Craps is an exciting dice game found in most casinos, but the fast action and seemingly complex rules can be intimidating to new players at SpinCasino. This comprehensive guide breaks down craps for beginners, covering basic rules, the various bets available, odds, and top strategies to boost your chances of winning.
Craps Table Layout
The craps table has a layout that may look confusing at first. The left and right sides are mirror images of each other. Each side has the following areas:
- Pass/Don’t Pass Line: The most common craps bets, which pay even money. You win if the shooter rolls the point again before a 7.
- Come/Don’t Come: Essentially the same as the Pass Line, but the bets can be made after the come out roll.
- Odds: Additional bets that can be made after making a Pass Line or Come bet. They pay true odds and have zero house edge.
- Proposition Bets: One roll “proposition bets” located in the middle of the table.
Rules of Play
Every round starts with a come out roll. The shooter rolls two dice, trying to roll a 7 (a win) or 11 (always a win). Rolling 2, 3, or 12 on the come out is an automatic loss called “craps.” Any other number becomes the point, and the shooter continues to roll until they make the point again or roll a 7 and lose.
Other players can bet with or against the shooter. You’re not required to be the shooter to play. Many players wait to bet until after the come out roll when the point is set.
Types of Bets
There are a dizzying number of craps bets available, but they can be broken down into a few major categories:
Line Bets
The basic Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets offer 1:1 payouts and have a low house edge. You win if the shooter makes their point before rolling a 7 on later rolls. Don’t Pass bets do the opposite – you win if a 7 is rolled first.
Come and Don’t Come work the same way but are placed after the come out roll. Each time you place one, it’s like a new Pass Line bet.
Odds Bets
These are additional bets made after making a Line bet. Odds on 6 or 8 pay 6:5, on 5 or 9 they pay 3:2, while 4 or 10 pay 2:1. The house edge on these bets is 0%.
Proposition Bets
These one-roll bets on specific numbers or combinations pay out at higher odds. Some examples:
- Hardways – Betting on a 4, 6, 8, or 10 being rolled as doubles. Pays 7-9:1.
- Big 6/8 – A 6 or 8 lands before a 7. Pays 1:1.
- Any Craps – 2, 3, 12 rolls next. Pays 7:1.
Proposition bets come with a high house edge but can produce bigger wins.
Beginner Tips and Strategies
New craps players should follow these tips when first approaching the tables:
- Start with Pass/Don’t Pass and Odds bets only. Add Come bets later on. This gives the lowest house edge.
- Avoid Proposition bets other than Big 6/8 until you gain experience.
- Take odds bets whenever possible for zero house edge and better payoffs.
- Learn dice rolling techniques if interested in being the shooter.
- Manage your bankroll wisely and quit while you’re ahead.
- Brush up on basic strategy until the game flow feels natural.
With its often loud and fast-paced action, craps can look chaotic. But by sticking to the simple bets and playing smart, new players can enjoy success more regularly at the tables. Study the rules, focus on low-risk bets, and don’t be afraid to ask the dealers questions. In time, craps can become one of the most exciting and rewarding casino games around.
