Craps 101: Mastering the Art of Casino Dice Games for Beginners
If you’ve ever walked through a casino, you’ve probably noticed the loud, high-energy crowd gathered around the craps table. Players are cheering, dice are 91 club flying, and there’s an undeniable buzz in the air. Craps can seem intimidating at first glance, but once you understand the basics, it’s one of the most exciting and engaging games in the casino. Whether you’re a total newbie or just need a refresher, this beginner’s guide will break down everything you need to know to step up to the craps table with confidence and start rolling the dice like a pro.
What Is Craps?
The Fast-Paced Casino Classic
At its core, craps is a simple dice game where players bet on the outcome of the roll, or a series of rolls, of two dice. What makes craps so thrilling is the variety of betting options and the social aspect of the game. The players often root for the same outcomes, creating a team-like atmosphere at the table. While the game might look complicated with all the different betting areas, once you get the hang of the basic bets, the rest will fall into place.
The Basics of Craps: How the Game Works
1. The Shooter and the Roll
Each round of craps starts with a player, known as the shooter, rolling the dice. The first roll of a new round is called the come-out roll. Depending on the outcome of this roll, the game will proceed in one of two ways:
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, this is called a natural, and the pass line bets win.
- If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, this is known as crapping out, and the pass line bets lose.
- Any other number rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point number, and the goal is now for the shooter to roll that number again before rolling a 7.
Once a point number is established, the shooter keeps rolling until they either hit the point or roll a 7 (known as “sevening out”). If they hit the point, pass line bets win. If they roll a 7 first, pass line bets lose, and the round ends, with a new shooter stepping up to the table.
2. Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line Bets
The two most fundamental bets in craps are the pass line and don’t pass line bets. These are the bets that most beginners start with, and they’re easy to follow.
- The pass line bet is a bet that the shooter will win by either rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or by making the point number before rolling a 7.
- The don’t pass line bet is the opposite. Here, you’re betting that the shooter will lose by rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll or by sevening out after the point is established.
Pass line bets are popular because they align you with the shooter, and most players at the table are rooting for the shooter to win. Don’t pass bets, on the other hand, position you against the shooter, and while it’s a legitimate strategy, it’s less common due to the social nature of the game.
Types of Craps Bets: Going Beyond the Basics
3. Come and Don’t Come Bets
Once the point is established, you can place come and don’t come bets, which are essentially the same as pass and don’t pass bets, but they apply to the next roll after the point. A come bet wins if the next roll is a 7 or 11 and loses if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes your point, and you win if it is rolled again before a 7. The don’t come bet works in the same way as the don’t pass line bet, betting against the shooter.
4. Odds Bets: The Smart Player’s Move
One of the best bets you can make in craps is the odds bet. Once the point is established, you can place an additional bet behind your pass or come bet called an odds bet. The great thing about odds bets is that they pay true odds with no house edge, making them one of the best ways to reduce the casino’s advantage. The payout for an odds bet depends on the point number, with different odds for 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
- 4 and 10 pay 2:1
- 5 and 9 pay 3:2
- 6 and 8 pay 6:5
Taking the odds is a smart move for players who want to maximize their chances of winning while minimizing the house edge.
5. Place Bets: Betting on Numbers
If you want to bet directly on specific numbers being rolled, you can make a place bet. Place bets allow you to wager on the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, and if your number is rolled before a 7, you win. Each number has a different payout based on the odds of it being rolled. The payout for place bets varies:
- 4 and 10 pay 9:5
- 5 and 9 pay 7:5
- 6 and 8 pay 7:6
Place bets offer a fun way to focus on individual numbers and can add some extra excitement to the game.
6. Proposition Bets: High Risk, High Reward
For the thrill-seekers, craps also offers proposition bets, which are one-roll bets that offer big payouts but come with a much higher house edge. These bets include betting on specific numbers like snake eyes (2) or boxcars (12), or betting that the next roll will be a 7. While proposition bets can offer large rewards, they’re risky, and most experienced players stick to pass line, come, and odds bets to maximize their chances of winning in the long run.
Tips for Craps Beginners: How to Play Like a Pro
7. Stick to Simple Bets
When you’re just starting out, it’s best to keep things simple. Stick to pass line bets and odds bets to get a feel for the game. These bets have the lowest house edge and are easy to follow. Once you’re more comfortable, you can start exploring come bets, place bets, and other more advanced options.
8. Learn the Etiquette
Craps is a social game, and part of the fun is interacting with other players at the table. That said, it’s important to know the basic etiquette. Always handle your chips with care, avoid touching the dice once they’re in play, and cheer for the shooter when appropriate—most players are betting on the pass line, so there’s a shared sense of excitement when the table wins. If you’re not sure what to do, don’t hesitate to ask the dealer or a more experienced player.
9. Take Your Time
Craps can move fast, especially if there’s a lot of action at the table. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to step back and observe for a while. Watching the game in action can help you get a better sense of how the different bets work and when it’s best to place them. Taking your time also ensures that you don’t make rash decisions that could cost you.
Final Thoughts: Rolling the Dice with Confidence
Craps may look complex at first, but with a bit of practice and an understanding of the basic bets, you’ll be able to join in on the action with ease. The key to enjoying the game is to start with simple bets, get comfortable with the flow of the game, and gradually explore the more advanced betting options. Whether you’re at a physical casino or playing craps online, the excitement of rolling the dice and cheering with fellow players makes this game one of the most thrilling casino experiences out there. So, are you ready to step up to the table and roll for glory? Let the dice fly!