How to Play Craps

One of Chris’ recent “Top Five” videos was on poker and how to play/win, so I thought I would create a post on my favorite casino game…Craps.

Craps is probably the most intimidating and misunderstood game in the casino, yet it is also the most fun and easy to learn.  The action is fast and it has a high level of excitement.  Here are some tips to help you enjoy the game.  I won’t go into much on how to play the game because it takes quite some time.  Here is a good site to study up on the rules.

1.  Look for a table that has allot of players.  Craps is only fun when others are playing with you.  It’s really boring to stand at a craps table alone and throw the dice.  You need the cheers and encouragement from the other players.  Also, look for dealers that get into the game instead of just standing there paying out and taking chips.  It’s much more fun when the dealers show you they enjoy your company.  There is nothing quite like being at a “Hot” table, the only thing better is being the shooter at one.

2.  There are really only 3 bets you should make at a Craps table.  These are the Pass Line, Come Bet, and Odds.  Of these, the most important is taking your odds.  That’s where the money is in this game.  All other bets are “House” bets and should be stayed away from.  I’m not saying never place bets on them, but in general, they should not be part of your strategy.

3.  Take up classes to learn the game.  The game is allot easier than you might think.  Most casinos offer free lessons for the game and even if you can’t find a class, you will be welcome to stand at a live table and ask questions.  A myth about casino dealers is they want you to loose and will teach you the wrong way to play the games.  This is untrue.  A dealer’s salary is the same as a waitress, usually $4.10/hr, they make their money from tips and people don’t tip if they are loosing!

4.  When first approaching a table, look to see if the shooter is about to throw the dice before you start placing bets.  You will get all the players upset at you very quickly if you interrupt the dice throw in mid-air.  There are no “Do-Overs” unless one or both dice leave the table.

5.  Don’t touch your bet after you have placed it.  Once it is in play it is considered in “Limbo”, belonging to neither you or the casino untill the point is made (win) or the shooter “Sevens Out” (Loss).  This no touching rule is pretty much true for all games in the casino.

6.  Be sociable, get excited about it when someone is on a good roll, after all, they are making YOU money too!  Thank the shooter and tip the dealers when you win.  Some people even place bets for the shooter if they are on a good roll.

Craps is a fast paced game and you can win allot of money very quickly if played correctly.  On the flip side, you can loose allot as well, so be sure to leave if the table just seems to be cold.  Come back later.  A good way to judge if a table is “hot” is to listen to the players.  A quiet table is a bad sign, on the other hand, a table where players are yelling and laughing is a great sign to get in on the action.