Craps: The Ultimate Guide to the Dice Game

Craps is a fast-paced, exciting dice game that can be intimidating to beginners due to its complex-looking table and a wide variety of betting options. However, once you understand the basic rules, you'll find that craps is one of the most engaging and social games in the casino. This guide will break down the game of craps into easy-to-understand steps.

1. The Basics of Craps

The Objective

The basic objective of craps is to bet on the outcome of the roll of two dice. The player who is rolling the dice is called the "shooter."

The Gameplay

A game of craps is played in rounds, and the first roll of a new round is called the "come-out roll."

• The Come-Out Roll:
• If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, it's a "natural," and they win. The round is over, and a new come-out roll begins.
• If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, it's called "craps," and they lose. The round is over, and a new come-out roll begins.
• If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the "point." The dealer will place a marker on that number on the table.

• The Point Roll:
• Once a point has been established, the shooter continues to roll the dice.
• If the shooter rolls the point number again before rolling a 7, they win. The round is over, and a new come-out roll begins.
• If the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point number (a "seven-out"), they lose. The round is over, and the dice are passed to the next player to become the new shooter.

2. The Main Bets in Craps

While there are many different bets you can make in craps, there are two main bets that are perfect for beginners:

• Pass Line Bet: This is the most common and fundamental bet in craps. You are betting with the shooter.
• On the come-out roll, you win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, and you lose if they roll a 2, 3, or 12.
• If a point is established, you win if the shooter rolls the point again before rolling a 7.
• Don't Pass Line Bet: This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. You are betting against the shooter.
• On the come-out roll, you win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, and you lose if they roll a 7 or 11. If a 12 is rolled, it's a push (a tie).
• If a point is established, you win if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point again.

3. Other Common Bets

Once you are comfortable with the Pass and Don't Pass bets, you can explore some of the other betting options:

• Come Bet: This bet is similar to the Pass Line bet, but it can be made at any time after the come-out roll.
• Don't Come Bet: This bet is similar to the Don't Pass Line bet and can also be made at any time after the come-out roll.
• Odds Bet: This is a side bet that you can make in addition to a Pass, Don't Pass, Come, or Don't Come bet. The Odds bet has no house edge, making it one of the best bets in the casino.
• Place Bets: These are bets that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7.
• Proposition Bets: These are single-roll bets on specific outcomes, such as rolling a specific number or a specific combination of numbers. These bets have a high house edge and are generally not recommended for beginners.

4. Basic Craps Strategy

For beginners, the best strategy is to stick to the simplest bets with the lowest house edge:

• Pass Line Bet with Odds: This is the most popular and one of the most advantageous bets for the player.
• Don't Pass Line Bet with Odds: This bet is also a good choice, with a slightly lower house edge than the Pass Line bet.

By focusing on these bets, you can enjoy the excitement of craps while minimizing your risk.

5. Conclusion

Craps can be a thrilling and rewarding game once you get the hang of it. Don't be intimidated by the fast-paced action and the seemingly complex table. Start with the basic bets, observe the game, and don't be afraid to ask the dealer for help. With a little practice, you'll be a confident craps player in no time.

Internal Linking Suggestions:

• Link to "The Mathematics of Casino Games: Understanding the House Edge".
• Link to "Bankroll Management for Casino Players".
• Link to "Casino Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts".