Have you ever strolled by a craps table in a casino and been captivated by the energetic atmosphere? Maybe you’ve felt the rush of excitement from the players’ cheers and high-fives as they celebrate a winning roll. Craps is not just a game of chance, it’s a communal experience that combines luck, strategy, and the unmistakable thrill of risk-taking. But what is Craps, and how do you play it?
Overview
Craps is a dice game played on a specialized table. The player rolling the dice is referred to as the “shooter.” A typical round of craps begins with a “come-out roll,” where the aim is to establish a point number. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, all “pass line” bets win. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, all “pass line” bets lose, which is called “crapping out.” Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point number. The shooter continues to roll the dice aiming to hit the point number again before rolling a 7. If the shooter hits the point number, pass-line bets win. If a 7 is rolled first, pass-line bets lose.
While it might seem complex at first glance, craps is incredibly engaging once you grasp the basics. In a typical session, you will see players placing a variety of bets, each with its odds and payouts. The beauty of craps lies in its simplicity when betting on the pass line but can get intricate with the multitude of other bets available. With a bit of practice, you will find yourself caught up in the excitement of rooting for the shooter alongside your fellow players.
The Craps Table Layout
Understanding the Craps Table Components
The Craps table isn’t just a surface to roll dice; it’s a meticulously designed field of play with clearly defined areas for different betting opportunities. Here is what you should know:
The Pass Line: This is where you start. It’s the most fundamental bet in Craps, where you win on a 7 or 11 and lose on a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll.
The Don’t Pass Bar: The inverse of the Pass Line, betting here means you’re wagering that the shooter will ‘seven out’ before hitting the point number again.
The Field: This one-roll bet offers a win if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Come and Don’t Come Bets: Similar to the Pass and Don’t Pass but can be made on any roll other than the come-out.
The Point Numbers: Marked as 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, these become important once a point is established.
Place Bets: You bet on a specific point number to be rolled before a 7.
Proposition Bets: These high-risk bets are located at the table’s center and usually have high payouts with high house edges.
As you familiarize yourself with these components, you’ll find that navigating the table layout becomes second nature, and you’ll be a more confident player as a result.
How to Play Craps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting a game of Craps is both thrilling and accessible, with simple steps to follow that will lead to dynamic rounds of play. Here is what you should know:
Roll The Come-Out: Your adventure begins with the come-out roll. If you roll a 7 or 11, you’ve hit a natural, and you win. Cheer up! A 2, 3, or 12 is a craps roll, and you lose, but don’t fret; the beauty of Craps is the rapid chance for redemption.
Establish The Point: If you roll any other number, that number becomes your ‘point.’ Now, you aim to roll that same number again before rolling a 7 to win.
Make Your Bets: While the shooter focuses on the point, you can place various bets. Maybe you’ll consider placing a pass-line bet or spice things up with a field bet—the choices are numerous, and so are the chances to win.
Roll Until You Win or Lose: The dice will keep flowing, and the action intensifies. Will the shooter roll the point again for a triumphant win, or will the unpredictable 7 appear first? The suspense is part of the fun.
Stay positive, each roll is a new possibility, and the buzz around the Craps table is infectious. Whether you’re the shooter or just betting on the outcomes, know that every turn of the dice is a fresh opportunity to win.
Paul Barnes cuts through the casino hype with honest reviews and strategy breakdowns. He’s played on every major platform, always looking for the hidden gems (and the ones to avoid).
More about Paul Barnes
Age: 31
Experience: Rising star in the online casino scene, 7 years of in-depth reviews
Background: Studied journalism before finding his passion in gaming analysis
Hobbies: Retro video game collector, aspiring board game designer
Residence: Brighton
Marital Status: In a committed relationship
