Craps is one of the most exciting table games in any casino. The clinking of chips, the cheering and the colorful jargon (not to mention colorful characters) add up to an unforgettable game and what many consider to be an essential part of the Las Vegas experience.
Craps, though, can sometimes be daunting to new players.
Never fear! We decided to get the inside scoop about craps from longtime casino pro, Guido Metzger, Director of Gaming Operations for the downtown casinos of Boyd Gaming. Boyd Gaming operates three downtown casinos, the Fremont Hotel & Casino, California Hotel & Casino and Main Street Station Casino, Brewery and Hotel.
Guido Metzger knows craps inside and out, so he gave us a quick video tutorial for beginners.
As Metzger says, the basics of the game are fairly straightforward, so stick to the two or three simple bets (pass line, plus odds—ask a dealer about the odds bet, because it’s not marked on the table) until you become more comfortable at the craps table.
Remember, on the “come out” roll, 7 or 11 wins and 2, 3, 12 lose. Seven is the most commonly-rolled number, so you’re sitting pretty on the come out roll!
If another number is rolled, the number is marked by the dealers, and the shooter needs to hit that number again, before a 7, to win.
That’s it! No, really. Everything else is flair.
Of course, the more you know, the fun there is to be had at craps.
Here are a few more craps tips from our resident craps whiz, Guido Metzger.
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by craps, feel free to observe the table before plunking your money down. Craps dealers and your fellow players are often happy to share their wealth of knowledge so you can join the game. If you’ve never played craps before, seasoned players are going to love having you shoot the dice. Craps “virgins” are considered good luck!
Now, if you’re feeling emboldened with your newfound craps prowess, there’s a way to turn your craps mojo into big bucks at the upcoming $10,000 Sharpshooter Craps Tournament, Nov. 26-29, 2015 at Fremont casino.
There’s no fee to enter! Just play craps at Fremont casino during the qualifying period, noon on Nov. 26 to 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 29, 2015. As you roll, the casino will count your rolls of the dice, and you could qualify as one of the 16 tournament finalists.
If you’re up to the challenge, you can check out the full qualifying rules and tournament rules. The tournament happens at 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 29, 2015. Find out more at Fremont casino’s official site.
Once you play craps, you’ll wonder what you ever did in Las Vegas before craps!
Thanks to Guido Metzger for taking the time to impart some craps wisdom. He and his crew are always happy to help navigate this high-energy game that has some of the best bets, with the lowest house edge, in the casino.
So, pony up to a table, place your bets, have a friend blow on your dice, and let them fly!
Thanks for the tips Guido! I hope I can put them to good use.