If you walk onto any physical casino floor, the loudest and most energetic area is almost always the Craps table.
The energy is infectious, drawing crowds of spectators eager to watch the "shooter" roll the dice.
However, to an absolute beginner, the Craps table looks incredibly intimidating and hopelessly complicated.
The truth is that while the table looks complex, the core game is actually very simple to understand and play.
In this article, we will break down the absolute basics of Craps so you can confidently approach the table.
How a Round of Craps Actually Works
Every round of Craps begins with what is called the "Come-Out" roll, performed by the designated "shooter."
This first roll dictates the direction of the game, either resulting in an instant win/loss or establishing a target number.
The puck visually signals to everyone at the table that the game is now in the Point phase.
The goal is now to hit the established target number before rolling a 7.
Rolling a 7 ends the round immediately, sweeping away the bets on the table, and the dice pass to the next player.
Where to Place Your First Chips
The Pass Line is the fundamental bet of Craps and offers an incredibly low house edge of just 1.41%.
You place your Pass Line bet immediately before the Come-Out roll occurs.
Once the Point is established, your Pass Line bet wins if the shooter hits the Point before rolling a 7.
While mathematically slightly better (1.36% edge), betting the Don't Pass means you are actively rooting against the rest of the table.
Betting the Pass Line means you are playing with the crowd, cheering for the shooter to succeed.
The Best Bet in the Entire Casino
This secondary bet is known as "Taking the Odds," and it is completely unmarked on the table felt.
The Odds bet is unique because the casino pays out at exactly true mathematical odds, meaning there is zero house edge.
If you Take the Odds on a Point of 4 and win, the casino pays you exactly 2 to 1 on that specific portion of your bet.
Smart players make the minimum allowed bet on the Pass Line and maximize their Odds bet behind it.
You simply place your extra chips directly behind your Pass Line chips after the Come-Out roll to utilize this tactic.
Understanding the Dealer's Calls
- The Shooter: The person actively rolling. The dice rotate around the table after a Seven Out.
- First Roll: The Come-Out roll dictates whether the game ends instantly or sets a target.
- Target Number: Marked by the ON puck. The number needed to win Pass Line bets.
- Sevening Out: The worst roll possible during the Point phase. Clears the board.
- Odds Bet: The hidden wager that pays true mathematical probabilities.
Pass Line vs. Don't Pass
| Line Bet | Wins on First Roll | Loses on First Roll |
|---|
| Pass Line | 7 or 11 | 2, 3, or 12 |
| Playing the House Side | Rolling a 2 or 3 | Rolling a 7 or 11 |
| House Edge | 1.41% | 1.36% |
Craps is only intimidating until you realize that you do not need to understand the entire board to play effectively.
Start by playing online for free to get comfortable with the flow of the Come-Out roll and the Point phases.
When you do hit a physical casino, do not be afraid to tell the dealers that you are a beginner.
Grab your chips, find a spot at the rail, and enjoy the most thrilling, communal experience the casino has to offer.