Craps is one of the most iconic casino games in the world. Unlike blackjack confined to card tables or roulette waiting on spinning wheels, craps relies solely on the magic of tumbling dice. The game’s roots originated centuries ago as an informal dice pastime before evolving into a casino mainstay.
Key Elements of Craps
If you want to tighten up the rules to play like a pro at the craps table, or learn the basics like terminology and betting for the first time, understanding these key aspects will build a solid foundation:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Objective | Predict the total of the dice rolls by placing bets on possible outcomes. |
| Equipment | Two six-sided dice and a table with a marked felt layout for organizing bets. |
| Participants | Includes the shooter (dice roller), stickman, boxman, and other players. |
| Gameplay | Players take turns rolling the dice to hit target points based on bets placed. |
| Bets | Includes a variety of options: Pass/Don’t Pass, Odds, Come/Don’t Come, etc. |
| Strategy | Focus on managing odds, selecting low house-edge bets, and practicing bankroll discipline. |
Essential Equipment
Craps relies on specific equipment to maintain fair gameplay and organize betting. While casual games might only require dice and a flat surface, casino craps incorporates specialized gear for accuracy and efficiency.
The Dice
At the heart of any craps game lie two standard six-sided dice marked with dots from 1 to 6. Casino dice get carefully inspected and routinely swapped out to ensure fair results not weighted toward any numbers. Players take turns being the shooter and tossing the iconic cubed dice down the long craps table with the goal of hitting the back wall.
Craps is a fast-paced game centered around dice rolls and communal excitement, where players bet on the outcome of the dice. Unlike simpler card games like Teen Patti, which rely more on bluffing and straightforward hand rankings, craps thrives on its dynamic table layout and the unpredictability of dice rolls, creating a thrilling experience for those who enjoy strategic wagering.
Strict rules govern how the dice must be thrown to prevent manipulation by the shooter. The unpredictability of how the two dice will land drives both the communal excitement and frustrations of craps.
The Table
A regulation casino craps table accommodates up to 12 players. Its signature green or red felt surface exhibits all the various betting areas. The padded rail around the inner walls helps mitigate wayward tossed dice. A hole mid-table allows the dealer to collect the dice with a stick.
The table surface organizes the betting layout efficiently. Areas like Pass Line and Don’t Pass line separate wagers on both sides. Proposition stakes cluster in the middle. Players distribute wagers by tossing chips onto the designated betting boxes. Up to 20 or 30 various wagers exist in craps.
Other Accessories
Supporting the dice and table surface, additional equipment plays key roles during craps games:
- The Stick: A long wooden tool with a crook on one end allows the dealer to retrieve distant dice rolls back via the center opening. Dealers use it slide players the dice too.
- The Puck: This six-sided plastic disk gets placed on the craps table point numbers. One black side says “Off” while the white side displays “On” once the shooter establishes a point number.
- Cards & Layouts: Mini-layouts assist players in tracking bets. Information cards detail table minimums and payout odds as helpful references.
The Craps Crew: Roles and Responsibilities
A full craps table hums with a roster of distinct players, each fulfilling specialized duties. Upwards of 20 people collaborate to keep the dice rolling, wagers organized, and payouts accurate. Understanding craps participants’ responsibilities helps newbies find their place.
The Shooter
The active shooter player earns temporary fame wielding the dice for a round. They must wager on either the Pass or Don’t Pass line before their initial “come out roll.” The shooter then continues rolling the dice until they “seven out” or crap out.
A hot shooter on a prolonged winning streak can gain big tips from appreciative players riding their coattails. Custom calls for dice rollers to tip the dealers too upon completing their round, win or lose.
The Stickperson
The stickperson or stickman oversees dice table action with signature elongated wooden sticks. Their responsibilities include:
- Using sticks to slide dice around table to shooter
- Calling out dice rolls numbers to players
- Collecting losing bets for the house
- Paying out winning wagers within table limits
- Settling player disputes
Their vocal projecting keeps everyone updated on roll outcomes. Sharp math skills help them accurately track odds and payouts on tons of stakes.
The Boxperson
Stationed like a sentry in the middle-rear of the long craps table, the boxperson manages all paperwork, machine issues, and table bankrolls. Their box container stores the casino’s chip bank to pay winners. As head supervisor, they make final rulings on table disputes too.
The Dealers
Two base dealers stand opposite one another mid-table. They each handle bets and payouts from their half of players. Craps base dealers organize all chips, examine dice for marks, and ensure players abide by table rules. Multi-tasking talents like quick math, dexterity, and keen perception make top craps dealers.
Playing a Round of Craps
Understanding game flow helps demystify craps for beginners. While many wager types and rules exist, the basic gameplay follows a set pattern. Each round features a new shooter aiming to roll hot while other players wager on the outcomes.
Taking Turns as the Shooter
The “shooting” duties rotate clockwise giving each player ample turns with the dice. Interest stays high watching how long shooters maintain their streaks. Once a seven-out roll ends a shooter’s dominance, sticking to etiquette means gracefully passing the dice rather than sulking.
Rolling the Dice
Regulation casinos mandate dice rolls hitting the far wall for fairness. The shooter must hit the back wall with authority so the cubes tumble randomly. The stickperson refs sloppy rolls failing to back wall and forces a redo. Casual street craps features more relaxed rules on roll technique.
Shooters blow on dice for luck, gently shake then cast, and have all sorts of quirky routines when releasing the cubes. Superstitions and gamesmanship heighten the plotlines around shooting.
Types of Rolls
The outcome of the initial roll, or “come-out roll,” determines how the round proceeds:
- Naturals (Winning Rolls): A roll of 7 or 11 wins for Pass Line bettors. The shooter rolls again.
- Craps (Losing Rolls): A roll of 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss for Pass Line bets. The dice move to the next shooter.
- Point Numbers: Rolls of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 establish a point. The shooter continues rolling to match this number before rolling a 7.
Rounding Out a Turn
Once a shooter establishes their point number, their turn continues until they seven out or hit their point again. Sevening out ends the round with a loss for Pass bets. Successfully repeating the point before a seven pays Pass bets before rotating shooters.
Bet Types
The variety of bets distinguishes craps from other casino offerings. Players can stick to simple wagers or explore creative combinations with varying risk and rewards. Savvy gamblers weigh the odds around different wagers to tip luck in their favor. Let’s run through the most common craps stakes:
| Bet | Description |
| Pass Line | Win with a 7 or 11, lose with 2, 3, or 12. Roll again with other numbers. Pays 1 to 1. |
| Don’t Pass Line | Opposite of Pass Line Bet. Win with 2 or 3, get money back with 12, lose with 7. Pays 1 to 1. |
| Come | Place after point established. Win with 7 or 11 initially, then if point repeats. Pays 2 to 1 for 4 or 10, 3 to 2 for 5 or 9, 6 to 5 for 6 or 8. |
| Don’t Come | Opposite of Come Bet. Works like Pass Line Bet. Pays 1 to 2 for 4 or 10, 2 to 3 for 5 or 9, 5 to 6 for 6 or 8. |
| Field | Bet on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Pays 2 to 1 for 2 or 12, 1 to 1 for others. |
| Big 6 and Big 8 | Bet on 6 or 8 before 7. |
| Place | Choose numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Win before 7. Various odds. |
| Buy | Bet on numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 before 7. Pays according to odds with a 5% commission. |
| Lay | Bet on 7 before the chosen number. Pays according to odds with a 5% commission. |
| Hardway | Bet on a pair of 2s, 3s, 4s, or 5s before 7. Various payouts. |
Leveling Up Your Craps Strategy
At the craps table, casual players contribute to the lively atmosphere, but experienced players understand the value of a strategic approach. In our experience, structured betting and risk management are essential for navigating both winning streaks and losing runs. Betting systems like Martingale and Paroli are popular but come with significant risks. Martingale involves doubling your wager after each loss to recover previous losses, while Paroli increases bets after wins to capitalize on streaks. However, these systems often falter in craps due to table limits or bankroll constraints. We’ve found that using such strategies sparingly and focusing on low house-edge bets, such as Pass or Come with odds, can offer a better balance of risk and reward.
Diversifying bets is another effective way to manage exposure and optimize results. Our approach often involves starting with a Pass bet to back the shooter, followed by an odds bet to enhance returns without adding risk. Placing a Come bet can further spread wagers across different numbers, reducing reliance on a single outcome. By combining these techniques, players can maintain stability during cold streaks while still taking advantage of favorable rolls. While no strategy guarantees success, disciplined bankroll management and thoughtful bet selection provide a solid foundation for enjoying the game responsibly.
FAQs
Can you join/leave craps anytime?
Yes, table minimums permit entering games with ease. Players can exit after any resolved roll without disrupting flow.
Can dealers influence rolls?
Not at all. Strict protocols enforced by the boxperson and surveillance systems assure fair dice handling by dealers and shooters.
Should new players avoid side bets?
Yes, stick to Pass, Come, Don’t Pass and Place bets. Side bets with 6:1, 8:5 payouts tempt new players but carry much higher house edges.
Can you play online?
Certainly! Many casinos offer real money craps tables online, some with live dealers. Practice free online first and learn craps simulator odds.
Where can I watch a game before playing?
Observation remains the best teacher. Watch casino floor games first seeing wager types, hot rollers, and basic gameplay flow before approaching the table.