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How to Play Craps: A Beginner's Guide

Craps is a fast-paced dice game played on a specially designed table, where players bet on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls. The game can seem complex at first, but understanding the basic rules and bets can enhance your experience.

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Understanding the Basics

Craps is played with two six-sided dice. Players take turns rolling the dice, and the outcome determines the results of various bets placed by players at the table. The game begins with the 'come-out roll', where players can place bets on the 'Pass Line' or 'Don't Pass Line'.

If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, Pass Line bets win. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, those bets lose. Any other number rolled becomes the 'point', and the goal is to roll that point again before rolling a 7.

Types of Bets

There are several types of bets in craps, including:

- **Pass Line Bet**: Wins on 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, you win if that point is rolled again before a 7.

- **Don't Pass Bet**: The opposite of the Pass Line; wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and ties on 12. If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point.

- **Come Bet**: Similar to the Pass Line but made after the come-out roll. Wins on 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3, or 12.

- **Don't Come Bet**: Similar to the Don't Pass but made after the come-out roll.

Craps Etiquette

When playing craps, it's important to follow some basic etiquette:

- Use hand signals to indicate your bets rather than verbal communication, as this helps the dealers and cameras track your actions.

- Don't touch the dice after they have been rolled; let the dealer handle them.

- Be mindful of the table minimums, which can vary by location and time.

Play it smart. Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money — the house always has the long-run edge, and no system beats it. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it. If gambling stops being fun, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), available 24/7.

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