When you visit Leelanau Sands Casino you don’t want to miss the craps table. Since it’s one of the most exciting tables games on our casino floor, you’ll often hear cheering around the craps table. Not sure how to play? Let us help!
Win money by betting on what numbers are rolled on a pair of dice. Craps really isn’t complicated when you remember that the entire point is gambling on the sum on a pair of dice. One player rolls the dice, typically trying to get a 7 or 11. Craps is played on an oblong, baize-covered table with high sides. There are two identical markings for most bets so that players could place themselves on.
Craps is a fairly simple game but can get complicated with the sheer number of bets you can make on the table and odds you need to keep track of.
Allow our experts to guide you through the basic rules of craps and teach you how to play…
What You Need to Know About Craps
Craps is one of the only games in the casino where a player is in charge of their own hand. Meaning, instead of you being dealt cards, you get to select and roll your own dice. The goal in craps is to predict how the dice will land.
The table is played in rounds with two phases in a round; the come out and point. Each player’s turn to roll the dice moves clock-wise around the table at the end of each round. There can be up to 20 players at a craps table and everyone will get a chance to throw the dice. If you don’t’ want to throw the dice, you can still play, but you bet on the shooter, or the person throwing the dice.
How Do You Play Craps at the Casino?
When it’s your turn to roll, you’ll be presented with five dice on the table, pick up two of them. You can only handle and throw these dice with one hand. Before you throw you must place a bet on the pass line or don’t pass line (more on this later).
First Phase in Craps: Come out
This is the first roll of the game and the black puck in the middle will say “Off.” A dice roll of 2, 3 or 12 (rolling these numbers is also known as craps) ends the roll and the players lose their bets on the Pass Line, but you get to roll again! A come out roll of 7 or 11 results in a win for bets on the pass line (this is the only time in craps where 7 is good!). The shooter will continue to make come out rolls until they roll a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10. When they land on one of those numbers, it becomes the point. When this happens, the dealer moves the ON button to the point number on the table and this signifies the beginning of the second round.
To recap: Pass line bets on the come out roll: 7 or 11 wins; 2, 3, and 12 lose.
Second Phase in Craps: Point
In the second round, it’s the shooter’s goal to roll the point number they established in the first round.
If the shooter rolls a point number, it’s a win for bets on the pass line and you get to roll again. If the shooter rolls a seven before their point number they “seven out,” and have lost; bets on the pass line lose and the round ends.
To clarify, the first roll in a round is the come out roll and is the beginning of a new game. A come out roll can only happen after the previous shooter makes their point or rolls a seven. When this happens, the dice move to the left of the shooter (clock-wise).
Craps Table Layout
A craps table is divided into two sides, both a mirror image of each other, to allow bettors on each side of the table to play without reaching all over the table.
Each area on the table signifies a different bet.
How to Place Basic Craps Table Bets
There are dozens of bet variations you can place on a craps table, and we won’t cover all of them here.
1) Pass and Don’t Pass Bets
Two of the best and safest bets in craps are bets on the Pass and Don’t Pass lines. When you bet on the Pass line, you’re betting that the shooter will win. The opposite is true for the Don’t Pass line.
To place these bets, simply place your chips in these areas on the table before the come out roll. Once the point is established, you cannot remove your pass line bet. Be sure to ask the dealer if you have any questions before placing your bet!
2) Odds Bets
Once the point is established, you can place odds bets or “bet behind the line.” The odds bet is a great bet because the casino has no advantage. To make this bet, simply place your chips behind your bet in the pass or don’t pass line. These bets can be removed or changed at any time during the round.
3) Numbers Bets
During the points roll, you can place bets on certain numbers that are on the table. If they come up during the points roll, you win! Different numbers have different odds. When you want to place a bet on a number, place your chips in front of you and tell the dealer where you want your bet placed.
4) Field Bets
If you want to play the field, place your chips in this area on the table. If the dice lands on any of the numbers in the field (2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 12) you win! These are one-roll bets, meaning they removed after the dice is rolled.
Tips for Playing Craps
- Never say the number seven at the craps table. It’s bad luck!
- When rolling the dice, roll them hard enough to hit the back wall of the table.
- When on the other end of the table, keep your hands and arms clear to avoid contact with the dice.
- Don’t intentionally hit the chips at the end of the table with the dice
- Don’t make late bets! Know how much and when you want to place a bet.
Play Craps in Leelanau County
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Many inexperienced players fall prey to the misconception craps is easy to play because the outcomes of the dice rolls are based on chance. But as soon as they join the craps table, they find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of betting options and the fast pace of the game.
While craps is indeed a game of chance and players cannot affect the outcome of the tosses in any way, understanding the rules, the table layout, and the types of bets, is essential if you want to end your betting session on profit. If you are new to craps, we suggest you take a look at the following article to learn more about the game and the betting options it offers.
The Table Layout
The game is played on an oblong, baize-covered table with high sides. Most craps tables are identical and have a padded resting rail to further the convenience of players. There are wooden troughs, running throughout the entire length of the padded rail where players can place their chips.
Typically, a craps table can accommodate up to sixteen bettors, with eight players positioned on each of the two sides. The layout itself consists of three sections. The two identical side sections, manned by the dealers, are located at each end of the table. Each of the two side sections can be separated into two areas – the self-service area and the dealer’s area. The self-service area allows for placing Pass Line/Don’t Pass bets, Come/Don’t Come bets, Field, Big 6 and Big 8 bets.
The dealer’s area has six square “point” boxes, containing the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. Numbers 6 and 9 are actually written out as “six” and “nine” to prevent confusion. After a point is established, the dealer would place a puck on that particular number to indicate it is the point.
The craps table has “off” and “on” stages. When the table is “off”, no Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets are accepted because the shooter is yet to make the come-out roll and establish a point. Once the shooter rolls a point, the table is “on” and Pass/Don’t Pass bets can be placed.
The center section of the layout is where the chips for the so-called Proposition and Hardway bets are placed. It matters not whether you are playing in a brick-and-mortar casino or are betting online from the comfort of your home – either way, you will find that the layouts of the online and landbased craps tables are pretty much identical.
The Table Staff
Each craps table is typically manned by four people. The stickman handles the dice and dictates the speed of the game. Note that this individual is not allowed to touch the dice with his bare hands, he pushes them around with a flexible stick with a crooked end, instead, hence the name “stickman”. The stickman would also announce the outcome of each dice roll. Another important function of his is to place the chips for Proposition and Hardway bets on the layout.
Two dealers are positioned on each side of the layout to exchange players’ money for chips and ensure the bets are paid out correctly. They are not allowed to touch the dice under any circumstances.
The fourth person is the seated boxman, who observes the action, supervises the dealers, and keeps track of the house’s bankroll. Should any disputes arise between a player and one of the two dealers, it is the boxman’s job to settle the issue and administer the standard rules of play.
Table Etiquette
One important thing to remember is to place your bets when the dice are located in the center of the table. Tossing chips on the layout while the dice are in mid air is considered a breach of etiquette.
Also, you are recommended to follow the instructions of the table personnel, especially if you are new to the game. The personnel is there to ensure the game runs smoothly, so there is no need to become quarrelsome when they enforce the rules.
When shooting the dice, do your best not to throw them off the table. Shooters should try and hit the table’s opposite wall with both dice. Players are not allowed to remove the dice from the sight of the boxman and stickman. Hitting the chips on the layout with the dice is to be avoided as many superstitious players believe it to be a jinx.
As you can see, playing craps at an established online casino will not only enable you to enjoy the game at your own pace, but will also spare you from having to follow the elaborate etiquette at the table. As a matter of fact, this is one of the biggest advantages of online craps.
Basic Rules of Play
In craps, each player makes individual bets against the house. The person who throws the dice is called a shooter. Every player has the opportunity to be the shooter as his turn comes. The turns change in a clockwise direction. The shooter surrenders the dice when a 7 is thrown. The dice can be handled only by the shooter and the stickman.
How To Play Craps At The Casino
Each new round begins with a come-out roll or the first toss of the dice, so that their combined value can indicate what the point number is. On the following throws, the shooter aims at rolling the point number again before a 7 is tossed. If 7 is rolled after a point has already been established, this is called a seven-out and the shooter must surrender the dice to the next player.
Only numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 are used to establish a point on come-out rolls. Numbers 2, 3 and 12 are called craps numbers and when they are rolled by the shooter, the throw automatically results in a loss for the Pass Line. When the come-out roll results in a 7 or 11, it is considered “a natural” – bets on the Pass Line win, while Don’t Pass bets lose. When a point has been established on the come-out roll, the shooter must throw the dice until the point number is rolled or until he sevens out. All other numbers thrown in the meantime are called “waiting” numbers and do not affect the shooter winning or losing the round.
How To Play Craps Dice Game
Types of Bets in Craps
There are more than 30 possible bets on the outcome of the throw (the combined value of the two dice), but wagers can also be made for or against the shooter. Payouts differ depending on the type of bet players make. The wagers can be divided into two major categories – one-roll bets and bets that involve multiple throws of the dice.
Pass Line Bets
Pass Line bets are among the most important wagers in craps. If players understand how the Pass Line works, they will not experience any difficulties in following the game. These bets are made before the come-out roll.
Bets on the pass line pay even money if:
- The shooter throws 7 or 11 on the come-out roll
- The shooter establishes a point on the come-out roll and manages to throw the point number before 7 is tossed
- Numbers 7 and 11 are called “naturals” because if they are thrown on the come-out roll, all bets on the Pass Line immediately win
Don’t Pass Bets
Don’t Pass wagers involve betting against the shooter, that is betting the shooter will lose. In other words, Don’t Pass bets are precisely the opposite of Pass Line bets. These bets are winning when:
- The shooter scores 2, 3 or 12 (craps) on the come-out roll. Don’t Pass Line bets win on 2 or 3 and tie on 12
- The shooter establishes a point on the come-out roll but sevens out before rolling the point number
Come Bets
This wager functions as an extension of the Pass Line. It can be placed as an additional bet after a point has been established on the come-out roll. The Come bet pays even money if the shooter rolls 7 or 11. If craps numbers 2, 3, or 12 are thrown, the Come bet loses.
When the shooter rolls a point number like 4, 5, 6, 9, or 10, the chips for the Come bets are moved to the point number box corresponding to thrown point number. The Come bet wins if the point number is thrown again and loses if the shooter rolls a 7. Players can make Come bets on every throw if they wish as long as a point has been established.
Don’t Come Bets
These wagers are the opposite of the Come bets and function as an extension of the Don’t Pass bets. Thus, they can be placed only when a point for the Pass Line has been established. Don’t Come bets win on rolls of 2 or 3 and lose on a roll of 7 or 11. A toss of 12 results in a push for all Don’t Come bets. All winning wagers of this type pay out even money.
If a point number is thrown, the chips for the Don’t Come bets are moved behind the point number box of the corresponding number. If the shooter rolls this number again, the bet loses, but if the toss results in a 7, the Don’t Come bets win.
Taking the Odds
If a point has been established on the come-out roll, a player can bet up to 2 times his Pass Line bet that the point number will be thrown before a 7 comes up. This is considered one of the most favorable bets as it comes with 0% house edge and increases the winnings from your original Pass Line wager. Players can take odds on their Pass Line bets at any stage of the game.
Laying the Odds
This is the opposite of taking the odds, although not as favorable. The player bets that a 7 will be thrown before the point number is rolled. As the odds for the Don’t Pass bets are reversed, the player will collect fewer chips than they have originally bet.
Place Bets to Win
Place bets involve multiple rolls of the dice. These are side wagers that can be made at any stage of the game as long as a point has been established. They practically involve betting that the point number (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) will be thrown before a 7 comes up. Winning Place bets have higher payouts but still pay less than the true odds. Players are allowed to raise, decrease or remove their Place bets whenever they like. Also, these wagers are automatically taken off on the come-out roll for the Pass Line. Their payouts are as follows:
- Rolls of 4 or 10 pay 9 to 5
- Rolls of 5 or 9 pay 7 to 5
- Rolls of 6 or 8 pay 7 to 6
Place Bets against 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10
These wagers are precisely the opposite of Place bets as the player is betting that 7 will come up before the shooter throws the point number the bet is placed on. The payouts for winning bets of this type are as follows:
- Rolls of 7 before 4 or 10 pay 5 to 11
- Rolls of 7 before 5 or 9 pay 5 to 8
- Rolls of 7 before 6 or 8 pay 4 to 5
Buy Bets
This type of wager resembles the Place bet, the only difference is it pays true odds. The player bets that 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 will be thrown before a 7. Buy bets pay true odds because they involve the player paying a 5% commission (known as “juice” or “vig”) to the house. If the player loses with a Buy bet, they lose both the commission and their original wager. The juice is returned to the player if they take down their Buy bet before the dice are rolled. The payouts are as follows:
- Rolls of 4 or 10 before 7 pay 2 to 1 with a 5% commission
- Rolls of 5 or 9 before 7 pay 3 to 2 with a 5% commission
- Rolls of 6 or 8 before 7 pay 6 to 5 with a 5% commission
Lay Bets
Lay bets mirror Buy bets because they win whenever a 7 is rolled before the shooter throws the respective point number the bet is placed on. Note that the player is required to pay a 5% vig on their winnings. Winning Lay bets have the following payouts:
- Rolls of 7 before 4 or 10 pay 1 to 2
- Rolls of 7 before 5 or 9 pay 2 to 3
- Rolls of 7 before 6 or 8 pay 5 to 6
Big 6 and 8
These are one-roll wagers, which involve betting that 6 or 8 will be thrown before a 7. When winning, Big 6 and Big 8 bets pay even money. However, players are recommended to avoid them altogether because they have a shockingly high house edge.
Field Bets
These are one-roll bets, which can be made at any stage of the game. The player bets that 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 will be rolled before numbers 5, 6, 7 or 8. Provided that numbers 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11 are rolled, the Field bet will pay even money. When 2 is thrown, the payout will be 2 to 1. A roll of 12 will result in a payout of either 2 to 1 or 3 to 1, depending on the casino. Numbers 5, 6, 7 and 8 are outside the field and when thrown, result in a loss for Field bets.
Hardway Bets
The chips for Hardway bets are placed in the center section of the layout and are handled by no other than the stickman. This is a sub-class of the Proposition bet which consists of Hard 6, Hard 8, Hard 4 and Hard 10 bets. The player is betting their number will be rolled out the “hard way” (the toss results in the same value on both dice, for instance 3 plus 3 makes for a Hard 6) before a 7 comes up. Hard 4 and Hard 10 pay out 8 for 1. Hard 6 and Hard 8 pay 10 for 1.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets involve a single toss of the dice, have higher payouts, and are handled by the stickman. The chips for these wagers are placed in the center section of the layout. Basically, these wagers are resolved after a single toss of the dice. There are several sub-types of Proposition bets:
Any Craps
A roll of 2, 3 or 12 pays 7 to 1
Horn on Craps 3
A roll of 3 pays 15 to 1
Horn on 11 (Yo-leven)
A roll of 11 pays 15 to 1
Whirl bets
They involve betting four units on numbers 2, 3 and 12 and one unit on 7. A roll of 7 results in a push for this bet
Three-Way-Craps bet
A three unit bet on craps numbers. Rolls of 2 and 12 before a 7 pay 30 to 1, while rolls of 11 pay 15 to 1
High-Low Bet
A roll of 3 results in a payout of 15 to 1. Also known as Ace Deuce bet
How To Play Craps App
Three-Way Seven
How To Play Craps 101
This is betting that 7 will be rolled out on the next toss. It requires players to bet three units for each of the three combinations that add up to 7 (6-1, 5-2 and 4-3). The payout is 15 to 1
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