Craps may look intimidating with their fast pace and excitement as cheers and groans erupt from the rowdy crowd gathered around the green-felt battlefield. Chips and dice fly as the shooter hopes Lady Luck is on their side. Yet beyond the chaos lies an elegant game with roots stretching back centuries. Underneath the hood, craps offer some of the best odds in the casino if you know how to play.
This beginner’s guide will teach you craps basics so you can confidently join the action at Lucky Days Casino. You’ll learn to bet strategies, money management, crap glossary terms, and tips from the pros. With practice, you can increase your odds, lower the house edge, and hopefully walk away a winner. So grab the dice, step up to the table, and let’s roll!
Craps 101
Every game starts the same way: a shooter tosses two six-sided dice down the table. Their first roll is called the “come out roll.” If they roll a 7 or 11, they automatically win on Pass Line bets – that’s called a “natural.” If they roll 2, 3, or 12, they automatically lose or “craps.” Any other number becomes their “point,” which they must roll again before a 7 to win. If they “seven out” by rolling a 7 first, they lose.
It sounds simple, but with so many betting options and glossary terms, craps can be complex for beginners.
Table Layout
The craps table has sections for Pass/Don’t Pass line bets, Come/Don’t Come bets, Place/Buy bets for specific numbers, and more. You can back up your original bets with Odds bets for bigger payouts if that number hits again. The dealer stands at the center and on opposite sides are base dealers who pay out winning bets.
Getting Started
- Buy in and get chips from the dealer. Cash plays but chips speed up gameplay.
- Wait for a new shooter and watch a few rolls to get the feel.
- Make Pass or Don’t Pass bets to start on the come-out roll.
- Once a point is set, add Place bets on other numbers.
- Support your bets with Odds bets any time after a point is made.
- Experiment with Come/Don’t Come, Proposition bets for more variety.
As the shooter keeps rolling, watch for hot streaks and make bets accordingly. Be patient, have fun meeting fellow players, and cheer on that shooter!
Keys to Success
- Learn basic strategies first
- Set loss limits and win goals
- Manage your bankroll
- Practice online for free
- Take advantage of odds bets
- Quit while you’re ahead
Understanding the Odds
The best part about craps is the odds can be some of the fairest in the casino if you stick to good bets with low house edges like Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come. The more you learn, the better your results over time. Study up on the real mathematical probabilities for each bet.
Pass/Don’t Pass Odds
| Bet | Payout | House Edge |
| Pass Line Bet | 1 to 1 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass Bet | 1 to 1 | 1.36% |
As you can see, the basic Pass or Don’t Pass bets give the house only a tiny edge. But combined with Odds bets, you can dramatically increase payouts while lowering house edge even further.
Come Out Roll Probabilities
| Dice Roll | Odds |
| 7 or 11 (Win) | 16.67% |
| 2, 3, 12 (Lose) | 11.11% |
| 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 (Point) | 72.22% |
On every new come out roll, you have nearly a 50/50 chance of either winning or setting a point you just need to roll again before a 7. With each subsequent roll, the odds shift in your favor. This is why craps winners get on a hot streak – keep hitting those points and numbers!
Getting to Know the Dark Side
If you feel luck is not on your side, turn to the “dark side” of craps with Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets that win when shooters seven out. Just beware, you may not make many friends at the table by going against the shooter. Manage your bankroll wisely in case their hot streak keeps going.
Glossary of Common Craps Terms
- Buy bet: Pay a 5% commission to get true odds payout with no house edge
- Crap out: Roll 2, 3, or 12 to come out
- Marker puck: Shows the point number on the table
- Natural: Rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out
- Proposition bet: One roll bets including hard ways and horns
- Seven out: When the shooter rolls a 7 before making their point
Tips from the Pros
- Set loss limits and win goals before playing. Quit while you’re ahead.
- Avoid sucker bets like Big 6/8 or Proposition bets with high house edges
- Make Odds bets after points are established to lower house advantage
- Develop a money management system to protect your bankroll
- Review basic craps odds and strategies until you can recite in your sleep
As famous poker player Amarillo Slim once said, “You can’t win at gambling, you can only lose more slowly.” Keep expectations realistic, follow smart betting methods, take breaks when needed, and have fun at the tables. Lady Luck may just blow on those dice for you!
Conclusion
While craps may appear chaotic and complex at first glance, there is an elegant simplicity beneath the surface. As you learn the ins and outs of dice probabilities, payout ratios, and wise bankroll management, your confidence will grow. Start by sticking to basic Pass/Come bets with full Odds before expanding your repertoire. Set reasonable loss limits and remember to walk away a winner.