Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the flashing lights and intense energy around the craps table? I sure have. The first time I walked into a casino and saw the craps table, I was completely clueless. People were shouting, dice were flying, and I had no idea what any of it meant.
But with a little patience and guidance, I quickly realized that craps is a thrilling, fast-paced game that’s much easier to play than it looks. So, if you’re wondering how do you play craps at a casino, let me guide you through the process. You’ll be rolling the dice like a pro in no time!
Getting Started: How to Begin Your Craps Journey
When you approach a craps table, the first thing you’ll notice is the large layout with a bunch of markings and areas to place bets. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it looks.
Buy-In
To start, head to the dealer and place your cash on the felt. Remember, dealers can’t accept money directly from your hand, so just place it on the table, and they’ll exchange it for chips.
The “Puck”
Look for the small plastic disk called the “puck.” If the puck says “OFF,” that means a new round is about to begin. If it says “ON,” a round is already in progress. This is your signal to know when the game is officially on.
Basic Bet: The Pass Line
As a beginner, I recommend starting with the Pass Line Bet. Simply place your chips in the marked area labeled “Pass Line” before the shooter rolls the dice. It’s the simplest bet for new players and will help you ease into the game.
Phase 1: The Come-Out Roll – The First Roll of the Game
The Come-Out Roll is the first roll of a new round, and this is where things start to get exciting. Here’s what you need to know:
Roll a 7 or 11
If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the Come-Out Roll, you win the Pass Line Bet immediately! It’s a simple, fast win, and you can enjoy the rush of your first successful bet.
Roll a 2, 3, or 12
If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, you lose your Pass Line Bet. This is called “crapping out,” but don’t worry, it’s just part of the game.
Roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10
If the shooter rolls any of these numbers, that number becomes the Point. The dealer will move the puck to “ON” and place it on that number. This marks the start of the next phase of the game.
Phase 2: The Point Phase – The Shooter’s Second Chance
Once a Point is established, the game enters the Point Phase, where the shooter will continue to roll the dice until they either roll the Point number again or roll a 7. Here’s how it works:
Hit the Point
If the shooter rolls the Point number again before rolling a 7, you win the Pass Line Bet. This is when the game really heats up, and everyone at the table is hoping for that lucky roll!
Roll a 7 (“Seven Out”)
If the shooter rolls a 7 before the Point number, you lose your Pass Line Bet. The round ends, and the dice are passed to the next shooter. Don’t be discouraged—this is just part of the fast-paced nature of craps!
Other Popular Bets in Craps – Going Beyond the Basics
Once a Point is established, you can start experimenting with some other types of bets. Here are a few common ones to know:
Odds Bets
This is an additional bet you can place behind your Pass Line Bet. The best part? It has no house edge! The payout is based on “true odds” according to the probability of the numbers.
Place Bets
With a Place Bet, you can bet on specific numbers—4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. You win if the number you chose is rolled before a 7.
Field Bets
A Field Bet is a one-roll bet. You win if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. It’s an exciting bet, as it’s based on just one roll of the dice.
Essential Etiquette at the Craps Table
Craps is a social game, and there are a few important rules of etiquette you should follow to keep things running smoothly:
One Hand Only
If you are the shooter, you must only handle the dice with one hand. This is part of the game’s tradition and helps maintain fairness.
Hit the Wall
To ensure the dice are rolled fairly, you must throw them hard enough to hit the back wall of the table. This is a key rule to keep the game moving and avoid any suspicion of cheating.
Hands Off the Table
Once the shooter has the dice, make sure to keep your hands off the table. This is to prevent any interference with the game.
Avoid “The Number”
It’s considered bad luck to say the word “seven” during the Point Phase. So, if you want to avoid any negative vibes, keep that word to yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best bet in craps for beginners?
For beginners, the Pass Line Bet is the best option. It’s easy to understand and has a relatively low house edge. It’s a great way to get your feet wet in the game without complicating things.
2. Can you win at craps consistently?
Craps is a game of chance, so there’s no guaranteed way to win every time. However, focusing on simple bets like the Pass Line Bet and learning the odds can help you make more informed decisions and improve your chances.
3. What should I do if I don’t understand the game?
If you don’t fully understand the game, don’t hesitate to ask the dealer or fellow players for help. Most people at the table are happy to explain the basics to newcomers. Just be sure to stay calm and enjoy the experience!
You’re Ready to Roll the Dice
Now that you know how to play craps at a casino, it’s time to hit the table and try your luck! Remember, craps is all about enjoying the excitement and having fun. Don’t stress if you don’t win every roll. Just keep your bets simple, follow the rules, and savor the energy at the table. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a total beginner, you’ll soon find that craps is an unforgettable part of the casino experience.
Tip: If you’re feeling nervous, try watching a few rounds before jumping in. It’s a great way to see how the game flows and get comfortable with the pace.
