If you walk onto a casino floor, it is usually incredibly easy to locate the Craps pit; just follow the noise.
However, for a beginner, this massive, raucous table can be the most intimidating place in the entire building.
Because it looks so incredibly complicated, most casual players simply walk past the Craps table and sit down at a slot machine instead.
Let's learn how to throw the dice, understand the "Pass Line," and experience the most thrilling game on the casino floor.
The Foundation: The Pass Line Bet and the Come-Out Roll
The Pass Line is the long, curved betting area that wraps entirely around the outside edge of the table layout.
Before the shooter throws the dice, you place your chips directly on the Pass Line.
A 7 or 11 on the Come-Out Roll is an instant winner for the Pass Line. The dealer will pay you even money (1 to 1) on your bet immediately.
Rolling Craps on the Come-Out roll is an instant loser for the Pass Line. The dealer will sweep your chips away, and you must place a new bet for the next roll.
This is where the true drama of Craps begins.
The Goal of the Game: Chasing the Point
Once "The Point" is established (let's use 8 as our example), the rules for your Pass Line bet completely flip.
If the shooter rolls a 4, 9, 10, or 2, absolutely nothing happens to your Pass Line bet; the game just continues, and the shooter rolls again.
Once the Point is established, the number 7 transforms from your best friend into your absolute worst enemy.
This dynamic—praying for the Point and terrified of the 7—is what creates the intense, communal adrenaline rush of Craps.
The House Edge on the Pass Line bet is an incredibly low 1.41%, making it one of the absolute best bets in the entire casino.
The Best Bet in the Casino: The Free Odds Bet
Once a Point is established, the casino allows you to place an additional wager directly behind your original Pass Line bet (outside the printed line).
The Odds bet is the ONLY bet in the entire casino that carries a 0.00% House Edge.
If the Point is 6 or 8 (the easiest points to hit), the true odds are 6 to 5. The Odds bet pays exactly 6 to 5.
Then, once the Point is established, they place the absolute maximum allowable amount of money on the "Odds" bet directly behind it.
With the Pass Line and the Free Odds bet in your arsenal, you are fully equipped to dominate the Craps pit.
The Craps Cheat Sheet for Beginners
The Instant Win/Loss: On the Come-Out, 7/11 Wins. 2/3/12 Loses. Any other number becomes "The Point."
The Danger Zone: During this phase, if the shooter rolls a 7, everybody loses (Sevening Out).
The Secret Bet: The Odds bet has a 0% House Edge. Always take the maximum odds the casino allows.
The Golden Rule: Stick to the Pass Line and the Odds. Let the tourists throw their money away in the middle of the table.
Understanding the Probabilities in Craps
Dice Total (The Roll)
Number of Ways to Roll It
The Probability (Out of 36)
3 or 11 (Yo)
Only 2 ways each (1-2, 2-1 or 5-6, 6-5)
Very difficult to hit.
5 or 9
Only 4 ways each
Moderate difficulty. The Odds bet pays 3:2.
The Golden Ratio
There are 6 ways to roll a 7, and only 5 ways to roll a 6 or 8.
The House Edge exists because the 7 will always eventually appear and wipe out the board.
Do not let the complex layout and the shouting dealers intimidate you from experiencing the best game in the building.
When it is your turn to throw the dice, simply ensure they hit the back wall of the table, and try to relax.
Welcome to the most exciting, chaotic, and profitable fraternity in the casino world.
