Basic Rules of Craps for Beginners

Craps is a classic casino game that can appear complicated at first glance. However, once you understand the rules, it becomes one of the most exciting games to play. Learning how the game works is key to enjoying it. This article will provide a clear explanation of the rules of craps—without diving into strategies or betting techniques. We will start with the basics of the table game and transition to online craps, making sure you understand every detail.

The Come-Out Roll: How the Craps Game Begins

Each round of craps begins with the come-out roll, the very first roll of the dice in a new round. This roll determines the game’s course.

• If a 7 or 11 is rolled, players who bet on the Pass Line win. This is called a “natural” win.
• If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, players who bet on the Pass Line lose. This is known as “crapping out.”
• If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the point.

Once a point is set, the shooter continues to roll the dice.

What Happens After the Come-Out Roll?

After a point is established (a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the game enters a new phase. The goal now is for the shooter to roll the point number again before rolling a 7.

• If a 7 is rolled before the point, the shooter loses. This is referred to as a “seven out.” When this happens, the round ends, and the dice pass to the next shooter.
• If the point number is rolled again, the player wins.

How to Place Craps Bets

While the action centers around the rolls of the dice, players can place various types of bets throughout the game. These bets are made before the come-out roll and after the point is established. Below are the primary bet types based on the game rules.

1. Pass Line Bet

This is the most straightforward bet in craps. It is placed before the come-out roll and is the most common bet made by beginners.

If a point is set (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), players must wait for the point number to be rolled again before a 7 to win the bet.

If the come-out roll results in a 7 or 11, the Pass Line bet wins.

If the come-out roll results in a 2, 3, or 12, the Pass Line bet loses.

2. Don’t Pass Line Bet

This bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. It is made before the come-out roll, and here’s how it works:

• After a point is set, the goal is for a 7 to be rolled before the point number is rolled again. chances during the game. By combining come bets with pass line bets, players can maintain multiple winning opportunities on the table.
• If the come-out roll results in a 2 or 3, the Don’t Pass bet wins.
• If the come-out roll results in a 7 or 11, the Don’t Pass bet loses.
• A 12 is a push (tie) and results in no win or loss.

3. Come Bet

The Come Bet works similarly to the Pass Line Bet but is made after the point has been established. Here’s the breakdown:

• When a player places a Come Bet, the next roll (after the point is set) becomes their new “come-out roll.”
• If the next roll is a 7 or 11, the Come Bet wins.
• If the next roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the Come Bet loses.
• If any other number is rolled, it becomes the come-point. The player must then roll that number again before a 7 to win.

4. Don’t Come Bet

The Don’t Come Bet functions similarly to the Don’t Pass Bet, except it’s placed after the point is set.

• If the next roll after the bet is a 2 or 3, the Don’t Come Bet wins.
• If the next roll is a 7 or 11, the Don’t Come Bet loses.
• A 12 results in a push (tie).
• If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the come-point, and the player must hope for a 7 to be rolled before the come-point to win.

The Importance of the Seven

The number 7 plays a crucial role in craps, as it can determine the outcome of several bets. After the come-out roll, if the 7 is rolled before the point, the shooter loses. This is called “seven out.” However, if the point is rolled again before the 7, the Pass Line bet wins. The 7 in Craps is the most significant number, influencing the game’s pace and players’ bets.

Craps in Online Casinos

While the rules of craps in a traditional casino and an online casino are nearly identical, there are a few key differences when playing online.

How Online Craps Works

In online craps money games, the dice rolls are simulated by a Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures fairness and randomness. The betting layout and flow of the game remain the same, but there is no physical shooter—players click a button to roll the dice virtually.

Table Layout for Craps Casino Game

The layout of an online craps table mirrors the one in a physical casino, with the same betting options and areas for placing wagers. The main difference is that online players can take their time to place bets, and the dealer is handled by the system or a live dealer.

Conclusion

Mastering the rules of craps is your first step toward enjoying this dynamic and thrilling game. From the come-out roll to the various bets you can make, the rules are straightforward and easy to grasp once you get the hang of it. Whether you are playing in a casino or trying out online craps, knowing the basics of how the game is structured will help you make informed decisions and enhance your overall experience.

By focusing on the core rules—without delving into advanced strategies or betting systems—you now have a solid understanding of how craps works. Now, it’s time to hit the tables and start rolling the dice!

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