Craps is arguably the most energetic and visually complex game in any casino, online or land-based. With its bustling table, rapid-fire betting, and unique terminology, it can seem daunting to new players. However, beneath its lively surface, craps is a dice game built on surprisingly simple core concepts. Understanding these basics is your first step to joining the excitement.

This comprehensive guide to craps for beginners will demystify the game. We’ll break down the objective, explain the main bets you need to know, and simplify the table layout so you can approach the virtual craps table with confidence and join the thrilling action of the dice roll.

The Objective: What Are You Betting On?

At its heart, craps is about betting on the outcome of a dice roll, or a series of rolls. The game involves two dice. Players place bets on the table, predicting the result of the “shooter’s” (the player rolling the dice) rolls.

The Come Out Roll: Starting the Game

Each new round of craps begins with a “Come Out Roll.”

  • If the shooter rolls a **7 or 11**, this is a “Natural,” and Pass Line bets win immediately.
  • If the shooter rolls a **2, 3, or 12**, this is “Craps,” and Pass Line bets lose immediately (Don’t Pass bets win on 2 or 3, push on 12).
  • If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), that number becomes the “Point.” The round then continues.

The Point Phase: Rolling the Point Again

Once a Point is established, the shooter continues to roll the dice. The goal is to roll the Point number again before rolling a 7.

  • If the **Point number is rolled again**, Pass Line bets win.
  • If a **7 is rolled before the Point**, Pass Line bets lose, and the round ends. This is often called “sevening out.”

Basic Craps Bets for Beginners: Keep It Simple

The craps table is covered in numerous betting options, but as a beginner, you only need to focus on a few key bets to enjoy the game:

1. Pass Line Bet (Most Common & Best Odds)

  • How it works: You’re betting with the shooter. Placed before the Come Out Roll.
  • Win on Come Out: 7 or 11.
  • Lose on Come Out: 2, 3, or 12 (Craps).
  • Point Established: If 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, that’s the Point. You win if the Point is rolled again before a 7. You lose if a 7 is rolled before the Point.
  • House Edge: Very low, around 1.41%.

2. Don’t Pass Line Bet (Betting Against the Shooter)

  • How it works: You’re betting against the shooter. Placed before the Come Out Roll.
  • Win on Come Out: 2 or 3.
  • Lose on Come Out: 7 or 11.
  • Push on Come Out: 12 (a tie, your bet is returned).
  • Point Established: If a Point is rolled, you win if a 7 is rolled before the Point. You lose if the Point is rolled before a 7.
  • House Edge: Very low, around 1.36% (slightly better than Pass Line).

3. Odds Bet (The Best Bet in the Casino – No House Edge!)

  • How it works: After a Point is established on a Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line bet, you can place an “Odds” bet behind your initial bet. This bet is paid at true odds, meaning the casino has no house edge on this specific wager.
  • You can “take odds” (on a Pass Line bet) or “lay odds” (on a Don’t Pass Line bet). The amount you can bet on Odds is usually a multiple of your initial Pass/Don’t Pass bet (e.g., 2x, 3x, 5x, or even 100x odds).

4. Place Bets (on Numbers)

  • How it works: You bet that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. Can be made at any time after a Point has been established.
  • Payouts: Vary by number. For example, 6 and 8 usually pay 7:6.
  • House Edge: Higher than Pass/Don’t Pass with Odds, but still decent compared to other casino bets (e.g., 1.52% on 6/8).

Bets to Avoid (High House Edge)

As a beginner, steer clear of “proposition bets” located in the center of the craps table. These include bets like Any Craps (2, 3, or 12), Any 7, Hardways, etc. They offer high payouts but come with a significantly higher house edge (e.g., 10% or more), making them very poor value in the long run.

Conclusion: Roll the Dice with Confidence

Craps may look intimidating with its bustling table and complex jargon, but its core gameplay is simple. By focusing on the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets, and taking advantage of the Odds bet, you can enjoy this exhilarating game with some of the best odds in the casino. Remember, the key is to keep it simple when you start.

Embrace the energy of the virtual craps table, manage your bankroll responsibly, and experience the unique thrill of the dice roll at OnlineCasinoGames.Club!