Craps is one of the most exciting and social casino games, with players gathered around the table cheering for the shooter to roll winning numbers. The energetic atmosphere, combined with some of the best odds in the casino, makes craps a favourite amongst experienced gamblers. However, the table layout covered in complex betting options can intimidate newcomers. This comprehensive guide will demystify craps, explaining the rules, bets, and strategies you need to join the action confidently.
What Is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcomes of rolls or series of rolls of two six-sided dice. The player rolling the dice is called the “shooter,” and everyone at the table can place bets on the shooter’s rolls. The game combines pure chance with strategic betting choices, and unlike many casino games, craps allows players to bet with or against the shooter.
The appeal of craps lies in its social nature and favourable odds. Certain bets offer house edges below 1.5%, making craps one of the best games for players in terms of potential returns. The communal excitement when the shooter is “on a roll” creates an atmosphere unmatched by most casino games.
The Craps Table Layout
A standard craps table features an elongated surface with identical betting layouts on each end and a centre section with proposition bets. The table accommodates multiple players and is staffed by several casino employees:
Boxman: Supervises the table, manages chips, and resolves disputes.
Stickman: Calls the game, controls the dice, and manages centre bets.
Dealers: Two dealers handle player bets at each end of the table, paying wins and collecting losses.
The layout includes various betting areas for different wager types. Understanding where to place bets is crucial for playing craps effectively.
Basic Craps Rules and Gameplay
The Come-Out Roll
Every round of craps begins with a “come-out roll.” This is the shooter’s first roll in a new round.
Natural Win (7 or 11): If the shooter rolls 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, Pass Line bets win immediately, and Don’t Pass bets lose. The shooter keeps the dice and makes another come-out roll.
Craps (2, 3, or 12): If the shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, Pass Line bets lose immediately, and Don’t Pass bets win (except 12, which pushes on Don’t Pass). The shooter keeps the dice for another come-out roll.
Point Established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10): If the shooter rolls any of these numbers, that number becomes the “point.” A marker puck is placed on the table to indicate the point number. The round moves to the point phase.
The Point Phase
Once a point is established, the objective changes:
Making the Point: The shooter continues rolling until they either roll the point number again or roll a 7.
- If the point is rolled before a 7, Pass Line bets win, Don’t Pass bets lose, and the shooter begins a new come-out roll keeping the dice
- If a 7 is rolled before the point (“seven out”), Pass Line bets lose, Don’t Pass bets win, and the dice move to the next shooter
Numbers other than the point or 7 are irrelevant during the point phase for Pass/Don’t Pass bets, though other bet types may win or lose on these rolls.
Types of Craps Bets
Craps offers numerous betting options with varying house edges and complexity.
Pass Line Bet
The most fundamental and popular craps bet. Place your chips on the Pass Line before the come-out roll.
Win Conditions: Roll 7 or 11 on come-out; roll the point before rolling 7 during point phase.
Lose Conditions: Roll 2, 3, or 12 on come-out; roll 7 before the point during point phase.
House Edge: 1.41%
Payout: Even money (1:1)
Strategy: One of the best bets in craps. Most players make Pass Line bets and root for the shooter together.
Don’t Pass Bet
The opposite of Pass Line, betting against the shooter.
Win Conditions: Roll 2 or 3 on come-out; roll 7 before the point during point phase.
Lose Conditions: Roll 7 or 11 on come-out; roll the point before 7 during point phase.
Push Condition: Roll 12 on come-out (neither win nor lose).
House Edge: 1.36%
Payout: Even money (1:1)
Strategy: Mathematically slightly better than Pass Line, but you’re betting against everyone else at the table, which can feel antisocial.
Come Bet
Functions like a Pass Line bet but can be placed after a point is established. The next roll becomes your personal come-out roll.
Win Conditions: Next roll is 7 or 11; your personal point is rolled before 7.
Lose Conditions: Next roll is 2, 3, or 12; 7 is rolled before your personal point.
House Edge: 1.41%
Payout: Even money (1:1)
Strategy: Allows you to make additional bets similar to Pass Line after the come-out roll.
Don’t Come Bet
The opposite of Come bets, functioning like Don’t Pass but placed after a point is established.
House Edge: 1.36%
Payout: Even money (1:1)
Strategy: Same considerations as Don’t Pass—mathematically sound but antisocial.
Odds Bets (Free Odds)
The best bet in the casino with 0% house edge. You can place odds bets behind your Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bets after a point is established.
Pass/Come Odds: Betting that the point will be rolled before 7.
Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Odds: Betting that 7 will be rolled before the point.
Payouts: Based on true odds:
- 2:1 for points 4 and 10
- 3:2 for points 5 and 9
- 6:5 for points 6 and 8
Maximum Odds: Casinos limit how much you can bet relative to your original wager, typically offering 3x, 4x, 5x, 10x, or even 100x odds at some casinos.
House Edge: 0%
Strategy: Always take maximum odds. This reduces the overall house edge on your total wager (line bet plus odds).
Place Bets
Bet that specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7. You can make place bets at any time.
Payouts and House Edges:
- Place 6 or 8: Pays 7:6, house edge 1.52%
- Place 5 or 9: Pays 7:5, house edge 4%
- Place 4 or 10: Pays 9:5, house edge 6.67%
Strategy: Place 6 and 8 have reasonable house edges. Avoid placing 4 and 10 (buy bets are better).
Buy Bets
Similar to place bets but pay true odds. You pay a 5% commission on your wager (some casinos charge commission only on wins).
Payouts:
- Buy 4 or 10: Pays 2:1
- Buy 5 or 9: Pays 3:2
- Buy 6 or 8: Pays 6:5
House Edge: Approximately 4.76% if commission is charged on bet; 1.67% if charged only on wins.
Strategy: Buy 4 and 10 instead of placing them. Buy other numbers only if commission is charged on wins only.
Lay Bets
The opposite of buy bets—betting that 7 will roll before specific numbers. You pay 5% commission on potential winnings.
House Edge: Varies by number, generally 2-3%.
Strategy: Generally poor value compared to Don’t Pass/Don’t Come with odds.
Field Bet
A one-roll bet that wins if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Payout: Usually even money, with 2 and 12 paying 2:1 (sometimes 12 pays 3:1).
House Edge: 5.56% (standard paytable) or 2.78% (if 12 pays 3:1).
Strategy: Generally a poor bet unless the paytable is favourable.
Proposition Bets (Centre Bets)
Single-roll bets managed by the stickman, located in the centre of the table.
Any 7: Next roll is 7. Pays 4:1, house edge 16.67%. Avoid.
Any Craps (2, 3, or 12): Next roll is craps. Pays 7:1, house edge 11.11%. Avoid.
Hard Ways: Bet that specific doubles (4, 6, 8, or 10) appear before a 7 or easy way (e.g., hard 8 is 4-4, easy 8 is 5-3 or 6-2).
- Hard 4 or 10: Pays 7:1, house edge 11.11%
- Hard 6 or 8: Pays 9:1, house edge 9.09%
Snake Eyes (2) or Boxcars (12): Next roll is 2 or 12. Pays 30:1, house edge 13.89%. Avoid.
Yo (11): Next roll is 11. Pays 15:1, house edge 11.11%. Avoid.
Horn Bet: One-roll bet combining 2, 3, 11, and 12. High house edge. Avoid.
Strategy: All proposition bets have terrible house edges. They’re exciting but poor value.
Big 6 and Big 8
Bet that 6 or 8 will roll before 7. Pays even money.
House Edge: 9.09%
Strategy: Terrible bet. Place 6 or 8 instead for better payouts.
Craps Strategy for Beginners
Stick to Low House Edge Bets
Focus on Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets, all under 1.5% house edge. These are the foundation of sound craps strategy.
Always Take Maximum Odds
Odds bets have zero house edge. Taking full odds reduces the overall house edge on your combined wager. If you can afford 3x odds, bet the minimum on Pass Line and maximum on odds rather than betting more on Pass Line without odds.
Place 6 and 8
If you want action beyond Pass Line and odds, placing 6 and 8 offers reasonable value at 1.52% house edge. These numbers roll frequently (more than any except 7).
Avoid Proposition Bets
The stickman will enthusiastically promote proposition bets. Resist the temptation. These bets carry house edges exceeding 9%, making them terrible value despite their excitement.
Don’t Fall for Betting Systems
No betting system overcomes the house edge. Progressive systems like Martingale are especially dangerous in craps due to table limits and volatility.
Play at Tables with Better Rules
Look for tables offering higher odds multiples. 10x or 20x odds tables are better than 3x/4x/5x, though you need adequate bankroll to exploit this advantage.
Bankroll Management for Craps
Set a Session Budget
Determine how much you’re willing to risk before playing. A reasonable guideline is having 10-20 times your average bet for Pass Line plus odds.
Bet Within Your Means
If you have £200, betting £20 per decision is too aggressive. Bet £5-£10 instead, allowing you to weather variance.
Take Breaks
Craps can be fast-paced and exciting. Step away periodically to assess your position and avoid emotionally-driven decisions.
Set Win Goals and Loss Limits
Decide when you’ll walk away—both after winning a target amount and after losing your budget. Stick to these limits.
Adjust Bets Based on Bankroll
If your bankroll grows, you can slightly increase bets. If it shrinks, reduce bets proportionally.
Dice Control and Advantage Play
Some players claim to influence dice outcomes through controlled throwing techniques. This remains controversial.
The Theory: By gripping and throwing dice consistently, skilled shooters might slightly reduce randomness, potentially gaining an edge.
The Reality: Even if dice control exists, the advantage is minimal and requires extraordinary skill and practice. Casinos enforce dice-throwing requirements (hitting back wall, both dice leaving hand simultaneously) that make controlled throws extremely difficult.
Conclusion: Dice control is not a realistic path to profits for recreational players. Focus on sound betting strategy instead.
Craps Etiquette and Table Manners
General Etiquette
- Wait for a new shooter before joining a game if possible
- Don’t touch the dice with both hands
- Keep hands out of the way when dice are in motion
- Throw dice firmly enough to hit the back wall
- Don’t delay the game; make bets promptly
- Don’t remove or touch bets once dice are out
- Tip dealers occasionally, especially during hot rolls
- Be encouraging to the shooter; craps is communal
- Don’t use the word “seven” during point phase (superstition, but respect it)
Don’t Pass Etiquette
Betting Don’t Pass is perfectly acceptable, but you’re rooting against everyone else. Be discreet about celebrating when 7 rolls. Don’t gloat or antagonize Pass Line bettors.
Handling Dice
When you’re the shooter:
- Pick up both dice with one hand
- Don’t hold them out of the stickman’s view
- Throw them together firmly enough to reach the back wall
- If one or both dice leave the table, the stickman will offer new dice; it’s superstition, but some shooters prefer new dice
Tipping
Tip dealers (“tokes”) by making bets for them or handing chips directly. Common times to tip include:
- When joining or leaving the table
- After significant wins
- After hot rolls where you won substantially
- When dealers provide helpful service
Common Craps Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sucker Bets
Proposition bets and hardways tempt players with high payouts, but their enormous house edges make them consistent money losers.
Not Taking Odds
Failing to bet odds is leaving money on the table. Always take maximum odds you can afford.
Betting Big 6/Big 8
Never bet Big 6 or Big 8. Always place 6 or 8 instead for better payouts.
Poor Bankroll Management
Betting too much relative to your bankroll leads to quick busts. Bet conservatively to survive variance.
Chasing Losses
Increasing bets to recover losses typically accelerates bankroll depletion.
Getting Caught Up in Excitement
Hot rolls are thrilling, but don’t abandon your strategy. Stick to your plan regardless of the table’s energy.
Placing Too Many Bets
More action doesn’t mean more profit. Focus on a few smart bets rather than covering the entire table.
Online Craps vs Land-Based Craps
Advantages of Land-Based Craps
- Social atmosphere and communal excitement
- Shooting dice yourself
- Authentic casino experience
- Table dynamics and superstitions
- Immediate physical feedback
- Interaction with dealers and players
Advantages of Online Craps
- Play at your own pace
- Lower minimum bets
- No pressure from other players
- Convenient 24/7 access
- Easy to track bets and results
- Free play options for practice
- Better for Don’t Pass bettors (no social pressure)
Live Dealer Craps
Some online casinos offer live dealer craps, streaming real tables to your device. This combines online convenience with authentic craps atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best bet in craps? Pass Line or Don’t Pass with maximum odds offers the lowest house edge. Don’t Pass is mathematically slightly better at 1.36% vs 1.41%.
Should I bet with or against the shooter? Mathematically, Don’t Pass is marginally better, but Pass Line is more social and fun. The difference is negligible.
Can I win money playing craps? Short-term wins are possible, but the house edge ensures long-term casino profitability. Play for entertainment, not income.
What does “seven out” mean? During the point phase, rolling 7 before the point ends the shooter’s turn. The dice pass to the next player.
Why does everyone cheer in craps? Most players bet Pass Line, rooting for the shooter together. Hot rolls where the shooter repeatedly makes points create communal excitement.
Are odds bets really free? Odds bets have zero house edge, making them “free” in the sense that they’re fair bets. They’re the only casino bets with no mathematical disadvantage.
How long does a craps roll last? Highly variable. Some shooters seven out immediately; others stay hot for many rolls. The longest recorded roll lasted over four hours with 154 rolls before sevening out.
Can I control the dice? While some claim controlled throwing provides an edge, it’s extremely difficult and not a realistic strategy for recreational players.
Conclusion
Craps combines some of the best odds in the casino with unmatched excitement and social atmosphere. The key to enjoying craps is focusing on smart bets—Pass Line or Don’t Pass with maximum odds, supplemented by placing 6 and 8 if desired—whilst avoiding the sucker bets that drain bankrolls quickly.
Understanding the game’s flow from come-out rolls through point phases, knowing where to place chips on the complex table layout, and following proper etiquette will have you fitting in at any craps table confidently. Start with basic Pass Line bets and odds, gradually expanding your repertoire as you become comfortable with the game’s rhythm.
Remember that craps, like all casino games, favours the house mathematically. No strategy guarantees profits, and the house edge ensures casinos profit over time. Approach craps as entertainment, set strict budgets, manage your bankroll wisely, and never chase losses.
Whether you’re throwing dice at a bustling Las Vegas casino or playing online from home, craps offers thrilling action and some of the fairest odds you’ll find on the casino floor. With the knowledge from this guide, you’re ready to place your chips, grab the dice, and experience one of gambling’s most exciting games.