How to Play Craps

Craps is a dice game played in casinos across the nation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dice

Preparing

1. Learn the layout of the table.

2. Familiarize yourself with the payouts of winning bets.

3. Change money for chips at the craps table.

4. Place the chips in the groove at the edge of the table and shield them with your body.

In the Casino

5. Go to the promotions booth.

6. Fill out and turn in an application for a player's card.

7. Pick up the card.

Playing the Game

8. Present your player's card before you place a bet.

9. Watch the pair of dice be pushed toward the shooter.

10. Place your bet on either the Pass Line and with the numbers, or on the Don't Pass Bar and against the numbers.

11. Watch the shooter place the required bet on the Pass Line and throw the dice. The first roll of the dice is the come-out roll.

12. Make sure that the amount you receive is correct if you win the bet or that the dealer is correct when collecting your losing bet.

13. Place another bet on Come or Don't Come Bar if the shooter hits a point number.

14. Place a new bet on the Pass Line or Don't Pass Bar if the shooter rolls craps (2, 3 or 12) or a 7 or an 11.

Tips & Warnings

• If 7 or 11 is the come-out roll, the bet is paid at even money. If a 2, 3 or 12 appears, the bet is lost. The shooter will continue throwing the dice until he loses or hits one of the point numbers.
• Starting out playing craps in a casino can be difficult, as the action is fast and furious. It might be wise to try playing online first to get a feel for the game and the pace.
• Gambling can be addictive. If you think you have a gambling problem, get help immediately.

on 12/27/2007 All casino games give the casino an advantage, or they wouldn't exist at the casino. Craps actually gives the house one of the smallest advantages of any of their games, (provided you avoid the sucker bet traps on the table). Don't let the complexity of the table intimidate you. Ignore all the best, but Pass/Don't Pass and the pass odds bets with the place 6/8 and you'll be playing like a pro. You will still lose in the long run.

on 11/22/2005 If you just want to play craps, play online. The dealers (and to a lesser extent the other players) make the game. Look for a dealer with a pleasant demeanor- and don't play until you find one. This will make your first (and every) experience on a table game much more fun. Don't forget that they work for tips. A well placed dollar near your bet once in a while can go a long way toward getting the best service.

on 11/22/2005 When betting pass or don't pass, always take the odds. Do so after the come-out roll, then by placing at least the amount of your inital bet (more $$ if the roller is throwing numbers your way) behind the line bet.