How to Play Craps at Home: Set Up a Casino Night Your Friends Will Remember

This is an example of how the table may look at the end (the final result will depend on the items you decide to buy for building it):

Now, with your craps table ready to go, it’s time to invite your friends over for an unforgettable casino night!

Understanding Craps: The Basics

Now, with your table set up, let’s dive into the game.

Craps is all about the dice (or “bones,” as they call them in Vegas). As the shooter, you’ll be the one rolling the dice. The rest of us will be placing bets on the result of your rolls.

The game begins with a come-out roll. If you roll a 7 or 11, we cheer, and pass-line bets win. If you roll a 2, 3, or 12, it’s not your day, and the pass line bet loses. 

Roll any other number, and that becomes the point. The goal now is to roll that number again before rolling a 7.

Taking Bets: Pass Line, Don’t Pass, and More

There are a ton of different bets you can place in craps, each with its odds and payouts. But let’s keep it simple for now. 

Stick with the pass line bet or its evil twin; the don’t pass line bet. 

As you get more comfortable, you can explore more complex bets like the come, don’t come, and even those crazy one-roll proposition bets.

A Few Friendly Tips for Playing Craps at Home

Craps is a game of chance, but a few strategies can increase your odds. What is the best advice? 

Stick to the simplest bets, like the pass line and come bets, and avoid the temptation of those high-risk proposition bets. 

And remember, always play responsibly!

Street Dice Craps: The Cheap But Fun Alternative

If setting up a full-scale craps table seems daunting, or you simply want a more flexible game, Street Craps, also known as ‘shooting dice,’ is the way to go. 

It’s a simplified version of casino craps that can be played anywhere – in your backyard, at a picnic, or even in the street (hence the name).

Street Craps requires fewer players and less equipment. You don’t need a special table or a stick, just a pair of dice and something to bet with – like poker chips or even cash. 

But remember, always respect local laws and regulations when playing in public spaces.

Rules of Street Craps

1. • The Shooter: Like traditional craps, one player is designated as the shooter. This person will roll the dice, and other players bet on the outcome.

1. • The Come-Out Roll: The shooter begins by making a come-out roll. If they roll a 7 or 11, they win. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, they lose. Any other number establishes the point.

1. • The Point: If the shooter establishes a point, their goal is to roll that number again before rolling a 7. If they succeed, they win. If they roll a 7 first (called ‘evening out’), they lose.

1. • Betting: In street craps, players usually only make pass-line or don’t pass-line bets, betting on whether the shooter will win or lose. However, other bets can be added as long as all players agree.

Street Craps can be a fun and informal alternative to casino craps. It’s perfect if you’re on a budget or want to play a spontaneous game with friends. 

Remember, whether you’re playing at home or on the street, the most important part of craps is enjoying the game and having fun!

Conclusion

The process of crafting your own craps table can be a rewarding and engaging project, especially when you share it with your friends. 

By following this guide, you’ve taken what was once an ambitious idea and turned it into a tangible reality.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of constructing your craps table, from building the frame to installing the felt and diamond bumper, you’re ready to start the final and most exciting part of the journey: learning how to play craps at home.

Engage in the thrill of the game from the comfort of your living room, invite friends over for a friendly match, or simply hone your skills whenever you wish. 

The table you’ve crafted is more than just a piece of furniture—it’s a portal to countless hours of entertainment and camaraderie.

So, gather your dice, study up on the rules, and get ready to enjoy the game like never before. After all, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of rolling the dice on a table you’ve built yourself.

How to Play Craps at Home FAQ