Hey there, fellow casino enthusiasts! Today, I want to talk to you about a game that, for a long time, felt like a mysterious, loud, and slightly intimidating spectacle: Craps. You know the one – the table in the casino that always seems to be buzzing with energy, the cheers, the groans, and the rhythmic clatter of dice. I’ll admit, I used to walk right by it, convinced it was too complicated for a casual player like myself. But curiosity, as it often does, got the better of me. And let me tell you, diving into the world of craps rules was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my casino adventures!
If you’ve ever felt the same way I did, hesitant to approach the craps table, then this post is for you. I’m going to demystify the game, break down the core rules, and hopefully, empower you to join the fun. We’ll cover the essential bets, the flow of the game, and even tackle some of those burning questions you might have. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s roll!
The Heart of the Game: Understanding the “Come Out” Roll
The foundation of craps lies in a single dice roll: the “Come Out” roll. This is the initial roll that sets the stage for the game. The shooter (the person rolling the dice) will throw two dice, and the outcome of this roll determines the next steps.
Here’s where it gets interesting and a little bit strategic:
Natural (7 or 11): If the shooter rolls a 7 or an 11 on the Come Out roll, it’s an immediate win for anyone who bet on the Pass Line. The shooter continues to roll for the next round. “It’s like the universe giving you a high-five right out of the gate!” one seasoned craps player told me with a grin.
Craps (2, 3, or 12): If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (collectively known as “craps”) on the Come Out roll, it’s an immediate loss for Pass Line bettors. The dice pass to the next shooter.
Point Established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10): If the shooter rolls any of these numbers, that number becomes the “Point”. This is where the game truly begins to get exciting. Now, the shooter’s goal is to roll that same “Point” number again before rolling a 7. If they succeed, Pass Line bettors win. If they roll a 7 before rolling the Point, Pass Line bettors lose.
This initial phase is crucial, and understanding these outcomes is your first step to mastering craps.
Beyond the Pass Line: A Universe of Bets
While the Pass Line bet is the most common and a great place to start, craps offers a plethora of betting options. Don’t let the sprawling layout of the craps table overwhelm you; many of these bets are variations or offer different risk/reward profiles. Here are some of the most fundamental bets you’ll encounter:
1. The Pass Line Bet
As we’ve discussed, this is the most popular bet. You’re essentially betting that the shooter will win.
How to bet: Place your chips on the designated “Pass Line” area of the table.
When to bet: You must place your bet before the Come Out roll.
Payout:
Win on a Natural (7, 11 on Come Out): 1:1
Lose on Craps (2, 3, 12 on Come Out)
Win by rolling the Point before a 7: 1:1
Lose by rolling a 7 before the Point: Lose your bet
2. The Don’t Pass Line Bet
This is the opposite of the Pass Line. You’re betting that the shooter will lose.
How to bet: Place your chips on the “Don’t Pass Line” area.
When to bet: You must place your bet before the Come Out roll.
Payout:
Win on Craps (2, 3 on Come Out): 1:1
Lose on Natural (7, 11 on Come Out)
Push (tie) on 12 on Come Out (most casinos)
Win by rolling a 7 before the Point: 1:1
Lose by rolling the Point before a 7: Lose your bet
“It’s a great bet for those who like to go against the grain,” a friendly dealer once explained to me. “You’re essentially betting on the house in a way, but with a decent edge.”
3. Come Bets
Once a Point has been established, you can place a “Come” bet. This bet acts like a new Pass Line bet for the next roll of the dice.
How to bet: Place your chips on the “Come” box.
When to bet: After a Point has been established.
Outcome:
If a 7 or 11 is rolled on the next roll (the “come out” roll for your bet), you win 1:1.
If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, you lose.
If any other number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), that number becomes your “come point,” and you win if that number is rolled again before a 7.
4. Don’t Come Bets
Similar to the Come bet, but you’re betting against the outcome of the next roll.
How to bet: Place your chips on the “Don’t Come” box.
When to bet: After a Point has been established.
Outcome:
If a 2 or 3 is rolled on the next roll, you win 1:1.
If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you lose.
If a 12 is rolled, it’s usually a push (tie).
If any other number is rolled, that number becomes your “don’t come point,” and you win if a 7 is rolled before that number.
5. Place Bets
These bets allow you to bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) being rolled before a 7.
How to bet: Place your chips on the number you want to bet on in the “Place” betting area.
When to bet: You can place these bets at any time.
Payouts (vary by casino, but generally):
6 or 8: 7 to 6
5 or 9: 7 to 5
4 or 10: 9 to 5
“Place bets are great if you see a specific number feeling ‘hot’,” a regular at the table shared with me, winking as he pushed some chips onto the ‘6’. “It’s a more focused bet.”
6. Field Bets
This is a single-roll bet on the outcome of the next roll. You win if the dice show 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
How to bet: Place your chips on the “Field” box.
When to bet: At any time.
Payout:
Payout is usually 1:1 for most numbers.
However, 2 often pays 2:1, and 12 often pays 2:1 or even 3:1 in some casinos.
Rolling a 5, 6, 7, or 8 results in a loss.
7. Proposition Bets (Prop Bets)
These are riskier, single-roll bets that often have higher payouts. They are usually found in the center of the table, often referred to as “the box.” Some examples include:
Any Craps: Bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12. Payout is typically 7:1.
Any Seven: Bet that the next roll will be a 7. Payout is typically 4:1.
Hardways: Bet that a number will be rolled in a specific way (e.g., a “hard 4” means rolling two 2s, not a 1 and a 3). Payouts vary by number.
It’s important to note that prop bets generally have a much lower Return to Player (RTP) than Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets, so I tend to steer clear of them as a beginner.
The Flow of the Game: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Let’s recap the typical flow of a craps round:
Come Out Roll: The game begins with the Come Out roll. Bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass are placed before this roll.
Outcome of Come Out Roll:
Natural (7, 11): Pass Line wins, Don’t Pass loses. Next Come Out roll.
Craps (2, 3, 12): Pass Line loses, Don’t Pass bets win (except 12 which is often a push). Next Come Out roll.
Point Established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10): That number becomes the Point. The puck (a black disc with “OFF” on one side) is placed on that number on the table.
Point Phase: The shooter continues rolling.
Point Rolled: If the shooter rolls the Point number again, Pass Line bets win, Don’t Pass bets lose. The puck is turned to “OFF,” and a new Come Out roll begins.
Seven Rolled: If the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the Point, Pass Line bets lose, Don’t Pass bets win. The puck is turned to “OFF,” and a new Come Out roll begins.
Other Numbers Rolled: If any other number is rolled, the dice are passed to the next shooter (or the same shooter if they are on a roll), and the game continues in the Point phase.
Essential Craps Terms to Know
To navigate the craps table with confidence, here are a few more terms that will come in handy:
Shooter: The player whose turn it is to roll the dice.
Pass Line: The betting area for betting on the shooter to win.
Don’t Pass Line: The betting area for betting on the shooter to lose.
Point: A number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) rolled on the Come Out roll that the shooter must roll again before rolling a 7 to win (for Pass Line bettors).
Puck: A black disc used to mark the Point number on the table. It’s “ON” when a Point is established and “OFF” otherwise.
Come Out Roll: The first roll of a new round.
Natural: A 7 or 11 on the Come Out roll.
Craps: A 2, 3, or 12 on the Come Out roll.
Field Bet: A single-roll bet on specific outcomes.
Place Bet: A bet on a specific number being rolled before a 7.
Proposition Bet (Prop Bet): Risky, single-roll bets, usually in the center of the table.
Taking Odds: A crucial concept for Pass Line and Come bettors where you can bet additional money behind your initial bet, at true odds, if the Point has been established. This is where the house edge is significantly reduced!
Laying Odds: The opposite of taking odds for Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bettors.
My Personal Journey and Tips for Beginners
When I finally decided to sit down at a craps table, I started small. I watched for a few rounds, listened to the calls of the dealers and the chatter of the players. I placed a small Pass Line bet for a Come Out roll. When a Point was established, I felt a surge of adrenaline!
Here’s what I learned that helped me:
Start with the Pass Line: It’s the most straightforward bet and offers a decent house edge when you understand the odds.
Learn “Taking Odds”: This is where craps becomes incredibly player-friendly. Once a Point is established, you can place an additional bet behind your Pass Line bet (in the same direction). The casino pays these “odds” bets at true odds, meaning there’s no house edge on this portion of your bet! This can dramatically lower the overall house edge on your Pass Line bet. “It’s the best deal in the casino,” a regular told me, emphasizing the ‘best deal’ part.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: The dealers are there to help! If you’re unsure about a bet or the rules, just ask. They’ll happily explain it to you.
Bet Within Your Means: Craps can be fast-paced, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Always set a budget and stick to it.
Practice Online: Many online casinos offer free craps games. This is an excellent way to get familiar with the rules and betting without any financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Craps
I’ve gathered some common questions that popped into my head and that I’ve heard others ask:
Q1: Is craps a difficult game to learn? A1: The basic rules are quite simple, especially the Pass Line bet. The complexity comes from the sheer number of betting options available. However, you don’t need to know them all to play and enjoy the game. Start with the basics and gradually learn more as you become comfortable.
Q2: What is the best bet in craps? A2: The Pass Line bet combined with “taking odds” offers one of the lowest house edges in the casino. Similarly, the Don’t Pass Line bet with “laying odds” is also very favorable.
Q3: How much money should I bring to play craps? A3: This is entirely up to your personal budget. Craps tables have minimum bets, which can vary. It’s wise to have a bankroll that can withstand some fluctuations. A common recommendation is to have enough for at least 10-20 minimum bets.
Q4: Can I bet on craps if I don’t want to be the shooter? A4: Absolutely! You can bet on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line, or place other bets on the table, regardless of whether you are the shooter. In fact, many players never even shoot the dice.
Q5: What does it mean when the dealer says “Betting behind the line”? A5: This typically refers to “taking odds” on a Pass Line bet or “laying odds” on a Don’t Pass bet once a Point has been established. Your initial bet is “on the line,” and the additional odds bet goes behind it.
The Craps Experience: More Than Just a Game
What I’ve come to love about craps isn’t just the potential for winning, but the incredible camaraderie and energy of the table. When the dice are hot, the collective cheers of a winning round are infectious. Even when things don’t go your way, there’s a sense that you’re all in it together.
So, the next time you’re at a casino, don’t shy away from the craps table. Take a deep breath, understand the Come Out roll and the Pass Line bet, and maybe place a small bet. You might find, as I did, that this seemingly intimidating game is not only accessible but also incredibly fun and rewarding!
Happy rolling!