How to Play Craps: Get Your Dice Out

Alright, my supple legends, if you’ve ever walked past a Craps table and thought, “What in the name of chaos is going on there?” – you’re not alone. This casino game is loud, fast, and looks more complicated than it actually is. But once you get the hang of it, it’s one of the most exciting games on the casino floor.

This guide will show you how to play Craps, break down the Craps rules, and help you navigate the table like a pro – without embarrassing yourself in front of Gary, the self-proclaimed “dice whisperer.”

We’ll cover everything from understanding how Craps works and basic strategies to table etiquette, so you’ll know when to cheer and when to keep quiet.

If this guide leaves you keen for more, be sure to check out our other blogs for even more tips, tricks, and game breakdowns.

Craps Rules: The Basics

Alright, legends, let’s strip Craps down to its undies and keep it simple. If you’re wondering how to play Craps for beginners, don’t worry – even your nan could sit down and get the gist of it after a cuppa. Let’s crack into it!

Step One: Meet the Shooter

The “shooter” is the MVP of the game – they’re the one chucking the dice across the table. If you’re the shooter, congratulations! You’re now responsible for everyone’s hopes, dreams, and inevitable yelling.

Step Two: The Come-Out Roll

Here’s where it kicks off. The first roll of the game is called the come-out roll. It’s the moment of truth, the dice version of “Let’s see what happens!”

• If you roll a 7 or 11, you win! Celebrate like you’ve just scored the game-winning goal.
• If you roll a 2, 3, or 12, well, tough luck – that’s called “Craps,” and you’ve just done yourself dirty. Sorry, pal, it’s game over for now.
• Any other number – like a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 – becomes the point. The dealer slaps a little puck on that number to mark it as “The Big Kahuna” for the round.

Step Three: Hit That Point or Bust

If you’ve established a point, the goal is now to roll that same number again before a 7 comes up. That’s it. Sounds easy, right? Well, this is where the dice gods get cheeky.

• Roll your point again: Everyone wins, life’s good, and you keep the dice.
• Roll a 7 before the point? That’s called “sevening out,” and it’s all over, mate. “Pack it up, shooter – the dice are moving on.”

The Odds of Craps: Why 7 Is Everywhere

Here’s something to wrap your head around: the number 7 is the most common outcome when rolling two dice. Why? Because there are six different ways to roll a 7 (1+6, 2+5, 3+4, and so on). That makes it more likely to show up than any other number, which is why the game revolves around it.

To put it in perspective:

• The odds in craps of rolling a 7 are 1 in 6.
• Numbers like 6 and 8 have five ways to show up, making them the next most common.
• Rolling a 2 or 12? You’ve got only one way to make it happen (Snake Eyes or Boxcars), which is why those rolls are rare – and why they pay more on the flashy bets.

Understanding the odds gives you a clue about why hitting the point before rolling a 7 can be tricky. The game’s rigged in favour of the 7, and that’s what makes it exciting!

Snake Eyes & Other Dice Drama

Now, let’s talk about Snake Eyes for a second. If you roll double ones (a 2), it’s called Snake Eyes because those dots look like a snake staring into your soul, ready to ruin your day. In short, you lose instantly.

To Sum It Up

1. Roll the dice.
2. Pray for a 7 or 11 to win, and avoid those stinkin’ 2, 3, or 12 rolls.
3. If you hit a point, roll it again before a 7 comes up.

There you go – craps rules and rules of craps in plain English. It’s a game of luck, a bit of shouting, and probably some random bloke named Gary telling you what to bet next. Give it a go, and let the dice do their thing!

How Does Craps Work: What’s the Deal with The Table?

The Craps table might look like a chaotic mess of lines, numbers, and questionable decisions, but I promise, it’s not. It’s basically a playground. Once you know where to chuck your chips, you’ll be right as rain. Let’s break this bad boy down.

How to Play Craps Table Layout: Where the Magic Happens

Pass Line & Don’t Pass Line:

• The Pass Line is where all the optimistic legends place their bets. You’re backing the shooter to roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. If they hit a 2, 3, or 12, you’re cooked.
• The Don’t Pass Line is for the “glass-half-empty” crew. You’re betting against the shooter. A 2 or 3 means you win. Roll a 7 or 11? Nah, you lose.

“It’s a bit like cheering for your mate to win or secretly hoping they fail so you can pocket the cash – no judgement either way.”

Come Bets & Don’t Come Bets:

• These are like mini-games within the game. After the point is set, you can make a Come Bet (similar to Pass Line) or a Don’t Come Bet (like Don’t Pass Line).
• Basically, you’re placing side bets on whether the shooter will hit a winning roll again.

“It’s a lot like shouting, ‘Double or nothing!’ at the pub – risky, but exciting as hell.”

Field Bets:

• This is the flashy section where you’re betting on a single roll. If the shooter hits a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12, you win. If it’s a 5, 6, 7, or 8 – sorry, mate, better luck next roll.

“Think of it as the quick and dirty version of Craps – one roll, all or nothing.”

The Chaotic Centre – Proposition Bets:

Here’s where things get wild. It’s like the heart of the table where bets are made on one-roll miracles.

• Any Craps (2, 3, or 12) – win big or lose instantly.
• Hardways – bet the shooter rolls a double before a 7 pops up.
• Any Seven – “Roll a 7 now and you’re a genius… but don’t expect the dealer to pat you on the back for it.”

“This area’s for the gamblers who’ve had a couple of drinks and thought, ‘Yeah, why not bet on snake eyes?’ Respect.”

The Table Crew: Who’s Who Around the Table?

The Shooter

The hero, the villain, and the main attraction. They’re the ones throwing the dice and deciding everyone’s fate. If you’re the shooter, no pressure, mate – everyone’s just counting on you to win them a house deposit.

The Stickperson

The stick-wielding wizard who uses a hooked stick to move the dice around. Yeah, they look intimidating, but their real job is to keep the game flowing. They’ll also shout out bets and keep track of the action.

The Dealers

These are the legends taking your bets and dishing out your winnings. They stand on either side of the table, ready to scoop up losing bets faster than a seagull nicking your chips.

The Boxperson

Sitting right in the middle of all the madness, this is the boss of the table. They oversee everything and sort out any disputes. Basically, they’re the ref, but with a lot more power and a lot less whistle-blowing.

Quick Summary: So, How Does Craps Work?

1. The shooter rolls the dice.
2. You place your bets – Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come Bets, or throw your cash at the high-risk centre bets for the adrenaline rush.
3. The game flows around the point – hit it before a 7 rolls, and everyone’s celebrating.
4. If a 7 comes up early, it’s all over, and the dice move to the next shooter.

That’s got the answer to “how does Craps work?” sorted. It’s loud, it’s fast – but once you’re in, you may never look back.

Strategic Tips for Playing Craps Like a Pro

Let’s talk about how to bet smart and avoid losing your shirt. Now, I’m not promising wins because this game’s got more ups and downs than a kangaroo on a trampoline, but here’s how you can play smarter with some craps strategy.

1. Stick to the Basics: Low-House-Edge Bets

First things first – keep it simple. The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets are your bread and butter.

• The Pass Line has a house edge of just over 1% – not too shabby. You’re betting on the shooter to hit a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll.
• The Don’t Pass Line flips it. You’re cheering for a 2 or 3 and quietly hoping for the shooter to roll a 7 later on.

Think of these as the least dodgy bets at the table – reliable and steady, like a mate who always shows up to help you move house.

1. Avoid the Sucker Bets (Yeah, I’m Looking at You, Any 7)

The centre of the Craps table? That’s where the chaos happens. Sure, it’s tempting to slap a bet on Any 7 or Snake Eyes (a roll of 2) because of the flashy payouts, but mate, the house edge here is brutal.

• Any 7 has a house edge of 16%. That’s like buying a lottery ticket where the prize is a slap in the face – avoid it.
• Hardways and Hop Bets are a bit of fun, but think of them as pure donations to the casino gods.

In short, save your cash for bets that give you a fighting chance!

1. Odds Bets: The Casino’s One Weak Spot

If you’re already on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass, you can take what’s called an odds bet after the point is established. Here’s the kicker – there’s no house edge on odds bets.

• You’re just betting on the shooter to hit the point again before a 7 rolls. It’s like finding a crack in the casino’s armour – rare, beautiful, and you’ll want to take advantage of it.
• Here’s a Craps Payouts Table for better understanding:

The trick? Start with a basic Pass Line bet, and when the point is set, back it up with an odds bet to lower the overall house edge.

1. Don’t Chase Losses – Craps is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Craps is fast-paced, and it’s easy to get caught up in the action. If the dice aren’t rolling your way, take a breath and maybe sit the next few rolls out. It’s like getting in a bar fight with a bloke twice your size – know when to step back, regroup, and live to fight another day.

Take Your Craps Game Online

Now that you know the basics of playing Craps smart, why not test your skills online? Top-rated online casinos offer digital Craps tables and live dealer games. It’s a great way to practice low-house-edge bets, learn the flow of the game, and avoid sucker bets without any pressure from the crowd. Plus, some online platforms offer bonuses that give you extra rolls to get started.

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Craps Table Etiquette

Alright, legends, let’s keep it classy and not act like a muppet at the Craps table.

Rule one: Don’t mess with the dice – no blowing on them, no weird rituals, just roll ‘em like a normal human.

Rule two: know where to put your bets. If you’re unsure, don’t guess – ask the dealer; they’re there to help, not judge your life choices.

Rule three: Cheer appropriately. This isn’t a golf tournament, so leave the polite clapping at the door. If the shooter nails a point, give it a good cheer, but don’t go full “festival mosh pit” either.

Conclusion: Ready to Roll Like a Legend?

From learning the Craps rules to understanding how to navigate the Craps table layout, you’ve got everything you need to step up, place your bets, and chuck those dice with confidence. Stick to solid bets like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line for a low house edge, back up your wagers with odds bets to keep things smart, and avoid those high-risk one-roll sucker bets that drain your chips faster than you can say “Snake Eyes.”

Knowing how Craps works is your first step toward enjoying the game. Remember the golden rules: Roll to hit the point before a 7, cheer like a champ when the shooter nails it, and don’t mess with the dice unless you’re rolling them. Now that you’re prepped, grab your seat at the table and let the dice do their thing – you might just feel like the MVP by the end of the night.

Good luck, legends, and may the dice roll in your favour! 🎲

Author

John Brokowski

Contact info

john@casino-bros.com

A groomed beard and mustache are not the only source of this dude’s sophistication. Good ol’ John is a seasoned casino player who had affairs with numerous online casinos and online sports betting sites. He’s lethal with cards, especially poker, and a go-to guy for anything casino-related. You might think this guy is obsessed with casinos, but he’s the only reason the Bro Collective boat is still sailing.