6 – No impact on your bets. You go on to wager $10 in the field.
• Fifth Roll: 4 – Field bet wins. Next, you put $12 on a Place Bet for 6.
• Sixth Roll: 6 – You cash in $14 from your Place Bet.
• Seventh Roll: 5 – Both your Pass Line and odds bets are winners.

At the end of this streak, you can choose to “turn off” your Place Bet, keeping it safe for the upcoming come-out roll.

Image Credit: Sergey Korotkih/Shutterstock

Scenario 2: An Unlucky Turn

On your next session:

• First Roll: 8 – The point is established. You place $10 behind the line, $1 on Hard 8, and $12 as a Place Bet on 6.
• Second Roll: 10 – No effect for your bets.
• Third Roll: 7 – All active bets are lost.

These examples underscore that craps can be unpredictable, offering both exhilarating streaks and sudden losses.

Easy Tips to Get Started With Craps

If you’re just stepping up to your first craps table, the following suggestions will help ensure an enjoyable and less stressful experience:

• Start Simple with the Pass Line: Focus on this basic wager to observe flows and other bets without pressure.
• Try Free Craps Games: Utilize online platforms to get comfortable with rules and strategies before laying down real money.
• Advance Slowly: Once you have the basics, experiment with adding odds or side bets like the Field for variety.
• Communicate with Dealers: Let the staff know you’re new. Dealers are generally happy to assist and explain procedures.
• Enjoy the Social Aspect: Craps is one of the most communal casino games, with players often encouraging, advising, and celebrating each other’s wins.

By understanding these fundamentals of casino craps, even novice gamers can enjoy this classic dice game and join in the table excitement with confidence.