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What You Need to Know About Craps

January 24, 2025

Ready to shoot? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total rookie, craps is a wild and fun game. But before you get started, it’s good to know some stuff. From the bets to how it works, knowing a few things will make you feel more comfortable. Here’s everything you need to know to get going.

What is Craps?

Craps is a dice game played on Pokerstars. It’s a game where players bet on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls of two six-sided dice. The game is all about the dice, and the shooter (the person rolling the dice) tries to hit specific numbers. There are bets like the pass line, don’t pass line, come bets, and place bets, each with different odds and strategies.

Players can bet at many different points during the game. Craps can look intimidating at first, but once a player knows the basics, they love it. It’s a game of chance and strategy and is for both beginners and experienced players looking for a fun and fast game.

Why do craps tables often seem louder than other casino games?

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Because players are usually reacting to the same dice rolls together, creating group excitement whenever a shooter goes on a winning streak.

Why Craps Has Such a Big Reputation in Casinos

One of the reasons craps can seem intimidating to new players is because it’s often one of the loudest and busiest tables in a casino.

Unlike slower table games, craps tends to move quickly, with multiple players reacting to every roll of the dice. Big wins, long streaks, and group excitement all contribute to the atmosphere around the table.

That energy is part of what makes the game so popular.

Even players who are not rolling the dice feel involved because there are so many opportunities to place bets throughout the game. It creates a more social experience compared to some traditional casino games.

Craps Glossary

Knowing craps lingo makes the game so much easier and more fun. Here’s the basics:

  • Pass Line: A bet made before the shooter rolls. Players win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll and lose if the shooter rolls a 2, 3 or 12 (craps). Any other number becomes the point, and the shooter must roll that number again before a 7 to win.
  • Don’t Pass Line: The opposite of the pass line bet. Players betting this line are betting the shooter will roll a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll or a 7 or 11 before the point is rolled.
  • Come Bet: A bet made after the come-out roll where the player is betting the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the next roll. If any other number is rolled, that’s the player’s come point, and they must roll that number again to win.
  • Don’t Come Bet: The opposite of the come bet. This bet is made after the first roll when the shooter has a point to make. Players win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 and lose if it’s a 7 or 11. Any other number becomes a come point.
  • Place Bet: A bet on one of the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) to be rolled before a 7. It can be made after the come-out roll and at any time during the game.

How to Play Craps

You can play different crap games, virtual and live casino dealer. Standard craps, 3D craps, and live craps are fun at home or on the go. Here’s how to get started:

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  • Place a bet: Start with the basic “pass line” bet and make other bets as the game goes along.
  • Roll the dice: Once the bets are placed, the game will continue with the shooter rolling the dice. In virtual craps, the roll is automatic; in live dealer craps, you’ll see a real person roll the dice.
  • Choice: Choose different bets as the game goes along. Online platforms give you time to think and make decisions at your own pace; live dealer games are faster.

Common Beginner Mistakes in Craps

New players often make the mistake of trying to learn every bet immediately.

In reality, craps becomes much easier to understand when focusing on a few simple wagers first, particularly pass line and come bets.

Another common mistake is getting caught up in the pace of the table.

Because craps moves quickly, it can be tempting to place too many bets at once. Taking things slowly and understanding each wager before expanding into more advanced bets usually creates a much better experience overall.

Why Many Beginners Start With Pass Line Bets

Although craps has a reputation for being complicated, many players begin with very simple bets.

The pass line bet is popular because it’s straightforward and easy to follow. Players are essentially betting that the shooter will succeed, which makes it a natural starting point for beginners learning the flow of the game.

Over time, players may begin exploring more advanced betting options like place bets or come bets as they become more comfortable with how rounds develop.

This gradual learning curve is one reason many players stick with craps once they’ve tried it.

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Conclusion

Craps isn’t as hard as it looks. It’s fun and fast. Once you know the basic rules, terms and types of bets, you’ll feel more comfortable and ready to play. Remember, always make a budget before playing and stick to it.

FAQs

Is craps difficult to learn?

Craps can seem complicated at first because of the number of betting options, but many players start with simple bets and learn gradually over time.

What is the safest bet in craps for beginners?

Many beginners start with pass line bets because they are straightforward and easy to understand.

What does “craps” mean in the game?

In craps, the term usually refers to rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll.

Can you play craps online?

Yes. Players can access virtual and live dealer versions of craps through online casino platforms like PokerStars.

Why is craps considered a social casino game?

Multiple players can bet on the same roll, which often creates a lively and interactive atmosphere around the table.

Is craps based entirely on luck?

The dice outcomes are random, but players can still choose between different betting strategies and wager types.
Written By
David Lynch

Experienced writer and editor based in Ireland. Attends poker events, covers all casino games and slots, but is really a keen blackjack and roulette player at heart. A sports fanatic among all other things with a soft spot for soccer and F1