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How to Play Craps for Dummies

Updated on: December 22nd, 2022


Play Craps Online and WinKnowing how to play craps comes with understanding the rules of the game. Craps is a casino game that’s played with a pair of dice as opposed to a deck of cards as seen with other casino games. In addition to dice, the game is played using a craps table with various sections engraved on it. The table accommodates a boxman, a stickman, two standing dealers, and of course, you, the player.

The craps table has various sections on it and it’s important for you to understand what each section means if you want to know how to play craps. At first, glanced it might all seem daunting, but with time and practice, you’ll master the game and its rules. A standard craps table used at most online casinos features two identical sections. These two sections are called the side section and the center or middle section.

The two side sections are controlled by the two dealers present. It now makes sense why there are two dealers facilitating a game of craps. The center section is controlled by the stickman. The middle section and the side section located on the customer’s end are the only two sections that apply to you.

Focus only on mastering these two. Now, there are players on both ends of the craps table, and everyone is allowed to deal in the center section. However, out of the two identical sides, you as the player are only allowed to deal on the side where you are standing.

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How to Play Craps for Beginners – Table Layout

We’ve touched on the online craps table layout above, now let’s dive a little deeper. You should know now that there are two identical side sections. Each side section is divided into two areas, one for the dealer and one self-service area. Furthermore, there are a number of bets that you can make in these subsections on the table.

The Self Service Area

The self-service section covers Don’t Pass Line, Pass Line, Come. Don’t Come and Field bets. At the self-service section (also called the player’s section) you are able to place your own bets without the help of the dealer. To make a bet, you simply place your chips on the area that corresponds with the kind of bet you want to make.

The dealer’s area

The dealer’s area has six small squares which box the numbers 10, 9, 8, 6, 5, and 4. If you happen to win a round, the dealer will place a puck displaying the “on” position inside the point box that matches the point number. Remember, you are not allowed to move in the dealer’s section.

The center section

The center section is a communal area and is open for anyone to use. Here is where you’ll find the different proposition bets and this section is controlled by the stick man. You are not allowed to move freely in this section as you move freely on your end of the side sections. If you want to place a proposition bet, you must signal the stick man, and he’ll assist you.

If the stick man is busy handling the request of another player at that time, you may place your wager in the apron. The dealer will then take it from there, and the place is in the right spot on behalf of the stick man.

How to play craps online

Basic Craps Game Rules

The game officially begins when the “come out” roll bet. This is the first roll of dice which sets the game in motion. You may be required to first make a bet before rolling the dice. Your first bet will either be a pass line, or a don’t pass line bet. The person who shoots is usually the newest player to the game.

Now, the result of the “come out” roll will determine whether the game continues or not. For the game to continue, the pair of dice must produce a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10. If it produces a 2, 3, or 12, then that round craps out meaning it’s over. Similarly, if the outcome of the two dice is a 7 or 11, the game ends. This is known as a “natural”.

The next stage of the game involves establishing a point number. The point number will be whatever number the very next dice roll produces. The point number will then be used as a reference for the following dice rolls. If you are the next shooter and your roll result matches the point number, then you win for all bets on the pass line. If a seven is produced, the round ends, and you lose your stake. The game continues in this order. Fairly easy, right?

How to Play Craps Dice Game

The best way to learn how to play craps is to do so online. This is because many online casinos usually give craps players the option of playing real money games or free games. You can use the free game option to your advantage by taking that time to familiarize yourself with the various craps rules, the craps table layout, and the various betting options available to you.

It also gives you time to devise a strategy that can reduce the house edge. Free craps games online are risk-free and have no negative consequences because there is no real money involved. You are also not pressured by other players or the dealers who are staring at you waiting for you to make a move.

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