Craps Rules for Beginners: A Rundown of The Basics
If you don't know the craps rules or have never played before, the game might seem overwhelming. The core objective is simple: you are betting on the outcome of a roll of two dice. Understanding how to play craps starts with the first roll, known as the 'come-out roll'.
The player rolling the dice is the 'shooter'. Here’s what happens on the come-out roll:
- Natural (7 or 11): Pass Line bets win, and the round is over.
- Craps (2, 3, or 12): Pass Line bets lose. The round is over.
- Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10): The number rolled becomes the 'point'. The game moves to the next stage.
Once a point is established, the shooter continues rolling the dice. The goal is to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. If the point is rolled, Pass Line bets win. If a 7 is rolled (a 'seven-out'), Pass Line bets lose, and the round ends.
How To Play Craps: Understanding the Different Bets
The complexity of craps comes from the wide variety of bets available on the table. While it looks complicated, most bets are straightforward once you learn them. Let's break down the most common craps bets you'll encounter.
The Pass Line Bet
This is the most fundamental bet in craps. You're betting with the shooter. You win if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11 and lose if it's a 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, you win if the shooter rolls the point again before a 7.
The Don’t Pass Line Bet
This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. You're betting against the shooter. You win if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3 and lose on a 7 or 11. A 12 is a 'push' (a tie). If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
The Come Bet & Don't Come Bet
These bets work just like Pass and Don't Pass bets, but they are made after a point has been established. The next roll of the dice acts as a personal come-out roll for your Come bet. This allows you to get in on the action mid-round.
Odds Bets
Once a point is established, you can make an 'Odds' bet as a secondary wager on your Pass/Don't Pass or Come/Don't Come bet.
This is the best bet in the casino because it has zero house edge and pays true odds.
Hardways & Field Bets
Hardway bets are wagers that a number (4, 6, 8, or 10) will be rolled as a pair (e.g., two 3s for a hard 6) before a 7 or an 'easy' version of the number is rolled. A Field bet is a one-roll bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Proposition (Prop) Bets
These are one-roll bets on specific outcomes, like 'Any 7' or 'Aces' (a roll of 2). While they offer high payouts, they also come with a very high house edge and are generally not recommended for beginners.
Craps Odds and Payouts Explained
Understanding the craps odds and payouts is crucial for making smart bets. Since craps is a game of chance, knowing which bets give you a better shot at winning can significantly impact your success. The table below details the house edge and payouts for common craps bets.
| Type of Craps Bet | House Edge | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Taking Odds (Pass/Come 4 or 10) | 0% | 2 to 1 |
| Taking Odds (Pass/Come 5 or 9) | 0% | 3 to 2 |
| Taking Odds (Pass/Come 6 or 8) | 0% | 6 to 5 |
| Pass / Come | 1.41% | 1 to 1 |
| Don't Pass / Don't Come | 1.36% | 1 to 1 |
| Place 6 or 8 | 1.52% | 7 to 6 |
| Place 5 or 9 | 4.00% | 7 to 5 |
| Field Bet | 5.56% | Varies (1:1, 2:1) |
| Hardways 6 or 8 | 9.09% | 9 to 1 |
| Any 7 | 16.67% | 4 to 1 |
Why Should You Play Craps?
Craps is one of the most popular casino games for several reasons. It offers a unique combination of excitement, social interaction, and favorable odds that few other games can match.
- Incredibly Exciting: The fast-paced action and communal cheering create an adrenaline rush unlike any other game.
- Very Social: Most players at the table are betting on the same outcome, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
- Favorable Odds: The basic Pass Line bet has a low house edge, and the Odds bet has none at all, making it one of the best bets for players.
- Variety of Bets: From simple wagers to complex prop bets, craps offers a level of betting flexibility that keeps the game interesting.
Top 5 Tips for Craps Beginners
Getting started with craps can be smooth if you follow a few simple guidelines. Here are our top tips for anyone learning how to play craps for the first time.
- Know Your Bets: Start by mastering the basic bets like the Pass Line and Come bets before moving on to more complex wagers.
- Understand the House Edge: Stick to bets with a low house edge (under 2%). The best strategy is combining a Pass/Don't Pass bet with the maximum Odds bet you can afford.
- Stay Disciplined: Craps is fast. Set a budget before you play, and don't get carried away. Never chase your losses.
- Learn from Others: Watch what experienced players are doing. Don't be afraid to observe a few rounds before placing your first bet.
- Quit While You’re Ahead: If you have a good run and win some money, know when to walk away. The longer you play, the more the odds favor the house.
