When the dice are “hot”, Craps is the fastest-moving, action packed casino games. It is a dice game played against the bank. It looks intimidating but it is not that difficult to learn and has a few of the best bets in the house with the lowest edge. When the dice are hot, Craps is the loudest, exciting game in the house. When the dice are cold, the table looks like a funeral procession.
How to Play Craps
The Shooter makes a minimum bet on the Pass Line or the Don’t Pass Line. The Stickman presents 5 dice to the Shooter who proceeds to choose two. The remaining dice are returned to the Stickman. The table crew also includes a Boxman and two Dealers.
The Shooter rolls the dice with one hand and must hit the wall at the far end of the Craps table. If the dice leave the table, they must be inspected by the Stickman before returning to play. All of the players (up to about 20) surround the table and each one gets a chance to throw the dice. If you decide not to throw the dice, you may continue to bet on the thrower. There are a number of different bets available at the Craps table.
A game of Craps is divided into two phases, the “Come Out” and the “Point”. To begin with, the Shooter makes a Come Out roll. If the roll is a 2,3, or 12, the Shooter is said to “crap out”. The round is over and Pass Line bets are all lost. If the Shooter rolls a 7 or 11 (called a Natural), Pass Line bets win and the Shooter continues to roll the dice until they roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10.
When they roll one of these numbers, that number becomes the “Point” at which point the second phase of the game begins. The Dealer places a marker beside the point rolled. Now if the Shooter rolls the number, bets on the Pass Line are winners. If the Shooter rolls a seven, Pass Line bets lose, the round is over and the next shooter (clockwise) begins.
A Come Out roll is made only if the previous shooter does not make a winning roll. A new shooter rolls and if they fail to make the Point, they begin a new Come Out roll.
Betting on Craps
Beginners should stay away from complex bets at the Craps table. The odds are against you.
Pass Line Bet
This bet means you are betting for a 7 or 11 on the Come Out roll. A 2, 3, or 12 loses. If you roll your Point, Pass Line bets remain in place and win if the Shooter rolls their Point.
Come Line Bet
Come Line bets and Don’t Come bets are similar to Pass Line bets and Don’t Pass bets.
Odds Bet
The Odds Bet is betting the
