Craps is a popular dice game often played in casinos, but it can also be played in informal settings with friends. The game may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we will break down the craps rules, explain how the game is played, and provide you with the essential information you need to start playing.
What is Craps?
Craps is a fast-paced dice game where players bet on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls of two dice. The game is played on a special table, and players can make many different types of bets. While the game may seem overwhelming with its many options, understanding the basic rules will help you have fun and even improve your chances of winning.
Craps Rules: The Basics
At its core, craps rules are quite simple. The game begins with a come-out roll, and players place their bets before this roll. The come-out roll is the first roll of the dice in a round of craps. Depending on the outcome of this roll, the game will either continue or end. Let’s go through the rules step by step.
Step 1: The Come-Out Roll
The game starts with the come-out roll, which is the first roll of the dice in a round. The person rolling the dice is called the “shooter.” Here’s what can happen on the come-out roll:
- Win: If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, all players who bet on the pass line win.
- Lose: If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, all players who bet on the pass line lose.
- Point: If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “point.” The shooter then continues rolling the dice until they either roll the point again (which wins) or roll a 7 (which loses).
Step 2: The Point Roll
If a point is established on the come-out roll, the shooter must try to roll that same point number again before rolling a 7. If the shooter rolls the point, players who bet on the pass line win. If a 7 is rolled before the point, players who bet on the pass line lose. This phase of the game continues until the point is either rolled or a 7 appears.
Craps Betting Options
While the pass line bet is the most common, there are many other betting options in craps. Below are some of the key types of bets you can make:
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Line Bet | Bet that the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll or re-rolling the point. | 1:1 |
| Don’t Pass Line Bet | Bet that the shooter will lose by rolling a 2 or 3 or that a 7 will appear before the point. | 1:1 |
| Come Bet | Similar to the pass line bet, but made after the come-out roll. | 1:1 |
| Don’t Come Bet | Similar to the don’t pass line bet, but made after the come-out roll. | 1:1 |
| Field Bet | Bet that a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 will be rolled next. | Varies (usually 1:1 or 2:1 for 2 or 12) |
| Place Bet | Bet that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. | Varies (6:5 for 6 or 8, 5:9 for 5 or 9) |
| Proposition Bets | These are bets on specific outcomes like rolling a pair of 2s or a 3-11 combination. | Varies (sometimes high payouts, but risky) |
Each of these bets has its own set of rules and odds, which can affect the strategy you choose while playing. The pass line and don’t pass line bets are generally the safest and most straightforward, while other bets might offer bigger payouts but are riskier.
Important Points to Remember in Craps
- Always Bet on the Pass Line: If you’re new to craps, sticking to the pass line is a smart choice. It’s easy to understand and offers relatively good odds.
- Know the Point: Once a point is established, the game changes, and you should focus on rolling that number again before a 7.
- Don’t Bet on the Proposition Bets Unless You’re Experienced: While proposition bets can have high payouts, they are generally much riskier and are not recommended for beginners.
- Stay Focused: Craps is a fast-paced game with many different bets, but don’t let this distract you. Keep track of your bets and stick to a strategy that works for you.
FAQs
To win at craps, you need to bet on the pass line and hope the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a point, they need to roll that point again before rolling a 7. Other bets like come or place bets can also win, depending on the numbers rolled.
Yes, you can bet on multiple lines at the same time in craps. For example, you can bet on both the pass line and the come line during the same round, but you should understand how each bet works and how it can affect your winnings.
For beginners, the pass line bet is the easiest and safest option. It has a low house edge and is easy to understand. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore more advanced betting options.
My Experience with Craps
When I first tried playing craps, I was intimidated by all the different bets and rules. But once I understood the basics, it became much more enjoyable. I started by making pass line bets and gradually learned about come bets and place bets. The more I played, the more strategies I developed, and I learned when to stick to basic bets and when to try higher-risk options for larger payouts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, craps rules are straightforward once you understand the flow of the game and the different types of bets you can make. The game is fast-paced and exciting, with many opportunities to win (and lose), so it’s essential to know the basic rules and strategies. Start with the pass line bet, avoid overly risky bets until you’re more experienced, and have fun learning the ins and outs of the game. Whether you’re playing at a casino or with friends, craps can be a thrilling experience!