How to Play Craps

The apparently complex table and the vast amount of betting options can be scary for craps beginners. Luckily, the table layout and betting options may appear scary but are actually quite simple to learn. Fundamentally, craps is a game of rounds. There are just two rounds in every game. The first round is called the Come Out round, the second is called the Point round.

The hardest task for beginning craps players to learn is not the rules, but mainly the terms surrounding the game. The most intimidating factor after getting up the nerve to approach the loud, boisterous craps tables is the fact the players seem to be speaking some type of foreign language – there are so many unusual words being thrown around. This makes it important for players to learn 'craps slang' after learning the rules so you'll be able to understand, and even speak, the craps lingo.

In the two different craps rounds, there is only one basic bet.

The main objective in the Come Out round is for the shooter – the person throwing the dice – to roll a 7 or an 11. These numbers are an automatic win the first round of the game. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or a 12 then that roll is an automatic loss. The numbers 2, 3, and 12 are called craps. If any other number is rolled in the first round – 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 – it will become the Point and the game will progress to the second round.