Craps Guide for Beginners

Craps is a lively game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and experience levels. It is a fast-paced and exciting game that can be played in both offline and online casinos. The basic rules of craps are relatively simple, making it an ideal game for beginners. However, many advanced strategies can be employed together with enhanced gambling instinct which will be developed as you play the game.

craps table form above peoples hands visible

If you’re new to the game of craps, the whole thing can seem a little daunting at first. But don’t worry – in this guide, we’ll run you through what you need to know to get started, from the basics of the game up to some advanced strategies. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be ready to hit the casino and try your luck at one of America’s favorite games. So let’s get started!

Craps Rules 

In the game of craps, players roll two dice and bet on the outcome of the roll. The basic rules of craps are straightforward, but several different bets can be made. These bets can be confusing for new players, so it is important to know the comprehensive rules of craps before you play. The most important rule to remember is that all bets must be made before the first dice is rolled. 

Persons Involved

Shooter and Bettors

The player who rolls the dice is called the “shooter.” The shooter will roll the dice and then pass them to the next player. The other players are called “bettors.” 

Boxperson

The boxperson in blackjack is responsible for managing the chips and money at the table. They also make sure that bets are placed correctly and that payouts are made correctly.

Craps Bets

The bettors will place their bets on what they think the shooter will roll. There are three main types of bets in plating craps: 

  • Pass Line;
  • Don’t Pass Line; and 
  • Proposition Bets. 

The pass line bet is a bet that the shooter will roll a 7 or an 11 on the first roll, or that the shooter will roll a point and then roll a 7 before rolling the point again. 

The don’t pass line bet is a bet that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the first roll, or that the shooter will roll a point and then roll a 7 before rolling the point again. 

women in white shirt throws dice at a craps table

Proposition bets are bets on specific combinations of numbers being rolled. For example, a player might bet that the shooter will roll a 5 on the next roll. Proposition bets can be made on any combination of numbers, but they usually involve either 7 or 11. 

Once all of the bets have been placed, the shooter will roll the dice. If the shooter rolls a 7 or an 11 on the first roll, everyone who bet on the pass line wins and everyone who bet on the don’t pass line loses their bet. 

If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the first roll, everyone who bet on the don’t pass line wins and everyone who bet on the pass line loses their bet. 

If the shooter rolls any other number, this number becomes “the point.” The shooter must then keep rolling the dice until they either roll this number again (in which case everyone who bet on the pass line wins) or they roll a 7 (in which case everyone who bet on the don’t pass line wins).  

If at any time during this process somebody rolls a 7, all of those bettors lose their bet no matter what point number has been established.  

That is why it is called “craps” because it is possible to get crapped out at any time during the game by rolling a 7 rather than what you were hoping for thereby losing your bet completely regardless of how favorable the position was leading up to that particular roll of the noise maker or as it is sometimes called “bones”.

Popular Variants of Craps

Crapless Craps

Crapless Craps is a variant of the casino game of craps. It is also known as “never ever craps” and “ruse craps”. The name “crapless craps” comes from the fact that there is no way to lose on the first roll of the dice, known as the “craps roll”. In standard craps, a player would lose on a craps roll if they rolled a two, three, or twelve.

This means that this variant is more favorable for players as there is an increased chance of winning. However, with that being said, this is also the reason why this variant is not commonly found in casinos.

High Point Craps

High Point Craps is a variation of the game in which the numbers 2 and 3 are ignored on the come-out roll. This means that if either of these numbers is rolled, the dice are returned to the shooter and they get to roll again. 

dices and more dices falling from above

In addition, the player will directly win after hitting an 11 or 12 and any other total is considered as a point number and the player needs to roll a larger total than the first point number. 

Simplified Craps

In terms of learning the rules, this is the easiest variant of craps. This is why this is the variant recommended to beginners. There are still basic betting systems but whether your bet wins or loses will be decided in just one roll.

If the total on the roll is either, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12, the player wins. However, if the roll resulted in other possible totals

Strategies for Craps

There are many different betting possibilities in craps, and the game can be quite confusing for new players. However, there are a few basic strategies that can help you get started.

One simple strategy is to always back the pass-line bet. This is the most basic bet in craps, and it provides good odds for the player. 

Another strategy is to take advantage of free odds bets. These bets usually have very good odds, but they are only available when the player makes a pass-line bet. 

Moreover, some people prefer to bet on the numbers that are most likely to be rolled. Others prefer to bet on the numbers that have the highest payouts. Still, others prefer to bet on a combination of both. The best strategy for craps depends on your personal preferences and goals.

Finally, it is important to manage your bankroll carefully. Craps can be a volatile game, and it is easy to lose money quickly if you don’t manage your money wisely.

Take note that craps casino game is not just about these strategies. Luck is always a factor and in-game decision-making is not something to be mastered by just reading articles. Take note that being an expert in craps requires playing the game and trying different approaches.