If you walk onto a casino floor, it is usually incredibly easy to locate the Craps pit; just follow the noise.
However, for a beginner, this massive, raucous table can be the most intimidating place in the entire building.
Because it looks so incredibly complicated, most casual players simply walk past the Craps table and sit down at a slot machine instead.
We will ignore the terrible, high-risk bets in the center of the table and focus entirely on the core mechanics of the game.
Understanding the Core of Craps: The Pass Line
The Pass Line is the long, curved betting area that wraps entirely around the outside edge of the table layout.
Before the shooter throws the dice, you place your chips directly on the Pass Line.
Outcome 2 (The Instant Loss): If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (these numbers are called “Craps”), the table groans.
If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number officially becomes “The Point.”
For example, if the shooter rolls an 8, the puck goes on the 8. The Come-Out phase is over, and the game enters the second phase.
What Happens After the Point is Established
Once “The Point” is established (let’s use 8 as our example), the rules for your Pass Line bet completely flip.
Your Pass Line bet wins, the dealer pays you 1 to 1, the puck is flipped to “Off,” and the game resets to a brand new Come-Out Roll.
However, there is a massive threat looming over every single roll: the dreaded 7.
The dealer sweeps all the chips off the table, the shooter passes the dice to the next player in line, and the game resets.
You can literally ignore the other 50 bets on the table and have an amazing, mathematically sound evening playing just the Pass Line.
The Secret Weapon: “Taking Odds” Behind the Line
This secondary bet is called “Odds,” and it is the absolute holy grail of casino gambling.
The Odds bet is the ONLY bet in the entire casino that carries a 0.00% House Edge.
If the Point is 6 or 8 (the easiest points to hit), the true odds are 6 to 5. The Odds bet pays exactly 6 to 5.
To take advantage of this incredible mathematical anomaly, professional players always keep their initial Pass Line bet as low as possible (the table minimum).
With the Pass Line and the Free Odds bet in your arsenal, you are fully equipped to dominate the Craps pit.
The Craps Cheat Sheet for Beginners
- The Instant Win/Loss: On the Come-Out, 7/11 Wins. 2/3/12 Loses. Any other number becomes “The Point.”
- The Danger Zone: During this phase, if the shooter rolls a 7, everybody loses (Sevening Out).
- The Secret Bet: The Odds bet has a 0% House Edge. Always take the maximum odds the casino allows.
- The Sucker Bets: Ignore the center of the table completely. These bets carry massive house edges (often 10% to 16%).
The Dice Combinations Explained
| Dice Total (The Roll) | Number of Ways to Roll It | The Probability (Out of 36) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 (Snake Eyes) or 12 (Boxcars) | Only 1 way each (1-1 or 6-6) | Statistically the rarest rolls on the table. |
| 6 or 8 | 5 ways each | The easiest points to hit, but still harder than a 7. The Odds bet pays 6:5. |
| The True Odds | The payouts are based perfectly on these specific combinations. | Understanding this table reveals the absolute genius behind the design of the Craps layout. |
Do not let the complex layout and the shouting dealers intimidate you from experiencing the best game in the building.
When it is your turn to throw the dice, simply ensure they hit the back wall of the table, and try to relax.
Walk confidently up to the table, wait for the black puck to flip to “OFF” (indicating a new Come-Out roll), and drop your chips on the Pass Line.