Craps Crash Course for New Players
A Crash Course in Craps
Are you itching to roll the dice? We will walk you through the basics of playing craps then. One of the coolest things about this game is that it gets as simple as you want and as complex as you want. Since this craps crash course is for new players, we will keep it simple. Don't belittle it though. Playing simple is a very smart move in craps.
Craps Crash Course Lesson 1 - Buying in to the table.
Look at the craps table's surface and check for the betting limits. Minimum bet is the smallest wager allowed and maximum bet is the largest. Now lay down your money on the craps table and ask the dealer to change them for playing chips. When you receive your chips, place them in front of you in the groove in the table.
Craps Crash Course Lesson 2 - Dice throwing.
Players now take turns throwing a pair of dice across the craps table. If you are feeling shy, you can pass to the next player. The one throwing or "rolling" the dice is always referred to as the shooter. Depending on what number is rolled, a shooter must continue throwing dice or give way to the next player.
Craps Crash Course Lesson 3 - Reading the dice.
The number being rolled always refers to the total that the dice make. It never signifies a number on one die. So if a roll is said to be an 8, it means the two dice add up to 8. It may be a 4 and 4, for example, or a 2 and 6.
Craps Crash Course Lesson 4 - Pass Line
When you look at a craps table, you will see a curving bar labeled "pass line." The pass line is the one and only craps bet you need to make. It isn't a very exciting bet, but it is the simplest of all and pays out well too. The casino has a profit margin of only 1.41% here.
To place a pass line bet, wait for the dealer to signal OFF at the table with a button. When you see this sign, make your bet.
Betting on the pass line makes you friends with whoever is shooting the dice, and with all those who wager for them to win as well. If the shooter wins, you all win.
Craps Crash Course Lesson 5 - How you win or lose.
Now a new round of shooting begins. If the shooter gets one of two numbers - the 7 and 11 - they win instantly and so do you. End of the game.
Should they get one of three numbers instead - the 2, 3 and 12 - it is what they call "craps" and the shooter loses on the spot. So do you and it is the end of that game.
If 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is made, it establish a number called a "point" and the game is extended. You neither win nor lose - yet. To decide if it is a win or not, the shooter has to keep hurling the dice. If the number that was just rolled appears again before number 7 does, you and the shooter win. On the other hand, if number 7 comes before the point's reappearance, you both lose.
In summary:
You win - 7 or 11 on the first shoot or the point number made twice. You lose - 2, 3 or 12 or the number 7 coming before the point number can be made twice.