The Casinos.com Ultimate Guide to Craps

In my experience, there are four compelling reasons why Craps is an excellent choice of activity for the discerning casino visitor: 

1. It’s fun! No other casino activity gives you as big a social thrill as Craps. Think about it; when you are at most tables, you are focused solely on your own bets. You might say a quick, polite welcome to people at the neighboring seats, and have the occasional convo about the way your luck is going. But when it comes to Craps, everyone round the table is involved with each roll of the dice. It’s almost as if you are part of the team – and everybody loves to belong.  
2. It’s glamorous. Once again, we have movies to thank for much of what we know about the great game of Craps. Inevitably, that adds to the sense you are doing something glamorous when you step up to the table. James Bond, you have so much to answer for! 007 plays the game in Diamonds Are Forever, while other movies like Casino and Ocean’s Thirteen have had memorable Craps scenes. And, for all the initial confusion about the complexity of a Craps table, it does only add to the intrigue.
3. It’s got a low house edge. The lower the edge, the smaller the margin taken by the casino on every game. And the longer your session should, in theory, last. Some Craps bets have a particularly low edge; the Pass Line bet, for instance, averages out at just 1.41%. Many of the other bets available on a Craps game – several of which we will talk about shortly – have a higher house edge. But the overall point stands. It’s totally possible to enjoy a long session at Craps without watching your stack of chips depleted at dismaying and rapid speed.  
4. It gets you close to the action. Eventually during your time at the Craps table, you’ll get a chance to roll the dice that will determine your fortunes – and those of everyone standing around the table. You are not subject to the whim of the turn of a card, or the spin of a wheel, or the machinations of a Random Number Generator. You have the dice in your hand and can roll your way to the right result. That, in my experience, adds a distinct enjoyment and excitement to the experience of being in a casino.   

Someone, way back in the mists of time, created a six-sided cube and ensured each panel carried a number between one and six. And ever since, people have played games with dice. 

Craps is the most prominent casino dice game in which you can wager on the outcome. Specifically, you predict what the total on the upper-facing panels of two dice will be.  

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? And, actually, it is. That really is all you are doing when you play Craps, you wager on the total made by two dice.  

There are all kinds of ways of gambling on that outcome, however. And the terminology around Craps can be incredibly confusing for a newcomer. I can’t think of many other casino games that give rise to so many weird and wonderful names and phrases. 

The universal and eternal popularity of dice games ensures there are several other activities based around dice. You may come across Banka Francesca, Chuck-a-Luck or Sic Bo, each of which is played with three dice. In Klondike, there are five dice on the table. These are just a few of the many dice games you can find across the world in casinos, on street corners and in private gambling rooms. 

For me, though, and for many other experienced casino visitors, it’s clear. The best of the lot is, undoubtedly, Craps.  

The origins and Evolution of the Game 

I do like a casino game whose historical origins are shrouded in mystery. That gives rise to the sense that, when at the table, you’re part of a tradition going back centuries. Rather than playing a game invented within living memory.  

Craps, I am delighted to report, is one such pastime with an extensive history. Its exact origins are undocumented. It may well have sprung up in more than one place. But the most important landmarks on the road to the modern Craps table are as follows. 

In the decades since, Craps has become a popular feature at casinos across the world. And, although the social aspect of Craps is not easy to replicate on online platforms, it’s available and popular in virtual form too. There are plenty of online casinos where you can savor a strong whiff of the game’s eternal appeal.   

The best way to answer this question is to invite you, next time you are in a bustling casino, to look over at the Craps table.  

Atmosphere

First, look at the Roulette wheel, where everybody is fixed on their own bets. Look at the Blackjack table, where each player is staring intently at their own cards, or the dealer’s. Then stroll around the slots and see the trance-like focus as people repeatedly spin the reels. 

OK, now look at the Craps table. The chances are that this will be the noisiest section of any casino. If there are a group of players watching the dice, they’ll be reacting loudly to the result of every roll. 

Quite simply, Craps is fun. It’s fun to play, it’s fun to watch, and that’s why casinos like to offer Craps. They know a good Craps table will boost the atmosphere, adding to the overall excitement and buzz of their venue.  

Low House Edge

Craps is also popular because there are some betting options with an especially low house edge. You sometimes feel you’ve got a serious shot at getting one over on the casino. Although, as with all tables and slots, you know the house will ultimately always win. 

Available Online

As I’ve mentioned already, the collective social element of Craps is not easy to replicate in the digital arena. But some of the most reputable and experienced online casino operators are making an impressive attempt to do so. Online casino bonuses are well worth claiming and help to make your first steps into online craps a lot less expensive.

It’s now possible to play Craps online, particularly with a live dealer. You can get a flavor of standing at a table with a group of like-minded thrill-seekers. No, it’s never going to be as good as the real thing. But it gets close enough to be an exciting and engaging experience still.

The time has come, my friends, to summon up the courage and stiffen the sinews. Now we’ll plunge into the detail of the famous old game of Craps. 

Please bear with me on this. And be assured by my pledge that, while the game may seem excessively complicated on first acquaintance, any confusion should soon pass.  

I shall endeavor to keep the explanations as simple as possible. It may be some time ago, but I do remember my first encounter with a Craps table. And the sense of pleasure as understanding dawned gradually! 

Let us assume, for the purposes of this guide, that we are walking together into a classy brick-and-mortar casino and approaching the Craps table itself. 

Now we’ll look at the object of the game, and I’ll explain what everything on the table means. Plus who all those people around the table are! 

The Objective of the Game 

As I have mentioned already, the aim of the game in Craps is to predict correctly the outcome of rolls of two dice. 

That’s it. That’s all there is to it. Oh, there is a wealth of intriguing terminology involved in this game. There are a huge number of side bets for you to contemplate. But never forget that, at its heart, Craps is simply about predicting the total shown on two dice. 

When we walk through the step-by-step guide to a game round, all will become clearer. But it’s all about those two precious, pesky little dice. 

How the Craps Table Works 

Let’s tackle this head on. When you first walk up to a Craps table, you may be tempted to turn around and walk away again as you contemplate the layout in front of you.  

But with a spot of patience, and a touch of concentration, you’ll fast get to grips with the various areas and what they mean.  

The first thing to say is that the table will be long and rectangular, with high sides. One reason for those high sides is to ensure the dice stay on the table when they are rolled. Although I have seen them fly off the table from one or two particularly vigorous Shooters. 

In the top of each side of the table, you may find grooves where each player can stash their chips during play. Better to keep them there than on the green baize, where they might be disturbed by flying dice. 

On the table itself, you will see the following areas. In essence, they are there to make it possible to bet on a variety of outcomes. 

• Pass Line 
• Don’t Pass Line 
• Come 
• Don’t Come 
• Field 
• Big 6 and Big 8 
• Point Numbers 
• Proposition Bets  

That’s all you need to know for now. But stick around, because I will explain what each of these mean in full.

Who’s Who at the Table 

Even if there are only a couple of gamblers in attendance, a Craps table always looks busy. That’s because there are three or four casino employees on hand to ensure the game runs smoothly.  

They perform the following roles:

• Boxman: The only one of the staff who gets to sit down! The Boxman is stationed next to the casino’s bank and he or she will manage the chips and oversee the dealers. 
• Base Dealers: If this is a large Craps table split into two matching halves, each base dealer administers one of those halves. At a smaller table, you may need only one base dealer. Their job is to collect, and pay out, the bets placed on their half of the table. 
• Stickman: Usually the biggest personality at the table. The one with the clever chat and who’s looking to add to the entertainment. The Stickman takes and pays out the bets in the centre of the table and moves the dice back to the Shooter using – yes, you’ve guessed it – a stick.  

As well as doing their own jobs, each of the team will be keeping an eye on their colleagues and will help if necessary. There’s a lot going on around a Craps table, and the game can move fast at times, so an extra pair of eyes is a good insurance policy.   

One other term that I’ve used already with which you will become familiar with is Shooter. This is the person rolling the dice at any moment in the game.  

As we will see, the role of Shooter passes from player to player. My friends, my safest bet is that before too long, you’ll find yourself with dice in hand as Shooter too! 

From family board games to pitch sports, the only way to truly understand any game is to play it. So, let’s walk through a typical round of Craps. 

Step-by-Step: From Bet to Roll 

So, you’ve approached the Craps table. You’ve waited patiently and politely for the right moment to take your place as one of the players in the game.  

You’ve got your chips, you’re ready to go. What happens now? 

At this point, before the first roll, you place your bet. Decide on which outcome you think will happen and put your chips on the relevant portion of the table.  

The Come-Out Roll 

The first roll of the dice in any round of Craps is called the Come-Out Roll. The Shooter takes the dice and rolls them across the table.  

Now things get interesting. 

There are other bets you can place while a round is taking place. And I’ll explain them shortly. But that is the basic structure of a Craps game.  

Point Established or Natural/Seven-Out 

It’s worth going over this point again, because this is the moment at which Craps can appear utterly baffling to a newbie.

If the Shooter rolls a 7 or an 11 on the Come-Out Roll, the round is over. Likewise, if the dice total 2, 3 or 12, the round is over.  

But if the total on that first roll is any other number, that number becomes the Point. The fortunes of the game depend on whether or not that number is rolled again before a 7 is rolled.  

So a ‘Natural’ is a 7 rolled in the Come-Out Roll, after which the round ends immediately. But a ‘Seven-Out’ is a 7 appearing in a later roll before the Point number is rolled for a second time.  

Seven is a key number in Craps. If it comes up on the first roll, it’s a good thing. If it comes up at any time after that, it’s not. 

I hope and trust, my friends, that you are still with me. Not least because we are about to tackle the most interesting subject of all. And that’s how to gamble on Craps. 

Jeremy Elerick Producer and Host of Color Up

Color Up's Do's and Don'ts #1:

Do: Watch First and Get Comfortable.

Start with simple bets, and just observe the game and other players. Pay attention and you will quickly understand the flow of the game. When you are comfortable, then you can test out that strategy you have been practicing at home.

Don't: Fret when You Lose a Bet.

The 7 is the most common number to be rolled. When it happens, 1 in 6 rolls on average, don’t be surprised to lose your bet. Stay positive, and maybe the next shooter will win back your loses and then some.

Read Full Bio

By now, you should have a fairly good idea how a round of Craps plays out. In which case, it’s high time I explained the main ways in which you can enjoy a bet on the action.  

Please always remember to bet responsibly. With its exciting and rapid nature, it’s possible to get a little carried away with Craps. Don’t let that extend to you losing sight of how much you are wagering. Always stay within your limits. 

Now, the bets and where to find them. 

The Core Bets 

• Pass Line Bet: The first area you come to. It’s closest to the walls of the table wherever you are situated. And handily, it’s clearly marked Pass Line. This bet is placed at the start before the Come-Out Roll. If you make a Pass Line Bet and a 7 or 11 is rolled, you win – and will be paid out at 1:1. So a bet of $10 earns a return of $20. If a 2, 3 or 12 is rolled, you lose. If any other number is rolled and therefore a Point is established, you are paid out at 1:1 if that Point is rolled again before a seven. But you’ll lose if a seven is rolled first.  This is the easiest wager to make in Craps and I’d recommend that, if you are a newcomer to the table, you place a Pass Line Bet or three before moving on to anything more adventurous. 
• Don’t Pass Line Bet: The Don’t Pass Bar is usually situated right next to the Pass Line. Which is appropriate, because this bet is the precise opposite of the Pass Line bet. You are effectively betting against the Shooter. It’s placed before the Come-Out Roll, and you win if a 2 or 3 is rolled there – the exact opposite of the Pass Line outcome. A 12 is usually a Push. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you lose your money while all those around the table who placed a Pass Line bet are celebrating. And, if a Point is set, you want a seven to be rolled before the Point appears again. The house edge on this is a skinny 1.36%, compared to the Pass Line’s 1.41%. 

Odds Bets 

• Taking the Odds: This is an extra bet you can place on a number after the Point has been established in the Come-Out Roll. It’s effectively a delayed version of the Pass Line bet, except that you must select a particular number. If the bet hits, and your chosen number is rolled before a seven, your payout is determined by which number you wagered on. 4 and 10 pay out at 2:1, 5 and 9 pay out at 3:2, while 6 and 8 pay out at 6:5. 
• Laying the Odds: By now, you may be cottoning on that all the principal and popular bets in Craps allow you to wager on the precise opposite. In Laying the Odds, you make an additional bet on a Point number after it has been set by the Come-Out Roll. However, in this case, you are hoping that a seven will be rolled before the number you have wagered on. When you lay the odds, 4 and 10 are paid out at 1:2, 5 and 9 pay out at 2:3, and 6 and 8 at 5:6. These are the precise inverses of the payout when you take them.  
• Come and Don’t Come Bets: It may surprise you at first to see the word Come in big letters on your Craps table. What on Earth could that mean? Well, a Come Bet is the same as a Pass Line bet, except that it is placed in the designated area of the table after the Point has been established. You are effectively wagering on the Shooter rolling a 7 or an 11 before the Point is rolled again. The payout is 1:1, the same as for a Pass Line bet. And yes, a Don’t Come Bet is the reverse; you’ll find the Don’t Come bar next door, and if you wager here, you want the Point to appear again before a 7 or 11 is rolled.  

Proposition Bets 

Let’s now look at some of the other ways in which you can join in a round of Craps. Some have way juicier payout odds. The catch, of course, is that the prospect of a higher return is reflected in the lower likelihood of your selection hitting. You’ll find places on the Craps table where you can place the following bets:

• Hardways: You can wager on a particular total being rolled ‘the hard way’ with a double number before a 7 or an ‘easy way’ is rolled. Say if a 6 is rolled, you want it to be with two 3s (hard) rather than a 4 and a 2 (easy).  The odds on each combination are displayed on your table, and it’s usually about 9:1 odds for a double 3 or a double 4, and about 7:1 for a double 2 or a double 5.  
• Any Seven: This is a single-roll bet. If you think the next roll will produce a 7 from any combination, you’ll find a place on the table for your chips. Be aware, though, that the usual payout of 4:1 gives the house an unusually high edge here of nearly 17%. 
• Any Craps: As you might expect, this is a single-roll bet in which you predict that the next roll of the dice will total 2, 3 or 12. These are the numbers that, in this context, give the game its name. The standard payout for this bet is 7:1. 
• Fire Bet: One of the most exotic propositions you can wager on. It’s placed before the Shooter takes the Come-Out Roll, and you need the Shooter to set four or more different numbers as Points before crapping out. The payout is an alluring 25:1 for four Points, and 250:1 for five, but the house edge on this bet is nearly 25%. 
• Place Bets and Buy Bets: You can wager on a particular number coming up before the Shooter rolls a 7. These bets are closely related, but the Buy bet has a slightly higher payout. Offset by the fact you have to pay a 5% commission to the house. 
• Field Bets: The next area away from the wall, after the Pass Line and the Don’t Pass Bar, is usually the Field. This is where you can place a single-roll bet on the next roll producing a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12. Some casinos pay out 2:1 on the 2 and the 12, while others will give you 3:1 on one of those. The odds will be displayed on the table.   
• Big 6 and Big 8 Bets: Usually sited at an angle on one of the corners of the table, these numbers are prominently displayed. Bet here if you think that chosen number will be rolled before a seven. This may be tempting, but you’re better off using a Place bet for your chosen number, because the house edge is lower.  

Jeremy Elerick Producer and Host of Color Up

Color Up's Do's and Don'ts #2:

Do: Ask Questions.

It’s ok to tell the dealer you are new to the game, and ask questions. They will gladly help, and don’t be surprised if other players try to help you as well.

Don't: Make Bets You Don’t Understand.

The player next to you tosses cheques to the stickman and calls out “give me a horn high ace deuce, and hop the easy 5 and 9’s” Don’t try and copy his bets, if you don’t know what they are. Stick to what you understand. You can always learn about those bets and try them next time.

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Craps is a game that, with its fast-moving twists and turns, lends itself to strategies. Over the years, I’ve watched numerous players deploy a strategy designed to give them the best chance of beating the house. With varying degrees of success, I’ll admit! 

In the end, of course, the house always wins. If you know nothing else about casinos when you walk through the door of an establishment for the first time, please remember that.  

However, it is possible to take things up a notch if you deploy a strategy. Provided you remember that, at its heart, this is a game of betting on the rolls of a pair of dice. Which are, almost by definition, totally random. 

Let’s have a look at some strategies. To understand these and why they could be rewarding, you’ll need to understand house edge. If you don’t yet, check the next section of this guide and come back here later. I’m not going anywhere. Promise.

Conservative Play: The Low-House-Edge Approach 

This is certainly the most popular strategy among beginners to Craps. It’s relatively easy to learn, and you should quickly pick up the nuances of the strategy in a matter of minutes, rather than hours. 

One reason for its popularity is that it focuses on the bets at a Craps table with the lowest house edge. The best example is the Pass Line bet, which as we’ve seen, has a house edge of just 1.41%. 

So, let’s say you start with a Pass Line bet. If the Come-Out Roll establishes a Point, you then place an odds bet on top of your Pass Line bet. This, as mentioned, is paid out at true odds, with no house edge.  

You can also combine this approach with a Come bet. This means you are covering several possible outcomes, while keeping your potential losses low. 

Three-Point Molly 

This is a strategy that comes with an evocative name – and a way of playing that is closely related to the low-house-edge approach. 

The three ‘points’ of the system are one Pass Line bet, and two Come bets on subsequent rolls. So you begin with a Pass Line bet, then place a Come bet to continue the sequence. If another number is rolled, you move on to the third step. 

This is to place another Come bet. If another number is rolled, add a fourth step with another Come bet. Now, consider adding Odds bets to all the established numbers. The more Odds you add, the more the house advantage is lowered on the bet.  

I hope this explains one of the most exotically titled Craps strategies. There are plenty of online videos available to walk you through it in more detail.  

Iron Cross Betting System 

This is a way of covering virtually all the numbers on the Craps table with a one-off bet. I’ve seen many players use this as a way of rounding off their evening. It’s a fun way to sign off for sure.

Essentially, you cover all outcomes by wagering on the Field – 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12 – as well as separate place bets on the 5, 6 and 8. You may need to up your ante on the final two numbers there, just to cover the higher house edge on them. 

Now, when the dice are rolled, any outcome apart from a seven is a winner for you. Bear in mind, of course, that seven is the most common result in Craps. There are so many ways of making that total.  

Regression Betting Strategy 

This approach is less inventively named, and it is ideal for the more cautious player. After a good-sized win, you reduce your stake for the next round.  

This has the effect of cutting your liabilities while you are playing with the house’s money, at least for a time. 

Pressing Winnings Strategy 

You’ll find that in Craps, as with so many varieties of casino games, there are two strategies that are the exact opposite of each other. 

This is the case with pressing your winnings. Which is to do precisely what the regression betting strategy does not do. After a win, you press – which means increasing your bet – to make the most of a hot streak. I definitely don’t recommend this for beginners, or things could be over quickly. Better to find your feet first.

It’s perfectly possible to enjoy an evening around the Craps table without getting too deep into the math. But there’s a lot of math behind this game. No denying it.

Many of my fellow casino guests haven’t studied the probabilities of the various outcomes. This, my friends, is where you can be at an advantage. Just by knowing what the house edge is on all the most common bets at a Craps table.  

House Edge for Popular Bets 

Let me make one thing clear. A higher house edge does not mean you should avoid a particular bet. If you have set a particular strategy for the evening’s play, don’t place arbitrary restrictions on that. Plus, it’s nice to mix your bets up after a while.

Nevertheless, it is useful to know which bets have a higher house edge – such as Hardways. And which have odds that are tilted a little more in your favor. 

How Odds Affect Payouts 

In any form of gambling, odds are an expression of the mathematical probability of a particular outcome taking place.  

You should be able to work out the payout you will get if your bet wins, with a little math.

For example, if you place $10 on a Pass Line bet at odds of 1:1, you receive $10 if you are correct. With your stake added to your return, your payout totals $20. Here, you have doubled your money. 

Let’s say you seek a wager that’s more potentially lucrative, such as a Hardway 6 with a double 3. The odds of this at your casino may be 9:1, in which case your return is nine times your stake, $90, plus your initial investment, for a total of $100. 

Experienced gamblers like me can do these sums in our heads on command. If that’s not you yet, don’t worry. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get adept at clocking a potential payout based on the odds available. 

If, like me, you take pride in always being a gentleman – etiquette is important. It’s essential for your own sense of self-esteem that you conduct yourself in the correct way in a casino. No one wants to stand out for the wrong reasons.

Nowhere is this more important than at the Craps table. There are certain unwritten rules that apply to all casino games. But the social nature of Craps means that other people’s feelings and comfort must be considered, especially so.

You must also consider the fact that there are three or four members of casino staff that need to be treated with respect.  

Add into the mix the enormous number of superstitions around Craps, and there are plenty of pitfalls to avoid.  

So, my friends, allow me to offer you the principal points of Craps table etiquette. Follow these, and you can be sure of a warm welcome. And hopefully an enjoyable session at the table.  

Buying in and Handling Chips 

The first thing to look for on a Craps table as you approach is the black and white puck. This shows whether a round is in progress and a Come-Out Roll has taken place.  

If it has, the white side of the puck will be showing, with the word On. That means you need to wait until the round is over. Once it is over, one of the dealers will turn the puck over to show the black side, with the word Off.  

Wait until the dice are in the middle of the table. Do not put any money on the baize until you are instructed to do so by the dealer.  

Put your cash in the Come area of the table, or on the baize in front of you. Do not attempt to hand it directly to a dealer or the stickman.  

Once your cash has been converted into chips, pick them up and place them in the groove on the top of the table wall in front of you. Don’t leave your stack on the baize itself; it could interfere with the game if it’s struck by a rolling dice.  

Rolling the Dice: Rules and Rituals 

When it comes to the dice itself, there are some important rules to follow. Some of these are key to the integrity of the game, others are simple good manners.  

Once you pick up the dice, never take them over the edge of the table. They should be above the green baize at all times.  

If you are a Shooter, please remember this crucial rule. The dice must be thrown using only one hand. If you do decide to switch from left to right, or vice versa, do not simply transfer the dice. Place them on the table with one hand and pick them up with the other.  

You can’t slide the dice in a transparent attempt to score a particular target. The dice should be thrown. But make sure they do not fly above the level of the dealers’ eyeline.  

Ideally, you should throw the dice hard enough to bounce off the wall at the far end of the table. Even if they do not get that far, they should at least roll well past the halfway point of the table. 

Respecting the Dealers and Other Players 

The Dealers, Boxman, and Stickman all work hard and fast to ensure any game goes smoothly. So, quite apart from the obvious need to treat them with politeness, you must remember to tip them. And make sure you tip them handsomely with an amount that shows you truly appreciate their contribution to your entertainment.  

Although the atmosphere around a Craps table might become loud and exciting, that doesn’t mean you should forget your manners. Always treat your fellow players with respect. 

The baize itself is considered holy ground by experienced Craps players. Don’t besmirch it with your drinks, your mobile phone, or the ash from your cigar.  

Make sure you place your bets without unnecessary delays. And forget about those complicated rituals before rolling the dice that you may have seen in the movies. A good Craps table has a steady rhythm of play, and the other players will not appreciate you shaking the dice 20 times while reciting your mother’s name backwards. 

Jeremy Elerick Producer and Host of Color Up

Color Up's Do's and Don'ts #3:

Do: Set a Budget for Fun.

Bring an amount you are comfortable with potentially losing. Win or lose, this will keep your night stress free.

Don't: Be Afraid to Make a Friend.

Craps is a very social game, maybe the most in the casino. Be friendly, as you will find plenty of time to chat with the players around you. Who knows, maybe your next visit to the table will be with friends.

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By now, I am sure, you’ve cottoned on to the fact that Craps is a world all on its own. It has rituals and rules that need to be understood before you place your first bet. 

Part of that process is recognizing the weird and wonderful terminology around the Craps table. Every casino game has its own jargon, of course, but I reckon getting your head around the Craps lexicon is the most fun you can have in this context. 

Of all the terms applied to the game, I’d suggest getting familiar with the following.

Base Dealers: The staff member in charge of collecting and paying out bets on their half of the table. Do not forget to tip them generously.

Big Red: The number 7, or any bet on it. Because, of course, you should not say the word ‘seven’ at a Craps table. 

Boxman: The casino employee who administers the bank and the chips.  

Cold Table: What happens when players are repeatedly not hitting the Point and keep being sevened out. 

Come/Don’t Come Bet: Effectively the same as a Pass Line bet and a Don’t Pass Line bet, except that they are placed after the Point has been decided on a Come-Out Roll.  

Come-Out Roll: The first roll of the dice by a new Shooter that establishes the Point. 

Crap Out: To roll a 2, 3 or 12 on the Come-Out Roll. Not a particularly good feeling, I can tell you.  

Craps Numbers: 2, 3 and 12. 

Hardways/Easyways: Rolling a 4, 6, 8 or 10. The hardway is with a perfect double, the easyway is any other combination that makes the total. 

Horn Bet: A single-roll bet that the next roll of the dice will produce a 2, 3, 11 or 12. The payout for 2 or 12 is 30:1, while for 3 or 11 it’s 15:1. 

Midnight: A 12 – because that’s the time on the clock at midnight.  

Natural: A roll of 7 or 11 on the Come-Out Roll. 

Pass Line: The easiest bet on the table, placed before the Come-Out Roll. You win if it results in a 7 or an 11. 

Point: Any number on the Come-Out Roll that is not a Natural or the Craps Numbers. So anything but 2, 3, 7, 11 or 12. 

Seven Out: A roll of seven when the Point has been established. Called so because it wipes out so many players’ bets instantly.  

Snake Eyes: A double one.  

Shooter: The player rolling the dice. Patrons take it in turns to roll the dice for each round, and when it’s over, they pass the dice to the left.  

Stickman: The member of casino staff who takes and pays out bets in the middle of the table. They also pass the dice back to the Shooter using his stick. Therefore the name.

Whirl/World Bet: A bet that combines the Horn bet and the Any Seven bet. The seven element is a hedge against the losses on the other numbers if a seven comes up. 

Yo: Craps slang for the number 11. It derives from dealers calling ‘yo-leven’ to distinguish it clearly from ‘seven’. 

There are more, believe me. So many more. But if you remember the terms above, it should set you a solid start as you venture into the world of Craps.  

Now, you could be forgiven for thinking that there’s enough variation within the game of Craps to provide endless entertainment. You would, I contend, be right in thinking so. 

However, there are several variations that are played regions and casinos around the world. And the growth of online gambling has given rise to even more different twists and takes on the game.  

Let’s discuss some while you’re here.

Dice Control and Dice Setting: Myth or Mastery? 

For as long as there have been casino games, players have tried to find an edge to tilt the results in their favor. The most intriguing method of supposedly altering the odds in Craps is dice control. 

There are people, and I’ve met some, who will swear on their mother’s grave about this. They’ll say it’s possible to set the dice in such a way in your hand that you can influence which number will finish facing upwards. 

At the heart of this ‘controlled shooting’ or ‘setting the dice’ is the suggestion that you can limit the rotation of the dice when it leaves your hand.  

I’ve been told that if you can land the dice just before they hit the back wall, and so that they hit that wall only gently, they will rotate less. So you can bet on the possible numbers that will come up beforehand.

As you may be able to tell, I’m extremely skeptical about this. Not least because casinos are aware of the whispering around dice control. And have naturally taken steps to address it. 

For one thing, casinos usually insist that your dice hit the back wall of the table when you roll them. And the back wall itself, you will notice, is not flat. Most casinos use a coating of little rubber pyramids on that wall to ensure that when dice hit it, they fly off in random directions.  

Tracking Shooter Hot Streaks 

Nothing raises the excitement – and level of noise – around a Craps table like a hot streak. This is the phrase to describe the phenomenon when a Shooter rolls a series of winning totals. 

Some Craps fans like to try to track such a streak. They increase their bets in the hope that the streak will continue – and they’ll collect some tasty payouts. 

While hot streaks are undoubtedly fun to watch, there is absolutely no mathematical justification for risking your bankroll on them.  

Remember, we are talking about the outcome of a dice roll. Each roll is a totally separate event, which means there is nothing to stop a hot streak coming to a crashing halt at any roll of the dice. 

Hot streaks are fun, but I’d advise strongly against thinking of them as the basis for a staking strategy! 

There are several staking systems you can apply to your Craps play. I would never dissuade you from following one to add a little extra structure and interest to your session.  But don't think they're going to make all the difference for you. It simply doesn't work like that.

Craps is an exciting casino game, and a particularly fun casino experience. Enjoy the wins and roll with the losses. And take a large pinch of salt with any systems chat.   

Positive Progression Systems 

With a positive progression system, you increase your stake after a win. This increases your prospect of a big payout, though it also means your subsequent losses will be higher too. 

One of the simplest formats to follow is the Paroli. Let’s say you start off by wagering $1 on your first bet. After each win, increase your stake by $1 up to a maximum of $8. Then when you lose, your next bet is $1. 

The 1-3-2-6 system is like the Paroli. After each win, your next stake is the next number on the sequence. And when you lose, you go back to the start.  

Experts have staged simulations of thousands of plays of such systems, without any results suggesting you will gain advantage overall.  

Negative Progression Systems 

Nothing proves that no system is a surefire winner like the fact there are opposites to the positive systems. With a negative progression, you raise your stake after a loss rather than after a win.  

The most famous of these is the Martingale, which I’ve seen applied to a range of casino games. Whatever your stake is, when you have a loser, you double it on the next bet. 

As you can imagine, you need a massive bankroll to be able to run the Martingale properly. Especially if there are a string of losing results.  

Similarly, under the Fibonacci system, you increase your stake after a loser. Your staking pattern follows the Fibonacci sequence in which each number is the sum of the two that preceded it. So 0 to 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and so on.

Again, a long streak of losers can quickly see you placing some very large bets indeed. Negative progression systems, and indeed systems in general, are not for the faint-hearted or the casual player. 

Fixed Betting and Flat Betting 

These terms are generally used to describe the safety-first approach. Here, you place the same stake on each bet, regardless of how many winners or losers are betting. 

This is, I would suggest, the best way to start betting on Craps. You get used to the rhythm of the table and become more familiar with staking patterns generally. 

Flat betting also means you can stay completely in control of your bankroll. Well, at least when you’re not chasing exotic outcomes in various corners of the Craps table.  

Now, here’s where I might become seriously unpopular. Craps, more than any other game in the casino, is subject to a huge number of myths and superstitions. 

From my observations, this is due to the collective nature of the game. When you are betting on a Craps game, it’s possible to believe that your fortunes are being affected not by your own actions. But instead by one or many other people around the table.  

I shouldn’t need to say this, but I will. There is no logical foundation to any of the following, all of which I have heard around Craps tables in my time. 

• Hot Dice: A close relative of the hot streak. The idea that a particular set of dice, which has led to a string of wins, is somehow hot or lucky. You can pour cold water on the idea by pointing out that every roll is a fresh roll. 
• Cooler:  One my favorite superstitions. It’s based in the suggestion that certain people bring bad luck to a table or Shooter, merely by standing there. Some casinos even employ individuals posing as coolers to play along with the myth that, when they arrive at the table, the winning streak will end. 
• Lady Luck: There’s a long-standing tradition that female Shooters enjoy better luck than their male counterparts, especially those playing Craps for the first time. Women may often find other players keen to bet on their opening rolls. 
• The Dealers Hate You: Maybe it’s because they are part of a gang of three or four. Maybe because they are representatives of the casino. But I know some players are convinced the dealers have it in for them. You could not be more wrong. The dealers may not want you to clear the house out, but they want you to have a great time. After all, that means you’re more likely to tip.
• Don’t Touch: Keep your hands well away from the table surface to avoid the wrath of this. If the dice hit another player’s hand, the next roll is believed to be cursed. Your fellow players will not thank you for being hands-on. 
• Using the Same Dice: If one of the dice flies off the table, superstition dictates that the next roll with a fresh dice will start a cold streak. Many players insist on finding the offending die and carrying on with it. 

As you can see, logic and reason play a minor role around the Craps table. These superstitions may be good for a bit of fun, and part of the Craps landscape. But please don’t take them too seriously. 

Jeremy Elerick Producer and Host of Color Up

Color Up's Do's and Don'ts #4:

Do: Have Fun, Win or Lose.

Bring a comfortable budget, a positive attitude, and you can’t lose. Stick to bets you understand, and with a little luck you can color up with a win!

Don't: Forget Your Craps Etiquette.

Craps players may be the most superstitious players in the casino. You will find them blaming you for their roll of seven, if you say 7 out loud, or the dice hit your hands because you made a late bet with the dice in the shooters hands. There are other unwritten rules, but observe those two, and you’ll be fine.

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You're almost ready to go. But I couldn't close out without giving you a few of my top tips.

Recognize and Ride Hot Tables 

Now I did say that there is no such thing as a sure-fire hot streak. But I must admit that being around a table where a Shooter is in top form is a major rush. 

The most obvious clue that such a run is happening will be the noise. Listen out for screams and yells of delight as roll after roll yields another win for the Field and Odds backers. 

If you’re quick, you can buy in on a hot table. Though you should not disrupt the rhythm of the round. You may get a few rolls before the Point is rolled again, or the Shooter produces a 7 to end the round. 

Learn When to Walk Away 

More than any other casino game, the social nature of Craps brings the risk of getting carried away by the atmosphere.  

It can be infectious, it can be exhilarating, and it can tempt you to wager more than you expected. That’s why I strongly suggest you have a clear idea of your limits.  

If you have a certain amount to gamble away, make sure you walk away from the table the moment that number is reached. Don’t be tempted to stick around for a few more rounds in the hope of recovering your losses.  

Similarly, have an idea of your win goal and walk away when you reach it. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing it all again. The overriding message, my friends, is to stay in control and always bet responsibly.  

Build Confidence with Free Craps Simulators 

As you will have gathered by now, there is a lot to learn when it comes to Craps. The many different betting options available can be bewildering to newcomers.  

To learn the moves and nuances of Craps without it costing you money, I suggest finding one of the many free Craps simulators available online. Here you’ll be able to follow through rounds of Craps and see how players win and lose before risking any cash of your own.  

To conclude this ultimate guide to Craps, I’d like to offer you a boiled-down version of the advice contained in it. You can print this off or cut it out and keep it.  

First you will find a simple cheat sheet with my tips on the most popular Craps bets. After that, my top five tips for having the most exciting and successful time at the table.  

In many ways though, the most important thing to remember is this. The house, in the long term, always wins. The trick is to ensure that its victory is as hard-fought and drawn-out as possible. 

Enjoy your play, my friends, and I’ll see you for the Come-Out Roll. 

The Most Popular Craps Bets 

Pass Line: Easiest bet on the table. You win if the first roll is a 7 or 11, you lose if it’s 2, 3 or 12. 
My tip: Combine the Pass Line bet with an Odds bet after the Point is set. 

Don’t Pass Line: The opposite of the Pass Line. If the Come-Out Roll is a 2 or a 3, you win. A 7 or 11 means you lose, and 12 is a push. 
My tip: You may get some heat from other players – you’re effectively betting against them if they’re on the Pass Line. 

Come: Bet after the Point is set. The same as betting on the Pass Line, and it pays 1:1 
My tip: Combine your Come bet with an Odds bet to decrease the house edge. Tell the dealer you want to do this and they will place your chips correctly. 

Don’t Come: The reverse of the Come. Winning numbers are 2 and 3, and you push on 12. If a 7 or 11 comes up on the first roll, you lose. Any other number becomes the Point. 
My tip: Remember it’s got the lowest edge on all Craps bets – and can be used in conjunction with a Martingale system. 

Any Seven: Bet on a 7 being scored on a single roll. Payout is 4:1. 
My tip: Not my favorite bet – remember the house edge is high, at 16.6%. 

Any 11: A single-roll prop bet with a 15:1 payout if an 11 is rolled. 
My tip: Sounds appetizing, but the house edge is high. Maybe one to throw your last chip on. 

Any Craps: Simple, single-roll prop bet that the next roll will score 2, 3 or 12. 
My tip: The 7:1 payout is enticing, but this is a bet with a high house edge. 

Hardway: A prop bet on a double score totaling 4, 6, 8 or 10. 
My tip: Potentially a fun multi-roll bet, but the house edges are relatively high. 

Big 6 or 8: A 1:1 bet that your chosen number comes up before a seven. 
My tip: One of the poorest bets in the building. High house edge and avoided by serious players. 

Field: Single-roll prop bet on any roll of the dice. You can bet on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11 to win. If a 5, 6, 7 or 8 is rolled, you lose. 
My tip: Use the Iron Cross strategy to combine a Field bet with Place bets, so that the only losing number is a 7.  

My Five Top Tips for Enjoyable Craps Play 

Spend time learning the game on free simulators before you play for real.

Observe table etiquette and be polite to fellow players and casino staff.

Respect traditions such as not mentioning the number seven and keeping your drink off the table.

Track your bankroll ups and downs, and always bet responsibly.

Always tip your dealer!