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Craps for Beginners

If you’ve ever walked past a noisy, cheering crowd at a casino table, chances are you witnessed a game of craps. But craps game isn’t just about rolling dice – it’s about adrenaline, smart bets, and shared excitement. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes craps so fun, how to play it properly, and how you can boost your chances of walking away a winner.
A Bit of History and Fun Facts About Craps
Craps has its roots in England, where it evolved from an old dice game called “Hazard”. The game later made its way to the United States in the 19th century, where it quickly became a staple in casinos and street gambling. Interestingly, the name “craps” comes from the French word “crapaud”, meaning “toad,” referring to how poorer players used to squat like frogs while playing on the streets. One of the most fascinating records in the game’s history happened in 2009, when a woman in Las Vegas rolled the dice 154 times without hitting a 7—a streak that amazed even seasoned players. Today, craps remains a high-energy game, and in places like Las Vegas, there are even official craps tournaments offering prize pools in the thousands of dollars.
What Is Craps?
Craps is played with two six-sided dice. One of the players – known as the shooter – rolls the dice while others place bets on the outcome. The game begins with the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, bets on the shooter win. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, those bets lose. Any other number becomes the point, and the goal now is for the shooter to roll that same point again before a 7 appears.
How to Play Craps
Craps is a fast-paced dice game played with two six-sided dice. While it may seem confusing at first glance, the basic rules are quite easy to understand. The game begins with what’s called a come-out roll, where the shooter (the player rolling the dice) throws both dice. If the total is 7 or 11, it’s called a natural, and Pass Line bets win. If the total is 2, 3, or 12, that’s known as craps, and Pass Line bets lose.
Any other number – 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10—becomes the point Once a point is set, the shooter continues rolling the dice. The goal from here is to roll the same point number again before rolling a 7. If the point is rolled first, Pass Line bets win. But if a 7 appears before the point is repeated, the shooter sevens out, and Pass Line bets lose. That’s the basic flow of the game simple, exciting, and full of energy!
Best Bets for Beginners
Craps offers a wide range of betting options, but some are more beginner-friendly:
Pass Line
A classic bet where you’re betting on the shooter to win. Roll a 7 or 11 on the first try and you win. Roll a 2, 3, or 12 and you lose. Anything else becomes the “point,” and the shooter must hit that number again before rolling a 7.
Don’t Pass
This is essentially betting against the shooter. You win if a 7 appears before the point is repeated. It’s a safer long-term strategy that many seasoned players favor.
Place Bets
Once a point is set, you can place side bets on specific numbers like 6 or 8. These are considered strong options because of their good odds and moderate risk.
A Simple Strategy That Works

If you’re just getting into craps, here’s a basic approach that can help balance risk and reward:
- Bet 10 units on Don’t Pass
- Add 6 units each on Place 6 and Place 8
If the shooter fails to hit the point, you win the Don’t Pass. But if 6 or 8 are rolled before a 7, you make profit from the Place bets. It’s a great way to hedge your chances and stay in the game longer.
Glossary of Key Craps Terms
- Shooter – The player who rolls the dice during the game. Each new round begins with a new shooter or the same one if they continue winning.
- Point – A number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) established on the come – out roll. The shooter must roll this number again before a 7 to win.
- Craps numbers – The numbers 2, 3, and 12, which are losing outcomes on the come-out roll for Pass Line bets.
- Seven out – When the shooter rolls a 7 after the point has been set, ending their turn and resulting in a loss for most bets on the table.
- Hard way – A specific type of bet that the shooter will roll a pair (like 2+2 or 4+4) before rolling a 7 or before that number comes in an easier combination (e.g., 5+3 for an 8 instead of 4+4).
Natural – A 7 or 11 rolled on the come-out roll. These are instant wins for Pass Line bets.
Common Mistakes Made by Beginners
One of the most frequent mistakes new players make is betting on every single roll. This kind of overbetting can drain your bankroll quickly, especially when luck isn’t on your side. Another risky habit is chasing losses by doubling bets, often referred to as the Martingale system. While it may seem like a way to recover quickly, it can lead to massive losses if a losing streak continues.
Many beginners also ignore the house edge, placing bets with poor odds simply because they seem exciting. Failing to understand which bets favor the casino more can cost you in the long run. Another major mistake is not knowing when to stop—some players get caught up in the thrill and keep playing even after a big win, eventually giving it all back. Finally, jumping into the game without fully understanding the rules or bet types can be disastrous. Craps may seem chaotic at first, but taking the time to learn the basics can make a huge difference in your experience—and your results.
A Real Player’s Story: “How I Won Playing Craps”
“While traveling in Prague, I gave craps a try with just 100 euros. I started with 10 on Don’t Pass, and placed 6 euros each on 6 and 8. Within a few rolls, the shooter hit both 6 and 8, earning me some nice payouts. Then a 7 came, and I won the Don’t Pass too. At that point, I was up to 180 euros. I didn’t push my luck—just played smart and cashed out at 320 euros. The win felt great, but the thrill of the game was even better!”
Where is Craps popular?
USA (especially Las Vegas and Atlantic City)
Extremely popular dice table game. Craps tables are often among the liveliest and noisiest in casinos.
American players love the social element of the game – cheering, high-fives and shared excitement.
Europe
Less popular than roulette and blackjack. Some casinos don’t even have a craps table. But interest is growing, especially among younger players.
Online Casinos
Online craps is less popular than slots and blackjack, but enjoys steady interest, especially in live casino platforms (“Live Craps”).
Many new players learn the rules through demo versions or training games.
How to Join a Craps Table the Smart Way
- Set a spending limit – Play with what you’re prepared to lose.
- Avoid high-risk bets like “Any Seven” or “Yo-Eleven” – they have poor odds.
- Watch the shooter – If they’re on a hot streak, consider Place bets.
- Don’t chase losses – Craps rewards patience, not desperation.
- Cash out when ahead – A small win is better than chasing a big loss.
Why People Love Craps?
FAQ
What is craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolls using two six-sided dice. It’s fast-paced, energetic, and popular in both land-based and online casinos.
Is craps hard to learn?
At first it might seem complicated because of the many betting options, but the basic rules are simple: roll the dice, aim for a 7 or 11 on the first throw (called a “natural”), or try to hit the “point” before rolling a 7.
What is the best bet for beginners?
The Pass Line bet is the easiest and safest starting point. It has a low house edge and is the core of most craps strategies. The Don’t Pass bet is also a good option for more conservative players.
What is a point in craps?
If the first roll (come-out roll) is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. The goal then is to roll that number again before a 7 appears.
What does “seven out” mean?
Seven out happens when the shooter rolls a 7 after a point has been set. This ends the round and causes most bets to lose (especially Pass Line bets).
Can I play craps online?
Yes! Many online casinos offer virtual craps and even live dealer craps games, where you can watch a real table via video stream and place bets in real-time.