How to play craps: a beginner’s guide to the table and bets
Craps is a game that feels like organized chaos to the untrained eye, colors flashing, chips flying, bettors yelling jargon across a crowded table like they’re calling out stock orders in a pit. But beneath all that commotion lies one of the most structured and mathematically sound dice games in the entire casino. If you’ve ever stood at the rail baffled by the action, this guide is your map through the madness.
Table of contents
Understanding the layout: your battlefield
First thing’s first, understand the terrain. The craps table isn’t just for decoration. The felt is printed with betting areas, and your job is to know which ones matter. The main division is between the “Pass Line,” “Don’t Pass,” “Come,” and “Don’t Come.” Then there’s the Field, the Big 6 and 8, and the ornamental carnival of proposition bets in the center, where bankrolls go to die if you’re not careful.
The Pass Line and Don’t Pass
The backbone of basic craps. The Pass Line is the default bet, you’re wagering that the shooter will win. Don’t Pass is the rebel’s path, betting against the shooter. Now, if a shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on their first throw (called the come-out roll), the Pass Line wins. Snake eyes, threes or boxcars? Pass Line loses, and Don’t Pass cashes in.
Point numbers and follow-up throws
If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that becomes the point. The mission then? Roll that number again before hitting a 7. Do that and Pass Line wins. Roll a 7 first, and it’s “seven-out”, game over, next shooter. This simple rhythm is where many novices get their bearings, and smart players can ride the rails for hours.
Odds: take them every chance you get
Once a point is set, the casino gives you a gift, the odds bet. This is a side wager behind your Pass or Don’t Pass bet. It’s paid at true odds, no house edge. That’s right, zero. Take it. Always take it. You’ll rarely hear that kind of clear advice in gambling, but this is one of the core tenets seasoned shooters live by.
Multiple odds and betting ratios
Some tables let you take double, triple, or even 100x odds. If your bankroll allows, push for the higher multiple. For example, on a $10 Pass Line bet, taking 3x odds on a point of 6 or 8 means you’re putting another $30 behind, and if it hits, it pays $36. That’s how you tilt the scales your way.
The Come and Don’t Come bets
Think of these as Pass Line bets made after the point is set. Toss one on the Come, and the next roll acts like a mini come-out roll for just your bet. Land a point and now you’re playing two numbers, double the action, double the glory… or the risk.
Use come bets to build a good spread
The seasoned dice jockeys spread their bets across 3 or more numbers. One on the Pass, two active Come bets, maybe numbers 5, 6, and 9. Add full odds and you’re in control. You’re not just hoping the shooter stays hot; you’re betting like a pit veteran.
The sucker’s bait: proposition bets
Ah yes, the flashy, high-payout bets in the table’s center. Look exciting, right? Hardways, any craps, yo-eleven. These are the casino’s candy offers. Sweet. Colorful. And loaded with sugarcoated danger. Odds on those bets? Laughable. I’ve seen good men burned chasing that midnight bet, the hard 8, only to bust out faster than you can say “press it.”
Know the math, or stay away
Every bet carries a house edge. Main line bets with odds can get as low as 0.0 to 1.5%. Proposition bets? Often 10% or higher. If you’re not into math, use this shortcut, if it pays more than 4 to 1, question its value. Chances are, it’s house-favored by a country mile.
Etiquette and rhythm at the table
Craps has its unwritten codes. Throw the dice with one hand. Hit the back wall. Don’t hold up the game fumbling for chips. And never, I mean never, say the number seven once a point is up. Call it “the devil” or just grunt, but don’t jinx the table. I’ve seen whole crowds turn on a guy for that rookie slip.
Reading the table and riding streaks
The crew sets the tone. If the dice are hot, ride the wave. If shooters are cold and numbers aren’t sticking, go conservative. Watch betting limits, spread your chips wisely, and don’t be afraid to color up and walk when the math turns on you, or worse, the energy shifts. You’ll feel it. Crappy tables vibrate differently.
Trying craps online: know your digital dealers
Not all online craps is created equal. Some developers offer tight mechanics, realistic animations, and fair RNG implementation. Before you dive in, make sure you’re rolling with trusted names. Platforms powered by Playtech consistently deliver polished game flow. If you’re after sharp themes and modern UX, check out Red Tiger Gaming or Quickspin.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want something off the beaten path, Thunderkick brings quirky table layouts and out-there aesthetics. They’re not traditionalists, but they know how to keep your eyes engaged while sticking to fair play.
The mental game: manage your risk
Craps isn’t just about the math. It’s about psychology and discipline. Don’t chase losses. Don’t bet on emotions. Set a win goal and, more importantly, a loss cap. If the table’s cold or you’re feeling steam build behind your collar, take a walk. Grab a soda. Or maybe talk things out.
If someone close to you is on a bad path, it’s vital to intervene early. Learn how to talk to a loved one about their gambling problem with compassion and clarity. This game can be a joyful craft or a ruthless hole, it depends on how you handle it.
Closing thoughts: every roll tells a story
If you strip away the felt and noise, craps is a game of control and chaos held in perfect balance, very much like life itself. No one controls the dice completely, but understanding the structure tilts odds in your favor. Every great craps player I’ve known didn’t become great from a lucky roll, they became great from respecting the game, the odds, and the limits.
Keep your eyes level, your bankroll tight, and let the good rolls come to you. And remember, sometimes the smartest bet isn’t on the table, it’s knowing when to walk away smiling, chips in hand.
0 Comments