Introduction to Learning How to Play Craps Fast
Craps has developed a reputation as an overly complicated game that’s difficult to learn how to play. In fact, there have been several instances where people have won big jackpots not because they knew the ins and outs of the game but because they hit the random jackpot.
It may seem strange that people would win big without knowing how to play craps, but it does happen. However, if you want to know how to get into the game and start winning regularly, you’re going to need to put in some time and practice.
The good news is that craps is easier to learn than you think. With our helpful guide on how to play craps, you can master the game in no time and be throwing the dice like a pro in no time.
play online video pokerCraps in Brief
Before we dive into learning , let’s take a quick look at how the game works. is a table game that uses two dice to determine the outcome of each round.
Each game consists of one player (or players) throwing the dice while everyone else around the table bets on the outcome. The player who throws the dice is known as the shooter, and the game starts with what is known as the come-out roll.
If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, it is considered a win (or “natural”). If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, it is a loss (or “craps”). Any other number becomes the shooter’s “point,” and they will continue to roll the dice until they either land on their point again or seven, resulting in a loss.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how the game works, let’s dive into our comprehensive craps tutorial and learn how to play.
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Part One: The Basics of How to Play Craps
When you first walk up to a craps table, it can be overwhelming. There are people cheering, chips flying everywhere, and what looks like a never-ending sea of bets. But don’t worry; learning will seem daunting at first, but once you grasp the basics, it’s smooth sailing from there.
In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know about placing bets, understanding odds, and following the action at the table. By the end, you’ll feel confident enough to give craps a try yourself.
Placing Your Bets
Before the come-out roll (the first roll of the game), you can place any bet on the pass line or don’t pass bar. To place a pass line bet, put your chips down on the pass line before the come-out roll. This bet pays out even money (1:1) if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and loses only if they roll a 2, 3, or 12.
On the other hand, a don’t pass bar bet means you’re betting against the shooter. To make this bet, place your chips on the area marked “Don’t Pass” directly below the pass line. If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, you win even money, and a 12 is a push. A 7 or 11 will result in a loss.
Once the come-out roll has occurred and the point has been established, you can place a “come” bet by putting your chips on the “Come” area behind your original pass line bet (if you have one). This bet parallels the pass line bet and creates a mini version of the betting layout in front of you.
If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, you'll win even money on both the come bet and your original pass line bet. Conversely, a 2, 3, or 12 causes a loss on both bets. If the point number is rolled, you can move that number to the top of your place bet area to wait for it to hit again.
Best AR Casino Experiences to Try (And 5 That Didn't Work)A “don’t come” bet functions similarly to the don’t pass bar bet, except that it applies only to your come bets. It’s placed in the don’t come area located between the big wheel and the field. Winning and losing numbers are the same as those on the don’t pass bar.
Odds Bets
Unlike other bets, odds bets do not pay off at even money. Instead, they’re based on the true odds of the dice rolling specific numbers. For example, if your pass line bet wins, and the point was 4, your 2x odds bet will pay out $100 for every $50 wagered (since the odds of rolling a 4 twice in a row are 1:8).
Odds bets cannot be made alone; they must be accompanied by an initial come-out bet. Additionally, casinos set limits on the size of odds bets in relation to the original bet.
Field Bets
A field bet is a one-roll bet that wins if the dice show 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11. It loses if they roll a 5, 6, 7, or 8. This bet pays out at 1:1 for rolls resulting in 3, 4, 9, and 10, while rolls landing on 10 yield a payout of 2:1.
Big Six and Big Eight Bets
These bets involve wagering that the shooter will roll a 6 before a 7 or a bet that the shooter will roll an 8 before a 7. Both payments are even money, and these bets are often grouped together with the field bets. However, some casinos separate them and place them near the come and do not come areas.
Proposition Bets
These are single-roll bets that allow you to wager on specific dice combinations. They are located in the center of the table and typically marked with the corresponding payout next to each number:
- 2: 30:1
- 3: 15:1
- 4: 10:1
- 5: 8:1
- 6, 8, 9, 10: 6:1
- 12: 30:1
Just remember, you only win if the shooter rolls the bet amount on the very next roll.
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Craps Betting Limits
Most craps tables have minimum and maximum betting limits clearly displayed. The minimum is usually denoted by chips, while the maximum might be shown through a system of dice or some other visual indicator. Before placing your bets, familiarize yourself with the table limits to avoid accidentally making a wager outside of your comfort zone.
Additionally, many casinos offer tables with varying betting limits to cater to different players’ preferences and bankrolls.
Part Two: Following the Action
Now that you know how to place your bets let’s talk about following the action at the craps table. Understanding the sequence of events and knowing what to expect will help you stay on top of the game and keep track of your bets.
The Come-Out Roll and Subsequent Rolls
The come-out roll serves as the opening shot for each new game. After this initial roll, the shooter will continue to roll the dice until they land on their point or a 7, which results in a loss.
If the shooter hits their point number again, it’s known as “making the point.” On the other hand, rolling a 7 is called “sevening out” or simply “hitting seven”. Once seven is rolled, the shooter starts the cycle over again with another come-out roll.
Concept of the Point
The point refers to when the shooter lands on a number other than 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. It’s essentially a pivotal number that determines the outcome of the game.
After the point is established, players can make additional bets such as coming or laying. These bets create a parallel game within the main betting layout, allowing players to win if the point number is rolled before a 7.
Dice Control and Myths Surrounding It
There’s a common misconception that skilled dice throwers can influence the outcome of the roll. While it’s true that some people may have more consistent or predictable throwing styles, there is no concrete evidence supporting the idea that dice can be controlled deliberatively.
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Part Three: Advanced Craps Strategy Tips
While craps is primarily a game of chance, certain strategies can help you maximize your chances of winning. Here are some advanced tips to keep in mind:
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bar Bets Are Your Friends
One of the simplest and most effective strategies is to stick to pass line bets or don’t pass bar bets. These wagers have a low house edge of 1.41% and offer some of the best odds in the game. Plus, you don’t need to have a doctorate in mathematics to understand them.
Consider Placing Come and Don’t Come Bets
If you want to ramp up the action, making come and don’t come bets is a great way to go. These wagers work in tandem with your pass line or don’t pass bar bets, providing extra opportunities to win. When the shooter rolls the come-out number again, you score a victory.
Manage Your Bankroll
Proper bankroll management is crucial in craps, just like in any other gamble. Start by setting a budget for yourself and sticking to it. It’s also essential to understand the various bets’ odds and payouts so you can make informed decisions about how much to wager.
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Know When to Walk Away
Having the discipline to quit while you’re ahead is vital in craps. It can be tempting to keep playing, hoping to rack up even bigger wins, but this strategy can quickly backfire. Set a goal for yourself, whether it’s a specific amount of money won or a certain time limit, and stick to it. Trust us – your bank account will thank you.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to improving your chances of success at the craps table. Remember, while skill plays a role in the game, luck is still a major factor. So, don’t be afraid to embrace the element of chance and have fun!
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Part Four: Common Craps Terms and Phrases
Understanding the lingo is just as important as grasping the gameplay itself. Here are some essential craps terms and phrases you should know:
- Any Craps: A bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12.
- Aces Deuce Across: Slang terminology for a bet of $1 on the numbers 2 and 3 with a single $1 unit across on the 11 and 12.
- Big Red: Another name for the number 7.
- Cold Dice: Used to describe a shooter who isn’t hitting points as often as usual.
- Compelling: When a new shooter joins a table already in progress, they are said to be compelling.
- Don’t Seven Out: An expression meaning the shooter will hit seven before making their point.
- Hard Way: Refers to numbers 4, 6, 8, and 10, which can only be achieved by rolling doubles.
- ** Laying Odds:** Wagering an amount equal to your pass line or place bet to win fewer when eight or seven is rolled before the point.
- Marked Piece: A visible imprint on a die indicating the value of that die.
- Right Better: A person who makes a bet on the come-out roll that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11.
- Seven Out: When the shooter rolls a seven before making their point.
- Stickman: The individual who manages the sticks used to determine the winning bets.
- Wrong Better: An individual who places their bet on the come-out roll that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, or 12.
This is merely a sampling of the colorful language you’ll encounter at the craps table. Immersing yourself in the game will expose you to even more unique expressions and slang terms.
Part Five: Variations of Craps Games
You might be surprised to learn that craps actually comes in several different forms. Whether you’re looking for a faster-paced game or want to mix things up, these variations are worth exploring:
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Simplified craps aims to streamline the game, making it more accessible to beginners. The table layout is significantly reduced, focusing solely on the most fundamental bets. This variation often features lower table minimums and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those new to the world of craps.
Private Craps or Reserve Craps
Private or reserve craps provides a more intimate craps experience, typically accommodating only a small group of players. Similar to tables in casinos, these games allow individuals to join a pre-existing round that hasn’t started yet.
However, unlike traditional craps, private games enable you to choose your fellow players, ensuring a comfortable and familiar environment. It’s essential to note that organizing a private craps game is illegal unless it falls under the purview of a licensed establishment.
Crapless Craps
As the name suggests, crapless craps eliminates the craps aspect, making it impossible for shooters to crap out or have a losing come-out roll. Instead, all bets on the pass line pay out even money if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12. This variation adds a thrilling twist to the classic game and increases the odds of immediate success.
Craps Management
Craps management refers to playing at a table hosted by a casino employee who acts as both shooter and dealer. This setup allows players to place bets without having to exchange chips with the stickperson. While less common than traditional craps tables, craps management provides an alternative for those who prefer a more structured gaming experience.
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With so many bets to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. We’ve broken down some of the most popular craps bets and their respective house edges to help you navigate the options:
The Safest Craps Bets
Pass/Come and Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Bet
- Bet Type: Pass Line or Don’t Pass Bar
- House Edge: 1.41%
Place and Place Bet
- Bet Type: Place bet on 4 or 10, or Place bet on 5 or 9
- House Edge: 1.5%
Field Bet (when 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11 are played)
- Bet Type: Field Bet (except on 2 or 12)
- House Edge: 2.8%
Come Bet (only after a point has been established)
- Bet Type: Come Bet passing through 3 or 4 or Come Bet passing through 10 or 11
- House Edge: 1.5%
Don’t Come Bet (only after a point has been established)
- Bet Type: Don’t Come Bet landing on 5 or 9
- House Edge: 1.5%
Intermediate Craps Bets
Big Six and Big Eight Bets
- Bet Type: Betting on 6 or 8
- House Edge: 9.1%
Field Bet (when 2 or 12 are played)
- Bet Type: Field Bet on 2 or 12
- House Edge: 2.8%
Place Bet (on 6 or 8)
- Bet Type: Place Bet on 6 or 8
- House Edge: 1.5% on 6 or 8
Come Bet (only after a point has been established)
- Bet Type: Come Bet passing through 2 or 12
- House Edge: 1.5%
Don’t Come Bet (only after a point has been established)
- Bet Type: Don’t Come Bet landing on 6 or 8
- House Edge: 1.5%
The Riskier Craps Bets
Any Craps Bet
- Bet Type: Betting on a 2, 3, or 12
- House Edge: 11.1%
Craps Bet (betting on 2 or 3)
- Bet Type: Betting on a 2 or 3
- House Edge: 13.3%
Bet on 12
- Bet Type: Betting on a 12
- House Edge: 14.1%
Horn Bet
- Bet Type: Horn Bet consisting of 2, 3, 11, and 12
- House Edge: 12%
Horn High Bet
- Bet Type: Horn High Bet comprising 2 and 12 with an addition 1/2 bet on 3 or 11
- House Edge: 11.1%
Wire Bet
- Bet Type: Simultaneous bets on 2 and 12
- House Edge: 9.1%
Yo Bet (or 11)
- Bet Type: Betting on 11
- House Edge: 14.1%
Whatever it Takes Bet (or Ace Deuce Across)
- Bet Type: Simultaneous bets on 2 and 3 with an addition bet on 11 and 12
- House Edge: 11.1%
Aces (or Craps) 2, 3, or 12
- Bet Type: Three separate bets on 2, 3, or 12
- House Edge: 11.1% for each bet
Hardways (hard 4, hard 6, hard 8, hard 10)
- Bet Type: Betting on a hard 4, hard 6, hard 8, or hard 10 (doubles)
- House Edge: 9.1%
Part Seven: Playing Online Craps vs. Live Craps
Should you opt for the virtual world of online craps or immerse yourself in the chaos of a live craps table? Here are some key differences to consider:
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