Craps Frequently Asked Questions

Even with a lesson or two it definitely takes practice to master Craps but you've got to start somewhere. If you're Craps challenged, our list of basics was meant for you!

Below is a list of the most commonly asked questions regarding Craps. Our FAQ will help to answer and understand how Craps works.

1. What is Craps?
2. Who is shooter?
3. Is there an appropriate way to shoot the dice?
4. Who operates the Craps table?
5. What are the most common bets?
6. What is a pass line bet?
7. What is the don't pass bet?
8. What is the horn?
9. As a beginner, which bet should I go with?
10. When can I get in on the game?
11. How many phases are there in each round?
12. What is the come-out roll?
13. What are point numbers?
14. What is a 'hard' roll?
15. When are cards used?
16. Why are card used?
17. Why do I keep hearing 'yo' at the tables?
18. Is there a strategy that can give players an edge?
19. What is the best way to learn how to play craps?
20. Can I play Craps online?

1. What is Craps?

Craps is a chance game played with dice in which players place bets on the result of one or more rolls. There are occasions when Craps is played with cards.

2. Who is shooter?

The player throwing the dice.

3. Is there an appropriate way to shoot the dice?

Yes, the shooter is required to throw the dice one handed at the far wall of the table.

4. Who operates the Craps table?

There may be as many as 4 including the boxman, two base dealers a stickman.

5. What are the most common bets?

Pass, Odds, Don't Pass, Come Bets, Don't Come Bet, Place Bets and Field.

6. What is a pass line bet?

This is the most basic bet a player can place for the shooter to win.

7. What is the don't pass bet?

This bet is placed against the shooter.

8. What is the horn?

The horn is made up of 4 separate wagers on 2, 3, 11 and 12 at once.

9. As a beginner, which bet should I go with?

The Pass bet is the most basic and you'll notice most players place this bet.

10. When can I get in on the game?

Players can place certain bets at any time except when the shooter has the dice although it is considered bad etiquette to place a bet when the dice are not in the center of the table.

11.How many phases are there in each round?

Each round is comprised of two phases: Come-Out and Point.

12. What is the come-out roll?

A come-out roll of 2, 3 or 12 is referred to as 'craps' or 'crapping out'. A roll of 7 or 11 is known as a natural.

13. What are point numbers?

4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.

14. What is a 'hard' roll?

A hard roll is when a 4, 6, 8 or 10 involve double numbers on the dice.

15. When are cards used?

Cards are used in a variation that does not use dice but rather two shoes including decks made up of deuces through sixes and aces.

16. Why are card used?

Indian tribe operated casinos in the US have implemented this variation to accommodate laws that prohibit game payout based on dice, specifically in California.

17. Why do I keep hearing 'yo' at the tables?

Yo or yo-leven refers to the number 11 so it is not confused with 7.

18. Is there a strategy that can give players an edge?

There is no guaranteed strategy to win but placing certain bets can have better odds. Some players also use the Martingale System or Dice Setting.

19. What is the best way to learn how to play craps?

In a land based casino environment, stop by an empty Craps table and most croupiers are happy show you the ropes. Online practice or free play is also another great way to learn the game.

20. Can I play Craps online?

Absolutely, most online casino offer Craps.