How to Play Craps: Complete Beginner's Guide to Table & Bets

Understanding the Rules and Basics of Craps

When playing, know that your goal is simple: to bet on a roll of dice. However, shooting dice isn’t the easiest task to master. For a deeper understanding of the Craps table layout and how it influences the game, check out our detailed guide on the Craps table layout.

What are the basic rules of Craps?

• Players at the Craps table place their bets on the outcome of the throw of two dice;
• The Shooter is the player throwing the dice;
• The players at the table win if their predictions on the dice numbers turn out to be true;
• You must throw the dice hard enough to hit the opposite end of the Craps table.

If you’re still unsure about the odds and how payouts work in Craps, don’t worry. We have an easy-to-follow guide that breaks down Craps odds and payouts to help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning.

Craps Explained: Everything You Need to Know

The Craps game comes down to betting on what numbers you expect to see the dice land on. Your skill stems from your ability to hedge your bets – or take risks – and beat the bank.

Where can you play Craps?

The prevalence of the Craps table puts it at the heart of any casino, but the game is also played in more casual environments and top online casinos in Ireland.

A main distinction

If you choose to play street craps, know that it involves betting against other players who also try to guess the outcome of the dice. In land-based or online casinos, you always bet against the bank.

Craps players speak a distinct language

Experienced Craps players speak a combination of slang and official terminology that is easy to pick up the more time you spend learning how to play Craps.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Craps at Casinos

1. Players take turns as the Shooter;
2. Players can bet on various outcomes by placing chips on the relevant areas painted on the table;
3. Players must place all bets before the Shooter rolls the dice;
4. The Shooter has to bet on the Pass Line or the Don’t Pass Line within the minimum and maximum bet limits;
5. The first roll of the dice takes place, which is known as the “come out roll”;
6. The Pass Line players win their bet if the dice show a 7 or 11;
7. If the dice land on a combination of 2, 3, or 12, the Don’t Pass players win, and the round ends;
8. If the first roll results in any other numbers, a “point” is established, and the game continues;
9. Once the point is set, the Craps players can wager on various aspects of the game using the bets listed below.

A few extra steps:

• If you’re ready to join in, you will know that you are free to place a bet when the stick person flips their on/off plaque to “on”.
• Before you join in and learn how to play Craps dice, it is vital that you understand how your predictions will influence the house edge.
• House edges vary depending on the bet you’re placing, so check the table below to see the highest risk and rewards available when placing a bet.

How Different Types of Craps Bets Work

Here are the main Craps rules for bets you can make no matter where you play: in top Ireland live casinos, at land-based establishments, or casually among friends:

What is a horn bet in Craps, and why you shouldn’t choose it

The horn bet means you are wagering the next roll will be 2, 3, 11, or 12. These are at the board’s edge, so they have fewer possible combinations on the dice. However, a bigger risk means a bigger reward, which is why it has 31:1 odds. This type of bet is not fit for beginners, so proceed with caution.

What is the pass line in Craps alternatively called?

There are plenty of alternative names for the pass line, but the most common is a seven-eleven.

How To Play Craps Like a Pro 

There’s a reason the Craps table is always busy: if you can master the dice, there’s a chance for a positive outcome. But how to play Craps and win if you’re a beginner?

Choose your casino and tables carefully

Many new Irish casino sites provide Craps as a table game or a Live Casino game. While playing just against the house is quite straightforward, you may need to choose your live table carefully.

A few things to consider

There is typically a maximum of 8 players at a physical casino table, and everyone gets the chance to be the Shooter. You may have to wait to start betting for either a player to leave the table or the betting to start on that round. You might want to stand back and observe the table for a few minutes before deciding if the pace is right for you.

Know the Craps’ rules and bet according to the odds

Craps may be built on a simple premise, but if you want to learn how to play Craps and win, you have to do more than take a spot at the Craps table and put your chips on the Pass Line. Before approaching the table, you should do your homework first. Anything odds-related is recommended for roulette research. You can look further into Craps odds by looking at our table:

Craps Odds: How Each Bet Pays Out

What’s the Best Bet to Make in Craps?

The best bet is the Any 7 bet. Since 7 has the most combinations, you’re more likely to land on a 7, even when learning how to play Craps for beginners.

Is the pass line a good bet?

The pass line is a pretty strong bet since you have even chances to win, and it has the lowest house edge.

Responsible Gambling Tips for Craps Gameplay

When learning how to shoot Craps, remember only to bet what you can afford and know when to step away from the table.

Focus on strong bankroll management

Set yourself a limit and stick to it at the table! With a solid budget plan, you can remain in control of your gambling habits and avoid the consequences of developing a disorder!

Have we touched on all essential points?

Our main goals help us assure only legitimate information reaches you. We do everything in our power to clarify the game as much as possible for anyone, including beginners. If you think we missed something or you have any further questions, let us know!