Craps can be a thrilling and fast-paced game, but if you’re a beginner at an Indian casino or anywhere else, it can feel like a maze of rules and unfamiliar terms. Don’t worry – I’m here to break it all down for you in simple terms. Whether you’re in a land-based casino or playing online, understanding the basics of craps can make the difference between enjoying the game and feeling lost at the table.
Understanding the Basics of Roulette
Roulette is a captivating and easy-to-learn casino game that revolves around the spinning of a wheel. The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, each one either colored red or black, with a green pocket for the 0 (or 00 in American Roulette). The goal is simple – players place their bets on where they think the ball will land after the wheel spins. The numbers on the wheel range from 1 to 36, and the wheel features a mix of even and odd numbers, along with high and low ranges.
In roulette, players can place bets on a variety of options, each offering different payouts based on the likelihood of the bet winning. One of the key aspects of roulette is that it offers both inside and outside betting options. Inside bets involve wagering on specific numbers or smaller groups of numbers, while outside bets are placed on larger categories, such as red or black, even or odd, or high or low numbers.
The simplicity of the game makes it accessible to beginners, yet the vast number of betting options can still provide excitement and challenge for seasoned players. Each spin of the wheel brings the possibility of different outcomes, and while the game is based on luck, understanding the different betting strategies can help players manage their bankroll and make the most of their time at the roulette table.
Roulette’s appeal lies in its accessibility and the adrenaline rush of each spin. It’s easy to get started with a basic understanding of the bets, but there’s enough depth in the strategies and variations of the game to keep even the most experienced gamblers engaged. Whether you’re playing European, French, or American roulette, the core principles remain the same, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most iconic games in the casino world.
The Objective of the Game
The main goal of craps is to predict the outcome of the dice rolls. Players can place a variety of bets, but the most common bet is the “pass line” bet, which means you’re betting that the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will win their roll.
- The game starts with the “come-out roll,” where the shooter rolls two dice.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, those who bet on the pass line win immediately.
- If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, those who bet on the pass line lose.
- If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the “point.”
- The shooter will continue to roll the dice, aiming to roll the point number again before rolling a 7.
- If the shooter rolls the point number again, those who bet on the pass line win.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 before the point number, those who bet on the pass line lose.
How Do You Play Craps?
| Step | Action | Outcome | Betting Options | Additional Notes |
| Come-Out Roll | The shooter rolls two dice. | A 7 or 11 wins; 2, 3, or 12 loses; any other number establishes a point. | Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line | This is the first roll of the game. |
| Point Established | The shooter rolls a number between 4-10 (except 7 or 11). | That number becomes the point. | Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line | The shooter will aim to roll this number again. |
| Point Roll Continues | The shooter keeps rolling the dice. | The goal is to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. | Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come | Players can place additional bets after the point is set. |
| Roll a 7 Before Point | The shooter rolls a 7 before the point number. | Players who bet on the pass line lose. | Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line | A “seven-out” results in a loss for pass line bettors. |
| Point Rolled Again | The shooter rolls the point number again before rolling a 7. | Players who bet on the pass line win. | Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come | If the point is rolled again, the pass line bet wins. |
Types of Bets in Craps
Craps offers a wide variety of betting options, each with its own odds and payout structures. Understanding these bets is key to navigating the game successfully. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most common bets you’ll encounter:
The Pass Line Bet is one of the most straightforward and popular bets, especially for beginners. When you place this bet, you are betting that the shooter will win by either rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or by rolling the established point number again before a 7 is rolled. This bet is placed before the come-out roll, and it provides a good introduction to the flow of the game.
The Don’t Pass Line Bet is essentially the opposite of the pass line bet. With this wager, you are betting that the shooter will lose. Specifically, you’re betting that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, or that a 7 will be rolled before the point number is hit. This is considered a bet against the shooter, and it’s often favored by players who believe in betting with the odds.
The Come Bet works similarly to the pass line bet, but it can be placed at any time after the come-out roll. When you place a come bet, you’re betting that the next roll will be a 7 or 11. If any other number is rolled, that becomes your “come point.” To win, you’ll need to roll that same number again before a 7 is rolled. The come bet gives you the opportunity to participate in the game after the point has been established, adding excitement and variety.
The Don’t Come Bet is similar to the don’t pass line bet, but it’s made after the come-out roll. In this case, you’re betting against the shooter, hoping that the next roll will result in a 2, 3, or 12, or that a 7 will be rolled before the come point. This bet is placed after the point is established, and like the don’t pass line bet, it’s often viewed as betting against the shooter’s success.
The Layout of a Craps Table
- Pass Line: This is where you place your initial bet if you’re betting with the shooter.
- Don’t Pass Line: The area where you place your bet if you’re betting against the shooter.
- Come: Where you place bets after the come-out roll, similar to the pass line bet but available at any time during the game.
- Don’t Come: The section for betting against the come bet, similar to the don’t pass line bet but placed after the come-out roll.
- Odds: After a point is established, you can make additional bets to back up your original pass or don’t pass bets, offering the best odds in the game.
- Field: The field bet is a one-roll bet where you bet on a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 being rolled, providing an instant result based on the next roll.
- Place Bets: This section allows you to bet on individual numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7, offering specific payouts based on the number chosen.
- Big 6 and Big 8: Bets placed on 6 or 8 being rolled before a 7, often offering lower payouts compared to place bets.
- Buy Bets: Similar to place bets but with better odds, these are placed on the 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 numbers and require a commission to be paid.
- Lay Bets: Opposite of buy bets, these are placed against specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and also require a commission but offer a different payout structure.
Basic Terminology in Craps
| Term | Definition | Context | Example | Related Bets |
| Shooter | The player who is rolling the dice. | The main person responsible for the roll. | The shooter makes the come-out roll. | Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line |
| Come-Out Roll | The first roll of the dice in a round. | Starts the round and establishes the point. | If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, it’s a win. | Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come |
| Point | The number rolled during the come-out roll that the shooter must match again before rolling a 7. | The goal of the shooter after the come-out roll. | If the point is 8, the shooter aims to roll an 8 again before a 7. | Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Place Bets |
| Seven-Out | When the shooter rolls a 7 before matching their point number. | A loss for pass line bets and ends the round. | The shooter rolls a 7, ending the round. | Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line |
| Point Number | The number established during the come-out roll that the shooter needs to match again. | This is the target number for the shooter to hit. | After a 4 is rolled, 4 is the point. | Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Place Bets |
The Importance of the Shooter
In craps, the shooter plays a crucial role in the flow of the game, as they are the one responsible for rolling the dice. The shooter’s actions and the outcome of their roll can greatly influence the direction of the game, making it one of the most thrilling aspects of craps. When you’re the shooter, the stakes feel higher, as you are the center of attention, and your roll determines the success or failure of many bets placed by other players at the table.
Being the shooter is often seen as an exciting opportunity because it gives the player a sense of control over the outcome of the game. You can physically influence the dice, which adds a layer of personal involvement and excitement. However, it’s essential to understand that, despite how much control a player might feel, craps is ultimately a game of chance. The dice have a mind of their own, and luck is the primary factor in determining whether a shooter wins or loses.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that the shooter holds the key to success, it’s important to remember that the odds are the same for everyone. Whether you’re rolling the dice or watching from the sidelines, each roll is an unpredictable event, with the same potential for success or failure. Even professional shooters cannot guarantee favorable results, as the outcome of each roll is purely dependent on chance.
The excitement of being the shooter comes with the awareness that luck is the deciding factor. Even the most experienced players are subject to the whims of fate when rolling the dice. However, that doesn’t make being the shooter any less thrilling. It’s an integral part of the game that adds energy and anticipation, drawing players into the action and keeping the excitement alive throughout the round.
Strategy Tips for Beginners
- Stick to the Pass Line and Come Bets: As a beginner, it’s best to stick with the simplest bets. Pass line and come bets have a relatively low house edge, giving you a better chance of winning in the long run.
- Avoid the Big 6 and Big 8 Bets: Although these may seem appealing because of their simplicity, the Big 6 and Big 8 bets have a high house edge, making them less favorable for players who want to maximize their chances.
- Take Full Advantage of the Odds Bets: Once a point is established, you can take “odds” bets to back up your pass line or come bets. These have no house edge and give you the best odds in the casino. If you have the option, always take the maximum odds bet!
- Set a Budget and Stick to It: Craps can be fast-paced, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Set a budget for yourself before you start playing, and avoid going over it. This will help you manage your money and keep the experience enjoyable.
- Start Small: Begin by making smaller bets until you become more comfortable with the game. This will help you learn the ropes without risking too much money at once.
- Pay Attention to the Table: Watching how the game unfolds can provide valuable insights, especially if you’re new to craps. Observe the bets being placed, the types of rolls, and how experienced players approach the game.
The Role of Luck in Craps
| Factor | Description | Impact on the Game | How to Maximize Chances | Example |
| Dice Roll | The outcome of the dice roll is completely random. | Determines the success or failure of each bet. | There’s no way to control or predict the roll. | A shooter rolling a 7 can either win or lose depending on the bets. |
| House Edge | The casino’s built-in advantage affects all bets in craps. | Increases the probability of the casino winning. | Stick to low house edge bets (e.g., Pass Line, Come). | A Pass Line bet has a low house edge compared to others like Big 6. |
| Betting Strategy | While luck is key, choosing the right bets can improve your odds. | A smart betting strategy can increase long-term chances. | Focus on bets with low house edge and high payouts. | Betting on the Pass Line can yield better odds than Big 6. |
| Shooter’s Influence | The shooter’s actions can feel like they impact the game, but luck is the dominant factor. | The shooter can create a thrilling atmosphere, but doesn’t control the roll’s outcome. | Be mindful that luck, not skill, is the deciding factor. | Even an experienced shooter can roll a 7 and lose the round. |
| Emotional Impact | Luck can be a psychological factor, influencing your emotions during the game. | Positive or negative streaks can affect betting behavior. | Manage your emotions and stick to your strategy. | A lucky streak can feel like you’re in control, but luck may change at any moment. |
Playing Craps at an Indian Casino
Playing craps at an Indian casino is generally very similar to playing in other casinos, with the main rules of the game remaining the same. However, it’s important to note that there could be slight variations in how the game is played, depending on the specific casino. Indian casinos, like many other gaming establishments, may implement house rules that differ slightly from the standard gameplay you’re familiar with. These variations might include specific betting options, payout structures, or the types of promotions available.
One of the key differences you may encounter is that Indian casinos may have unique promotions or bonuses tied to craps games, which could impact the payout or give players opportunities for additional bets. It’s always a good idea to inquire with the dealers about any special promotions or rules before diving into the game, as they can enhance your overall experience or influence the types of bets you make.
Another thing to consider when playing craps at an Indian casino is the environment. These casinos often have a more relaxed and community-focused vibe, which can add to the enjoyment of the game. The pace of the game might be different from larger commercial casinos, and dealers or other players might take a more personal interest in helping newcomers. This friendly atmosphere can make it easier for beginners to feel more comfortable and get into the flow of the game.
Finally, just like in other casinos, luck is the dominant factor in craps, but the experience at an Indian casino can offer a more intimate and customized experience. With the casino’s unique charm and the potential for promotions or rule variations, playing craps at an Indian casino can be an exciting and memorable experience.
