Master the Dice and Learn Basic Craps Rules

Craps continues to be one of the most popular casino games around the world. It is a loud, boisterous, noisy dice game that often appears hopelessly complicated to beginners. You shouldn't be hesitant of approaching the craps table, those crowds are there because it is actually a very exciting game. Before you walk up and try to play, you learn a few things about the craps rules. After all, if you know the craps rules you will be in a better position to win big.

Let's start at the very beginning. Craps is played on an oblong table with high sides. There is a large grid printed on the table, roughly similar to a roulette layout. On this grid there are a number of different betting options, most of which are needlessly complicated and mathematically unfavorable. As a beginner, you only need to know about the pass line. We will go into more detail about what it means according to the craps rules later, but for now just know that you should place a bet there as soon as you walk up to a table.

The craps rules dictate that the chance to throw the dice rotates clockwise around the table. You have the option of throwing the dice if they rotate to you, but it is probably best to watch a few rounds first. The first roll of a player is called the come out role. This roll sets the whole tone of the game, so pay close attention to the craps rules here. If the player rolls a 7 or an 11, everyone who placed a bet on the pass line collects. If you followed my advice, this means you would have won.

In the next stage of the game, the craps rules get a little detailed. If the thrower rolled a 2,3, or 12 they automatically lose. If they rolled a 4,5,6,8,9, or 10. This new number is considered "the point". After establishing a point, the craps rules say that the same player is allowed to continue rolling the dice until the either get a seven or the point number. If they get a seven before they roll the point, they lose. On the other hand, if they happen to roll the point number before the seven, everyone collects who placed a bet on the pass line. Craps rules can actually be quite complex when it comes down to figuring out who should collect and when, so consider this an overview of the basics.

If you feel like placing something other than a pass line bet, you can place a bet on the spot marked don't pass. This position works exactly opposite from the pass line, so 2 and 3 win on the come out roll and 7 and 11 lose. It is a matter of personal preference which one you chose, and the general craps rules operate exactly the same way for the pass and don't pass positions.