A Complete Guide to Playing Craps

Craps is one of the most exciting and social casino games, where players bet on the outcome of rolled dice. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started and understand the key strategies for success.

The Basic Setup

The craps table is operated by four casino employees:

• Two dealers who manage bets
• A stickman who controls the dice with a curved stick and calls out results
• A boxman who supervises the game and handles cash transactions

Players take turns rolling (or “shooting”) two dice. The person rolling is called the “shooter.”

Core Game Concepts

The Come Out Roll

Every new game begins with the “come out roll.” Before this roll, players must place either a Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet. These are the fundamental bets in craps:

• Pass Line Bet: You win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come out roll. You lose if they roll 2, 3, or 12 (called “craps”).
• Don’t Pass Bet: The opposite of Pass Line – you win on 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and tie on 12.

Establishing the Point

If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) on the come out roll, this number becomes “the point.” The dealer marks this with a puck. Now the shooter keeps rolling until either:

• They roll the point number again (Pass Line wins, Don’t Pass loses)
• They roll a 7 (Pass Line loses, Don’t Pass wins)

Key Betting Options

Basic Bets

1. Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line but can be made any time after the point is established
2. Don’t Come Bet: The opposite of the Come bet
3. Place Bets: Betting that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7
4. Field Bet: A single-roll bet that wins if 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled

Proposition Bets

These are single-roll bets with higher payouts but worse odds:

• Any Craps: Betting on 2, 3, or 12
• Horn Bet: Betting on 2, 3, 11, and 12
• Hardways: Betting that a number will be rolled as pairs (e.g., two 3s for “hard 6”)

Strategy Tips

1. Stick to Basic Bets

• Pass Line/Come bets have some of the lowest house edges in the casino
• Avoid proposition bets despite their attractive payouts
• Place bets on 6 and 8 are also solid options

2. Use Odds Bets

• After establishing a point, you can place “odds” behind your Pass Line bet
• These bets have no house edge and pay true odds
• Always take maximum odds when your bankroll allows

3. Manage Your Bankroll

• Set clear limits before playing
• Don’t chase losses
• Consider setting win goals

4. Watch the Dice

• Both dice must hit the back wall
• Invalid rolls (“no roll”) include:
  • Dice leaving the table
  • Only one die bouncing off the back wall
  • Dice landing on top of each other

Craps Etiquette

1. Table Manners

• Don’t say “seven” at the table (considered bad luck)
• Handle dice with one hand only
• Don’t delay the game when shooting
• Keep your hands above the rail when the dice are in motion

2. Tipping

• Consider tipping dealers, especially during winning streaks
• Common bets for dealers include placing odds bets “for the boys”

3. Social Aspects

• Cheer with other players on Pass Line bets
• Be respectful of Don’t Pass bettors
• Ask questions between rolls, not during active play

Common Terms

• Snake Eyes: Rolling two 1s
• Boxcars: Rolling two 6s
• Natural: Rolling 7 or 11 on the come out roll
• Yo: Calling out “11” (to avoid confusion with “seven”)
• Hot Roll: When a shooter makes many points before sevening out
• Seven Out: Rolling a 7 after the point is established

Conclusion

Craps can seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually one of the most player-friendly casino games when you stick to basic bets. Start with Pass Line bets and odds, then gradually expand your betting as you become more comfortable with the game. Remember that the social aspect is a big part of the experience – don’t be afraid to cheer and celebrate with other players when the dice are hot!