Craps: Beginner Guide

Craps is an exciting social game played in casinos around the world. If you're familiar with casinos but have never tried craps before, this comprehensive guide will turn you into an advanced player in no time.

Today we’re going to go over

1. Basic Terminology
2. A Basic Round of Craps
3. Explaining the different Types of Bets in Craps
4. Top 10 Beginner Tips and Strategy for New Craps Players

What's the objective of Craps?

The goal of craps is to correctly guess the outcome of dice rolls, placing bets and earning payouts based on predictions.

Basic Terminology

• Craps: The name of the game, also refers to rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll.
• Shooter: The player who rolls the dice.
• Dice: The two six-sided cubes used in the game.
• Come-Out Roll: The first roll of the dice in a new round.
• Point: The number established on the Come-Out Roll (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10).
• Pass Line: The area where Pass Line bets are placed.
• Pass Line Bet: A bet that the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the Come-Out Roll or by establishing a Point and then rolling it again before rolling a 7.
• Don't Pass Line: The area where Don't Pass Line bets are placed.
• Don't Pass Line Bet: A bet that the shooter will lose by rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the Come-Out Roll or by establishing a Point and then rolling a 7 before rolling the Point again.
• Come: The area where Come bets are placed.
• Come Bet: Similar to a Pass Line Bet but made after a Point is established.
• Don't Come: The area where Don't Come bets are placed.
• Don't Come Bet: Similar to a Don't Pass Line Bet but made after a Point is established.
• Place Bet: A bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7.
• Field: The area where Field bets are placed.
• Field Bet: A bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Hardways: Bets that the shooter will roll a specific hard number (4, 6, 8, or 10) as a double (e.g., two 4s for a hard 8) before rolling a 7 or an easy version of that number.
• Proposition Bets: One-roll bets placed in the center of the table (e.g., bets on specific numbers, combinations, or outcomes).
• Boxman: The casino employee who oversees the game, manages the chips, and supervises the dealers.
• Stickman: The casino employee who calls the results of each roll, retrieves the dice with a stick, and controls the pace of the game.
• Dealers: The two casino employees who manage bets, collect losing bets, and pay out winning bets.
• Bankroll: The total amount of money a player has available for betting.
• House Edge: The casino's statistical advantage over the player in a game of chance.
• Odds: The probability of a specific outcome occurring.
• Payout: The amount of money paid to a player for a winning bet.

A Basic Round of Craps

1. Come-Out Roll: The shooter (the player rolling the dice) begins the round by making a come-out roll. Before the roll, players place their Pass Line or Don't Pass Line bets.
2. Pass Line Bets: If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, Pass Line bets win. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (craps), Pass Line bets lose. In either case, the round ends, and a new round starts with a new come-out roll.
3. Don't Pass Line Bets: If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, Don't Pass Line bets lose. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, Don't Pass Line bets win. If the shooter rolls a 12, the bet is a push (neither win nor lose). In any of these cases, the round ends, and a new round starts with a new come-out roll.
4. Establishing the Point: If the come-out roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. The dealer places a marker (called a puck) on the corresponding number on the craps table to indicate the point. The game now moves into the point phase.
5. Point Phase: During the point phase, the shooter continues to roll the dice until either the point is rolled again or a 7 is rolled.
6. Betting during the Point Phase: Players can make additional bets during the point phase, such as Come/Don't Come bets, Place bets, Field bets, Hardways bets, and Proposition bets. Each bet type has specific rules, odds, and payouts, as explained in a previous answer.
7. Pass Line Bets during the Point Phase: If the shooter rolls the point before rolling a 7, Pass Line bets win, and the round ends. If the shooter rolls a 7 before the point, Pass Line bets lose, and the round ends.
8. Don't Pass Line Bets during the Point Phase: If the shooter rolls the point before rolling a 7, Don't Pass Line bets lose. If the shooter rolls a 7 before the point, Don't Pass Line bets win. In either case, the round ends.
9. Next Round: After the round ends, the same shooter will start a new round with a new come-out roll if they won (by rolling the point). If the shooter lost (by rolling a 7 before the point), the dice move to the next player in a clockwise direction, who becomes the new shooter.

This cycle of establishing a point, rolling the dice, and resolving bets continues until the shooter either sevens out (rolls a 7 before the point) or passes the dice to another player.

Explaining the different Types of Bets in Craps

• Pass Line Bet: A bet placed before the come-out roll, betting that the shooter will win. A win occurs if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11. If the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. If the shooter establishes a point, the bet wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.

• Don't Pass Line Bet: Opposite of a Pass Line bet. Before the come-out roll, you bet that the shooter will lose. A win occurs if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3. If it's a 12, the bet results in a push (neither win nor lose). If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the bet loses. If the shooter establishes a point, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.

• Come Bet: Made after a point is established, it works similarly to a Pass Line bet. A 7 or 11 on the roll after the bet is placed results in a win, while a 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss. If another point is established, the bet wins if that point is rolled again before a 7.

• Don't Come Bet: Made after a point is established, it works similarly to a Don't Pass Line bet. A 2 or 3 on the roll after the bet is placed results in a win, while a 7 or 11 results in a loss. If it's a 12, the bet results in a push. If another point is established, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before that point.

• Place Bet: A bet that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. Each number has different odds and payouts. Place bets can be made, increased, or removed at any time.

• Field Bet: A one-roll bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Field bets typically pay even money, except for 2 and 12, which pay double or triple depending on the casino.

• Hardways Bet: A bet that the shooter will roll a specific hard number (4, 6, 8, or 10) as a double (e.g., two 4s for a hard 8) before rolling a 7 or an easy version of that number. Hardways bets can be made, increased, or removed at any time.

• Big 6 and Big 8: A bet that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. This bet is generally not recommended due to its high house edge. Most players prefer to make Place bets on 6 and 8 instead.

• Any Craps: A one-roll bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12. This is a proposition bet with a high house edge.

• Any Seven: A one-roll bet that the next roll will be a 7. This is a proposition bet with a high house edge.

• Horn Bet: The Horn Bet is a one-roll bet in Craps that is a combination of four individual bets: the 2, 3, 11, and 12. When a player places a Horn Bet, they are essentially betting that the next roll of the dice will be one of these four numbers.

Craps Etiquette

When playing craps, it's essential to follow proper etiquette to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table. Here's a list of basic craps etiquette tips to help you blend in with advanced players:

1. Handle the dice with one hand: When it's your turn to be the shooter, use only one hand to handle and throw the dice. This is a casino rule meant to prevent cheating by swapping the dice.
2. Toss the dice, don't slide: When rolling the dice, toss them gently against the back wall of the table so they bounce off. Avoid sliding or deliberately trying to control the dice, as this can be seen as an attempt to manipulate the game.
3. Respect the shooter's space: Give the shooter enough room to roll the dice comfortably. Don't crowd or lean on the table excessively, as this can disrupt the game.
4. Don't say "seven" at the table: Superstitious players consider saying the word "seven" bad luck when a point has been established. Instead, use a phrase like "big red" to refer to the number 7.
5. Wait for the stickman's signal: Before placing bets, wait for the stickman to finish paying out winning bets and collecting losing ones. The stickman will then signal that it's time to place new bets.
6. Place bets in a timely manner: To keep the game moving smoothly, place your bets quickly and efficiently during the appropriate betting window.
7. Keep your hands out of the playing area: When the shooter is about to roll, make sure your hands are clear of the table's playing area to avoid interfering with the dice.
8. Be courteous to dealers and other players: Treat dealers and fellow players with respect. Avoid arguing, shouting, or making rude comments.
9. Tip the dealers: Dealers work hard to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. It's customary to tip them occasionally, either by placing a bet on their behalf or giving them chips directly.
10. Know the rules and bets: Familiarize yourself with the basic rules and betting options in craps before joining the table. This will help you avoid confusion and keep the game running smoothly.
11. Don't celebrate excessively: While it's okay to be excited when you win, avoid excessive celebrations, as this can be seen as disrespectful to players who may have lost on that roll.

By following these etiquette tips, you'll be able to enjoy the game and blend in with advanced craps players at the table.

Top 10 Beginner Tips and Strategy for New Craps Players

When playing craps, having a basic bankroll strategy is essential to manage your money effectively and maximize your playing time. Here are some tips to help you develop a bankroll strategy when playing craps:

1. Set a budget: Before you start playing, decide how much money you're willing to risk. This should be an amount you can afford to lose without affecting your financial well-being. Stick to your budget and avoid chasing losses.
2. Divide your bankroll: Break your bankroll into smaller units or session bankrolls. This helps you manage your money and avoid losing your entire bankroll in a single session. For example, if your total bankroll is $500, you could divide it into five $100 session bankrolls.
3. Choose appropriate bets: Focus on bets with lower house edges, such as Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, Come, Don't Come, and placing 6 and 8. Avoid high house edge bets like Big 6/Big 8, Hardways, and most Proposition bets, as they will deplete your bankroll more quickly.
4. Utilize odds bets: When possible, take advantage of the odds bets (taking or laying odds) after making a Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, Come, or Don't Come bet. Odds bets have no house edge, which means they offer fair payouts and can help balance the overall house edge of your betting strategy.
5. Set win and loss limits: Establish limits for how much you're willing to lose or win in a single session. If you reach either limit, stop playing and take a break. This helps protect your bankroll and prevents you from losing too much or giving back your winnings.
6. Manage your emotions: Keep a clear head and avoid making impulsive decisions based on emotions. Stick to your strategy and remember that craps is a game of chance, so both winning and losing streaks are normal.
7. Adjust your bet size: Based on your session bankroll, determine an appropriate bet size that allows you to enjoy the game without running out of money too quickly. As a general rule, your bets should not exceed 1-5% of your session bankroll.
8. Be disciplined: Stick to your bankroll management strategy and avoid deviating from it. This includes not chasing losses, not increasing bet sizes to recoup losses, and not playing with money you can't afford to lose.

By following these basic bankroll management tips, you can improve your chances of having a more enjoyable and longer-lasting craps experience. Remember that the key to bankroll management is discipline and consistency.

Have fun and good luck!

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