How to Play Craps: A Simple 9-Step Guide for Beginners to Win at the Casino

Craps is one of the most popular and exciting dice games found in casinos around the world. However, for beginners, the table full of bets, numbers, and jargon can seem intimidating at first. But don’t worry! This comprehensive 9-step guide will walk you through how to play craps from the ground up, helping you understand the rules, strategies, and betting options so you can confidently join the game and increase your chances of winning.

What is Craps?

Craps is a dice game played with two six-sided dice. Players bet on the outcome of the dice rolls made by the "shooter," who is one of the players chosen to roll the dice. The game revolves around the results of these rolls and how they relate to certain numbers called the "point." The excitement in craps comes from the many different betting options, the quick gameplay, and the camaraderie at the table as players cheer for the shooter. Unlike games like roulette or blackjack, craps offers some of the best odds in the casino if you know which bets to make. The most fundamental bets have relatively low house edges, making craps a great choice for beginners who want a mix of fun and winning potential.

How to Play Craps in 9 Easy Steps

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Craps

At its core, craps is about predicting the results of two dice rolled together. Each die has six sides, so the total of both dice can range from 2 to 12. The game starts with the “come-out roll,” the shooter’s first roll of the dice, and continues until the shooter “sevens out” (rolls a 7 after a point is set). Players place bets on the pass line, don’t pass line, or other betting areas to predict what numbers will come up.

Step 2: Know the Role of the Shooter

The shooter is the player who rolls the dice during a round. The shooter must place a bet on the pass line to start rolling. After that, all players can place bets on the outcome of the dice. The shooter keeps rolling until they roll a 7 after a point is established, which ends the round.

Step 3: Place a Pass Line Bet to Start

Before the come-out roll, players place bets on the pass line if they think the shooter will win. The pass line bet is simple and has some of the best odds in the casino, making it perfect for beginners. You can also bet on the don’t pass line if you think the shooter will lose, but this bet is less popular because it goes against the shooter’s success.

Step 4: Watch the Come-Out Roll Outcome

The come-out roll sets the stage for the round. Here’s what happens:

♥ If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, pass line bets win immediately.

♥ If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (called “craps”), pass line bets lose immediately.

♥ If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “point.”

Step 5: Identify the Point Number

Once the point is set, the shooter’s objective is to roll that number again before rolling a 7. The point acts as a target number, and the game enters the second phase. The shooter keeps rolling, and players can make new bets or increase existing ones.

Step 6: Continue Rolling to Hit the Point

The shooter continues to roll the dice:

♥ If the shooter rolls the point number again before rolling a 7, pass line bets win.

♥ If the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point (called “seven out”), pass line bets lose, and the round ends.

♥ A new round then begins with a new come-out roll, and the dice are passed to the next shooter.

Step 7: Explore Additional Bets

Craps has many different betting options beyond the pass line. Some popular ones include:

♥ Don’t Pass Line Bet: The opposite of the pass line, where you bet against the shooter.

♥ Come Bet: Similar to the pass line bet but made after the point is established.

♥ Don’t Come Bet: Like the don’t pass line but placed after the point.

♥ Place Bets: Bets on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to roll before a 7.

♥ Field Bets: One-roll bets that pay if certain numbers come up.

♥ Proposition Bets: One-roll bets on specific outcomes, though these often have a higher house edge.

Step 8: Understand Odds Bets

One of the unique and valuable features of craps is the option to place “odds bets.” These bets can be added behind your pass, don’t pass, come, or don’t come bets after a point is set. The advantage? Odds bets have no house edge and pay true odds, increasing your potential payout without giving the casino an advantage.

For example, if the point is 6 or 8, odds bets typically pay 6 to 5, while for 4 or 10, they pay 2 to 1.

Step 9: Practice Bankroll Management

Like any casino game, managing your bankroll is essential. Set limits on how much you’re willing to bet, start with small wagers, and gradually increase as you become more confident. Avoid chasing losses, and enjoy the game as entertainment first. Knowing when to walk away is part of a successful craps strategy.

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Conclusion:

Craps is an electrifying and social casino game that offers some of the best odds if you stick to basic bets like the pass line and odds bets. While the table may look intimidating at first with all its betting options and jargon, following these 9 steps will help you understand the flow and enjoy the game with confidence. Remember, the key is to start simple, watch a few rounds to get comfortable, and gradually explore more advanced bets as you gain experience. With patience and practice, craps can become one of your favorite casino games—full of energy, fun, and the thrill of the dice!