If you walk onto any physical casino floor, the loudest and most energetic area is almost always the Craps table.

It is a unique gambling experience where players actively cheer for each other and celebrate shared victories.

The massive felt board, covered in strange terminology and dozens of betting boxes, scares many novices away.

Fortunately, you only need to learn a few basic rules to jump in and enjoy some of the best odds in the casino.

In this article, we will break down the absolute basics of Craps so you can confidently approach the table.

How a Round of Craps Actually Works

Every round of Craps begins with what is called the "Come-Out" roll, performed by the designated "shooter."

This first roll dictates the direction of the game, either resulting in an instant win/loss or establishing a target number.

Once the Point is established, the dealer places a large white puck labeled "ON" above that number on the table.

The shooter keeps throwing the dice repeatedly; rolling the Point is a victory for the table.

Rolling a 7 ends the round immediately, sweeping away the bets on the table, and the dice pass to the next player.

The Only Two Bets a Beginner Needs

While there are dozens of exotic bets on the table, beginners should focus exclusively on the Pass Line bet.

You place your Pass Line bet immediately before the Come-Out roll occurs.

If the 7 hits before the Point, your Pass Line bet loses. It is that simple.

Alternatively, you can bet the "Don't Pass" line, which is essentially betting against the shooter.

Betting the Pass Line means you are playing with the crowd, cheering for the shooter to succeed.

How to Lower the House Edge to Zero

Once a Point is established, Craps offers a hidden bet that is mathematically the best wager in any casino.

It is the only wager in the entire building where the casino has absolutely no statistical advantage over you.

For example, if the Point is 4, the true odds of rolling a 4 before a 7 are 2 to 1.

Smart players make the minimum allowed bet on the Pass Line and maximize their Odds bet behind it.

If you are unsure how much you can bet, simply ask the dealer, "What are the max odds?" and they will gladly assist you.

Craps Terminology for Beginners

• The Shooter: The person actively rolling. The dice rotate around the table after a Seven Out.


• Establishing the Point: The primary goal of the initial throw.


• Target Number: Marked by the ON puck. The number needed to win Pass Line bets.


• Sevening Out: The worst roll possible during the Point phase. Clears the board.


• Free Odds: The secret weapon of professional Craps players.

Which Side of the Dice Are You On?

The secret to Craps is sticking strictly to the edges of the board where the mathematically sound bets live.

Once you understand how the Pass Line and Odds bets work, you are ready to join a live game.

The dealers are there to help; they will gladly guide you on when to place your bets and how much you can wager.

Cheer with the crowd, celebrate the hot rolls, and experience the unique magic of the Craps table.