Learn Craps Free
One of the most popular destinations on any casino floor is the craps table.
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No matter where in the world you happen to be, the craps table is likely to be a boisterous affair, with a ring of players surrounding the game and whooping it up. You’ll hear cheering, a scream or two, and eventually, a collective groan when the shooter sevens out.
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But unlike other casino games like blackjack and video poker, the scene at a craps table is always lively and full of excitement. Simply put, the classic dice-throwing game is one of the most fun experiences you’ll find in the casino setting.
So why do so many gambling rookies stand to the side, watching a craps game unfold while sticking to the sidelines?
The answer to that question is experience. For players who have never stood at a craps table before, witnessing a game progress can be like stepping into a foreign country.
Rather than a single dealer to supervise the game, craps requires four casino employees for that task. The number of players in the game balloons from the six at most you’ll see in blackjack to a dozen or more.
And when the slang terms start flying. “yo 11” and “the hard way” and “horn bets” are just a few. Even an experienced casino gambler can’t help but feel out of their element.
At first glance, the game of craps can seem like one of the most complicated gambles out there.
The table is massive, with seemingly dozens upon dozens of betting spaces and squares to choose from. Bets are made in odd increments like $6 and $12, and chips seem to be flying around the table at hyper speed.
And that doesn’t even cover the pressure of rolling them bones…
All things considered, it’s easy to see why so many players stand near the craps table, watching and waiting, while never actually sidling up for a session. If you haven’t had the luxury of a full-fledged craps lesson, throwing yourself into the fray of a frenetic game, one where players have serious money on the line, can be daunting, to say the least.
With all that said, learning craps isn’t as hard as it’s cracked up to be. In fact, the easiest way to learn the game is to do exactly what I just said and throw yourself into the fray.
Below you’ll find a walkthrough on the game of craps designed for beginners approaching the table for their very first time. You’ll also find craps book and software recommendations to help you get started.
Craps Books
- No-Nonsense Craps: The Consummate Guide to Winning at the Crap Table
No-Nonsense Craps was written by Richard Orlyn and published in 2008. Orlyn’s book focuses on debunking the myths related to craps and taking a straight approach at it with a two dice probability theory that can be easily learned by amateur players. Orlyn also covers money management, betting skills, and the Table Time Plus strategy.
- How to Play Craps
How to Play Craps was written by Travis Carpagio and the 2nd edition was published in 2016. Carpagio focuses on breaking down the table and game play into an easy to understand fashion for beginners. He covers:
- How to get the best odds
- Specific types of bets
- When and what to play
- Basic rules
- Playing sequences
- Terminology
- Strategies
- How To Play Craps and Win!: The 3 IRREFUTABLE Plays that Will Make You a WINNER!
How to Play Craps and Win was written by M. Mitch Freeland and published in 2016. Freeland’s book focuses on three strategies that give you an edge at the casino. Topics covered include:
- Easy to understand betting methods
- Birddog
- Superstitious players
- Pass line
- Come bet
- Maximizing your profits
- When to walk away
- Who to play with
- Craps for The Clueless: A Beginner’s Guide to Playing and Winning
Craps for The Clueless was written by John Patrick and published in 2001. Patrick’s guide focuses on beginner craps players and explains all aspects of the game in an easy to understand fashion. Topics covered include:
- Wagers permitted
- Interpreting posted rates
- Betting with or against the dice
- Basic strategies
Patrick’s book also includes diagrams and charts.
- The Basics of Winning Craps
The Basics of Winning Craps was written by J. Edward Allen and published in 1992. Allen’s book focuses on people who have never played craps or are just starting and explains various aspects of the game in easy to understand language. Allen’s book has 12 chapters that include:
- 20 illustrations
- Bets available
- How to place bets
- House odds
- Playing strategies
- Rules of craps
- Money management
Craps Software
- WinCraps
WinCraps is a craps simulator for Windows that allows you to play craps and teaches you better strategy as you play. Some features include:
- Easy to use interface
- Unique tools that analyze your play and teach you along the way
- An auto betting feature
- Statistic screens
- Experiment with various layouts, dice probabilities, and pay offs
- Smart Craps by DeepNet Technologies
Smart Craps is targeted to players who use dice control as their winning strategy. It includes statistical information about how your rolls influence dice outcome, the optimal dice sets, bets, and how to get an edge over the casino with controlled rolls. Other features include risk of ruin calculators and simulations, an over 100-page document about craps, and more.
Take a Craps Class
Believe it or not, most major casinos offer complimentary craps classes to help bring new players onboard.
These tutorials tend to be held in the early morning or afternoon hours, before the rush hits and all tables are needed for live play.
You can ask the casino concierge about these craps lessons, or even better, a dealer or pit boss.
Once you’re signed up and ready to go, a basic craps class will combine a few rookies like yourself for a simulated game. The table, chips, and dice are all real, and the only difference between this and genuine craps is there’s no risk involved.
Instead, the instructor will take you step-by-step through the mechanics of a craps roll. You’ll learn about the table layout, the rules and gameplay, the game’s basic wagers, and all of those crazy long shot bets in the middle.
Nothing beats actual experience, and taking the dice in hand without a pressure-packed environment to stress you out is the best way to gain such experience.
Don’t forget to tip your teacher a few bucks too, as that’s one casino gambling lesson everybody should learn.
Watch and Learn
Before you ever take the dice in hand, I suggest doing exactly what so many craps outsiders already do: stand near the game and observe.
You won’t be bothering anybody if you choose a spot a few steps away from where the players stand. From there, do your best to avoid passive observation. The goal here isn’t simply to see how a craps game plays out, but to understand what is happening at the table.
You may even want to take notes by using your phone’s text app on how the action unfolds.
Starting with a fresh roll, record what you learn about that first dice toss (known as the come out roll). Which numbers are winners and losers there, what happens when a neutral number lands, and who gets paid out are all good questions to ask about the come out roll.
Next, pick a player who seems to be skilled at their craft and try to monitor their betting patterns. Are they taking the Pass Line like everybody else, or betting on the No Pass Line instead? How many chips do they use when making odds bets? Are they messing around with the “exotic” wagers or playing conservatively by backing the 6 and the 8?
By becoming a student of the game, you’ll start to develop a natural feel for the rhythm and flow of a craps table. Soon enough, you’ll be able to tell where players are putting their chips without a second thought. But more importantly, you’ll know why they’re making those decisions.
When you reach this point, it’s time to step off the sidelines and mix it up with money on the line.
Location, Location, Location
I can still remember my first craps game like it was yesterday, even though that must have been 20 years ago.
One reason the memory remains vivid even now is the friendly faces I happened to meet on that day.
I had taken some time to read a book or two. Yes, I had to read an actual book back then to learn craps, so I wasn’t a complete and utter neophyte. But even so, all of that book learnin’ goes right out the window when you walk up to a loud, crowded craps table with the action already underway.
To make things easier on myself, and on my tablemates. I waited until a spot opened up near the dealer area. These table positions are essentially the “end spots” on either side of the table. You’ll know you’ve found it because you’ll be rubbing elbows with the guys and gals running the game.
I chose this spot for a reason, as I figured any mistakes I made, or questions I had, would be more easily addressed if I was right next to the people in charge. Even then, I suspected that the craps regulars at the table would have little patience for a newbie slowing things down, so I stood near the dealers and quietly asked anything I needed to know.
Learn Craps online, free
This might sound like a cop-out, but at the time, I needed all the help I could get. All of those pages on craps game play and strategy I had read before meant little with the dice tumbling, chips being pushed to and fro, and players living and dying with every toss.
By situating myself close to the dealer, who in this case happened to be a very helpful gentleman hailing from Italy, I ensured myself easy access to any information that escaped me in the moment.
A quick glance at my new friend, a look of puzzlement, or even just a shrug, was enough to let him know that I needed a quick assist.
And you’d be surprised how willing the casino staff is when it comes to helping new players. Sure, the regulars might not be so patient, but the dealers on hand will generally go out of their way to “hold your hand,” showing you where to place your odds bets, how many chips you need to back a certain number after the come out roll, and all the rest.
This is just business, after all, as the casino wants new players entering the high volatility arena of the craps table. But dealers are humans too, and by and large, they’ll be glad to lend a helping hand when a beginner looks to be out of their depth.
Timing is Everything
I’ve made mention of this once or twice now, but it bears repeating: craps regulars won’t be very patient when a rookie comes in looking to learn the ropes.
That’s just the nature of the beast, so don’t take it personally.
Instead, try to time your exploratory sessions and hit the tables when they’re not buzzing with activity. Generally speaking, a weekend night will see every craps game in the house crowded with players. These nights aren’t conducive to learning, as you’ll likely be surrounded by veterans who simply don’t have time for teaching when their money is at risk.
On the other hand, heading over to a craps table on a weekday afternoon will present an entirely different scene. Depending on your casino of choice, the games might even be emptied out entirely, or have just one or two players lazily tossing the dice around.
These windows are your best chance to gain some valuable instruction time because the pressure of a packed game won’t be present.
Playing in these off-peak hours is a great way to brush up on the basics. You can feel free to ask questions, make mistakes, or even stand back and observe. All without fearing that you’ve jammed the game up for everyone else.
Talk it Through
I don’t recommend doing this with just anybody, but if you happen to find some friendly folks at your local craps table, it can’t hurt to ask them for a few pointers.
Believe it or not, most people are decent and kind by nature, even in the casino setting. If it’s clear that you’re still trying hard to learn the game, a typical craps veteran (who isn’t on a bad run at the time) won’t be bothered if you ask them a thing or too along the way.
Now, don’t go overboard of course. Let them roll the dice in peace, and choose your spots wisely. Which simply means to avoid asking questions after somebody has suffered a loss.
The best time to pepper an experienced player for advice is directly after the dealer has pushed them a large pile of chips. These players are “feeling themselves,” to borrow a phrase, and they’ll usually have no problem at all regaling you with tales of their craps acumen.
I don’t advise seeking out strategy tips in this manner though, as many craps regulars subscribe to silly superstitions or ineffective “systems” for sustaining success.
But, if you find yourself wondering how a particular bet is made, or why the last roll produced a certain payout, there’s no harm in asking your tablemates the score.
Try, Try Again
My first craps session provided lifetime memories. But that’s about all.
I wound up making a few extended rolls, but without a wider knowledge of how to press my edges, I didn’t take full advantage of the good fortune. As a result, my $100 stake lasted for about an hour, before being chipped away and claimed by the house.
Even so, to this day I consider that hundred bucks to be a lasting investment because that initial craps session spawned thousands more over the last two decades.
In fact, craps has become one of my favorites, if not one of the most profitable casino games I play.
But that wouldn’t be the case if I had decided to quit after one losing round.
Conclusion
Craps is a volatile game by nature; one which can easily lead to a quick loss of your entire stake, or an even quicker triple up. As a beginner, you can’t expect to play perfectly your first time out, so don’t get caught up in the actual results during those first forays to the table.
Instead, have fun with it and enjoy the game for what it is: the most exciting game in any casino.
Craps Training Game
Once you’ve developed a better understanding of the fundamentals, you can head back to the table with confidence in your game, and confidence can go a long way when it comes to craps.