The general rules of craps and some idea of how the game is played. before you leave this page be sure to visit the definitive craps instruction page below. If you want to learn about craps try this link.

Man has played dice since biblical times, when they cast lots for Christ's garments. The phrase "the die has been cast" refers to dice. The name Craps is a more recent and modern addition to the gambling language. As most games of chance, "Craps", as we shall call it, is a relatively simple game the complications arise from the betting more than the game itself.

THE VEGAS VERSION

In Las Vegas craps is played on a large oval shaped table with a felt top containing all the various ways of betting the game. The table is managed by four dealers, One a sort of table boss who oversees the entire game, ensures play proceeds in a proper manner and keeps a sharp eye on all money transactions. A stick man stands directly across from the table boss, controls the dice and passes them on to the player next in line to be the shooter, keeps track of special odds bets in the center of the table, and calls out the number that appears on the dice for each roll. Dealers stand on either side of the table boss one on his left and one on his right. These dealers sell chips to the players, take odds bets and keep track of the shooters point (s). Players stand around this oval shaped table and place their bets or roll the dice in turn. These players are the most noisy group in the Casino. They also have the most fun the comraderie and excitement can be felt and heard through the Casino.

OBJECT OF THE GAME

   Roll the Dice

A "shooter", the person rolling the dice, starts the game when all bets are down and the stick man pushes the dice to him to begin his roll. The shooter throws the dice across the table so they strike the farthest end of the table from where the shooter is standing. This is so the dice cannot be controlled amd the outcome cannot be predetermined. The first roll can have any of the following outcomes; Craps which is a 2,3 or a 12 and a loser, pass which is 7 or 11 and a winner, or a "point" number which can be 4,5,6,8,9,10. When the shooter throws a 2,3 or 12 everyone on the pass line loses, but the shooter may "keep" the dice or continue to roll. If a 7 or 11 is rolled everyone on the pass line wins and the shooter continues to throw. When a 4,5,6,8,9, or 10 is thrown this becomes the shooters "point" and he continues to roll the dice until he (A) makes the "point" or (B) sevens out whichever comes first. If he makes his point he wins and is allowed to continue to roll the dice. If he rolls a seven while on a point he loses and the dice are passed to the next shooter and the process is repeated.

BETTING OPTIONS

LAYOUT

All that confusing looking stuff on the green felt or other soft colored table has a precise meaning and we'll dicuss it item for item.

THE PASS LINE: A bet on the "pass" line is a bet with the shooter. This means that if, on his first toss of the dice, called the "come out" roll a 7 or 11 is thrown the "pass" line bets win and the shooter keeps the dice for another roll. If the shooter rolls a 2,3 or 12 all "pass line" bets lose. The shooter still retains the dice, he can however give them up at any time. Any other number 4,5,6,8,9,10 are called the "point" and the shooter will continue to roll until he makes his point. If a seven appears first the shooter and all pass bets lose. and the dice go to the next player.

THE DON'T PASS LINE: This line bets against the shooter which means he will either crap out with a 2 or a 3, or he will get a point and 7 out before he makes his point. If a 12 is thrown the "don't pass" line becomes a push bet, nobody wins.

THE COME LINE: This line bet can be made any time after the shooters point has been established. You win if the next roll after your bet is a 7 or 11 and lose on a 2,3, or 12. Any number other than these afore mentioned numbers becomes your point and you win IF the number is repeated before a 7 is thrown. In all cases the dealer keeps track of the bets.

THE FIELD: The "field" allows you to make a bet with every roll of the dice but you are limited by choice and you either win or lose on the roll, you get one chance only. You win if the shooter rolls 2,3,4,9,10,11 or 12. But you lose on 5,6,7, or 8. You have 16 ways to win, but the house has 20 ways to win, thus giving the house that ever present edge.

THE BIG SIX OR EIGHT: A bet placed on, what is called the big 6 or the big 8 wins if that number comes up before a 7.

ANY SEVEN BET: You can make this bet any time you feel lucky and think the dice are going to come up seven. Be sure you're guessing right you only get one roll, one chance.

ANY CRAPS BET: AS the opening implies you are betting that a craps will be rolled, 2,3, or 12, in which case you win. Any other number and you lose. Oh yes you only get one shot at it win or lose that's all.

THE HARD WAY BETS:There are four so-called hard way bets, they're called hard way because each of them can only be won if they come up in pairs. 10 with a pair of fives, 8 with a pair of fours, 6 with a pair of threes and a 4 with a pair of twos. Your hard way number must come up before either a seven or your numbers easy way equivalent. For example an 8 with a three and a five or a two and a six. These bets can be made any time before the dice are thrown.

In conclusion to this page let me say, take it slow if you intend to play craps. With but few variations this is the same game that's played in all casinos most everywhere. Watch the game for a while before you get your feet wet. Learn the action first hand and remember be careful out there.

BETTING ODDS: The "Pass" line, "Don't come" line and the "Field" bets are all Even money bets. Bet a dollar win a dollar or lose a dollar. See link to craps instructions below.