Ready to Try Your Luck at Craps?
Craps might seem complicated with its bustling table and lots of bets, but it’s actually quite easy once you understand the basics. In social casinos, you can learn the ropes without any pressure or real-money risk. This beginner’s guide will show you how to play craps step-by-step and introduce you to some simple strategies to get started.
Step 1: The Basics – What Is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of the roll of two dice. The game is played in rounds, with the first roll of each round known as the “Come-Out Roll.” The goal is to predict what numbers will appear.
Step 2: The Come-Out Roll – The Starting Point
- Pass Line Bet: This is the most straightforward bet for beginners. Before the Come-Out Roll, place your virtual coins on the “Pass Line.” You’re betting that the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will roll a 7 or 11.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win!
- If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose (this is called “crapping out”).
- If they roll any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “Point.”
Step 3: After the Point Is Set
- If a Point is established (the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the goal changes. Now, the shooter must roll the Point number again before rolling a 7.
- If the Point number is rolled, you win your Pass Line bet.
- If a 7 is rolled before the Point number, you lose (this is called “sevening out”).
Step 4: Other Basic Bets for Beginners
Once you’re comfortable with the Pass Line bet, you can try these simple bets:
- Don’t Pass Line Bet: This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Here, you’re betting that the shooter will not make the Point. You win if they “seven out.”
- Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line bet but made after the Come-Out Roll. This bet establishes a new Point for you to win or lose on.
- Don’t Come Bet: The opposite of the Come Bet. You’re betting against the shooter rolling their new Point.
Step 5: Understanding the Odds
- Free Odds: In craps, you can place extra bets on your Pass Line or Come bets after a Point is established. This is known as taking “Odds” and has no house advantage, which makes it a smart bet.
- Payouts: Most bets have specific payout odds. For example, Pass Line bets pay even money (1:1), while Odds bets pay depending on the Point number (e.g., 2:1 for rolling a 4 or 10, 3:2 for rolling a 5 or 9).
Step 6: Practice Craps in Social Casinos
Craps might feel overwhelming at first, but social casinos are the perfect place to practice. You can make bets, try different strategies, and get comfortable with the flow of the game—all with virtual coins.
Pro Tips for Beginners:
- Stick to Pass Line Bets at first—they’re easy to understand and give you a good feel for the game.
- Take Odds on your Pass Line bet once you’re comfortable. It has the best odds in the game and can help you maximize your wins.
Craps is one of the most thrilling casino games once you get the hang of it. So, take your time, enjoy the practice, and you’ll be rolling like a pro in no time!







