If you’ve ever stepped foot in a casino, you might have noticed a group of people gathered around a lively table, cheering, groaning, and clapping in unison. Chances are, they’re playing craps—a fast-paced and exciting dice game that has been a staple of casinos for decades. But for the uninitiated, craps can seem confusing, even intimidating. With all the jargon, multiple betting options, and the rapid pace of the game, it’s easy to feel lost. So, how does craps work? In this article, we’ll break down the rules, bets, and strategies of craps in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re new to the game.
Understanding the Basics: What is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll, or series of rolls, of a pair of dice. It’s as simple as that, but the nuances of the game come from the various betting options available. The game is played on a special table with a distinctive layout designed to accommodate different types of bets. The table might look complex at first glance, but once you understand how it’s organized, you’ll see that it’s just a matter of knowing where to place your chips.
The Layout of a Craps Table
The craps table is divided into several sections, each dedicated to different types of bets. The most prominent areas are the “Pass Line” and “Don’t Pass Line,” where most of the action happens. Other sections include areas for “Come” and “Don’t Come” bets, “Odds” bets, and a section for various “Proposition” bets, which are typically considered higher risk.
When you approach a craps table, you’ll see that it’s manned by several casino employees: a boxman, two dealers, and a stickman. Each has a specific role to ensure the game runs smoothly. The dealers handle the bets and payouts, the stickman controls the dice and calls the results, and the boxman oversees the game, handling the large cash transactions.
The Objective of Craps
The primary objective of craps is to predict the outcome of the roll of the dice. The game is played in rounds, with the first roll of each round called the “come-out roll.” The person rolling the dice is known as the “shooter.” All bets are placed before the come-out roll.
Pass Line Bet and Don’t Pass Bet
The most common and straightforward bets in craps are the “Pass Line” and “Don’t Pass” bets. These are the bets that most beginners start with, and they form the foundation of the game.
- Pass Line Bet: When you place a bet on the Pass Line, you’re betting that the shooter will win. A win happens if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11 (known as a “natural”). If the roll is 2, 3, or 12 (called “craps”), you lose the bet. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point,” and the game continues. To win, the shooter must roll the point number again before rolling a 7. If a 7 is rolled first, the bet is lost.
- Don’t Pass Bet: The Don’t Pass bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Here, you’re betting that the shooter will lose. If the come-out roll is 2 or 3, you win; if it’s a 7 or 11, you lose. A 12 on the come-out roll results in a push (no win or loss). If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
The Importance of the Point Number
Once a point number is established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the dynamics of the game change. The shooter keeps rolling the dice until they either hit the point number again or roll a 7. The point number is critical because it determines the outcome of many different bets on the table.
Other Common Bets in Craps
Beyond the Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets, there are several other bets you can make in craps. These bets offer different odds and payouts, and understanding them can add depth to your gameplay.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
The Come and Don’t Come bets are similar to the Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets but are made after a point has been established.
- Come Bet: You’re betting that the next roll will be a 7 or 11, or that the shooter will roll a specific point number before rolling a 7.
- Don’t Come Bet: This bet is placed after the come-out roll, and you’re betting that the shooter will roll a 7 before hitting the point number.
Odds Bets
One of the unique aspects of craps is the ability to take “odds” on your Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bets. Odds bets are placed behind your original bet and are unique because they have no house edge, meaning they pay out at true odds.
For example, if you bet on the Pass Line and the point is 4, you can take odds on your Pass Line bet. If the shooter rolls a 4 before a 7, you win your original bet and the odds bet, with the odds bet paying out at 2:1.
Place Bets
Place bets allow you to bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) after a point has been established. You win if the shooter rolls the number you’ve bet on before rolling a 7. The payouts vary depending on the number:
- 4 or 10 pays 9:5
- 5 or 9 pays 7:5
- 6 or 8 pays 7:6
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are one-roll bets that can be placed at any time. These bets are high-risk, high-reward, and include options like betting on specific numbers, doubles, or combinations of dice. Because the house edge on these bets is much higher, they’re generally not recommended for beginners.
Example of a Craps Round
Let’s walk through an example to illustrate how a typical round of craps might play out.
- Come-Out Roll: The shooter rolls the dice for the first time. Let’s say the come-out roll is a 7. If you’ve placed a Pass Line bet, you win immediately, and a new round begins with another come-out roll. If the come-out roll was a 2, 3, or 12, you would lose your Pass Line bet.
- Establishing the Point: On the next come-out roll, the shooter rolls a 5. This becomes the point number. Now, the goal is for the shooter to roll another 5 before rolling a 7.
- Betting After the Point: You decide to take odds on your Pass Line bet, placing an additional bet behind your original wager. The shooter rolls again and gets a 3—nothing happens since it’s neither a 7 nor the point number. The shooter rolls again and hits an 8—again, nothing happens. Finally, the shooter rolls a 5, hitting the point. You win your original Pass Line bet and the odds bet.
- New Round: After the point is hit or a 7 is rolled, a new round begins with a fresh come-out roll, and the process repeats.
Strategies for Winning at Craps
While craps is primarily a game of chance, there are strategies you can employ to increase your odds of winning. Understanding these strategies can help you make smarter bets and manage your bankroll more effectively.
Stick to the Basic Bets
If you’re new to craps, it’s a good idea to stick to the basic bets like the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets. These bets have the lowest house edge, which means you’re more likely to win in the long run.
Take Full Odds
Whenever possible, take full odds on your Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets. Since odds bets have no house edge, they increase your potential winnings without adding any risk.
Avoid Proposition Bets
Proposition bets might seem tempting because of their high payouts, but they come with a significant risk. The house edge on these bets is much higher than on other bets, making them a poor choice for most players.
Manage Your Bankroll
Craps can be a fast-paced game, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Set a budget for yourself before you start playing, and stick to it. This will help you avoid losing more money than you can afford.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned players can make mistakes when playing craps. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
Chasing Losses
If you’re on a losing streak, it can be tempting to keep betting in the hopes of winning back your money. However, this can lead to even greater losses. Stick to your strategy and avoid the urge to chase your losses.
Not Understanding the Bets
Craps offers a wide variety of betting options, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Take the time to learn how each bet works before placing your chips on the table. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Betting Too Much Too Soon
It’s important to pace yourself when playing craps. Start with smaller bets and gradually increase them as you become more comfortable with the game. This will help you conserve your bankroll and extend your playing time.
Craps Etiquette
Like all casino games, craps has its own set of unwritten rules and etiquette that players are expected to follow. Understanding these can help you avoid any awkward situations and ensure that everyone at the table has a good time.
Handling the Dice
When it’s your turn to be the shooter, always use one hand to pick up the dice, and avoid holding them with both hands. Shake them a few times before rolling, and make sure they hit the back wall of the table. This ensures a fair roll and helps maintain the integrity of the game.
Placing Your Bets
When placing your bets, be mindful of the other players at the table. Avoid reaching over the table or placing your chips in a way that obstructs other players’ bets. It’s also customary to announce your bet to the dealer to avoid any confusion.
Respect the Other Players
Craps is a social game, and the atmosphere at the table can be lively and energetic. However, it’s important to remain respectful of the other players and the dealers. Avoid making negative comments or blaming others for a bad roll. Remember, craps is a game of chance, and everyone is there to have fun.
Ready to Roll?
So, how does craps work? In essence, craps is a dynamic and engaging game that offers a variety of betting options to suit different playing styles. Whether you’re a cautious player who prefers to stick to the safer bets or a thrill-seeker who enjoys the risk of proposition bets, there’s something in craps for everyone. By understanding the rules, mastering the basic strategies, and practicing good bankroll management, you can increase your chances of walking away from the table a winner.
Craps might seem complicated at first, but with a little practice and a willingness to learn, you’ll soon discover why it’s one of the most popular games in the casino. The next time you find yourself at a craps table, you’ll know exactly how the game works—and maybe even impress a few of the other players with your newfound knowledge. So go ahead, step up to the table, and let the dice fly!
