Playing Craps

This is a resource guide for learning the game of craps based on my experience over the last 3 years. Note that most of what I say will seem like a foreign language to you at first, but use this guide to find links to some of the best websites for learning how to play craps, it's actually a much easier game to master than it may appear. After you've spent some time learning come back to this page and read it again, it will start making more sense.

Before you put any real money on the table I would suggest that you read up on the rules, strategies, edicate and odds of the game. Watch online videos and get some advice from some expert players. Next, after you have a bit of knowledge under your belt you can try out what you've learned on some of the free online craps websites. After that you should visit the casino and watch the game in action. The best way to start off playing is to find an empty table where you can ask the dealers how to play. Once you've gotten enough courage to actually make some bets I would start out slowly by making these types of bets on a $5 or $10 minimum bet table, listed in order from most conservative:

Play the "Pass Line" and the "Don't Pass Line" at the same time, this will virtually allow you to play for free (unless you hit a 12 on the "Come Out" roll but you can also hedge this bet by placing a $1 on the 12 before you throw the dice.)
Play a "Come Bet" after the first point is established (a point is established if the dice roller throws a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 on the "Come out" roll). Place the minimum bet on the area where it says "Come" on the table to place this bet, you can hedge against a 2, 3 or 12 (or craps) by placing $1 on any craps for 5 dollar minimum bet or $2 of any $10 bet. Once the come out roll is established, for instance if place a come bet and a 5 is rolled, the person rolling the dice will need to roll another 5 in order for you to get paid. It's best if you put odds on this bet, because if it's hit you'll get paid much better. I would put at least $10 dollar odds on my come bet, just tell the dealer "$10 dollars on my come bet".
Play the pass line with odds only. Most casinos I've played in allow you to bet up to 5 times odds. This means if you are playing $10 on the "Pass Line" you can place up to $50 behind this bet.
Play the pass line with odds and the 6 & 8, which are the most likely numbers to appear besides the 7. 5/6 odds.

Can you influence the outcome of the dice?

Some players believe that you can influence the outcome of the dice and there are even classes you can take or books you can read to learn how to control the dice through organizations such as Golden Touch and Sharpshooter/Parr, see list of books and classes below (TK). I for one think that a roller can influence the dice however, because of the corrugated back wall and distractions from the players and or the dealers it really is a mix of luck and skill. However, if a player can get in a zone where they are throwing consistently and on axis with little distractions I believe that a player can overcome the house advantage.

How to Play Craps

Get Started Playing Craps: A Quick-Start Guide

Can you influence the outcome of the dice?

Craps - Learn How to Play - Strategy and Odds

Craps- Learn How to Play Video

Free - Play Craps Online