How to Play Craps

Craps is one of the most energetic and exciting games in the casino, but new players are often intimidated by the complicated layouts and noisy crowds surrounding the craps table. It looks like a tough game to learn because there are so many different craps bets, but craps is actually simple once you learn the basic rules.

The most basic and common bet is called the “pass line” bet. This bet is a wager on the outcome of the dice.

Game Setup

Most craps tables are arranged in a double-layout fashion to fit more players. In the middle of the table is a casino employee called the “boxman” whose job is to keep an eye on the game and settle disputes.

Facing the boxman from the other side of the table is another employee called the “stickman.” The stickman’s job is to push the dice back to the shooter with a stick and to announce the results.

At each end of the table, you will also find a dealer whose job is to handle change and pay out winnings.

The table layouts look complicated but that is because there are a lot of betting options. The basic pass line bet can be made by placing your chips in the “pass line” area along the outside edge of the table.

Pass Line Bet

The players at a craps table take turns throwing two dice down the table. When a player is acting as the dice thrower, that player is called the “shooter.” The shooter’s first roll is called the “come out roll.” If the shooter rolls a seven or eleven, anyone who placed a pass line bet is an instant winner. If the come out roll is a two, three, or twelve, anyone who placed a pass line bet is an instant loser.

When the come out roll results in any other number, that number establishes the point. From that point on, the shooter continues rolling until they roll the point again or a seven is rolled. If the point is rolled again before a seven, all players with pass line bets win. If a seven comes up first, the pass line bets lose.

Example

Now we will provide a few simple examples so you can understand exactly how the pass line bet works:

First Game

  1. A new player becomes the shooter and you place a pass line bet.
  2. The come out roll is a seven so you instantly win your bet.
  3. The round is over but that player gets to keep shooting until he “sevens out,” which means he throws a losing roll for the pass line bettors.

Second Game

  1. The same player is the shooter and you place another pass line bet.
  2. The come out roll is a nine. You are now hoping that the shooter rolls a nine again before a seven.
  3. The shooter rolls the dice and a five comes up. Nothing happens.
  4. The shooter rolls the dice again and a nine comes up. You win your bet.

Third Game

  1. The same player is the shooter and you place another pass line bet.
  2. The come out roll is a six.
  3. The shooter rolls the dice and a seven comes up. You lose your pass line bet.
  4. A new player becomes the shooter.

Craps Table Etiquette

Table etiquette is taken more seriously at craps than at most other casino games. Other than basic common courtesies, craps players should also adhere to the following rules while they play craps:

  • Never say the number “seven” out loud. This is considered bad luck and will irritate the rest of the table.
  • It is considered bad luck or bad manners to place “don’t pass” bets. These bets are the exact opposite of the pass line bet and therefore cause you to root against the rest of the table.
  • It is considered bad luck to toss both dice in the air at the same time when preparing for a throw. You can toss one dice in the air at a time but if you toss both in the air, it supposedly invites bad luck.
  • Keep the dice in full view of the table at all times. Do not bring the dice up to your mouth and blow on them, don’t put them in your pocket, and make sure you only handle them with one hand at a time. If you want to switch hands, put the dice on the table with one hand and then pick them up again with the other hand.

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