Craps is a simple and structured casino game with a low-house edge. Its learning curve is a gentle slope and doesn’t demand a high bankroll compared to some table games. Plus, the bets are flexible. These qualities make the game suitable for any new player.
This craps guide breaks down how to play craps. We highlight the game’s basic rules, betting types, gameplay patterns, and tips to help you hasten your path to becoming a pro ASAP.
How to Play Craps and Win Without Relying on Luck
Craps is one of the classic casino table games that remain relevant in the modern age. Its gameplay can be profitable once you learn how to play craps.
First, you must know its table layout, followed by the craps rules and bet types. Here is a casino guide for beginners.
Craps Table Layout
The craps table is a rectangular layout divided into segments that glow with clear labels. It contains betting areas (boxes tagged as Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, Field, and more) where to drop your chips.
The table is divided into two main sections: side and center.
The side sections are identical, housing the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come bets, which you’ll learn about as we get the betting options in craps. The center is for Field and Proposition bets, while the two ends of the table are for place bets, such as Pass Line bets with Odds bets.
This table layout also applies to betting bubble craps, but its gameplay is automated and faster.
Basic Gameplay Rules
How to play craps requires mastering the basic craps rules involving gaming actions that stretch across two phases: the come-out roll and the point phase.
Come-Out Roll
The Come-Out is your (the shooter’s) opening dice roll to begin a gaming round. This roll of the dice can result in a win (a 7 or 11 for Pass Line bettors), loss (2, 3, or 12), or the setting of a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10).
7 or 11 is a natural win.
Point Roll
If you set a point number, the shooter would continue rolling until you either roll that point number again (win) or roll a 7 (loss, AKA crapping out).
These are the basic craps rules. There are no secret steps. But for more tricky dice gameplay, you can learn the hoo hey how strategy and play the fish-Prawn-Crab game.
Craps Bets and Payouts
The craps dice game has several bets which you must understand if you want to roll with confidence.
Pass Line Bet
Pass Line is the most popular craps bet, which you place on the Come-Out roll. You’re betting the shooter will roll a 7 or 11. If this happens, you win. You lose if the outcome is a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number (point number 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) establishes a point. You have to roll that number again before a 7 to win.
Pass Line has a low house edge (1.41%) and an even payout ratio (1:1).
Don’t Pass Line Bet
In Don’t Pass, the opposite of the Pass Line bet, you’re betting against the shooter. Your bet wins when the roll result is a 2 or 3. You lose when the outcome is a 7 or 11, and push or tie if it is a 12. If you get a point number, you must roll 7 before the point number to win.
Don’t Pass also has a low house edge (1.36%) and an even payout ratio (1:1).
Come Bet
The come bet is similar to the Pass Line, but you place it only after setting a point. You win if the dice roll result is a 7 or 11 but lose if the outcome is a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number is a point. You have to roll it again before a 7 to win.
The Come Bet house edge is 1.41%, and the payout is 1:1.
Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Come bet is the opposite of the Come bet. You win the bet if the dice outcome is a 2 or 3, lose if it is a 7 or 11, and push or tie if it is 12.
Other numbers are points, so the shooter has to roll a 7 before that number for you to win.
Field Bet
The Field bet is a one-roll bet that you win if the roll outcome is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 but lose if the shooter rolls a 5, 6, 7, or 8. It has a 5.56% house edge, which can be a trap for beginners.
Field Bet pays 2:1 for numbers 2 to 12 and 1:1 for others.
Place Bet
Place bets are wagers on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or Ten). You are betting that the numbers will show up before a 7. The probability of each number being rolled determines your payouts.
Odds Bets
Odds bets are the extra wagers players can place after establishing a point. You place them behind the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line bets. Odds bets have true odds and no house edge (0%), making them great bet options for players.
A Quick Walk Through the Craps Gaming Steps
As mentioned, craps have straightforward gameplay. Here is how it goes:
You begin by placing your bets before the Come-Out roll. As a beginner, place your bets on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line, one of the smart tips for betting on craps.
The next action is to make the Come-Out roll. You win Pass Line bets when the outcome is 7 or 11 or win the Don’t Pass Line bets when the roll results is a 2, 3, or 12. Any other relevant number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or Ten) becomes a point. For the Pass Line bet, you must roll the point number before a 7 to win, while for the Don’t Pass Line bet, it’s after rolling a 7.
The winning or losing bets are sorted based on roll outcomes, and the game is reset for a new round.
Expert Tips on How to Play Craps
The following tips for playing craps explained by experts can help improve your winning chances.
- Set limits for your wins and losses.
- High-priority online craps betting strategy is to place only low-house edge bets, such as Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come bets.
- Take advantage of Odds bets, which offer true odds and have no house edge.
- Avoid the center-table Proposition bets with a hefty 9.09% house edge (for double 4s).
- Adjust your bets according to game patterns and trends.
- The best craps strategy to win frequently is to keep learning and practicing!
Play Craps Like a Pro
Now that we’ve explained how to play Craps and discussed its bets, the dice are yours to roll. Craps is calling, and it’s your turn to answer with confidence and turn your first throw into a story. Visit Slots Paradise Casino for the best table game bonuses!
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Craps FAQs
What are the basic rules of Craps?
Betting on the outcome of dice rolls: 7 or 11 wins on come-out while 2, 3, or 12 loses. Any other number sets a point to hit before rolling 7.
What is the best Craps strategy?
Sticking to the lowest house edge bets, such as Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets, is a solid beginner’s strategy.
How to bet craps for beginners?
As a beginner, place your chips on the Pass Line bet before the come-out roll. Then, add odds bet after a point for better payouts.
Is Craps easy to learn?
Yes, it has basic bets and easy game rules.