Though seemingly a complicated game, craps is simple once one understands the rules. Craps is typically a fast-paced and energetic game. Let us take the speed and energy out of the game momentarily so that we can cover the craps rules.
There are two stages to the game of craps. The first stage is known as the coming out stage. This is where point is established. Once point has been established, the shooter rolls until he either hit’s the point or throws a seven.
Top Online Casinos
Craps Rules Regarding the Shooter
Regardless of the stage in the craps game, the only player permitted to touch the dice is the shooter. The stickman will pass the dice to the shooter, at which time he will roll the dice. When rolling the dice, craps rules state the dice should hit the wall on the far side of the craps table, where they will come to rust upon bouncing off the wall. Craps rules also state the shooter should keep the dice below eye level. The staff running the craps table is responsible for watching both the dice and the table simultaneously. If the dice are thrown high, the staff may not watch both at the same time, as they would have to take their eyes off the table to follow the dice. Thus, a player is required to roll the dice low, to accommodate the natural line of sight for the staff. Additionally, the shooter should only handle the dice with one hand. Passing the dice from hand to hand, as well as cupping the dice with both hands is not permitted. This craps rule is in place to ensure the dice are not doctored and/or replaced with loaded dice.
Craps Rules on Coming Out Roll
On the coming out roll, craps rules regarding how the game operates is as follows:
The shooter rolls to establish point. Until the shooter establishes point, he continues to throw coming out rolls.
In the coming out roll, dice totals of seven and eleven pay the front line even money. Rolls totaling two, three and twelve results in front line losers. The opposite stands true for wrong way bets – as they are rewarded when two, three and twelve are rolled, yet lose when seven or eleven is rolled.
The coming out roll ends when a roll other than 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12 is rolled.
Craps Rules After Point is Established
After point has been established, the objective of the shooter is to hit point before he shoots a seven. The shooter continues to roll under the direction of the stickman until he hits point or rolls a seven. If the shooter hits point, the game reverts to the coming out roll under the same shooter. If a seven is rolled, the coming out roll is made; however, the roll is passed to the left prior to the next coming out roll.
During this stage of the craps game, it is commonplace for bettors to place and lay bets on rolls that are separate to the front line or wrong way bets. As a rule, players may place chips on areas of the craps table that are one time bets. Additionally, players may place chips upon the appropriate area of the craps table when betting the front line or the wrong way. However, when making a bet that may encompass several roles, such as betting a hard eight, or placing a bet on the six – the player must request the staff of the craps table on behalf of the player make the bet.
Craps rules are simple to understand, once the game is slowed down and explained. By understanding what phase of the craps game you are in, you will quickly grasp how to play craps.