All About Craps
Dice Handling
At a live casino, only specially manufactured dice are used during gameplay and the use of the dice is closely monitored. When a player is in the role of shooter, he or she should use one hand to throw the dice and should remember that they must touch the opposite side of the table to be valid. If the dice roll off the table, they must be inspected by a casino official before gameplay can continue.
Gameplay Basics
A game of craps begins with a 'come out roll'. If the shooter rolls a 7 or an 11, he or she wins the hand and starts a new game with a new come out roll. Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 is an immediate loss for the shooter and the dice are given to the player on the right to begin a new game. If any of the remaining numbers are thrown, the total of the dice are used to establish the 'point'. Dice throws will continue until the point is thrown again and the player wins, or a 7 is thrown and the player loses.
Betting Basics
Bets are placed directly on the craps table. There are 3 sections, each corresponding to a specific type of bet. On each side of the table, players will find the betting lines. These will be labeled pass and don't pass, come and don't come, odds, place, and field. In the center of the table, players can place a variety of proposition bets.
The many betting options in craps may seem overwhelming. The house edge can range from 2% to 17%, depending on the bet, so it's a good idea to become familiar with the safest wagers as well as those to avoid. Try your luck with a few rounds of free craps online before you hit the tables.
