Craps can be an intimidating game to get into. Besides the raucous playing environment there are a lot of wagering options. I was a timid little guy when I first played craps at the Hard Rock. The table was full of rich kids from LA all playing green chips ($25) at a $15 table but I was sick of watching and wanted to play. I sheepishly snagged a spot at the table next to a dealer and got change of $100.
I didn't really know what I was doing so I only played the passline for $15 and didn't take the free odds. Besides the passline bet I didn't know anything about craps but I wanted to learn how people bet and see the action up close. It took about an 90 minutes for me to be hooked. The girl opposite me on the table had a roll that lasted 20 minutes and that definitely helped. During the roll I learned it was her first time too. In my mind we had a moment. By the end of the session I was playing the passline with odds, grabbing points, yelling for yo’s and just having the best time.
I want everyone to have that same kind of excitement on their first time playing craps that I had. Here’s how I first played and how I recommend you get in the game.
1. Start slowly and make a passline bet. Using odds on your passline bet is smart but I recommend getting a feel of the game before adding odds. Just hang tight and get comfortable before risking more money. If you feel comfortable betting odds you should feel free to.
2. When you first play stay away from other bets and watch to see what they are and how they work. In time you may add some of the bets to your game in addition to the passline bet.
3. Choose a spot at the end of the table and next to a dealer. You can ask questions and watch the flow of money. The flow of money is a great way to understand how some of the other bets work. When you get more comfortable you can find your favorite spot at the table.
4. Watch the game, have a drink if you like, learn what all the bets are and most importantly, have fun!
The house edge for the casino on a passline bet without odds is 1.41 percent. You can lower that by playing free odds on your passline bets. You’ll feel more comfortable betting the odds after a few throws of the dice. This is still among the smallest advantages the casino has in any game you’ll play. That’s not the worst price to pay to learn the most fun game in the casino.
Another great thing about playing craps is that your bankroll can last a long time. Unlike the card games you don’t have to bet every time something happens. For example, which each card game you have to place a new bet every time the cards are dealt. If you've played blackjack you know that this can be every few seconds if the table isn't crowded. You don’t have to place a bet every time the dice are rolled in craps. Pretty sweet.
If the shooter gets on a heater your passline bet can sit on the table for 20 minutes like my bet did at the Hard Rock when I first played. A roll that long is the exception and not the rule but it happens. Even if the shooter only lasts a few rolls your money will be on the table longer than it will at blackjack.
Craps is the best. It may be intimidating to look at from the outside but once you break through and get on a table you’ll be hooked. The more you play with a simple passline wager the more you’re going to want to learn about the other bets. I don’t want to get into advanced craps. I want you to feel comfortable enough to get in the game.
