How to Play Craps

Are you looking to play craps online but don’t know where to start?

Craps is one of the most popular casino games around, and it’s likely the most iconic dice game you’ve heard of.

It’s also got a firm presence in online gaming and live casino lounges, too – meaning that it’s always a good game to fall back on if you get tired of playing roulette or blackjack.

What sets craps apart from many casino games is that multiple players can win together against the house.

Once you have the basic gist of the rules, it is some of the best fun you can have online and in a real casino setting.

But how do you win? What number do you need to roll on the dice? Let’s take a closer look.

What Are The Basic Rules of Craps?

The basic bet in craps is the bet on the pass line, which is a bet to win for the shooter.  The bet must be at least the table minimum and not more than the table maximum.

The wager wins if the come-out roll is 7 or 11. If 2, 3 or 12 is the come-out roll, the bet loses (known as “crapping out”).

It’s best to take a look at the basics of craps rules before you start thinking too deeply about strategies.

Aim of The Game

Craps is a game that several casino employees mostly control.

The aim of the game is to either roll dice as a ‘shooter’ or to bet on the outcome(s) of the shooter’s rolls. As we’ll see later on in our guide, there are many circumstances which can keep the game running for a fair length of time! Learning to play craps is mainly about getting behind the shooter – or doubting his/her luck!

Normally, you will find a boxman who works as a banker and a stickman who handles the dice stick. There are also two dealers active in money collection and dispersal.

Pass Line

On the table, you’ll see a grid with a variety of numbers and lines. The mainline to look for is the pass line. The pass line is for those who will be betting with the shooter, or the roller of the dice.

There is also a ‘don’t pass’ line for those who wish to bet against the shooter.

One Roll Bets

You’ll see markings on the table for one roll bets. One roll bets allow you to choose which numbers will come up in one roll of the dice.

You can even choose to bet on how that number will come up. For example, that a ‘6’ will appear as two ‘3’s, or as a ‘4’ and a ‘2’.

Field bets

Field bets on the board will allow you to choose between 2, 3, 4, 10, 11 or 12 appearing in the next roll.

You’ll also be able to choose between 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 appearing before the next 7 is rolled.  These are just some of the more basic bets involved!

How To Play Craps For Beginners

Now that we know a little bit about the table and the bets, it’s time to ask ‘how do you play craps in practice’?

As established, there is a designated shooter. The shooter will be rolling the dice, while other betters will be acting as a party to his/her actions.  They will be betting on what they can roll.

The shooter will place a bet on the don’t pass line. Others spectating can bet on the pass or don’t pass lines too before the first roll.  The first roll is called the ‘come out’ roll, and depending upon what comes up on the dice, the betters can expect to receive money based on certain odds.

If the shooter, for example, rolls a 7 or 11 on their come-out roll, anyone betting on the pass line gets even money back. ‘Craps’ is established when a 2, 3 or 12 is rolled – where all pass line bets are lost, and don’t pass bets – going against the shooter – win.

More Key Information

The points below are all worth knowing before you start to play craps:

  • If the shooter rolls anything barring the above, this number becomes the ‘point’ for the game.
  • If a point is found, any bets on the don’t pass line stay in play. The shooter will now attempt to roll that point again before he rolls a 7. When the point is rolled, everybody wins on the pass. Once a 7 is rolled, however, everyone loses – and a new shooter takes their place.
  • The game can roll over and over with the same shooter if they are lucky enough to keep establishing points and avoiding 7s.
  • The game can get a little more involved when it comes to additional bets. You can add extra bets behind the pass line on whether or not you think the shooter will score their point, and what you think that may be.
  • There are riskier bets involved in the game, mainly revolving around exact propositions. However, it is generally a good idea to get a feel for the absolute basics before you venture too far into deeper territory.

Is Craps Easy to learn?

It is not difficult to learn how to play craps. Craps is very easy to understand, despite what you might think when you first pass the table.

The two basic bets of craps are the ‘Pass Line’ that goes around the entire table and the ‘Don’t Pass Line’ that appears to mirror it.

Is there any Skill Involved?

Dice shooting is not a talent, it’s a matter of mathematics and chance.  There is no such thing as a lucky number.

Seven and eleven have won their reputation for being fortunate because either of these wins a Come-Out roll in craps.

Practice Craps Online: Training Ground For Beginners

Practising craps online is the easiest way to learn.

You should be able to switch from asking how to shoot craps to playing craps online now that you know about the distinct bets and results of a roll.

It is not a problem if you don’t want to gamble your cash on real money games until you’re 100 percent sure you know how to win at craps.

You have the chance to play and practise craps online or free on the best casino sites.

Play Craps Like a Pro

So you are now feeling confident, great! Time to learn how to play like professionals.

Time to win some serious cash!

Can you Play Craps at Home?

Craps is one of the world’s most famous casino games.

This also makes craps the ideal game for friends and visitors to play at home, and if you have grown sick of playing card games such as blackjack and poker, craps may just be the answer.

James has almost a decade of experience in the Online Casino Industry. Winning several awards including "UK Casino Affiliate of the Year" he uses his experience to research the UK market to source the best bingo welcome bonuses, highest casino slots real money payouts and free spins sign up offers.