Navigating the Game of Craps

Like many casino games, the rules of craps are very easy to learn at first. However, the game if rife with complex betting nuances that turn what could be a very simply gambling experience into a high stakes thrill ride.

It is not suggested to begin playing craps with complex betting strategies. It is better to get the basics down first and then move onto to more daring moves. In fact, most novices who make elaborate bets will end up losing big.

The Basics of Craps

Craps, as well as slots, is a game that is played with two dice and a specially made betting table. Up to sixteen different people can play at the same table. A croupier manages the dice and the bets but otherwise has no hand in the game.

Essentially, craps begins with a player rolling the dice. If the first roll is a seven or an eleven then that is craps, the player wins, and a new hand starts. If the first roll is not one of those numbers then the number that is rolled becomes the desired number. The player must roll the desired number a second time without rolling a seven or an eleven in order to win.

Taking Your Turn to Roll in Craps

Since there can be up to sixteen players in the game, the rules of who gets a chance to roll are very complex. The person who is rolling the dice is called the shooter. When a round of play completes the shooter passes on the dice to the next shooter. Different casinos have different etiquette on how to pass the dice.

Making a Bet in Craps

When you place your chips on the craps board you can either put them on a "pass" or a "don't pass" bet. If you place your chips on a "pass" bet you will win if the shooter rolls a seven or eleven. If you place your chips on a "don't pass" bet you will win if the shooter rolls a two, three, or twelve.

Again, this is the simplified version. If you happen to place either your "pass" or your "don't pass" bet on the bar then you get your money coming back to you regardless of the option.

Another thing to keep in mind is that after the initial bet you can continue to add to and modify your original bet. You simply have to do the betting prior to the next roll. However, this is not a recommended strategy for beginners. Take some time to learn the game before doing anything more than the original bet.