Craps has long been considered one of the most exciting table games in the casino. With its fast moving action and engaging game play, craps offers many players just the thrill they are looking for. However, many people are intimidated by the game, and therefore shy away from playing. In this article, we will go over the basics of craps, and help give you the confidence to step up to the table on your next casino visit.

Basic Craps Game Play

The game begins with a new player taking control of the dice. This player is now known as the shooter. Before the shooter rolls the dice, all other players must make their bets. The most common of all bets is the “pass line”. By placing a wager here, you are betting with the shooter. The shooter will then roll the “come-out” roll. If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, the shooter wins and retains the dice. If the come-out roll is a 2 , 3 , or 12, the shooter loses control of the dice. If the come-out roll is any remaining number the shooter has established what is known as “the point”, and will continue to roll until one of the following occurs. Either the shooter will roll the point once again (winning the bet and retaining control of the dice), or the shooter will roll a 7 (losing the bet and losing control of the dice). This is the basic process of craps, and game play continues in this manner throughout the course of the game.

Advanced Craps Game Play

Now that you have a better understanding of how the game works, let’s turn our attention towards a few more advanced wagers. You are already familiar with betting the pass line, or with the shooter. Conversely, you can place a bet against the shooter. This bet is placed on the “Don’t Pass” line, and you just root for the opposite of the pass line wager. The only stipulation here is that if the shooter rolls 12, this bet is a standoff and you neither win nor lose. Another popular craps wager is betting on the “come” line, which is a wager placed after the shooter has established a point. If you place a come bet, you win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the next roll. You lose the bet if the shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12. If the shooter rolls any other point, this now becomes your come point. Now, the shooter must roll your come point again before rolling a 7 for you to win your wager. For example, you make a bet on the come line, and the shooter rolls a 5. 5 now becomes your come point, and the shooter must roll another 5 before rolling a 7 for you to win your wager. Another bet on the craps table is the “field” bet, and this wager is good for one roll only. If you place a wager on the field line, you are betting that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 on that particular roll. Your bet is lost if the roll comes up 5, 6, 7, or 8.

Get In The Craps Game

While there are other options available at the craps table, these are the most common and should make you feel comfortable enough to join this exciting game. Remember, most dealers will help you out, so if you are not sure of a wager, ask! Hopefully, the next trip you take to the casino, you will roll the dice on the wonderful game of craps! Good luck and have fun!