Craps is one of the most exciting casino games, where players bet on the outcome of dice rolls at a fast-paced table surrounded by cheering crowds. The game centers around a shooter rolling two dice, with players betting on whether specific numbers will appear before others. While the energy and multiple betting options might seem overwhelming at first, the basic rules are simple to learn.
Many new players avoid craps because the table looks complicated with its numerous betting areas and unfamiliar terms. The reality is that successful craps play starts with understanding just a few key bets and gradually building knowledge of the table layout. Smart players focus on bets with the lowest house edge while avoiding the flashy proposition bets that catch beginners.
This guide breaks down everything needed to play craps confidently, from basic rules and table geography to betting strategies and odds calculations. Whether planning to play at a physical casino or online, understanding these fundamentals will transform an intimidating game into an enjoyable experience with better chances of winning.
Understanding Craps Rules
Craps follows a two-phase structure where players bet on dice outcomes, with the Pass Line bet serving as the foundation for most gameplay. The Point Phase creates additional betting opportunities once an initial number is established.
Basic Gameplay Structure
Craps uses two standard dice and involves multiple players betting on the same dice rolls. One player acts as the shooter and rolls the dice for the entire table.
The game moves through two main phases. The Come Out Roll starts each new round. The Point Phase continues until the round ends.
Players can join or leave bets between most rolls. The dice must hit the back wall of the table on every throw.
All players bet against the house, not against each other. The casino acts as the bank for all wagers placed on the table.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bets
The Pass Line bet wins immediately on a Come Out Roll of 7 or 11. It loses immediately on rolls of 2, 3, or 12.
Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the Point. The Pass Line bet then wins if the Point repeats before a 7 appears.
The Don’t Pass bet works opposite to Pass Line. It wins on Come Out rolls of 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and ties on 12.
Once a Point is set, Don’t Pass wins if a 7 appears before the Point repeats. These bets offer the lowest house edge at 1.4%.
Point Phase Explained
The Point Phase begins when the Come Out Roll produces 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. The dealer marks this number with a puck.
The shooter continues rolling until either the Point number or 7 appears. Rolling the Point wins Pass Line bets and starts a new Come Out Roll.
Rolling a 7 during the Point Phase ends the round. This outcome wins Don’t Pass bets but loses Pass Line bets.
All other numbers (2, 3, 11, 12) have no effect during the Point Phase. The shooter keeps rolling until the Point or 7 decides the round.
Craps Table Layout
The craps table has three main areas where players make different types of bets. Players and dealers have specific spots around the table, and there are important rules about how to behave during the game.
Key Table Sections
The craps table divides into three main betting areas. The Pass Line runs along the outer edge where players make the most basic bet. The Don’t Pass Bar sits right next to it for players betting against the shooter.
The Field section sits in the middle of the table. Players can bet here on single rolls. Numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 win field bets.
The Come and Don’t Come areas work like Pass Line bets but for rolls after the point is set. These bets have the same rules as Pass Line bets.
Place Bets go on the numbered boxes showing 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. Players bet these numbers will roll before a 7. The dealer places these bets for players.
Proposition Bets fill the center of the table. These include hard ways, any seven, and any craps. The stickman handles all center bets.
The table layout is the same on both ends. This lets players on either side make the same bets.
Dealer and Player Positions
Three dealers work each craps table. Two base dealers stand on opposite sides and handle bets for their sections. They pay winners and collect losing bets.
The stickman stands in the middle across from players. He controls the dice and calls out results. The stickman also handles all center proposition bets.
A boxman sits between the two base dealers. He watches the game and guards the chips. The boxman settles any disputes that come up.
Players stand around the table’s outer edge. Up to 14 players can fit around one table. Each player gets a small section of rail space.
The shooter is the player rolling the dice. The shooter position moves clockwise around the table. Players take turns being the shooter.
Players keep their chips on the rail in front of them. Each player has their own space marked by the table’s design.
Table Etiquette
Players must follow specific rules when playing craps. Keep hands away from the table when dice are in the air. The shooter needs a clear path to roll.
Place bets yourself on self-service areas like Pass Line and Field. Hand money to dealers for other bets. Never reach across the table or into other betting areas.
Wait for the stickman to push dice to the shooter. Don’t touch dice unless you are shooting. When shooting, use only one hand to pick up and throw the dice.
Tip dealers by making bets for them rather than handing over chips. Place a chip on the Pass Line and say “for the dealers.”
Keep drinks away from the betting areas. Hold them low or use cup holders. Spilled drinks can delay the game.
Don’t say the word “seven” at the table. Players consider this bad luck. Use phrases like “big red” instead.
Types of Craps Games
Craps comes in three main forms: traditional casino craps with formal rules and dealers, informal street craps played anywhere, and digital online versions with unique features. Each type offers different gameplay experiences and betting options.
Casino Craps
Casino craps is the most formal version of the game. It takes place at a large table with up to 20 players.
Four dealers run the game. Two base dealers handle bets on each side. One stickman controls the dice and calls the game. A boxman supervises everything.
The table has specific sections for different bets. Players can make Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets before each new shooter. Side bets include Field, Place, and Proposition bets.
Key Features:
- Controlled environment with trained dealers
- Wide variety of betting options
- Standardized rules across all casinos
- Social atmosphere with multiple players
Players take turns shooting the dice. The shooter must bet on either Pass Line or Don’t Pass. Other players can bet on the shooter’s outcome or make independent wagers.
Street Craps
Street craps is a simplified version played without a formal table. Players can play it anywhere with just two dice and betting money.
The game uses basic Pass and Don’t Pass rules. One player shoots the dice against a wall or other surface. Other players bet for or against the shooter.
Main Differences from Casino Craps:
- No dealers or house edge
- Players bet against each other
- Fewer betting options available
- No formal table layout needed
The shooter wins on 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll. Any other number becomes the point. The shooter must roll the point again before rolling a 7 to win.
Money changes hands directly between players. This creates a more personal gambling experience.
Online Craps Variations
Online craps offers several digital versions of the classic game. Players can choose from different styles and features not found in physical casinos.
Live Dealer Craps streams real dealers from studios. Players make bets through their computer or phone. The experience closely matches casino craps.
RNG Craps uses computer software to generate dice rolls. These games often have lower minimum bets. Players can play at their own pace without waiting for other players.
Special Online Features:
- Auto-play options for repeated betting
- Statistics tracking for roll history
- Lower minimum bets than most casinos
- Faster gameplay without social delays
Some online versions add bonus features or side bets. These might include Fire Bet options or Sharp Shooter bonuses. Mobile apps let players access craps games from anywhere.
Craps Bets Explained
Craps offers three main betting categories beyond the basic Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets. Come and Don’t Come bets work like the Pass Line but can be made after the point is set, Place and Buy bets target specific numbers, and Proposition bets offer quick payouts with higher house edges.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
Come bets work exactly like Pass Line bets but can be placed after a point number is established. When a player makes a Come bet, the next roll becomes their personal come-out roll.
If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, the Come bet wins immediately. If they roll 2, 3, or 12, the Come bet loses right away.
Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the Come point. The dealer moves the bet to that number on the table. The Come bet wins if that number rolls before a 7.
Don’t Come bets are the opposite of Come bets. They lose on 7 or 11 and win on 2 or 3. A roll of 12 is a tie.
Both Come and Don’t Come bets have a house edge of 1.4%. Players can make these bets any time except during the come-out roll.
Place and Buy Bets
Place bets allow players to bet directly on specific point numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. These numbers must roll before a 7 for the bet to win.
Place Bet Payouts:
- 4 and 10: Pay 9 to 5
- 5 and 9: Pay 7 to 5
- 6 and 8: Pay 7 to 6
Buy bets work like Place bets but pay true odds. Players must pay a 5% commission on the bet amount. This commission is usually collected when the bet is placed.
Buy Bet Payouts:
- 4 and 10: Pay 2 to 1
- 5 and 9: Pay 3 to 2
- 6 and 8: Pay 6 to 5
Place bets on 6 and 8 have the lowest house edge at 1.5%. Buy bets become more favorable than Place bets when betting larger amounts, usually $25 or more.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are one-roll bets placed in the center of the craps table. These bets have high payouts but also high house edges, making them risky choices.
Common Proposition Bets:
- Any Seven: Pays 4 to 1, house edge 16.7%
- Any Craps (2, 3, or 12): Pays 7 to 1, house edge 11.1%
- Eleven: Pays 15 to 1, house edge 11.1%
- Aces (Snake Eyes): Pays 30 to 1, house edge 13.9%
Hard Way bets predict that certain numbers will roll as doubles. A Hard 8 means two 4s must appear before an easy 8 or a 7.
Hard Way Payouts:
- Hard 4 and 10: Pay 7 to 1
- Hard 6 and 8: Pay 9 to 1
Most experienced players avoid Proposition bets due to their high house edges. These bets appeal to players seeking big payouts on single rolls.
Understanding Craps Odds
Craps odds vary greatly between different bets, with house edges ranging from 0.6% to over 16%. The dice create specific probabilities for each outcome, which directly affects payouts and your chances of winning.
House Edge for Common Bets
The Pass Line bet offers the best odds for beginners with a house edge of just 1.4%. This bet wins when the shooter rolls 7 or 11 on the come out roll.
The Don’t Pass bet has an even lower house edge at 1.36%. It wins when the shooter rolls 2 or 3 on the come out roll.
Field bets carry a much higher house edge of 2.8% to 5.6% depending on the casino’s payout structure. These bets win on rolls of 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Proposition bets in the center of the table have terrible odds. Hard ways bets range from 9.1% to 11.1% house edge. Any seven bets have a massive 16.7% house edge.
Place bets on 6 and 8 offer reasonable odds with a 1.5% house edge. Place bets on 5 and 9 have a 4% house edge, while 4 and 10 carry 6.7%.
Payouts and Probabilities
Pass Line bets pay 1:1 (even money) and have a 49.3% chance of winning. The probability comes from the multiple ways to win on the come out roll and point rolls.
Odds bets behind the Pass Line have zero house edge and pay true odds. These pay 2:1 on points 4 and 10, 3:2 on points 5 and 9, and 6:5 on points 6 and 8.
Place bets pay different amounts based on the number. Betting on 6 or 8 pays 7:6, while 5 or 9 pays 7:5. Place bets on 4 or 10 pay 9:5.
Field bets typically pay 1:1 for most numbers. They pay 2:1 for rolling 2 or 12 at most casinos.
Hard ways have higher payouts but low winning chances. Hard 6 and 8 pay 9:1 but only win 9.1% of the time. Hard 4 and 10 pay 7:1 with 11.1% winning probability.
Comparing Odds Across Bets
Best bets for players include Pass Line (1.4% house edge), Don’t Pass (1.36%), and odds bets (0% house edge). These should form the foundation of any craps strategy.
Moderate bets include Come and Don’t Come bets, which have the same odds as Pass Line bets. Place bets on 6 and 8 are acceptable with their 1.5% house edge.
Poor bets include most proposition bets in the table center. Any Craps (11.1% house edge), Yo Eleven (11.1%), and Any Seven (16.7%) should be avoided.
Place bets comparison shows clear differences. The 6 and 8 offer much better value than 4, 5, 9, or 10. Smart players focus on these numbers when making place bets.
Players can combine low house edge bets to minimize losses over time. Taking maximum odds behind Pass Line bets reduces the overall house edge to under 1% in many cases.
Craps Strategy Basics
Smart craps players use proven betting systems, protect their money with bankroll rules, and avoid costly errors at the table. These three areas form the foundation of successful craps play.
Betting Systems
The most effective craps betting systems focus on low house edge wagers. Pass line bets carry a 1.36% house edge, making them the best starting point for new players.
Don’t pass bets offer an even lower 1.4% house edge. These bets win when the shooter loses, which some players avoid for social reasons.
Taking odds behind pass line bets reduces the overall house edge further. Players can bet 2x, 3x, 5x, or even 10x odds depending on casino rules.
|
Bet Type |
House Edge |
When to Use |
|
Pass Line |
1.36% |
Every come-out roll |
|
Don’t Pass |
1.4% |
Conservative play |
|
Odds Bet |
0% |
Always when allowed |
|
Come Bet |
1.36% |
After point is set |
Avoid proposition bets in the center of the table. These carry house edges between 9% and 16%.
Managing Your Bankroll
Set a gambling budget before entering the casino. Never bet money needed for bills, rent, or other expenses.
Divide the bankroll into session amounts. A $300 bankroll works well split into three $100 sessions.
Bet sizing should match the bankroll. With $100, stick to $5 minimum tables and avoid betting more than 10% per roll.
Stop playing when reaching loss limits. Winners also need exit strategies to protect profits.
Keep track of wins and losses during each session. This prevents chasing losses with bigger bets.
Mistakes to Avoid
Betting on hard ways and other center table propositions drains bankrolls quickly. These bets look exciting but carry terrible odds.
Drinking too much alcohol impairs judgment. Players make larger bets and poor decisions when intoxicated.
Chasing losses by increasing bet sizes leads to bigger losses. Stick to the original betting plan regardless of results.
Following “hot” and “cold” shooters wastes money. Each roll is independent, and past results don’t predict future outcomes.
Betting without understanding the rules costs money. Learn basic bets before trying complex strategies.
Playing at tables with minimum bets too high for the bankroll creates pressure to make fewer, larger bets instead of many smaller ones.
How to Play Craps: Step-by-Step
Playing craps involves three main steps: exchanging money for chips at the table, placing your initial bet on the pass line, and following proper dice handling rules when it’s your turn to roll.
Buying In and Getting Chips
Players must exchange cash for chips before placing any bets. Walk up to the craps table and place your money on the table layout, not directly in the dealer’s hand.
The dealer will count your money and give you chips of different colors and values. Each player gets a unique chip color to avoid confusion during the game.
Chip denominations typically include:
- White chips: $1
- Red chips: $5
- Green chips: $25
- Black chips: $100
Tell the dealer what denomination you want. New players should start with smaller denominations like $5 chips to learn the game without risking large amounts.
Keep your chips in the rail in front of your position. Don’t leave them scattered on the table layout where they might interfere with the game.
Making Your First Bet
New players should start with the pass line bet, which has the lowest house edge at 1.41%. Place your chips directly on the pass line area marked on the table.
The minimum bet amount varies by casino and table. Most tables have minimums between $5 and $25. Check the posted minimum before sitting down.
Pass line betting rules:
- Place bet before the come out roll
- Win if shooter rolls 7 or 11
- Lose if shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12
- Any other number becomes the point
Once you place your pass line bet, don’t touch it until the round ends. The dealer will handle all winning and losing bets automatically.
You can make additional bets during the game, but the pass line bet is the best starting point for beginners.
Dice Rolling Protocol
Players take turns being the shooter who rolls the dice. The dice move clockwise around the table to each new player.
When it’s your turn to shoot, pick up both dice with one hand. You must use only one hand to handle the dice at all times.
Rolling requirements:
- Throw dice hard enough to hit the back wall
- Keep dice over the table at all times
- Don’t delay the game with excessive shaking
The stickman will push the dice to you before each roll. Select two dice from the five offered if you’re shooting for the first time.
If a die flies off the table, the boxman inspects it before returning it to play. Sometimes they replace it with a new die.
Pass the dice to the next player when you roll a seven out. This ends your turn as the shooter.
Advanced Craps Strategies
Players can reduce the house edge through strategic betting combinations and smart odds play. Hedge betting protects against losses while odds bets maximize payouts with zero house advantage.
Hedge Betting Techniques
Hedge betting involves placing multiple bets that protect against specific losses. This strategy reduces risk but also cuts potential profits.
The most common hedge combines Pass Line with Any Craps. Players bet $10 on Pass Line and $1 on Any Craps. If 2, 3, or 12 rolls on the come-out, the Any Craps bet pays 7:1, offsetting most of the Pass Line loss.
Another hedge pairs Don’t Pass with 12. Since 12 pushes on Don’t Pass, betting on 12 straight up covers this weakness. The 12 pays 30:1, turning a push into profit.
Iron Cross hedges place bets across 5, 6, 8, and Field simultaneously. This covers all numbers except 7. When any covered number hits, players collect while other bets stay active.
Horn bets hedge the come-out roll by betting 2, 3, 11, and 12 equally. One unit on each creates a four-way hedge with varying payouts.
Using Odds Bets Effectively
Odds bets carry no house edge, making them the best wagers in craps. Players can only make odds bets after establishing a point on Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t Come bets.
Full odds means betting the maximum allowed behind the line. Most casinos offer 3x-4x-5x odds, meaning 3 times on 4/10, 4 times on 5/9, and 5 times on 6/8.
Take odds pay true mathematical probability. Point 4 or 10 pays 2:1, point 5 or 9 pays 3:2, and point 6 or 8 pays 6:5.
Lay odds work opposite on Don’t Pass bets. Players lay higher amounts to win smaller amounts. Lay 4 or 10 requires $40 to win $20.
Progressive odds betting increases odds bets after wins and decreases after losses. Start with single odds, double after wins, return to single odds after losses.
Always take full odds when possible since these bets have zero house advantage.
Playing Craps Online
Online craps offers the same betting options and rules as casino tables but through digital platforms. Players can access games 24/7 from their devices with faster gameplay and lower minimum bets than most physical casinos.
Online Craps Platforms
Most licensed online casinos offer craps games through their websites and mobile apps. Players need to create accounts and verify their identity before placing real money bets.
Popular platform features include:
- Random number generators instead of physical dice
- Minimum bets starting at $1-5 versus $10-25 at live tables
- Multiple game variations available simultaneously
- Practice modes with virtual chips for learning
The software displays a digital craps table with clickable betting areas. Players select their wager amount and click on the desired bet sections. The system automatically handles payouts and collects losing bets after each roll.
Most platforms offer live dealer craps where real dealers roll physical dice via video stream. This combines online convenience with authentic casino atmosphere.
Differences from Live Craps
Online craps eliminates the social aspects and crowd energy found at casino tables. Players cannot interact with other bettors or participate in the communal excitement of hot shooters.
Key differences include:
- Faster roll frequency (30-60 seconds versus 2-3 minutes)
- No physical dice handling or shooting turns
- Automated bet placement prevents timing errors
- Lower house minimums make complex bets more affordable
The random number generators produce statistically identical results to physical dice. However, some players prefer the tangible experience of watching real dice tumble across felt tables.
Online platforms often provide detailed betting histories and statistics that live casinos do not offer.
Craps Glossary and Terms
Craps has its own language that new players need to learn. Understanding these terms helps players feel more comfortable at the table.
Basic Game Terms
- Bones: Slang word for dice
- Shooter: The player rolling the dice
- Come out roll: The first roll of a new game
- Point: The target number established on the come out roll
Common Bets
- Pass line: Basic bet that wins on 7 or 11
- Don’t pass: Opposite of pass line bet
- Come bet: Similar to pass line but made after point is set
- Field bet: One-roll bet on specific numbers
Popular Slang
- Snake eyes: Rolling two ones (total of 2)
- Boxcars: Rolling two sixes (total of 12)
- Yo-leven: Calling out eleven to avoid confusion with seven
- Big Red: Any seven bet
Table Personnel
- Stickman: Dealer who controls the dice with a stick
- Boxman: Supervisor who sits between dealers
- The Boys: Nickname for the craps dealers
Other Key Terms
- Action: How busy or active the table is
- Aces: Bet on rolling a 2
- Buffalo bet: Betting on all hard ways and any seven
- Hot roll: When shooter keeps making successful rolls
These terms appear frequently during craps games. Learning them makes the game easier to follow and more enjoyable to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
New craps players often have questions about basic rules, betting options, and proper casino behavior. Understanding payout calculations and the differences between online and live casino play helps players make better decisions at the table.
What are the basic rules of playing Craps for beginners?
Craps uses two dice on a special table with multiple betting areas. Players take turns rolling the dice, with one person acting as the shooter for each round.
The game starts with a come-out roll. If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, pass line bets win immediately. If they roll 2, 3, or 12, pass line bets lose.
Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the point. The shooter keeps rolling until they roll the point number again to win, or roll a 7 to end the round.
New players should start with simple pass line or don’t pass line bets. These bets have good odds and are easy to understand.
Can you explain the betting options and odds in Craps?
Pass line bets win when the shooter makes their point or rolls 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. These bets have a house edge of 1.36%.
Don’t pass bets work the opposite way and win when pass line bets lose. The house edge is 1.4% on don’t pass bets.
Field bets cover numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 for one roll only. These bets typically pay even money with higher payouts for 2 and 12.
Place bets allow players to bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) to roll before a 7. Each number has different odds and payouts.
What strategies should players consider when playing Craps to increase their chances of winning?
Stick to bets with low house edges like pass line, don’t pass, and odds bets. Avoid proposition bets in the center of the table that have high house edges.
Take or lay odds behind your pass or don’t pass bets when possible. These bets have zero house edge and improve your overall odds.
Set a budget before playing and stick to it. Don’t chase losses by making bigger bets or switching to riskier betting options.
Learn the game slowly by watching other players and starting with simple bets. Practice online or at empty tables before playing during busy times.
What is the proper etiquette for playing Craps at a casino?
Keep hands away from the table when dice are being thrown. Only the shooter should touch the dice during their turn.
Place bets clearly in the correct areas or tell the dealer what you want. Don’t reach across other players to place bets.
Tip the dealers when you’re winning, especially if they help explain the game. A dollar or two on winning bets shows good etiquette.
Don’t blame other players for bad rolls or losses. Craps is a game of chance and every player has the right to make any legal bet.
How does one calculate payouts for various Craps bets?
Pass line and don’t pass bets pay 1 to 1, meaning a $10 bet wins $10. Come and don’t come bets also pay even money.
Place bets have different payouts depending on the number. Place bets on 6 or 8 pay 7 to 6, while 5 or 9 pay 7 to 5.
Field bets usually pay even money, but 2 and 12 often pay 2 to 1 or 3 to 1. Check the table for specific payout rules.
Odds bets pay true odds with no house edge. The payout depends on the point number and varies from 6 to 5 up to 2 to 1.
What are the differences between playing Craps online and at a physical casino?
Online craps moves faster since there’s no waiting for other players or physical dice throws. Players can take their time making decisions without pressure.
Live casinos offer social interaction and excitement from other players cheering together. The energy and atmosphere create a different gaming experience.
Online casinos often allow smaller minimum bets, making the game accessible to players with smaller budgets. Physical casinos may have higher table minimums.
Live dealer online craps combines both experiences by streaming real dealers and dice throws. This option provides authenticity while playing from home.