The craps table is undoubtedly the loudest, most energetic, and most intimidating area on any casino floor.
Once you understand the basic flow of the game, the intimidating layout starts to make perfect sense.
The Pass Line: The Only Bet You Need
If you are a complete beginner, the only place you ever need to put your chips is on the ‘Pass Line’.
However, if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on that first throw, it is called ‘crapping out’ and you lose the bet.
- The Pass Line bet has an incredibly low house edge of just 1.41%, making it one of the best bets in the casino
- You can place ‘Odds’ behind your Pass Line bet, which is the only wager in the building with a 0% house edge
- Most of the crazy proposition bets in the center of the table are terrible mathematically and should be avoided
How to Avoid Angering the Dealers and Players
To avoid looking like a foolish tourist and halting the game, you must understand table manners.
Always buy your chips when the dice are in the center of the table, never while the shooter is preparing to throw.
| Action | Explanation | Dealer Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| String betting | Dropping chips one by one slows the game | Dealers will scold you; drop them all at once |
| Tipping | Dealers work incredibly hard at this game | Place a bet ‘for the boys’ to ensure great service |
Do not be afraid to tell the dealers you are new; they are usually very helpful and will guide you through the bets.
