Craps for Beginners: Simple Rules and Strategies

Are you new to craps and overwhelmed by the betting table? Don’t worry. At SG777 our Craps for Beginners guide offers simple step-by-step instructions to help you quickly grasp the basics and join the game with ease. In just minutes, you’ll be ready for a safe and fun craps experience.

Why Does Craps For Beginners Often Feel Difficult To Get Started?

Many newcomers are intimidated by the Craps table because the layout can seem confusing with its array of betting boxes and unfamiliar terminology. The fast pace of the game and the loud cheering can also create pressure, making you hesitate to participate. However, the nature of craps for beginners is extremely simple once you understand the core rules.

The problem is not the difficulty of the game, but the lack of a clear guide to craps betting. In fact, you only need to start with one or two basic bets to get started right away. We will show you exactly how to do it, removing all the unnecessary complexity.

Challenges faced in craps for beginners
Challenges faced in craps for beginners

Basic Craps Rules: Learn the Game in Minutes

To get started with craps for beginners, you just need to understand the first betting round, called the Come Out Roll. A player, called the Shooter (the person rolling the dice), will roll a pair of dice to start the round. There are three main outcomes that can occur in this first roll.

  • Natural: If the total of the two dice is 7 or 11, those who bet on Pass Line win immediately. The betting round ends and a new round begins.
  • Craps: If the total is 2, 3, or 12, those who bet on the Pass Line lose. The betting round also ends.
  • Point: If the total is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes Point. A round disc (called a Puck) is turned to the “On” side and placed in the corresponding numbered box on the table to mark it. 

Once a Point has been set, the Shooter’s goal is to roll the exact same Point number again before rolling a 7. If the Point is rolled first, the Pass Line bet wins. If the 7 is rolled first, the Pass Line bet loses and the round ends. Understanding the rules of craps for beginners is the foundation for your confidence.

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Learn and master the basic rules
Learn and master the basic rules

How to Bet on Craps for Beginners: Start Safely and Smartly

With craps for beginners, it is important to start with bets that have the lowest house edge. This will help you play longer and increase your chances of winning. We recommend focusing on the following three main types of bets.

Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bets: The Two Most Basic Options

The Pass Line Bet is the most common bet and a great place to start. You bet that the Shooter will win, i.e. roll a 7 or 11 on the Come Out Roll, or duplicate the Point before rolling a 7. This is a basic bet and has a house edge of only 1.41%.

On the other hand, the Don’t Pass Line Bet is a bet against the Shooter. You win if the Come Out Roll is a 2 or 3 (a tie if it is a 12), or if the Shooter rolls a 7 before repeating the Point. This bet has a slightly lower house edge of 1.36%.

Odds Bet: A Simple Craps Strategy to Maximize Your Winning Chances

This is one of the most recommended bets for beginners, offering fair odds. Once a Point is established, you can place a side bet called an Odds Bet after your Pass Line bet. The unique thing about the Odds Bet is that it has no house edge, meaning you are paid according to the actual craps payout.

This is an easy to understand and extremely effective craps for beginners strategy. By using the Odds bet wisely, you can reduce the overall house edge and improve balance in your play. Always take advantage of the Odds bet is one of the most important craps tips for beginners.

Come and Don’t Come Bets: Expanding the Betting Roll After the First Roll

Once the Point has been determined, you can place a Come Bet. This bet works exactly like a new Pass Line Bet. The next roll of the dice will be the “come out roll” for your bet. If it comes up 7 or 11, you win. If it comes up 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number will become your own “Come Point”.

Similarly, the Don’t Come bet works exactly like the Don’t Pass Line Bet, but is placed after the main Point has been established. This is the way to get in on more action on the table.

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Strategy to expand betting options
Strategy to expand betting options

Craps Table Explained: Understanding the Layout and Bet Types

At first glance, a craps for beginners table can be confusing, but it is organized very logically. The layout of the table is symmetrical at both ends, allowing players on both sides to participate easily.

  • The Pass Line area is a wide strip that runs along the edge of the table closest to the player. Right next to it is the Don’t Pass area. The Come area is a large box in the corner, while the Field Bet is a large area in the middle where you bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
  • The center of the table is where the more complex bets are. A Place Bet is a bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. Proposition Bets are one-time bets on the outcome of the next roll, such as an Any 7 Bet (bet that a 7 will come out), a Hardways Bet (bet that a pair of identical numbers will come out, e.g., 4-4), or a Big 6/Big 8 Bet. We advise beginners to avoid these bets as they have a very high house edge.

Is Craps Hard to Play? Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Many people who are new to the world of craps often wonder whether this game is complicated or not. In fact, there are many craps for beginners that have been built to help players get acquainted easily. SG777 also realizes that most new players have certain questions in common. Therefore, we have compiled and answered them below, helping you understand better and confidently participate in each bet.

How do craps odds work?

The odds in craps for beginners are based on the 36 possible combinations of two six-sided dice. The number 7 is the most likely number (6 possible combinations), while 2 and 12 are the least likely (only 1 possible). Understanding this helps you understand why some bets pay out better than others and why 7 is the most important number in the game.

What are the best craps bets for beginners?

Without a doubt, the best bet for a craps for beginners is a combination of the Pass Line Bet and the Odds Bet. This craps strategy is extremely simple, easy to follow, and most importantly, has a very low house edge. By focusing on this bet, you can enjoy the game without worrying about complicated rules.

A few craps terms for beginners to know

  • Shooter: The person who is rolling the dice.
  • Come Out Roll: The first roll of a new betting round.
  • Point: The number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) set in the Come Out Roll.
  • Puck: The circular disc used to indicate the Point. The “Off” side means the Come Out Roll is in progress, the “On” side means a Point has been set.
  • Natural: A total of 7 or 11 in the Come Out Roll.
Popular bet options explained
Popular bet options explained

Conclusion

So, you have seen that approaching craps for beginners is not complicated. By starting with basic bets like Pass Line Bet and understanding the basic craps rules, you can better understand the game. SG 777 believes that with this knowledge, you are ready to enjoy the excitement of the dice table responsibly.