How to play craps

Overview

Craps is a thrilling and dynamic dice game that has captivated casino-goers for decades. At its core, craps is a game of chance where players bet on the outcome of the roll of two six-sided dice. The game is played on a large, felt-covered table with a designated 'shooter' who throws the dice. While it might seem intimidating at first glance due to the variety of betting options and the fast-paced nature of the game, understanding the basic rules can make it accessible and enjoyable for beginners.

The Table and Players

A craps table is typically staffed by a crew of dealers, usually four: a boxman who oversees the game and manages the chips, two base dealers who handle bets on the sides of the table, and a stickman who uses a long stick to collect the dice and call out the rolls. Players gather around the table, placing their bets on the felt layout. The 'shooter' is the player who rolls the dice, and they continue to shoot until they 'seven out' (roll a 7). After each roll, the dice are passed to the next player in a counter-clockwise direction.

The Come-Out Roll

The game begins with a 'come-out roll.' This is the initial roll of the dice by the shooter to establish a 'point.' There are specific outcomes for the come-out roll:

• Natural Win (Pass Line): If the shooter rolls a 7 or an 11 on the come-out roll, it's called a 'natural.' All 'Pass Line' bets win immediately.
• Craps (Loss for Pass Line): If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, it's called 'craps.' All 'Pass Line' bets lose immediately.
• Point Established: If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the 'point.' The game then enters a new phase where the shooter must roll the point number again before rolling a 7.

After the Point is Established

Once a point is established, the objective for the shooter is to roll the point number again. For players who bet on the Pass Line, they win if the point is rolled before a 7. Conversely, they lose if a 7 is rolled before the point is made. The dice continue to be rolled by the same shooter until either the point is made or a 7 appears. When a 7 is rolled, it's called 'sevening out,' and the round ends. The dice are then passed to the next player, and a new come-out roll begins.

Common Bets in Craps

While there are many betting options in craps, understanding a few key bets is essential for beginners:

• Pass Line Bet: This is the most popular bet and is made before the come-out roll. You win if a natural is rolled (7 or 11) and lose if craps is rolled (2, 3, or 12). If a point is established, you win if the point is rolled again before a 7, and lose if a 7 is rolled first.
• Don't Pass Line Bet: This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. You win if craps (2 or 3) is rolled on the come-out roll. A 12 is typically a push (neither win nor lose). You lose if a natural (7 or 11) is rolled. If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point is made, and lose if the point is made first.
• Come Bet: This bet is made after a point has been established. It functions similarly to a Pass Line bet, but it only begins to count on the *next* roll after you place it. If the next roll is a 7 or 11, you win. If it's a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes a 'come point,' and you win if that number is rolled again before a 7.
• Don't Come Bet: This is the opposite of a Come bet. It functions like a Don't Pass Line bet but starts counting on the next roll. You win if craps (2 or 3) is rolled, push on 12, and lose on 7 or 11. If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the come point, and lose if the come point is rolled first.
• Place Bets: These bets allow you to bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) being rolled before a 7. You can place these bets at any time. If your number is rolled, you win. If a 7 is rolled, you lose.
• Field Bet: This is a one-roll bet on the outcome of the next roll. You win if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. You lose if it's a 5, 6, 7, or 8. Some casinos offer 2 and 12 as double payouts.

Understanding Odds

A key element of craps is the ability to take 'odds' on your Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, Come, and Don't Come bets. Taking odds means placing an additional bet behind your original bet that pays out at true odds. For example, if a point of 4 is established, the true odds are 2 to 1 (it's twice as likely for a 7 to be rolled than a 4). If you bet $10 on the Pass Line and take odds, you could bet an additional amount behind your $10 to win at 2 to 1. This is where the house edge is significantly reduced, making craps one of the casino games with the best odds for the player when played strategically.

Strategy for Beginners

For new players, focusing on the Pass Line bet and potentially the Don't Pass Line bet is a good starting point. Once comfortable, you can explore Come bets and Place bets on the 6 and 8, which are statistically favorable numbers to roll. Always remember that craps is a game of chance, and responsible gambling practices are essential. Start with small bets, understand the rules thoroughly, and enjoy the excitement of the game.