Craps, a widely-loved dice game, may look a bit scary when you first see it, especially if you’re new to the game. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes quite simple. Whether you’re brand new to craps or have played it a bit in the past, this guide is here to help you improve your game.

Let’s explore the basic rules of craps together so you can boost your chances of winning real money!

The Craps Table Layout

Compared to other casino games, craps tables might look a bit confusing. If you’re new to the game, the betting rounds and terms can seem strange. But the good news is that when you group the bets, the layout of the craps table becomes easier to understand. Once you get the hang of how the two betting rounds work, these terms will start to make sense.

Table Setup

The craps table layout, seen in both physical and online casinos, consists of two identical side sections and a central section. Both side sections mirror each other, so players can bet from either side of the table.

The craps table divides into side sections and a center section. Each side has two areas: a self-service zone where players place bets like Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Field, Come, Don’t Come, and sometimes Big 6 or Big 8. Next to this zone, the dealer’s area showcases boxes labeled 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, which players know as “point boxes.” All players use the center section, which mainly contains the proposition bets. Players need to alert the stickman or, in some scenarios, tell the dealer to place these bets.

Craps Dealers

In a land-based casino’s craps table, a team works together to manage the game. The stickman stands at the table’s center, uses a long stick to control the dice, and calls out the dice rolls. Two dealers flank the table, managing player bets, distributing payouts, and checking bet accuracy. The boxman, seated centrally, monitors the game, oversees cash exchanges, and maintains game integrity. 

In online craps, the software performs these functions, guiding players on betting and distributing payouts.

The Come-Out Roll and Betting Rounds

Knowing how a craps game works is vital if you want to join in on this speedy casino game. It all starts with the first roll called the come-out roll. After that, there are different betting rounds with their own rules and ways to bet. Here’s a breakdown of how the game goes:

The Come-Out Roll

In the game of craps, everything hinges on that initial roll. Until that first roll happens, the game’s direction is uncertain. The outcome of that first roll sets the stage for what comes next. Before this roll, you can make bets on the pass line, but most other bets come into play after that initial throw. The reason is simple: the first roll tells us which numbers we’re looking for to win our bets.

How It Works

The shooter starts the game by placing a bet on either the “Pass Line” or “Don’t Pass Line,” a move that ensures active participation. The come-out roll then either ends the game or establishes a “point.” If the roll is a 7 or 11, “Pass Line” bets win, ending the round. However, a roll of 2, 3, or 12, termed “craps,” causes “Pass Line” bets to lose, while “Don’t Pass” bets typically win unless a 12 is rolled, which might result in a tie. If the shooter rolls numbers like 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that sets the “point,” and gameplay centers around this point number moving forward.

When a player starts the game with the come-out roll using two dice, several results can shape the course of play. If they roll a Two or Three, the pass-line bet is lost and a new round starts with a different shooter. If they roll numbers like Four, Five, Six, Eight, Nine, or Ten, that number becomes the designated point number for the round. A Seven or Eleven means the pass line bet is won. Rolling Twelve results in a lost pass line bet, and the game proceeds to the next round with a new shooter.

The Betting Rounds

Post the come-out roll in craps, the betting rounds begin. Here, the “Pass-Line” bet is key. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, Pass Line bettors win. A roll of 2, 3, or 12 means they lose. Any other number rolled sets the “point.” The shooter’s goal then becomes to roll this point number again before a 7 appears.

On the flip side, “Don’t Pass Line” bettors win with a come-out roll of 2, 3, or 12 (though a 12 might be a draw in some casinos) and lose with a 7 or 11. If a point is set, they hope for a 7 before that point reappears.

Determining Bets Outcomes and Payouts

In craps, dice outcomes dictate the fate of bets. For the Pass Line bet, winning is straightforward: a come-out roll of 7 or 11. But roll a 2, 3, or 12, and you lose. If any other number shows up, it’s the ‘point.’ The goal then shifts to rolling this point before a 7 comes up. The Don’t Pass bet, on the other hand, works oppositely. Here, a roll of 2 or 3 is your win, while 7 or 11 spells loss.

For a quick example: If you’re on the Pass Line and the dice show 5, that’s your point. Roll another 5 before a 7, and you’re in the money. But if 7 pops up first, the bet’s gone.