Craps
Craps is a fast-paced casino dice game where players bet on the outcomes of rolls from two six-sided dice. The game centers on the shooter, who rolls the dice for the entire table. While the table layout can appear complex, the core gameplay is a simple two-phase cycle.
The Phases of Craps
The Come-Out Roll:
This is the first roll of a new round.
7 or 11: The shooter wins immediately (called a "natural").
2, 3, or 12: The shooter loses immediately (called "crapping out").
This number becomes the "point". A dealer will place a puck marked "ON" on this number on the table.
The Point Phase: The shooter continues to roll the dice until one of two things happens:
Hitting the Point:
If the shooter rolls the point number again, they win. The round ends, and a new come-out roll begins.
Seven Out: If the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point, they lose. The dice are then passed to the next player.
Basic Rules & Betting
Pass Line Bet: The most fundamental bet. You bet with the shooter: you win on a 7 or 11 during the come-out roll and lose on a 2, 3, or 12. If a point is set, you win if that point is rolled again before a 7.
Don't Pass Bet:
The opposite of the pass line. You bet against the shooter: you win on a 2 or 3 and lose on a 7 or 11. (A 12 is usually a "push," meaning no one wins or loses).
Throwing the Dice: The shooter must use only one hand to pick up and throw the dice. Both dice must hit the back wall of the table for the roll to be valid.
Taking Odds:
Once a point is established, you can place an additional "odds" bet behind your original pass line bet. This is widely considered the best bet in the casino because it has zero house edge and pays "true odds".
Common Table Etiquette
Never say the word "seven" at the table; it’s considered bad luck once a point is established.
Keep your hands off the table and out of the "field of play" while the shooter is rolling.
Only use cash to buy chips when the dealer is not in the middle of a roll sequence.