How To Play Street Craps

If you’ve ever walked past a group of people huddled together, throwing dice on the street with money on the line, you’ve likely witnessed a game of street craps. It’s a high-energy, fast-paced version of craps played on the street, where hustlers and bettors come together to make some quick cash. But make no mistake, while it’s informal, it still requires knowing the rules and how to keep things both fair and fun.

In this post, I’m going to break down the basics of how to play street craps and show you how other people in the group can get in on the action by placing side bets on the shooter. But there’s an important rule you’ve got to know: in street craps, the dice must hit a wall—this is a key part of the game to prevent cheating or dice control.

Let’s dive in.

The Basics of Street Craps

The concept of street craps revolves around a shooter who rolls the dice and places a main bet, while others bet against them. This version of craps is all about the fast money, raw energy, and a little bit of hustle.

Here’s how it breaks down:

1. The Come-Out Roll:

The game begins with the shooter placing a bet, and someone else covering it. The shooter rolls the dice for the first time—this is called the come-out roll. If they roll a 7 or 11, they win. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, they lose (known as “crapping out”). Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point.

2. Setting the Point:

If the shooter rolls a point number, their goal changes. Now they must roll that same point number** again before rolling a 7. If they roll the point, they win. But if a 7 comes up first, they lose (this is called “crapping out”).

3. The Main Bet:

The main bet is simply between the shooter and someone betting against them. The shooter is betting they’ll win by hitting their point, while the other player is betting they’ll lose.

The Dice Must Hit a Wall

One important rule in street craps is that the dice must hit a wall before they come to a stop. This rule is in place to prevent any attempts at cheating or dice control. By ensuring the dice hit a wall or any solid barrier (it could be the curb or a wall in an alley), you take away any ability for the shooter to roll the dice with too much precision. This way, it’s all about luck, and no one can try to “control” the outcome with sneaky dice-rolling techniques.

Side Bets:

Now, here’s where street craps gets interesting: it’s not just about the shooter versus the person covering their bet. Everyone watching the game can get in on the action by placing side bets on what will happen next.

Here’s how the side bets work:

- Betting on the Shooter:

You can place a bet with anyone else watching the game on whether the shooter will hit the point or “seven out.” If you think the shooter’s hot and will win, place your bet on them. If you think they’re due to lose, bet against them.

- Betting on Who Wins:

You can even place side bets on who will win between the shooter and the person covering the bet. If you’ve got a feeling about someone’s luck, or you know a shooter’s reputation, you can place bets with other players on the outcome of the entire game.

Have Fun

Street craps isn’t just about the dice—it’s about having fun and enjoying the energy of the game. Whether you’re betting on yourself as the shooter or placing side bets on someone else, stay cool, stay smart, and keep your eyes on the action. And remember: don’t cause drama, pay up when you lose, and always respect the other players.

Final Thoughts

Street craps is as much a test of your betting luck as it is a high-octane adrenaline rush. The dice may be the star of the show, but side bets and the crowd’s energy are what make the game come alive. And don’t forget, the rule of the street—the dice must hit a wall—keeps the game fair and prevents anyone from getting an unfair advantage.

So, next time you’re in the streets and see a game of craps going down, you’ll know exactly what to do. Bet smart, hustle hard, and watch your bankroll grow.

Remember to ONLY play with people you know, as a certain rapper and celebrity was murdered during a dice game.

Street craps a ton of fun and is where the real action is.

Now it’s time to make your move and take a risk.

-Beau Magic 🃏