Last reviewed: July 10, 2026

Craps rules · come-out roll, point cycle, line bets, odds, layout bets and stop signals

Craps RulesCome-Out Roll, Point Cycle, Pass Line, Don't Pass, Odds and Table Bets

Direct answer: craps is a dice game where a round starts with a come-out roll. A 7 or 11 commonly wins Pass Line, 2, 3 or 12 commonly loses Pass Line, and 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 sets a point. After a point is set, Pass Line needs the point before 7; Don't Pass usually wants 7 before the point, with table-specific handling on 12.

This page explains rules and settlement logic. It does not teach dice control, hot-shooter systems, recovery betting, guaranteed profit, legal approval, tax advice, KYC approval, payout approval or suitability for any user.

Short answer

How craps rules work before any strategy claim

Short answer: start by finding the exact table or game help screen. Confirm the come-out roll, point numbers, Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, Don't Come, odds multiples, Field payouts, hardways, proposition bets, minimums, maximums and whether the game is live, RNG, stadium, retail or mobile.

Affiliate disclosure: The Playbook USA may earn commissions from commercial pages elsewhere on the site. This craps rules page is educational and does not include direct operator funnels, deposit prompts or bonus calls to action.

Safe craps rules check = game format -> come-out rules -> point cycle -> line bets -> odds multiples -> optional bet paytables -> stop signal.

Use rules forUnderstanding the sequence: come-out roll, point set, point resolution and optional bet families.

Check before bettingThe exact rules screen, payout table, odds multiple, Don't Pass 12 handling and active-bet state.

Do not use rules forPredicting rolls, proving a shooter is hot, recovering losses or treating odds as risk-free.

Safety boundaryStop if rules research turns into urgency, chasing, secrecy, debt stress or pressure to keep playing.

Craps rules in 90 seconds

Use this table to understand the game flow before reading the deeper bet-family sections.

Eight essentials that explain how craps rules work.
Concept	What it means	Check first	Boundary
Dice	Two dice decide each roll. The total, not the visual pattern, controls settlement.	Rules screen and bet labels.	Dice results do not become due.
Shooter	The shooter rolls the dice for the table or for a live table sequence.	Live table role and round state.	Shooter identity does not prove control.
Come-out roll	A new Pass Line and Don't Pass cycle starts on the come-out roll.	Whether the table is before or after point.	It does not predict the next total.
Point	If 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 rolls on come-out, that number becomes the point.	Point marker and active bets.	A point is not more likely because it is active.
Pass Line	Pass Line wins on 7 or 11 on come-out, loses on 2, 3 or 12, then needs the point before 7.	Come-out and point rules.	It is still gambling with losing outcomes.
Don't Pass	Don't Pass is the opposite line family with special handling for 12 on many tables.	Exact 12 handling.	It is not a no-risk hedge.
Odds	Odds are extra wagers placed behind line bets after a point is set.	Odds multiples and whether odds are on or off.	Odds increase exposure and do not guarantee recovery.
Layout bets	Place, buy, lay, Field, hardways and proposition bets settle by their own rules.	Exact paytable and active-roll rules.	A familiar label is not proof of value.

Dice, shooter and table-role matrix

These roles explain table flow. They do not prove control over dice results.

Dice, shooter and table-role meanings in craps.
Table element	Role in the game	Check first	What it does not prove
Dice	Physical dice in retail/live contexts or RNG output in digital contexts.	Which format is used.	Does not prove fairness or legal availability alone.
Shooter	The person or table role associated with rolling dice.	Whether the shooter changes after seven-out.	Does not control randomness.
Stickperson / dealer	Announces rolls, moves dice and helps manage table flow.	House procedures and table prompts.	Does not provide strategy advice.
Point marker	Shows whether the table is in come-out or point cycle.	Marker off or on and point number.	Does not make a point due.
Base dealer area	Where line, Come, Don't Come and odds bets are tracked.	Which bets are active and inactive.	Does not prove payout approval.
Layout	The printed or digital map of available bet families.	Paytable and bet minimums.	Does not prove suitability for a bankroll.

Come-out roll table

The come-out roll starts the main line-bet cycle. Always check exact table wording before relying on generic rules.

Common come-out roll outcomes and caveats.
Come-out result	Common effect	Cycle state	Caveat
7 or 11	Pass Line wins and Don't Pass loses on many standard tables.	The cycle usually resolves immediately.	A come-out win does not prove a streak.
2 or 3	Pass Line loses and Don't Pass usually wins.	Exact table wording.	Do not treat it as a recovery signal.
12	Pass Line usually loses while Don't Pass often pushes, but rules can vary.	Exact Don't Pass 12 handling.	Never assume the push rule without the rules screen.
4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10	That number becomes the point and the cycle moves to point phase.	Point marker and active line bets.	The point number does not predict timing.

Point-cycle table

Once a point is established, the table has moved into a different phase.

Point-cycle rules and safer interpretation.
Point-cycle step	What happens	Check first	Boundary
Point is set	The table moves from come-out to point cycle.	Point marker is on and shows the point.	Do not add bets until you know the cycle.
Point repeats	Pass Line wins and Don't Pass loses when the point repeats before 7.	Which line bets are active.	A point hit does not prove shooter skill.
7 before point	Pass Line loses and Don't Pass wins when 7 rolls before the point.	Whether the roll is a seven-out.	Seven-out is not a reason to chase.
Odds behind line bets	Odds may be placed after a point is established.	Odds multiple and on/off setting.	Odds can increase loss size quickly.
Come and Don't Come points	Come and Don't Come bets can travel to individual numbers.	Where each chip or digital marker moved.	Do not confuse these with the table point.
New come-out cycle	After resolution, the table returns to a new come-out roll.	Which bets carry, turn off or stay active.	A new cycle does not erase prior losses.

Pass, Don't Pass, Come and Don't Come line-bet matrix

Line-family bets are the foundation of craps. The main beginner mistake is mixing the table point with a Come or Don't Come point.

Pass, Don't Pass, Come and Don't Come line-bet rules.
Line-bet family	Plain rule	Check first	Boundary
Pass Line	Wins on come-out 7 or 11; loses on 2, 3 or 12; after a point, needs the point before 7.	Point rules and odds availability.	Beginner-friendly does not mean safe.
Don't Pass	Usually loses on come-out 7 or 11, wins on 2 or 3, pushes on 12, then wants 7 before point.	Exact 12 rule.	It is not a guaranteed hedge.
Come	Works like a Pass Line bet, but starts on a later roll and can move to its own number.	Whether the roll is a Come bet come-out.	It is not the same as the table come-out roll.
Don't Come	Works like Don't Pass after placement, with its own number and 7-before-point logic.	Where the bet travels and 12 handling.	Can confuse beginners if multiple numbers are active.

Odds mechanics and exposure matrix

Odds can be important to craps rules, but the added stake can make the session move faster and feel harder to control.

Craps odds mechanics and exposure caveats.
Odds mechanic	What it means	Check first	Boundary
Odds behind Pass Line	Extra wager after a point is set, tied to Pass Line outcome.	Allowed multiple, minimum and on/off state.	More exposure can mean faster losses.
Odds behind Come	Extra wager behind a Come bet after it travels to a number.	Which Come point owns the odds.	Do not mix it with the main table point.
Lay odds on Don't Pass	Extra Don't-side wager after a point is set.	Required lay amount and win amount.	Can be larger than expected.
Lay odds on Don't Come	Extra Don't-side wager behind a Don't Come point.	Which number it is tied to.	Tracking mistakes can change risk.
Odds multiples	Tables may show 1x, 2x, 3-4-5x, 10x or another limit.	The exact multiple on the table.	A bigger multiple is not automatically better for the user.
Odds off / odds on	Some tables turn odds off on come-out by default or allow control.	Default setting and user controls.	An inactive odds bet may not settle as expected.

Layout bet taxonomy matrix

The layout contains several bet families. Do not treat a bet name as proof that the bet is suitable or low risk.

Craps layout bet families and rule checks.
Bet family	Rule family	Check first	Boundary
Pass Line	Core line bet.	Come-out and point cycle.	Still loses on craps numbers and seven-out.
Don't Pass	Core Don't-side line bet.	Come-out 12 handling and point phase.	Not a no-risk opposite bet.
Come	Later-roll line-family bet.	Travels to an individual number.	Not the same as table come-out.
Don't Come	Later-roll Don't-side bet.	Travels to an individual number.	Can be hard to track with multiple bets.
Odds	Optional add-on behind line-family bets.	Point established and odds multiple.	Can magnify exposure.
Place	Bet on a number to roll before 7.	Exact payout for 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10.	Not tied to Pass Line by default.
Buy	Place-like number bet that can involve commission.	Commission timing and payout.	Commission wording changes the result.
Lay	Bet that 7 rolls before a selected number.	Required lay amount and commission.	Can require more money than expected.
Field	One-roll bet on listed totals.	Whether 2 or 12 pays double or triple.	Simple layout does not mean low risk.
Hardways / proposition bets	Specific-total or one-roll style bets.	Exact trigger and payout.	High payout can hide high volatility.

Exposure reference matrix

This matrix is a quick way to see why different bet families feel different even when the same dice are used.

Craps bet exposure reference by family.
Exposure type	How it behaves	What resolves it	Risk note
Pass / Come base bet	Usually active through a line-family cycle.	Point before 7 or seven-out after point.	Base exposure can remain active longer than expected.
Don't side line bet	Usually opposite settlement logic with special come-out handling.	7 before point after a point is set.	A Don't-side bet can still lose quickly.
Odds	Add-on exposure behind line-family bets.	Same result as the owned line bet.	No house-edge label removes the chance of losing the whole odds stake.
Place / buy / lay	Number-specific exposure.	Number before 7 or 7 before number.	Commission and payout matter.
Field	One-roll exposure.	Next roll only.	Frequent decisions can increase pace.
Hardways / props	Specific combination or total exposure.	Exact roll trigger.	High variance can create chase pressure.

Live, RNG, stadium and app rules-screen checklist

Different formats can show the same craps terms in different interfaces. The exact game help screen owns the settlement details.

Rules-screen checklist for live, RNG, stadium and mobile craps.
Check	What to verify	Safest use	Boundary
Live dealer table ID	The streamed table's identifier and round record.	Use it to match support or dispute records.	Does not prove better odds or legality.
RNG rules screen	Digital game rules and random-number format.	Use it to confirm settlement logic.	Does not predict results.
Stadium / electronic table	Shared or electronic table interface.	Use it to confirm pace, controls and settlement display.	Does not prove safer play.
App / mobile interface	Small-screen layout and repeat-bet controls.	Use it to confirm active bets before tapping.	Does not prove legal availability.
Odds multiples	Maximum odds allowed behind line bets.	Use it to control exposure.	Bigger multiples do not guarantee better outcomes.
Don't Pass 12 handling	Whether 12 pushes or settles differently.	Use it before placing Don't-side line bets.	Do not assume house rules.
Payout table	Payouts for Field, hardways, props and number bets.	Use it before optional bets.	Payout alone does not prove value.
Minimum / maximum	Table or bet-family limits.	Use it before deciding stake size.	Limits do not prove affordability.
Repeat-bet controls	Buttons that repeat or rebet previous wagers.	Use them cautiously on fast interfaces.	Convenience can increase pace.
Responsible-gambling tools	Timeout, limit, self-exclusion or support routes.	Use before pressure escalates.	Tools are support, not loss recovery.

Common beginner mistakes matrix

Most beginner mistakes come from treating table flow as prediction evidence.

Common craps beginner mistakes and safer corrections.
Mistake	Why it matters	Safer correction
Believing the shooter controls dice	Shooter role is not evidence of outcome control.	Treat every roll as uncertain.
Joining mid-cycle without checking state	Active point and active bets can be confusing.	Find the point marker before betting.
Confusing Come with come-out	Come bets start their own cycle on later rolls.	Track each Come point separately.
Treating odds as risk-free	Odds can still lose and add stake size.	Limit exposure before adding odds.
Treating Field as safe because it is simple	Field is a one-roll bet with table-specific payouts.	Read 2 and 12 payouts first.
Chasing hardways or propositions	High payout can make near-misses feel meaningful.	Skip optional bets when chasing appears.
Ignoring Don't Pass 12 handling	A push or other rule can change expectations.	Check the exact rule screen.
Raising stakes after seven-out	Seven-out can trigger recovery pressure.	Stop before increasing stakes to recover.

Before you use any craps rule checklist

Use this checklist before acting on a rule, table label or betting claim.

Checklist before relying on craps rules.
Check	Why it matters	Safer action
Check game format	Live, RNG, stadium, retail and app formats can display rules differently.	Use the exact format in front of you.
Find come-out rules	Confirm 7, 11, 2, 3, 12 and point numbers.	Do this before line bets.
Find point rules	Confirm how point, seven-out and new cycle work.	Do this before adding odds.
Confirm Don't Pass 12	Check whether 12 is push or different settlement.	Do not assume a generic rule.
Confirm odds multiples	Find 1x, 2x, 3-4-5x or other limits.	Treat odds as added exposure.
Read optional-bet paytables	Field, hardways, props, buy and lay need exact payouts.	Do not rely on name alone.
Check table limits	Minimums and maximums affect both base and add-on bets.	Limits do not prove affordability.
Check repeat controls	Fast digital rebet buttons can increase pace.	Slow down before repeating wagers.
Confirm state / account availability	Product access can depend on location, age, KYC and account terms.	Use state and account sources.
Save support route	Support matters if pressure appears.	Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET or use NCPG chat.

Worked examples: reading craps rules safely

These examples show rule interpretation only. They are not systems or betting advice.

Example 1: Pass Line come-out win

A new shooter starts a come-out roll. The roll is 7. Under common rules, Pass Line wins and Don't Pass loses. The safer interpretation is simple: the cycle ended immediately, but the next come-out roll is still uncertain.

Example 2: Point is established

The come-out roll is 8. The point marker turns on for 8. Pass Line now needs 8 before 7. This does not mean 8 is due or that the shooter is more likely to repeat it.

Example 3: Seven-out after point

The point is 6 and the next resolving roll is 7. Pass Line loses and Don't Pass wins. Increasing stakes after this roll is a recovery signal, not a rule adjustment.

Example 4: Come bet travels

A Come bet is placed after a point is active. The next roll is 5, so the Come bet travels to 5. That Come point is separate from the table point and needs its own tracking.

Example 5: Odds behind a line bet

After the point is set, odds are placed behind Pass Line. If 7 appears before the point, both the line bet and odds can lose. The odds label does not make the extra stake safe.

Example 6: Field bet check

A user sees a Field bet and assumes it is simple. The correct check is whether 2 or 12 pays double, triple or another amount. If the paytable is unclear, skip the bet.

Example 7: Don't Pass 12 check

A Don't Pass bettor assumes 12 wins. The rules screen says 12 pushes. The bet does not lose, but it also does not win. This is why table-specific wording matters.

Example 8: Mobile repeat-bet pressure

A mobile interface offers a one-tap repeat. After a loss, repeating feels fast and automatic. The safer action is to stop, review active bets and leave if recovery pressure appears.

Availability, commercial and state boundary matrix

Knowing craps rules does not prove that a product, account, payment route, withdrawal route or state context is available to a particular user.

Availability, commercial and state boundaries for craps rules.
Boundary	What it affects	Use this source	What this page does not prove
State availability	Whether regulated online casino games or retail products are available where you are.	State guides	A craps rule page is not legal advice.
Operator / account eligibility	Whether your account, location and product access are eligible.	Other casino games casino comparison and craps rules	A visible game tile does not prove eligibility.
Live / RNG / stadium / app format	Which format owns the rules and records.	Craps rules and Other casino games FAQ	Format does not prove safer play.
Payment / KYC / withdrawal context	Whether account checks or payment routes affect play or payout.	KYC guide and withdrawal guide	A winning bet does not prove payout approval.
Tax records	Whether gambling income or loss records may matter.	Gambling taxes guide and federal tax guide	This page is not tax advice.

Source snapshot for craps rules checks

Use these sources to decide which record owns each claim before relying on a craps rule, payout or availability statement.

Source owners for craps rules, payouts, availability, testing, tax-record awareness and support boundaries.
Source	Source owner	Checked	What it supports	What it does not prove	Safest use
Craps rules definitions used on this page	The Playbook USA	July 10, 2026	Plain-language explanation of come-out roll, point cycle, line bets, odds and layout-bet boundaries.	Does not prove legal access, payout approval or user suitability.	Use as the educational route map.
Posted craps table rules / game help screen	Operator / provider / venue	Before use	Exact come-out, point, Don't Pass 12, odds and payout wording for the game in front of you.	Does not prove that other tables use the same rules.	Use as the first source for actual settlement.
Exact odds multiples / payout table	Operator / provider / venue	Before odds or optional bets	Odds limits, Field payouts, hardways, proposition bets, buy and lay commission wording.	Does not prove a bet is suitable or profitable.	Use before any non-line or add-on bet.
Exact operator terms where commercial availability is discussed	Operator	Before relying on access	Account, product, location, KYC, payment and dispute boundaries.	Does not replace official state or tax sources.	Use when availability, payments or records matter.
Applicable U.S. state regulator / official product page	State regulator or official source	When state context matters	Whether regulated gambling products may be available in a jurisdiction.	Does not approve a specific user, account or payout.	Use for legal and product-availability context.
Independent testing lab certificate shown for exact game / provider / table	Testing lab / provider / operator	When displayed	Testing context for a specific game, RNG, live table or provider claim.	Does not predict outcomes or prove user suitability.	Use only when certificate details match the game.
GLI game mathematics / RTP analysis	Gaming Laboratories International	July 10, 2026	Testing-methodology context for game mathematics and theoretical return concepts.	Does not certify this page or any casino listed elsewhere.	Use as testing-methodology context.
GLI RNG testing	Gaming Laboratories International	July 10, 2026	Testing-methodology context for random-number generation in digital games.	Does not prove a specific game is available, legal or profitable.	Use as RNG testing context.
IRS Topic 419	Internal Revenue Service	July 10, 2026	Federal context for gambling income and loss record awareness.	Does not provide personal tax advice.	Use for tax-record awareness.
NCPG 1-800-MY-RESET and chat	National Council on Problem Gambling	July 10, 2026	Support routing when gambling creates pressure, distress, secrecy, chasing or loss of control.	Does not resolve casino, payment, tax or legal disputes.	Use before pressure escalates.

What craps rules do not prove

Rules knowledge is useful only when it stays inside its proper boundary.

Craps rules and what they do not prove.
Rule knowledge	What it can explain	What it cannot prove
Knowing the come-out roll	Explains the first roll of a cycle.	Does not predict whether 7, 11, craps or point appears next.
Knowing the point	Explains which number must repeat before 7 for Pass Line.	Does not make that number due.
Knowing the shooter role	Explains who rolls or triggers the dice sequence.	Does not prove dice control or skill.
Knowing Pass Line	Explains a core line bet.	Does not make craps safe or profitable.
Knowing Don't Pass	Explains the Don't-side line family.	Does not remove risk or guarantee a hedge.
Seeing an odds label	Explains add-on betting after point.	Does not make added stake risk-free.
Seeing the Field bet	Explains a one-roll bet area.	Does not prove low risk.
Seeing hardways / props	Explains optional bet families.	Does not prove high payout is good value.
Seeing live / RNG label	Explains game format.	Does not prove fairness, legality or better odds by itself.
Opening on mobile	Explains interface access.	Does not prove state availability, KYC approval or payout compatibility.

Responsible-gambling stop-signal table

Rules should reduce confusion. They should not create pressure to keep betting.

Craps rules stop signals and safer actions.
Stop signal	Why it matters	Safer action
A hot shooter feels real	Shooter narratives can turn randomness into false control.	Step away before increasing bets.
The point feels due	Due thinking treats random rolls as obligations.	Do not add bets because a number feels close.
Seven-out triggers recovery	Recovery pressure can raise stakes quickly.	End the session.
More bets feel like coverage	Coverage can increase total exposure.	Reduce complexity or stop.
Odds multiples stretch budget	Odds can make a line bet much larger.	Use a lower stake or skip odds.
Hardways almost hit	Near-miss thinking can keep optional bets alive.	Skip hardways and propositions.
Fast app repeat takes over	One-tap repeat can remove reflection.	Pause before any repeat action.
You hide time or losses	Secrecy is a harm signal.	Use support.
Debt, stress or urgency appears	Rules are no longer the main issue.	Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET, or use NCPG chat.

For gambling-related support, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET, or use NCPG chat.

Where to go next after craps rules

Use these contextual routes after the rule sequence is clear. They are educational routes, not casino recommendations, legal approval, payout guarantees or advice to gamble.

Contextual owner routes for craps rules questions.
Need	Use this route	Why	Boundary
I know the rules and need strategy boundaries	Craps strategy	Explains safer decision boundaries without dice-control claims.	Strategy is not prediction.
I want craps compared with baccarat	Baccarat vs Craps	Compares pace, rule load and bet menus.	Comparison is not a recommendation to play.
I am comparing dice games	Sic Bo	Covers another dice-total game with different rules.	Game similarity does not prove same odds.
I need other-games answers	Other casino games FAQ	Routes common questions to the owner page.	FAQ is not legal or payout advice.
I need terminology	Other casino games glossary	Defines terms before deeper pages.	Definitions are not betting systems.
I need the parent section	Other casino games	Shows related non-slot, non-table-card routes.	Hub pages do not prove availability.
I need state context	State guides	Use when legality, product availability or location matters.	State guides are not personal legal advice.
Gambling feels pressured	Responsible gambling	Support and control resources.	Use before pressure escalates.
I need commercial disclosure	Affiliate disclosure	Explains site commercial relationships.	Disclosure does not own game rules.
I need source standards	Editorial policy	Explains how pages are reviewed.	Policy does not prove table results.

Craps rules FAQ

What is craps?

Craps is a dice game built around two dice, a shooter, a come-out roll, a possible point cycle and several bet families. The exact rules and payouts must come from the table or game help screen.

What is the come-out roll in craps?

The come-out roll starts a new line-bet cycle. On many standard tables, 7 or 11 wins Pass Line, 2, 3 or 12 loses Pass Line, and 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 sets a point.

What numbers set a point in craps?

The common point numbers are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10. Once a point is set, Pass Line wants that number before 7 and Don't Pass usually wants 7 before that number.

What happens after a point is set?

The table enters point phase. The point number or 7 becomes the key resolving outcome for Pass Line and Don't Pass, while other bets may have their own active rules.

What is Pass Line in craps?

Pass Line is a core line bet that wins immediately on common come-out 7 or 11, loses on common come-out 2, 3 or 12, and after a point needs the point to repeat before 7.

What is Don't Pass in craps?

Don't Pass is the Don't-side line bet. It usually loses on come-out 7 or 11, wins on 2 or 3, often pushes on 12, and after a point usually wants 7 before the point.

What are Come and Don't Come bets?

Come and Don't Come are line-family bets made after the initial come-out roll. They can travel to their own numbers, so they must be tracked separately from the table point.

What are odds bets in craps?

Odds are optional add-on wagers placed behind line-family bets after a point is established. They can increase exposure and should be checked against the table's odds multiple.

Are odds bets risk-free?

No. Odds can still lose along with the line bet they support. The odds label does not make the extra stake safe or suitable.

What are place, buy and lay bets?

Place, buy and lay bets are number-based bets with their own payout and commission rules. They are separate from Pass Line unless the table rules say otherwise.

What is the Field bet?

The Field is usually a one-roll bet on listed totals. The payout for 2 and 12 can vary, so the exact paytable matters.

What are hardways and proposition bets?

Hardways and proposition bets are optional bets tied to specific totals, combinations or one-roll outcomes. High payouts can come with high volatility.

Does the shooter control the dice?

No reliable craps answer should treat the shooter as proof of control. Shooter role explains table flow, not prediction or skill.

Can craps rules predict the next roll?

No. Rules explain settlement after a roll. They do not predict the next dice total, point hit, seven-out or session result.

Do online, live and mobile craps rules differ?

They can. Live, RNG, stadium and mobile craps may display rules, table IDs, repeat controls and settlement records differently, so the exact rules screen matters.

Update note

Craps rules update log

July 10, 2026: Rebuilt the page as a premium craps rules guide with answer-first hero, come-out roll, point cycle, line bets, odds, layout bet taxonomy, format checklist, source snapshot, FAQ, schema and responsible-gambling routing.
March 28, 2026: Published the craps rules guide.