What Is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolls. It's one of the most exciting casino games — the table erupts with cheers when the shooter wins. Despite the complex-looking layout, the basic rules are simple: you're betting on whether the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will hit certain numbers before rolling a 7.
Craps Table Layout — Where to Bet
The craps table has two identical sides (for multiple players) plus the center area for one-roll bets. Here's what each section means:
📋 Pass Line & Don't Pass
Pass Line: The most common bet. Bet before the come-out roll. Win on 7 or 11, lose on 2,3,12. If a point is established, win if the point rolls before a 7. House edge: 1.41%
Don't Pass: Bet against the shooter. Win on 2,3, lose on 7,11, push on 12. If a point is established, win if a 7 rolls before the point. House edge: 1.36%
📋 Come & Don't Come
Same rules as Pass/Don't Pass, but for bets placed after the point is established. These bets are made on the next roll.
📋 Free Odds
After a point is established, you can take "odds" behind your pass line bet. This is the only bet in craps with 0% house edge. Casinos offer 2x, 3x, or even 100x odds.
📋 Center Bets (Proposition Bets)
The center area has one-roll bets like Any 7, Any Craps, and hardways. These have high house edges (9-16%) — avoid them as a beginner.
How to Play Craps — Step by Step
🎲 Step 1: Place a Pass Line Bet
Before the come-out roll, place your chips on the pass line. This is your bet that the shooter will win.
🎲 Step 2: The Come-Out Roll
The shooter rolls the dice. Three outcomes are possible:
- 7 or 11: Pass line wins immediately. Collect your winnings and bet again.
- 2, 3, or 12 (Craps): Pass line loses. Your bet is gone.
- 4,5,6,8,9,10: That number becomes the "point". The game continues.
🎲 Step 3: Take Free Odds (Optional)
After the point is established, you can place odds behind your pass line bet. This is extra money that pays true odds — no house edge. Most casinos allow 2x to 100x odds.
🎲 Step 4: The Point Roll
The shooter continues rolling. Two outcomes end the round:
- Point rolls again: Pass line wins. All pass line bets and odds pay.
- 7 rolls (seven-out): Pass line loses. The dice pass to the next shooter.
🎲 Step 5: The Round Ends
When a point is made or a seven-out occurs, the round ends. New come-out roll begins with the same shooter (if point made) or a new shooter (if seven-out).
Craps Betting Odds — House Edge
| Bet | House Edge | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Free Odds | 0% | ✅ Always take max odds allowed |
| Don't Pass | 1.36% | ✅ Best primary bet |
| Pass Line | 1.41% | ✅ Best for beginners |
| Come | 1.41% | ✅ Same as pass line |
| Don't Come | 1.36% | ✅ Same as don't pass |
| Place 6/8 | 1.52% | ✅ Acceptable alternative |
| Place 5/9 | 4.00% | ⚠️ High house edge |
| Place 4/10 | 6.67% | ⚠️ Very high house edge |
| Any 7 | 16.67% | ❌ Never bet — terrible odds |
⚠️ AVOID PROPOSITION BETS
Center bets like Any 7 (16.67% house edge), Any Craps (11.11%), and Hardways (9-11%) are sucker bets. Stick to pass line with odds for the best chance to win.
Craps Terminology — Key Terms to Know
- Shooter: The player rolling the dice
- Come-Out Roll: The first roll of a new round
- Point: The number (4,5,6,8,9,10) established on come-out
- Natural: Rolling 7 or 11 on come-out (win)
- Craps: Rolling 2,3,12 on come-out (lose)
- Seven-Out: Rolling 7 after point is established (lose)
- Odds: Additional bet behind pass line — pays true odds
- Hardway: Bet that a number (4,6,8,10) rolls as a pair (e.g., 3+3 for 6)
Craps Strategy for Beginners
- Start with Pass Line: Simple, low house edge, easy to learn
- Always take maximum odds: Free odds have no house edge — the more odds you take, the lower your overall edge
- Never bet the center: Proposition bets have huge house edges
- Set a bankroll limit: Craps can be fast-paced — decide your stop-loss before playing
- Watch first: Observe a few rounds to understand the flow before betting
Where to Play Craps Online
Find craps tables at these US-friendly casinos:
More Craps Resources
- Craps Strategy Guide → — Advanced betting systems and odds optimization
- Baccarat vs Craps → — Which game offers better odds?
- Other Games FAQ → — Common questions answered
- Other Games Glossary → — Key terms explained
