How to Play Craps: Demystifying the Casino's Loudest Game

If you walk onto any physical casino floor, the loudest and most energetic area is almost always the Craps table.

The energy is infectious, drawing crowds of spectators eager to watch the "shooter" roll the dice.

However, to an absolute beginner, the Craps table looks incredibly intimidating and hopelessly complicated.

Fortunately, you only need to learn a few basic rules to jump in and enjoy some of the best odds in the casino.

Our beginner's guide will strip away the confusion and focus on the fundamental bets you need to know.

How a Round of Craps Actually Works

A new game begins when a player (the shooter) takes the dice and rolls them across the table for the first time.

If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 on the Come-Out roll, that specific number becomes "The Point."

When a Point is set, the game enters its second phase, and the objective of the shooter completely changes.

Now, the shooter must continue rolling the dice until they roll that exact Point number again to win.

However, if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the Point again, it is a "Seven Out," everyone loses, and the round ends.

The Best Bets: Pass Line and Don't Pass

While there are dozens of exotic bets on the table, beginners should focus exclusively on the Pass Line bet.

You place your Pass Line bet immediately before the Come-Out roll occurs.

If any other number is rolled, it becomes the Point, and your bet stays on the Pass Line.

Alternatively, you can bet the "Don't Pass" line, which is essentially betting against the shooter.

This simple bet is all you need to play for hours and enjoy fantastic mathematical odds.

The Best Bet in the Entire Casino

After the Point is set, you are allowed to place an additional wager directly behind your Pass Line bet.

The Odds bet is unique because the casino pays out at exactly true mathematical odds, meaning there is zero house edge.

If you Take the Odds on a Point of 4 and win, the casino pays you exactly 2 to 1 on that specific portion of your bet.

This strategy minimizes your exposure to the 1.41% house edge and maximizes your money on the 0% edge bet.

If you are unsure how much you can bet, simply ask the dealer, "What are the max odds?" and they will gladly assist you.

Essential Craps Lingo

• 
  
• Rolling: Anyone at the table gets a turn to be the shooter if they have a Pass Line bet.
  
• Come-Out Roll: The very first roll of a new round, used to establish the Point.
  
• The Point: The target number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) the shooter is trying to roll again.
  
• Seven Out: Rolling a 7 after the Point is established. The round ends and everyone loses.
  
• Odds Bet: The hidden wager that pays true mathematical probabilities.
  

Which Side of the Dice Are You On?

Craps is only intimidating until you realize that you do not need to understand the entire board to play effectively.

Practicing on a digital table allows you to learn the rhythm of the game without the pressure of a loud, crowded casino.

When you do hit a physical casino, do not be afraid to tell the dealers that you are a beginner.

Grab your chips, find a spot at the rail, and enjoy the most thrilling, communal experience the casino has to offer.