How to Play Craps: Beginner’s Guide to Rules and Strategies

Craps is a popular casino game that is played with dice. The game is fast-paced and exciting, making it a favorite among many players. In this beginner’s guide, we will go over the basic rules and strategies for playing craps.

What is Craps?

Craps is a dice game where players make bets on the outcome of a roll or a series of rolls. The game is played on a large table with a layout that displays various betting options. The shooter, the player who rolls the dice, must hit the back wall of the table with the dice for the roll to be considered valid.

Craps is a game of chance, but there are strategies that players can use to increase their chances of winning. The game can seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the basic rules and betting options, it is easy to get the hang of.

Basic Rules of Craps

Players take turns rolling the dice
The first roll of a new round is called the come-out roll
If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins
If the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the pass line bet loses
If the come-out roll is any other number, that number becomes the point
The shooter must roll the point number again before rolling a 7 for the pass line bet to win

Now that you understand the basics of craps, let’s move on to some betting strategies that can help you win at the game.

Basic Rules of Craps

Craps is a popular casino game that involves rolling dice. The objective of the game is to bet on the outcome of the roll. There are many different bets that can be made in craps, and each has its own set of rules. Here are the basic rules of craps:

The Come-Out Roll

The first roll of the dice in a craps game is called the come-out roll. This roll determines the point. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins. If the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the pass line bet loses. If the come-out roll is any other number, that number becomes the point.

Pass Line Bet

The pass line bet is one of the most popular bets in craps. It is made before the come-out roll. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins. If the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the pass line bet loses. If the come-out roll is any other number, that number becomes the point. The pass line bet wins if the point is rolled before a 7.

Don’t Pass Line Bet

The don’t pass line bet is the opposite of the pass line bet. It is made before the come-out roll. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, the don’t pass line bet wins. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the don’t pass line bet loses. If the come-out roll is a 12, the don’t pass line bet is a push. If the come-out roll is any other number, that number becomes the point. The don’t pass line bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.

Come Bet

A come bet is similar to a pass line bet, but it is made after the point has been established. The come bet wins if the next roll is a 7 or 11. It loses if the next roll is a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the come point. The come bet wins if the come point is rolled before a 7.

Don’t Come Bet

A don’t come bet is similar to a don’t pass line bet, but it is made after the point has been established. The don’t come bet wins if the next roll is a 2 or 3. It loses if the next roll is a 7 or 11. If the next roll is a 12, the bet is a push. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the come point. The don’t come bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the come point.

Field Bet

A field bet is a one-roll bet that can be made on any roll. It wins if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. It loses if the next roll is a 5, 6, 7, or 8.

Place Bets

Place bets are bets on a specific number. They can be made at any time. Place bets win if the number is rolled before a 7. The payouts for place bets vary depending on the number.

Buy Bets

Buy bets are similar to place bets, but they have a different payout structure. Buy bets are made at any time. They win if the number is rolled before a 7. The payouts for buy bets are better than place bets, but there is a commission that must be paid.

Lay Bets

Lay bets are the opposite of buy bets. They are bets that the number will not be rolled before a 7. The payouts for lay bets vary depending on the number.

Hardways

Hardways are bets on a specific combination of numbers. They can only be made on the come-out roll. Hardways win if the number is rolled the “hard way” (i.e., with a pair) before a 7 or before the number is rolled the “easy way” (i.e., without a pair).

Proposition Bets

Proposition bets are one-roll bets that can be made on any roll. They are bets on specific combinations of numbers. The payouts

Advanced Strategies for Playing Craps

Once you have mastered the basic rules of craps, you can move on to more advanced strategies that can help increase your chances of winning. Here are some advanced strategies that you can use:

Odds Bets

Odds bets are considered the best bets in craps because they have a 0% house edge. This means that the casino has no advantage over the player. To make an odds bet, you need to place a bet on the pass line or don’t pass line bet. Once the point has been established, you can then place an odds bet behind your original bet. The amount you can bet on odds varies from casino to casino, but it can be up to 100 times your original bet. If the point is rolled before a 7, you win the odds bet.

Hedge Bets

Hedge bets are a type of bet that is used to protect your original bet. This is done by placing a bet on the opposite outcome of your original bet. For example, if you have placed a bet on the pass line, you can place a hedge bet on the don’t pass line. This way, if the shooter rolls a 7, you will lose your pass line bet, but win your hedge bet. The downside to hedge bets is that they have a higher house edge than other bets, so they should be used sparingly.

The Iron Cross

The Iron Cross is a popular craps betting strategy that involves placing bets on multiple numbers. To use this strategy, you need to place a bet on the field and place bets on the 5, 6, and 8. This way, you will win if any of these numbers are rolled, except for a 7. The downside to this strategy is that you will lose if a 7 is rolled, and you will only break even if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled.

Three-Point Molly

The Three-Point Molly is another popular betting strategy that involves placing multiple bets. To use this strategy, you need to place a bet on the pass line, and then place bets on the come line after the point has been established. This way, you will have three numbers working for you at the same time. The downside to this strategy is that it can be expensive, as you will need to place multiple bets.

Conclusion

By using these advanced strategies, you can increase your chances of winning at craps. However, it is important to remember that craps is a game of chance, and there is no guaranteed way to win. It is important to manage your bankroll and only bet what you can afford to lose. With practice and patience, you can become a successful craps player.

Etiquette and Tips for Playing Craps

Craps Table Etiquette

When playing craps, it’s important to follow proper table etiquette to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone. Here are some basic rules of craps table etiquette:

Be respectful to other players and the dealers.
Don’t touch the dice or take them off the table.
Don’t throw the dice too hard or too high.
Keep your hands and arms inside the table area at all times.
Wait until the dealer has finished paying out before making your next bet.
Don’t try to place bets after the shooter has rolled the dice.

Bankroll Management

One of the most important aspects of playing craps is managing your bankroll. Here are some tips to help you keep your bankroll in check:

Set a budget for your gambling session and stick to it.
Don’t chase your losses by betting more than you can afford.
Start with smaller bets and gradually increase them as you gain more experience.
Take breaks often to avoid burnout and keep a clear head.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned craps players can make mistakes that can cost them money. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not understanding the rules of the game before playing.
Placing bets with high house edges, such as the Big 6 or Big 8.
Getting too caught up in the excitement and betting more than you can afford.
Trying to predict the outcome of the game based on superstitions or hunches.

Mistake	Why it’s a mistake
Not understanding the rules of the game before playing.	You may make costly mistakes or miss out on opportunities to win.
Placing bets with high house edges, such as the Big 6 or Big 8.	These bets have a high house edge, meaning you’re more likely to lose money in the long run.
Getting too caught up in the excitement and betting more than you can afford.	You may end up losing more money than you planned and have to leave the table early.
Trying to predict the outcome of the game based on superstitions or hunches.	Craps is a game of chance and luck, so there’s no way to predict the outcome of the game.