Craps is considered by many to be the most exciting game in any casino. In its many varieties of wagering, Craps can also be a complicated game. About the only way to learn all these intricacies is to play. There are some simple bets that you can make to start with, and the odds on these are quite favorable.

The most basic bet is placed on the "Pass Line" before the shooter rolls the dice. If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, you and he win, and he keeps the dice to roll again. If he hits 2, 3, or 12, the bet is lost but he remains the shooter and continues to roll the dice until he either makes his point and you both win, or he shoots 7 and the bet is lost.

In the above case, you have bet with the shooter. If you want to bet against him you place your bet on the "Don't Pass" line and the rules are entirely reversed except that if, on his first roll, the shooter rolls 12, it is a standoff (you neither win nor lose).

After the roll has begun and the shooter has a point, you can make a bet by placing it on the "come" line. The same rules apply to you as if the shooter were making a first roll: it the next roll is 7 you win; if it is a 2, 3, or 12, you lose; if it is any other number, that becomes your "come point" and, for you to win, it must be rolled again before a 7. If a 7 comes first, the bet is lost.

A beginner might do well to start with a "pass" line bet and then perhaps try a "come" bet. And don't worrv about making an error. The dealers will be happy to explain more about the game to you.

Obviously, the lingo of the Craps world and the bets on the table may be a tad confusing to some at the start. A great way to get over this hurdle in a hurry is to check out some great online tips and tricks, as well as various strategy guides. Every little bit will help you learn Craps. Learning is one thing, but excelling is another. If you're an online Craps player, use your tips to develop a good strategy and always practice the game for fun before attempting to spend money.

EXPLANATION OF CRAPS BETS

• PASS LINE: An even money bet. If the first roll of the dice adds up to 7 or 11, you win. 2, 3, or 12 loses the bet. Any other number is the "point" and if the point is rolled again, you win, but lose on 7.
• DON'T PASS LINE: Just the reverse of the PASS LINE, except that if 12 is the first roll, it's a standoff; nobody wins.
• COME BETS: Basically the same as the PASS LINE except that you must bet after the point.
• DON'T COME: The reverse of the COME BET, except that a first roll of 2 or 3 wins, and 12 is a standoff.
• ODDS: Once you have a "point" or a "come point", you may take the ODDS and win if the point or the come point is made before a 7. Payoff - Two to one for 1 0's or 4's, three to two for 5's or 9's, six to five for 8's or 6's. When betting DON'T PASS or DON'T COME, you lay the odds as outlined.
• PLACE BETS: Once a shooter makes a "point", you may take a PLACE BET on numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. If your number comes up before 7, you win. Payoff - Nine to five on 4's or 1 0's, seven to five on 5's or 9's, seven to six on 8's or 6's.
• FIELD: Here you're betting that 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12 is rolled before 5, 6, 7 or 8; 2 and 12 pay double.
• BIG 6 OR 8: You may bet one or both and win even money on the number when thrown before 7.
• HARD WAY BETS: You win if the number comes up exactly as on the table; lose if the number comes up any other way, or if a 7 is thrown.
• PROPOSITION BETS: 2 and 12 pay thirty for one, 3 and 11 pay fifteen for one, all on the first roll.
• ANY CRAPS: You can bet on any roll. If Q, 3 or 12 rolls, you win. You are paid seven times the amount of your bet. If any other number is rolled, you lose.