iLet’s talk about one of the most exciting games in any casino — craps! If you’ve ever stood near a craps table, you’ve probably noticed the crowd of people shouting, rolling dice, and hoping for the right number. It looks intimidating, right? 

Believe me, I felt the same way the first time I walked up to the table. My nerves were through the roof, and I had no idea what any of the terms meant. But after a few rounds, I realized that craps is not as complex as it seems. In fact, once you know the basic craps table rules explained, you can join in on the action like a pro.

What is a Craps Table?

Craps is a fast-paced dice game, and it’s played on a special table covered with a layout full of numbers, betting boxes, and instructions. If you’ve ever felt confused about how to bet or what everything on the table means, you’re not alone. The good news is, understanding the basics of the table is the first step to getting comfortable with the game.

What Does the Craps Table Look Like?

The craps table is a large rectangular table, with a layout divided into sections where players place their bets. It has two main parts: the Pass Line and the Don’t Pass Line. The center of the table is where the dealer rolls the dice. Around the edges, you’ll see different betting areas labeled with terms like Come, Don’t Come, Field, and Place Bets.

Each section represents different types of bets, and understanding these bets is key to playing craps confidently. The more you play, the easier it gets to recognize where to place your chips.

How to Play Craps: A Step-By-Step Guide

Now that you know what the table looks like, let’s break down the rules and walk through the basic gameplay. Don’t worry — it’s easier than it seems!

Step 1: The Come-Out Roll

The first roll of the game is called the come-out roll. This is where the player rolling the dice (the “shooter”) tries to roll either a 7 or 11 to win, or a 2, 3, or 12 to lose. These are called “craps.”

If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, they win immediately. And everyone who bet on the Pass Line wins. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, they lose, and everyone who bet on the Pass Line loses. If the shooter rolls anything else (such as a 4, 5, 6, etc.), that number becomes the point, and the game continues.

Step 2: Establishing the Point

If the shooter rolls a point number (like 4, 5, 6, etc.), the goal is now to roll that same number again before a 7 is rolled. This is where the Pass Line bet gets interesting. Players who bet on the Pass Line hope the shooter hits the point before rolling a 7.

Step 3: The Shooter’s Job

Once the point is established, the shooter keeps rolling the dice until they either roll the point number again (which results in a win) or they roll a 7 (which results in a loss). Players can continue to bet on the Pass Line or switch their bets to other areas like Come or Field Bet.

Common Craps Table Bets Explained

Now that we’ve covered the basic rules of craps, let’s take a look at some of the common bets you’ll encounter at the table. These are the bets that everyone should know to get in on the action.

What is the Pass Line Bet?

This is the most straightforward bet in craps. You win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If the shooter rolls any other number, that number becomes the point, and you win if they roll the point again before a 7.

What is the Don’t Pass Bet?

The Don’t Pass bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. If you bet on the Don’t Pass Line, you’re betting that the shooter will lose. So, you win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, and you lose if they roll a 7 or 11. The 12 is a push, meaning your bet is returned.

What is the Come Bet?

The Come bet is very similar to the Pass Line bet, but it’s made after the point is established. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win.  Only f they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. If they roll any other number, that number becomes your “point,” and you win if they roll it again before a 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you win with any bet in craps?

Yes, but not all bets have the same odds! The Pass Line bet is one of the best bets in the casino with a low house edge. Bets like Place Bets and Proposition Bets have higher house edges, so while they may pay out more, they are riskier.

2. What happens if the shooter rolls a 7?

If the shooter rolls a 7 before they roll the point number again, it’s a seven-out, and the round ends. Players who bet on the Pass Line lose, and players who bet on the Don’t Pass Line win.

3. Can I change my bet during the game?

Yes, you can add more chips to the table or change your bet at any time. However, keep in mind that some bets (like the Come bet) require you to place them before the shooter rolls.

Craps Isn’t That Scary After All!

And there you have it, you can play craps table using rules explained! Once you break down the different betting options and understand the flow of the game, craps is actually a lot more fun and less intimidating. So, next time you’re in the casino, don’t be afraid to try it out. You might just find yourself on a winning streak!

Tip: Remember, craps is a game of chance, but understanding the rules and betting smart can increase your chances of winning. So, roll the dice, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of the game!