Undoubtedly the most intimidating table on the casino floor, craps has been avoided by nervous beginners for as long as it’s been around, with many preferring to move to something a bit more familiar. However, the perceived complexity of craps shouldn’t put you off enjoying this exciting game. 

Although the rules and setup may look complicated to start with, once you’ve got to grips with the table layout, basic terminology, and a couple of betting options, you’ll see how deceptively simple the game is. Whether you’re playing craps online, in person, or even enjoying live dealer casino games, this guide will help you get to grips with the aspects of craps that every beginner needs to know.

Learn Basic Craps Terminology

Before you play craps online, you need to learn the game’s basic terminology. Knowing what the following terms mean will help you pick up the game quickly and easily once you start to play. 

• Come out: This is the first roll of the dice at the beginning of the game or a round.
• Craps: The name of the game and a roll of 2, 3, or 12. These numbers end the game on any roll and start a new round.
• Point number: Also known as “the point,” this is any number rolled on the come out other than 2, 3, 7, 11, and 12. The dice must be rolled again after the point.
• Pass line: A bet that pays out on the 7 or 11 roll on the come out. If a point number is rolled, the pass line bet will pay if the second roll is the same number.
• Don’t pass bar: Basically, it’s the opposite of the pass line bet; they pay if a craps is rolled on the come out ( 2, 3, and 12). They also pay if a 7 or 11 is rolled once point numbers are active.
• The field: You’re betting on a 2 or a 12 result. This bet can’t be placed during the come out roll.
• Sevens out: A 7 is rolled after the point is in play. This means the roll moves on to the next player.
• Don’t come bar: You can only place this bet once the point is established. You’re betting that a 2 or 3 is rolled.
• Come: Betting that the point number will be rolled twice.
• Place bet: You wager on a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 being rolled before a craps or 7. The point must be established first.
• Shooter: The person rolling the dice.

Tackle the Intimidating Table Layout

Now that you have a better understanding of the most important craps terminology, it’s time to take a closer look at the craps table. Admittedly, it looks like something you’d expect when you open your home’s electrical box, but it isn’t as complex as it first seems — if that was the case, online craps games wouldn’t be so popular.

Looking at the image above, you’ll spot areas corresponding to the terminology listed earlier. 

The top of the table is for the pass line and don’t pass bets, which are the main betting areas of the game. Immediately next to these betting areas, you’ll see the don’t come and don’t pass bars.

Towards the bottom of the table, there’s the field and big 6/8 betting areas, and in the center, you’ll see the hardway bets and one-roll (proposition) bets. The former is a more complicated betting option you don’t need to focus on as a beginner.

Understanding the table layout is the first step to playing the game more confidently.

A Step-by-Step Round of Craps Rules

With the terminology and table layout covered, it’s time to look at how to play a round of online casino craps. Here’s a step-by-step example of what a round might look like. 

1. The shooter will roll two dice on the come out roll.
2. The shooter’s aim is to roll a natural, which is a 7 or 11. If they roll a natural, the bets on pass line win.
3. However, if the shooter rolls a craps (2, 3, or 12,) the pass line bets lose.
4. If they roll any number other than the above (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), it becomes the point number. The shooter keeps rolling until they either roll the point number again (pass line wins) or roll a 7 (pass line loses). 

Essentially, the don’t pass line is the opposite of the above. 

• Don’t pass bets win if a 2 or 3 is rolled on the come out and lose on a 7 or 11.
• If the shooter rolls a 12 on the come out bet, then the bet is a push, which is neither a win nor a loss.
• The bet loses if the shooter rolls the point number twice and wins if a 7 is rolled after the point number is established.

What Are the Best Craps Bets for Beginners?

As you’ve probably noticed, there are different types of craps bets. However, some are more suited to beginners than others. So, what are the best online craps bets for someone just starting? Take a look: 

Betting Type	House Edge	Payout Odds
Pass line bets	1.41%	1:1 (±100)
Don’t pass line bets	1.36%	1:1 (±100)
Come bets	1.41%	1:1 (±100)
Don’t come bets	1.36%	1:1 (±100)

How To Improve Your Craps Game

You won’t magically improve your craps game by playing once in a blue moon; you need to be proactive if you want to get really good. Practicing is the best thing you can do to improve your game. Play when you can, and take advantage of free games and demos to practice without spending any money.

You can also learn away from the table by studying craps strategies and watching better players. There are some excellent books on craps available, too.

Put Your New Skills to the Test at Borgata Online

Borgata Online has a wealth of craps games for you to choose from to test your newfound knowledge and skills. The casino has quickly become the go-to online space for craps players and other casino enthusiasts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who are after high-quality entertainment online. Register with Borgata Online to play the best online casino games.