How to Learn to Play Craps

Craps can look scary. All those numbers! The fast bets! But don't worry. This guide will help you understand craps. You'll go from newbie to a confident player. Ready to roll the dice? Let's get started.

What is Craps? Quick Look

Craps is a dice game. Players bet on what the dice will show. One person, the "shooter," throws the dice. Everyone else bets on the outcome. It's known for being loud and fun. It attracts all kinds of players.

Understanding the Craps Table

At first, the craps table looks intimidating. So many bets! Each with different chances to win. The table is mirrored. Meaning both sides are the same. This allows more people to play. Let's break it down:

The Pass Line and Don't Pass Line

These are the most basic bets. The Pass Line is a bet that the shooter will win. You put your chips on the "Pass Line" before the first roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win! If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the "point."

The Don't Pass Line is the opposite. You're betting the shooter will lose. Place your chips on the "Don't Pass Line" before the first roll. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, you win! A 7 or 11? You lose. Rolling a 12 is usually a tie (no win, no loss). If they roll a point number, the game goes on.

The Come and Don't Come Bets

These are like the Pass Line and Don't Pass Line bets. But, you can make them after a point has been set. Think of it as starting a new bet within the current round.

The Place Bets

These are bets that a certain number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. You can place these bets anytime.

The Field Bet

This is a one-roll bet. You're betting that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. How much you win depends on the number rolled.

Proposition Bets (Center of the Table)

These are also one-roll bets. They're in the middle of the table. They pay a lot, but the casino has a big advantage. For example, betting on a "hard 6" (two 3s) or any 7.

The Basic Rules: How to Play

1. The Come-Out Roll: This starts the game. The shooter rolls, and that decides what happens next.
   • 7 or 11: Pass Line wins. Don't Pass Line loses.
   • 2, 3, or 12: Pass Line loses. Don't Pass Line wins (except 12, which is a tie).
   • 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: This becomes the "point."
2. Setting the Point: If there's a point, the shooter keeps rolling. What are they hoping for?
   • Rolling the point again: Pass Line wins. Don't Pass Line loses.
   • Rolling a 7: Pass Line loses. Don't Pass Line wins. This is "sevening out."
3. New Round: After a shooter sevens out or makes the point... new round. New shooter. New come-out roll.

Craps Bets and Your Chances

Lots of bets in craps. Each has different odds and payouts. Here are some common ones:

• Pass Line: Pays 1:1. Casino's edge: 1.41%.
• Don't Pass Line: Pays 1:1. Casino's edge: 1.36%.
• Come: Pays 1:1. Casino's edge: 1.41%.
• Don't Come: Pays 1:1. Casino's edge: 1.36%.
• Place Bets (6 or 8): Pays 7:6. Casino's edge: 1.52%.
• Place Bets (5 or 9): Pays 7:5. Casino's edge: 4.00%.
• Place Bets (4 or 10): Pays 9:5. Casino's edge: 6.67%.
• Field Bet: Payouts change (usually 2:1 on 2 and 12, and 1:1 on others). Casino's edge changes too.
• Hardways (4, 6, 8, 10): Payouts change. Casino has a big edge.

Important: The casino's edge is how much they make, on average, from each bet. Pick bets with a lower edge. It will help you win more often.

Basic Strategy for Beginners

Craps is luck. But, a good plan can help. It helps you manage your money. And maybe win more. Here are some tips for beginners:

Stick to the Pass/Don't Pass Line with Odds

These bets have the lowest casino edge. To make it even better, take the "odds" bet. After a point is set, bet extra behind the Pass Line (or Don't Pass Line). It pays true odds if the point is made (or a 7 is rolled). How much you can bet changes. But, the higher the odds allowed, the better for you.

The 6 and 8 Strategy

Betting on 6 and 8 is popular. The casino's edge isn't too high. These numbers are rolled more often than others. Bet the same amount on both 6 and 8.

Avoid Proposition Bets

They pay a lot, sure. But the casino has a huge edge. Beginners should usually avoid them.

Manage Your Bankroll

This is key. Set a budget before you play. And stick to it! Don't try to win back losses. Know when to stop. Win or lose.

Advanced Strategies

Got the basics? Want more? You can try advanced plans. These use tricky bets. You need to really know how craps works.

The Iron Cross Strategy

Bet on the 5, 6, 8, and Field. This covers almost everything. Only a 7 makes you lose it all. Good coverage, but needs a lot of money.

The 3 Point Molly

Pass Line bet plus two Come bets. This covers three point numbers. You have a better chance to win. But it needs a lot of money, and you need to manage it well.

Dice Control (Maybe)

Some think they can control the dice. They use special grips and throws. It's called dice control. Does it work? Experts don't agree. It's very hard to change the dice enough to beat the casino.

Craps Terms

Knowing the words used in craps helps. You'll understand the game better. And talk to other players.

• Ace-Deuce: A roll of 3.
• Any Craps: The next roll will be 2, 3, or 12.
• Boxcars: A roll of 12 (two sixes).
• Come-Out Roll: The first roll of a new round.
• Hardway: A roll of 4, 6, 8, or 10 with matching numbers (like 2+2 for a hard 4).
• Natural: A 7 or 11 on the come-out roll.
• Point: The number set on the come-out roll.
• Seven Out: Rolling a 7 after a point, Pass Line bets lose.
• Shooter: The person rolling the dice.

Online vs. Casino Craps

You can play craps online or in a real casino. Both are different.

Online Craps

Good things:

• Easy: Play at home. Anytime.
• Low bets: Online casinos let you bet less.
• Practice: Many let you play free. Learn without losing money.
• Deals: Online casinos give out bonuses.

Not so good:

• No people: You miss out on the fun of a live table.
• Can you trust it?: Some worry if online dice are really random. (Good casinos use certified random number generators).

Casino Craps

Good things:

• Fun people: Live craps is loud and exciting.
• Real feel: Rolling real dice is exciting.

Not so good:

• High bets: Casinos make you bet more than online.
• Travel: You have to go to a casino.

To Sum Up: Craps Can Be Fun!

Learning craps is worth it. It looks hard, but it's not. Know the rules, bets, and plans. Then you can play with confidence. Manage your money. Pick smart bets. Practice. With a little work, you'll be rolling the dice like a pro! Good luck and have fun!