🎲How to Play Craps for Beginners🎲

Craps might look confusing at first, but it’s actually a lot of fun and easy to learn. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you can enjoy the game and feel confident playing.

🎲 What is Craps? 🎲

Craps is a game played with two dice. One person, called the shooter, rolls the dice, and everyone else bets on what numbers they think will come up. It’s a fast-paced and exciting game that gets everyone at the table involved.

Possible dice combinations in craps, arranged by probability.

• 🎲 7: Most likely to come up (16.67% chance).
• 🎲 6 or 8: 13.89% each.
• 🎲 5 or 9: 11.11% each.
• 🎲 4 or 10: 8.33% each.
• 🎲 3 or 11: 5.56% each.
• 🎲 2 or 12: Least likely (2.78% each).

🎲 How the Game Starts 🎲

Every round at the craps table kicks off with the come-out roll—the first roll that determines how the game will unfold. Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ The Come-Out Roll:

• This is the first roll of the dice in a new round.
• Players place their Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets before this roll.

2️⃣ Outcomes on the Come-Out Roll:

• 7 or 11: These are instant winners for Pass Line bets. Cheers usually erupt at the table when this happens!
• 2, 3, or 12: These are called "craps numbers"—if they come up, Pass Line bets immediately lose.
• 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: One of these numbers becomes the point. The shooter’s goal now is to roll this number again before rolling a 7.

3️⃣ After the Point is Set:

• The dealer marks the point with a puck on the table.
• The shooter continues to roll the dice.
• If the shooter rolls the point number again, Pass Line bets win.
• If a 7 is rolled before the point, Pass Line bets lose, and the round ends.
• A new come-out roll begins with the next shooter.

Pro Tip:

• The shooter keeps rolling until they "seven out" (roll a 7 after a point is set).
• Players can continue to bet on Come/Don’t Come bets during the round, which follow the same rules as Pass/Don’t Pass but after the point has been established.

🎲 The Craps Table Layout 🎲

The craps table might look complicated at first, but it’s designed to keep the game running smoothly. It’s typically mirrored on both sides so more players can bet and join in the action.

Key Betting Areas on the Table

Pass Line

• Description: The most popular bet at the table and the foundation of the game.
• How it works: You win if the come-out roll is 7 or 11. You lose if the come-out roll is 2, 3, or 12. If a point is set, you win if that point is rolled before a 7.
• House edge: 1.41%

Don’t Pass Bar

• Description: The opposite of the Pass Line. You’re betting against the shooter.
• How it works: You win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3, and lose if it’s 7 or 11. A roll of 12 is a push (tie). Once the point is set, you win if a 7 comes up before the point.
• House edge: 1.36%

Come/Don’t Come Bets

• Description: Similar to Pass Line and Don’t Pass, but placed after a point is established.
• How it works: After the point is set, you can bet on the shooter’s next roll (Come) or bet against the shooter’s next roll (Don’t Come).
• House edges:
  • Come Bet: 1.41%
  • Don’t Come Bet: 1.36%

Field Bets

• Description: A quick, one-roll bet.
• How it works: You win if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Payouts:
  • 2 or 12: Typically pays 2:1
  • 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11: Pays 1:1
• House edge: 5.56%

Place Bets

• Description: Betting that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will roll before a 7.
• How it works: Placed any time after the come-out roll.
• Payouts and House Edges:

Proposition Bets (Center Section)

• Description: Specialty bets placed in the middle of the table. These are one-roll or short-term bets with higher payouts but also higher house edges.
• Common Prop Bets:
  • Any Craps (2, 3, 12): Pays 7:1; house edge ~11.11%
  • Any Seven: Pays 4:1; house edge ~16.67%
  • Snake Eyes (2): Pays 30:1; house edge ~13.89%
  • Twelve (12): Pays 30:1; house edge ~13.89%
  • Eleven (Yo): Pays 15:1; house edge ~11.11%
  • Horn Bet: A combined bet on 2, 3, 11, and 12; house edge varies around 12.5%.

A labeled diagram showing the different betting sections of a craps table.

🎲Best Bets for New Players 🎲

Start with the simplest bets that offer lower house edges:

Pass Line Bet

• House edge: 1.41%
• Wins on the come-out roll with 7 or 11
• Loses on 2, 3, or 12
• If a point is established, wins if that point is rolled before a 7

Don't Pass Bet

• House edge: 1.36%
• Opposite of Pass Line betting
• Wins on 2 or 3
• Loses on 7 or 11

Place Bets on 6 and 8

• House edge: 1.52%
• Bet in multiples of $6
• Good option for beginners after Pass Line

Place Bets on Numbers

Place bets allow players to bet on specific point numbers after the come-out roll. Here are the house edges and payout odds for each number:

• Place bets on 6 and 8 are popular because of the low house edge (1.52%).
• Remember: Place bets must be made in multiples of the table minimum or in proper increments to get correct payouts.

🎲Getting Started: Your First Game 🎲

Before approaching a craps table, observe the game flow. Check where the dice are located - if they're in the middle of the table, wait before buying in.

Steps to begin:

1. Buy chips: Place your money on the table and ask for change
2. Start simple: Begin with Pass Line bets
3. Learn table minimums: Most main bets require the table minimum (Usually $10-$15)
4. Watch experienced players: It helps to observe how others bet and handle the dice

🎲Casino Etiquette and Tips 🎲

Several important rules apply at craps tables:

• Never hand cash directly to the dealer—place it on the table
• Avoid placing drinks on the table surface
• Always use one hand to throw the dice
• Hit the back wall when rolling
• Avoid saying “seven” during an active round

For bankroll management, only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Set both loss limits and win goals before playing. Start with small bets to learn the game rhythm.

🎲Money Management 🎲

Effective bankroll management is critical for craps success. Separate your gambling funds from daily expenses. Choose tables with comfortable minimum bets that allow for extended play.

A good rule: bring 10-20 times the table minimum for a session. This provides enough cushion to weather normal game variance while learning.

🎲Final Thoughts 🎲

Craps is a game that’s full of excitement and fun, especially when you stick to simple bets and play smart. By learning the basics, following the etiquette, and managing your money wisely, you’ll have a great time at the table and maybe even win some chips along the way!