If you’ve ever walked through a casino, you’ve probably heard the loud cheers coming from the craps table. It’s one of the most exciting and social games on the floor, yet many beginners shy away from it because it looks intimidating. But here’s the secret: craps is actually one of the easiest games to play. Once you understand the basics, you’ll realize it’s not nearly as complicated as it seems—and it can be one of the best bets in the house!
How Craps Works: The Basics
At its core, craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolls. The action centers around the “shooter” (the player rolling the dice), but everyone at the table can place bets. The game starts with a come-out roll, and from there, the excitement builds.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- The Come-Out Roll: The first roll of a new round.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, everyone who bet on the Pass Line wins immediately.
- If they roll a 2, 3, or 12 (called “craps”), Pass Line bets lose.
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point.
- The Point Phase: If a point is established, the shooter keeps rolling until:
- They roll the point number again, in which case Pass Line bets win.
- They roll a 7, which ends the round and Pass Line bets lose.
Popular Craps Bets (and Which Ones to Avoid)
- Pass Line Bet (Best for Beginners) – The most common bet. You win on a 7 or 11 and lose on a 2, 3, or 12. If a point is set, you win if the shooter rolls that number again before a 7.
- Come Bet – Works like the Pass Line but can be made after the come-out roll.
- Odds Bet (Best Bet in the Casino) – Once a point is set, you can back up your Pass Line bet with an Odds bet. This has no house edge, making it one of the best bets in any casino.
- Don’t Pass / Don’t Come Bets (For the Contrarians) – The opposite of Pass and Come bets. You’re betting against the shooter. Some people don’t like to bet this way since it goes against the table’s excitement.
- Proposition Bets (Avoid These!) – These are one-roll bets with high payouts but terrible odds. Betting on specific numbers like “Yo (11)” or “Hard 8” might look fun, but they heavily favor the casino.
Simple Strategies for Beginners
- The “Pass Line + Odds” Strategy
- Start with a Pass Line bet.
- When a point is set, place the maximum Odds bet allowed.
- This keeps things simple while giving you some of the best odds in the casino.
- The “3-Point Molly” Strategy
- Start with a Pass Line bet and add Odds.
- Make a Come bet after the point is set, then add Odds to that bet too.
- Repeat a third time, so you have three numbers working.
- This covers multiple numbers and keeps your bankroll steady.
- The Conservative Approach
- Stick to Pass Line and Odds bets only.
- Avoid risky proposition bets that drain your bankroll.
- Walk away while you’re ahead!
Why You Shouldn’t Be Intimidated
Craps looks complex because of all the bets on the table, but you don’t need to know them all to play. In reality, most players stick to just a few key bets (like Pass Line and Odds). Plus, the dealers are there to help—if you’re ever unsure, just ask!
The best part? Craps is one of the most social games in the casino. Unlike blackjack, where it’s every player for themselves, craps players root for each other. When the table gets hot, the energy is unmatched.
Final Thoughts
Craps might seem like a mystery at first, but once you roll the dice a few times, it becomes second nature. Stick with the basic bets, avoid the sucker bets, and most importantly—have fun! Next time you walk by a craps table, don’t be afraid to jump in. Who knows? You might just be the next hot shooter everyone is cheering for!
Got questions about craps? Drop them in the comments below! 🎲🔥
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