Craps Games FAQ
Craps is a casino game played with dice in which players make bets on the outcome of a series of dice rolls. To newcomers, craps can seem rather confusing and intimidating, with a lot of jargon and plethora of betting possibilities. Fortunately, beginners can gain a basic understanding of craps with a little bit of effort and a rudimentary understanding of the bets involved.
What are the Rules of Playing Craps in a Casino?
Players take turns rolling a pair of dice. The person rolling the dice is referred to as the shooter. The other players at the table place wagers on the shooter’s rolls. Each game of craps is divided into rounds. The round begins with what is known as the come-out roll. A round is over when the shooter rolls a seven. The player who wants to act as the shooter has to make a wager of the table minimum (or more) on the Pass line or Don’t Pass line. Players take turns acting as the shooter in a clockwise fashion. A player may legally pass on the opportunity to act as the shooter while still betting on the shooter’s rolls. Each shooter picks two dice from a bowl of five.
As mentioned, the shooter opens with a come-out roll in an attempt to establish a point. A point occurs when the total of the dice equals 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. If the total is 2, 3, or 12, the come-out roll is referred to as Craps, and the round is over (and all players lose their pass line bets). If the total is 7 or 11, it is referred to as a Natural, and the players win their pass line bets. However, in the case of a 7 or 11, player must do more come out rolls until the point is established. Once this occurs, the dealer places an On button on the number of the point. From here, the shooter keeps rolling the dice until the total of the dice equals either 7 or the point number. The point number results in a win for people betting on the pass line. A seven (or seven-out) is a loss for the pass line. Once the shooter sevens-out, a new person acts as the shooter.
Can I Play Craps Without Having to Act as the Shooter?
Yes, you certainly can. Approach the table and check to see if the On button is placed ona point number. If it isn’t, you’ll know that the table is currently in the come-bet phase. If the button is On, the table is engaged in the point round, and some casinos might allow you to place a pass/don’t pass wager. Check with the dealer to be sure. Single and multi-roll proposition bets can be placed in both the come-bet round and the point round. You can also play bets in between the first and second dice roll by the shooter. At this point, the dealer will collect losing bets and make payouts.
What Types of Wagers are Involved in Craps?
There are several different kinds of bets you can make in craps, so let’s go over a few of the basics. The Pass Line bet is the most basic type of Craps bet. If the shooter rolls a 7 or an 11 on his come-out roll, the bet wins. If the roll is a 2, a 3, or a 12, the Pass Line bet loses. Any remaining value establishes a point. Rolling the point again before rolling a seven results in another win for the Pass Line bet.
A Don’t Pass Line bet is basically the opposite of a Pass Line bet. You’re betting that the shooter will seven-out before making his point number. The Don’t Pass Line bet wins if the come-out roll results in a 2 or 3, and loses if the come-out roll is a 7 or an 11. A 12 is a draw. In some casinos, a 12 is a win and a 2 is a draw. Once a point is established, players betting on Don’t Pass Line don’t want the shooter to roll the point again. Players who bet on Don’t Pass Line are often frowned upon by their fellow players because it goes against the grain of conventional play. Remember, you’re playing against the house, not against your fellow gamblers.
A Single Roll bet, or Service Bet, is a more specific type of bet in which you bet on the outcome of a single dice roll from the shooter. You’ll have to instruct the dealer if you want to make a Single Roll bet, as individual players are not allowed to place their own wagers in this category. You could bet on Snake Eyes (2), Ace-Deuce (3), Yo (11), Boxcars (12), Hi-Lo (2 or 12), Any Craps (2, 3, or 12), C and E (betting on both Craps and Yo), Big Red (7), The Horn (2, 3, 11, and 12 simultaneously), Whirl (The Horn plus 7), On the Hop (a very specific wager that bets that each die will have a specific face up), or Field (2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12).
Are There Any Etiquette Rules to Observe When Playing Craps in a Live Casino?
As with moth casino games, there are several. Players typically take turns tossing the dice. Usually, one person will continue to throw the dice until they seven out. A player can pass the dice when he chooses to. Try to understand the rules of craps and some basic terminology before you play at a live casino, especially at a busy table. The dealer won’t necessarily have time to answer your questions.
The ways in which you conduct yourself at the craps table are also important. When you toss the dice, try to get them to rebound off of the opposite side of the table. Drinks and other personal items should be kept off of the table. Usually, there will be a small shelf underneath the chips for drinks. Sitting or leaning is not permitted at most casinos. Tip your dealers frequently. You can do this by placing a field bet, and verbally specifying that any winnings from it will go to the dealer.
