The Come Out Roll
A game of craps starts by betting on the “pass” line or the “no pass” line. Once the bets are placed the shooter throws the opening roll and the game begins. If the shooter rolls a 7, 11, 2, 3, or 12, the round is over and bets are paid out. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, they “crap out” and must pass the dice to the next shooter. Rolling any other number establishes that number as the point, and play continues.
The Pass Line Bet
The pass line bet wins right off the bat if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come out roll. However, if a 2, 3, or a 12 is rolled on the come out roll, the pass line bet loses. If any other number is rolled and a point number is established, the bet rides and the pass line bet wins if the shooter manages to roll the point again before rolling a 7.
The No Pass Bet
Betting on the no pass line is almost exactly the opposite of the pass line bet. The bettor wins if the shooter rolls either a 2 or a 3 on the come out roll. If a 12 is rolled it’s a push (tie). If a 7 or 11 is rolled on the come out roll, the no pass bet loses. If the shooter establishes the point, the bet rides. If the shooter then rolls a 7 before rolling the point number again, the no pass bet wins.
The Point Roll
After the come out roll, if the shooter has rolled any number besides 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12, the number rolled is established as the “point.” The shooter must then try to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. Once the point or a 7 is rolled, the round is over and a new round begins.
If you have bet on the pass line on the come out roll and the shooter manages to make the point roll before rolling a 7, you win even money. If a 7 is rolled first you lose. If you have bet on the no pass line, you win if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point number.