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’.
If the first roll of the dice is a 7 or an 11, the entire table celebrates and you double your money.
- 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
Unwritten Rules of the Craps Table
Because the game is so fast-paced and physical, strict etiquette rules must be followed to keep things moving safely.
Never let your hands dangle over the felt; if the dice hit your hand and ‘seven out’, the entire table will blame you.
| 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.
