How did a game of the die become known as Craps? A look into its etymology yields an interesting tale of how it has been passed on and evolved through ages and cultures. The game descends from the Arabic game "azzahr" (meaning "the die"). This was then brought back to France by the Crusaders where it was called "Hasard", and as the game crossed over to England, Nova Scotia and even the New World, the name "hazard" was adopted. It gained immense popularity when it hit the shores of New Orleans and where the name "craps" was born (from "crabes" in French which stood for the worst roll of the Hazard dice). Craps as the game is known today is attributed to John H. Winn who improved on the dice and the manner by which the game is played.

Whilst it may have undergone all these name changes, the essence of the game is still there. Roll a pair of dice and you win based on the outcome. You can continue rolling the dice (or be the shooter) as long as you keep winning. The players around the shooter can either bet with him or against him.

In a Bank Craps game, the initial throw is called the "come out throw". The shooter wins if he throws a "natural", or a total of 7 or 11. He loses if he throws "craps" - or a total of 2, 3 or 12. A sum other than craps, or 7 would be counted as the shooter's point. If the shooter throws his point first, he wins. If he throws a 7, he loses and this is called "seven out." The dice is then passed onto the next player or shooter.

The Craps table may look complicated and the different types of betting that can be done may be all too confusing for the novice. Some familiarization with the terms and the procedures would be a good way to get the hang of the game.

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