For Craps novices, the whole scene surrounding the game can seem like a jumbled mess. That's because the board features all kinds of numbers and boxes while the game is ran by a total of four different people. But if you take the time to learn the various bets, and the functions of the people running the game then Craps rules are actually pretty easy to understand.
EmployeesThere are several employees who run a Craps game (unless you're playing online) with the boss of the game being the boxman. The boxman sits in the middle of the table and keeps an eye on everything to make sure the craps rules are being followed. There are also 2 different dealers at a Craps table and their function is to pay out winning bets as well as collect the losing players' chips. The stickman controls the game by waiting for all bets to be taken and then pushing the dice to people when it's their turn.
The ShooterCraps rules state that each betting round must begin with a "shooter" that rolls the dice. A round starts with the shooter throwing their first roll known as the "come-out roll". If the roll comes up 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12 then that round will end and a new round begins with the same shooter still rolling. If the shooter rolls a 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 then they have established the "point" and must keep rolling until they roll the same point again or a 7. If the shooter does roll point again then a new round will start with the same shooter while rolling a 7 means that the round is over and a new shooter will roll the dice.
The BetsThere are many different bets people can make in Craps and it's very important to know the main wagers. One main bet players make is the "pass line bet" and anyone who makes this wager is wishing for a 7 or 11 while hoping a 2, 3, or 12 is not rolled since this will lose the bet. A 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 will establish the "point" (new number that makes or loses a bet) and those who made pass line bets will hope for another point throw since it will win their bet. The "don't pass line bet" sees people hoping for the opposite of a pass line bet since a 2 or 3 will win while a 7 or 11 will lose the wager; a 12 is considered a push. If a point is rolled then another point throw will lose the wager, but another 7 will win the bet.
A "come bet" has people hoping for the same rolls as a pass line bet with a 7 or 11 winning and a 2, 3, or 12 bringing a loss. However, the difference is that craps rules see a come bet made after the point has already been established. If the shooter rolls something else then a new point will be established with bettors hoping for the point to be rolled and not a 7. A "don't come bet" is also made after the point is established and follows the same rules as a don't pass line bet where a 2 or 3 wins, a 7 or 11 loses, and a 12 is a push. If another point is established then bettors will need a 7 to be thrown instead of the point throw in order to win the wager.
