How Is Craps Played? Your Ultimate Guide to the Fast-Paced Casino Game!

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Craps is a thrilling dice game played in casinos, centered on the roll of two dice by the “shooter.”
• The game unfolds in two phases: the come-out roll and the point phase, each with unique outcomes.
• Popular bets like pass line and don’t pass line are beginner-friendly with low house edges.
• Craps is a social and energetic game, fueled by crowd excitement and camaraderie at the table.
• Understanding basic etiquette and starting with simple bets can boost your confidence as a newbie.

Table of Contents

• How Is Craps Played?
• What Is Craps, Anyway?
• The Core of Craps: How the Game Flows
• Betting in Craps: The Heart of the Action
• Who’s Who at the Craps Table?
• Taking It Up a Notch: Advanced Bets and Rules
• Tips to Get Started with Craps
• Ready to Roll? Your Craps Adventure Awaits!
• FAQ

What Is Craps, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. Craps is a super fun and fast-paced dice game played in casinos all over the world. It’s all about a player, called the “shooter,” rolling two dice while everyone around the table bets on what numbers will come up. Sounds simple, right? Well, there’s a lot more to it! The game moves through different stages, and there are tons of ways to bet, making every roll full of surprises. According to trusted guides like Wikipedia and Sycuan Casino, craps is one of the most social and energetic games you’ll find on the casino floor. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and figure out how this game works step by step!

The Core of Craps: How the Game Flows

At its heart, craps is all about the shooter rolling those two dice. But the game isn’t just a single toss and done. It happens in two main phases that keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Let’s break them down with insights from experts at The Venetian Las Vegas and a fantastic YouTube tutorial.

Phase 1: The Come-Out Roll

Picture this: the shooter grabs the dice, the crowd hushes, and the first roll of the game—called the “come-out roll”—is about to happen. This roll is a big deal because it decides what happens next. Here’s what can unfold on this very first throw, as detailed by Wikipedia and Sycuan Casino:

• If the shooter rolls a 7 or an 11, everyone who bet on the “pass line” wins right away. Yippee!
• If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, it’s called “craps,” and those same pass line bettors lose. Ouch!
• But if the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point,” and the game moves to the next phase.

This come-out roll sets the stage, and as you can see, it’s packed with instant drama. Will it be a win, a loss, or a point? That’s the thrill!

Phase 2: The Point Phase

Now, if a point number is set (like a 4 or a 9), the game enters the “point phase.” Here, the shooter keeps rolling the dice until one of two things happens, as explained by Sycuan Casino and this YouTube guide:

• The shooter rolls the point number again. If this happens, everyone who bet on the pass line wins. Cheers all around!
• Or, the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point number. If this happens, the pass line bettors lose, and the round ends. Boo!

This back-and-forth rolling keeps everyone guessing. Will the shooter nail the point, or will that dreaded 7 show up first? It’s like watching a suspense movie unfold with every toss of the dice!

Betting in Craps: The Heart of the Action

Alright, now that we know how the game flows, let’s talk about betting. Betting is what makes craps so exciting because there are tons of ways to join in on the fun. You don’t even have to be the shooter to play—you can just bet from the sidelines! Let’s go over the most popular bets, thanks to detailed info from The Venetian Las Vegas and YouTube tutorials.

Pass Line Bet: The Beginner’s Favorite

The pass line bet is the most common and easiest way to start playing craps. Here’s how it works:

• During the come-out roll, if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win instantly (Source).
• If they roll a 2, 3, or 12 (aka “craps”), you lose right away (Source).
• If a point number is set, you win if the shooter rolls that point again before rolling a 7. But if a 7 comes first, you lose (Source).

This bet is great for newbies because it’s simple and has a low “house edge,” meaning the casino doesn’t have a big advantage over you. Pretty cool, right?

Don’t Pass Line Bet: Betting Against the Shooter

If you’re feeling a bit rebellious, try the don’t pass line bet. This is basically the opposite of the pass line bet. Here’s the scoop:

• On the come-out roll, you win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, but you lose on a 7 or 11. If it’s a 12, it’s a tie (or “push”), so no one wins or loses (Source).
• In the point phase, you win if the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point number (Source).

This bet is a bit trickier, but it’s exciting to root for the “bad” outcome. Just don’t expect everyone at the table to cheer with you!

Come Bet: Joining Mid-Game

Missed the come-out roll? No worries! You can still jump in with a come bet. It works just like a pass line bet but starts after the point is already set (Source). Here’s how:

• After you place your come bet, the next roll is like your own personal come-out roll. You win on a 7 or 11 and lose on a 2, 3, or 12.
• If another number comes up, that’s your new “come point,” and you win if it’s rolled again before a 7.

It’s a neat way to join the action anytime!

Don’t Come Bet: The Opposite of Come

Just like the don’t pass bet, the don’t come bet is betting against success. After placing this bet:

• You win on a 2 or 3 and lose on a 7 or 11 on the next roll. A 12 is a tie (Source).
• If a point is set, you win if a 7 comes before that new point number (Source).

These bets add layers of excitement to the game since you’re always guessing what’s next!

Who’s Who at the Craps Table?

Craps isn’t just about the players—it’s a team effort with casino staff making sure everything runs smoothly. According to Wikipedia, here are the key people you’ll see at the table:

• The Shooter: This is the player rolling the dice. They must place a pass or don’t pass bet to roll. Everyone watches the shooter like a hawk!
• The Stickman: This casino worker uses a long stick to move the dice around the table and announces what numbers are rolled. They’re like the game’s narrator.
• The Base Dealer: These staff members handle most of the bets, except for some fancy ones. They’re super busy keeping track of everyone’s chips!

Knowing who does what helps you feel more comfy at the table. It’s like being part of a big, exciting show!

Taking It Up a Notch: Advanced Bets and Rules

Okay, now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s spice things up with some advanced stuff for those who want to know more. Don’t worry—we’ll keep it simple! Here are some extra tidbits from Wikipedia:

• Odds Bets: Once a point is set, you can make an extra bet called an “odds bet” on your pass or come bets. The cool thing? There’s no “house edge” on this bet, so it’s a fair shot at winning more. Always check casino rules!
• Proposition Bets: These are risky bets on specific dice combos, like rolling a 2 or a 12. They’re handled by the stickman and can pay big, but they’re tough to win. Think of it as the lottery of craps!
• Etiquette Rules: Craps has important manners. Only use one hand to touch the dice, and don’t place bets after the stickman says “dice out.” Breaking these can mess up the game, so play nice!

These extras make craps even more thrilling, but they’re optional if you’re just starting out. Stick to the easy bets until you’re ready for the big leagues!

Tips to Get Started with Craps

Before we wrap up, let’s go over some quick tips to help you feel like a pro, even if it’s your first time:

1. Start Small: Begin with pass line bets. They’re easy to understand and don’t give the casino a big edge.
2. Watch and Learn: If you’re at a casino, stand back and observe a few rounds before jumping in. See how people bet and roll.
3. Stay Calm: Craps can feel fast and crazy, but don’t rush. Take your time to understand what’s happening.
4. Set a Budget: Decide how much money you’re okay with spending before you start. It’s fun, but don’t get carried away! (Source)
5. Ask for Help: Casino staff and other players are usually happy to explain things if you’re confused. Don’t be shy!

Ready to Roll? Your Craps Adventure Awaits!

So, there you have it—everything you need to know about how craps is played! From the heart-pumping come-out roll to the nail-biting point phase, from simple pass line bets to tricky proposition wagers, craps is a rollercoaster of excitement waiting for you to hop on. With rules and tips straight from reliable sources like Wikipedia, Sycuan Casino, and The Venetian Las Vegas, you’re armed with all the knowledge to step up to the table with confidence (Source).

Whether you’re practicing street dice with friends or cheering with strangers in a glitzy casino, craps is all about having a blast while testing your luck. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those dice (or imagine them for now), picture the roar of the crowd, and get ready to roll your way to unforgettable fun. Will you be the shooter who hits the point, or will that sneaky 7 catch you off guard? There’s only one way to find out—let the game begin!