Craps is a fast-paced dice game where players bet on the outcomes of rolling two dice. Whether played in casinos or informally on the street, craps offers some of the best odds in gambling when played correctly, combining excitement with strategic betting opportunities.
Craps stands as one of the most thrilling and social games in any casino, offering players excellent odds when approached with proper strategy. The game revolves around rolling two dice and betting on various outcomes, creating an atmosphere of shared excitement as players collectively root for or against the shooter. While the table layout may appear complex at first glance, understanding the fundamental mechanics and key bets allows anyone to join the action confidently.
At its core, craps is a dice game where one player, designated as the shooter, rolls two dice while other players place wagers on the results. The game can be played in two main formats: casino craps, where players bet against the house at a specialized table, and street craps, where players bet against each other with minimal equipment. Casino craps features a distinctive table layout with numerous betting areas, staffed by dealers who manage bets and payouts.
The game progresses through distinct phases. The come-out roll initiates each round, and depending on the result, either resolves bets immediately or establishes a point number that becomes the target for subsequent rolls. This two-phase structure creates the strategic depth that makes craps engaging for both beginners and experienced players.
Every craps round begins with the come-out roll, which determines the immediate direction of play. Before this roll, players must place their initial bets, typically on the Pass Line or Don't Pass Line. The come-out roll produces one of three outcomes that dictate how the game proceeds.
When the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, this is called a natural. Pass Line bets win immediately and are paid even money, while Don't Pass bets lose. Conversely, rolling a 2, 3, or 12 is called craps. Pass Line bets lose immediately, while Don't Pass bets win on 2 and 3. The 12 is typically a push for Don't Pass bets, meaning the wager is returned without winnings, though some casinos may use the 2 as the push number instead.
If the come-out roll produces a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. The dealer marks this by placing an ON button on the corresponding number on the table layout. Once a point is established, the game enters its second phase, and the objective changes. The shooter must now roll the point number again before rolling a 7 to win for Pass Line bettors.
Craps offers numerous betting options, but beginners should focus on wagers with the lowest house edge. Understanding these fundamental bets provides a solid foundation before exploring more complex options.
The Pass Line is the most basic and popular bet in craps, offering a house edge of just 1.41 percent. You place this bet before the come-out roll. You win if the come-out roll is 7 or 11, lose if it is 2, 3, or 12, and if a point is established, you win if the point is rolled again before a 7. This bet aligns you with the shooter, creating a communal rooting interest that contributes to the social atmosphere at craps tables.
The Don't Pass bet is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line, with an even lower house edge of 1.36 percent. You win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and push on 12. Once a point is established, you win if a 7 rolls before the point number. While this bet offers slightly better odds, it positions you against the shooter, which some players find less socially comfortable, though it remains a mathematically sound choice.
After a point is established, you can place an additional odds bet behind your Pass Line or Don't Pass bet. This is the only bet in the casino with zero house edge, paying true odds. For Pass Line odds, you win if the point hits before a 7, with payouts of 2 to 1 on points of 4 and 10, 3 to 2 on 5 and 9, and 6 to 5 on 6 and 8. Casinos typically allow odds bets of 2x to 10x your original bet, and maximizing odds bets reduces the overall house edge on your combined wager.
Craps tables attract crowds because of the communal excitement and variety of betting options. The game progresses through two main phases: the come-out roll establishes the point, and subsequent rolls determine winners and losers based on various wagers placed.
Players take turns as the shooter, rolling dice while others place bets on outcomes. The dealer manages chips and payouts, while the boxman supervises the game. Understanding table etiquette and timing your bets properly ensures smooth gameplay and acceptance at any craps table.
Beyond the basic Pass and Don't Pass lines, craps offers several other betting options that can enhance your gameplay when used strategically.
Come bets function identically to Pass Line bets but are placed after a point is established. When you place a Come bet, the next roll acts as a come-out roll specifically for your wager. A 7 or 11 wins, 2, 3, or 12 loses, and any other number becomes your personal come point. You win if that number rolls again before a 7. Don't Come bets work oppositely, similar to Don't Pass bets. These bets allow you to have multiple numbers working simultaneously, increasing action without significantly increasing house edge.
Place bets allow you to wager that a specific number will roll before a 7. The 6 and 8 are particularly attractive because they have only a 1.52 percent house edge, making them among the best multi-roll bets available. Place bets on 6 and 8 pay 7 to 6, so you should bet in multiples of 6 dollars to receive proper payouts. These bets remain active until they win or a 7 rolls, providing consistent action on the two most frequently rolled point numbers after 7.
Field bets cover 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in a single roll, typically paying even money with 2 to 1 on 2 and 12. While appearing attractive, the house edge ranges from 2.78 to 5.56 percent depending on the payout structure. Proposition bets in the center of the table, such as Any 7, Any Craps, or hardways, offer high payouts but carry house edges from 9 to 16 percent. These should be avoided by players seeking optimal strategy, as they dramatically increase the casino advantage.
Successfully joining a craps game requires understanding both the rules and the unwritten etiquette that keeps the game flowing smoothly.
When joining a table, wait for a break in the action, ideally when the ON button is off, indicating a new come-out roll is about to begin. Place your cash on the table rather than handing it to the dealer, as they cannot take anything directly from your hand. The dealer will exchange it for chips, which you should organize on the rail in front of you without taking up excessive space. Buy all the chips you plan to use at once to avoid repeatedly interrupting play.
Some bets you place yourself in the designated areas directly in front of you, including Pass Line, Don't Pass, Field, and Come bets. Other bets, such as Place bets, odds, and proposition bets, must be placed by the dealer. Set your chips on the table and clearly state your intended bet. Never reach across the table or into the center area. Make your bets promptly before each roll, and avoid delaying the game.
When you become the shooter, select two dice from the five offered. Use only one hand to pick up and throw the dice, and ensure both dice hit the back wall of the table to guarantee a random outcome. Many players observe superstitions, such as avoiding the word seven when a point is established or believing that certain actions bring bad luck. While these have no mathematical basis, respecting the atmosphere and avoiding disruptive behavior maintains the social enjoyment of the game.
Proper bankroll management allows you to enjoy craps for extended sessions without risking excessive losses. With a 200 dollar bankroll at a 10 dollar minimum table, focus on low house edge bets. Start with a 10 dollar Pass Line or Don't Pass bet on the come-out roll. Once a point is established, back your line bet with maximum odds your bankroll allows, as this reduces the combined house edge. Consider adding 12 dollars in Place bets on 6 and 8 to increase your chances of winning on each roll.
This conservative approach gives you approximately 15 to 20 rounds of play, depending on how long shooters hold the dice. Avoid increasing bet sizes after losses, and resist the temptation to make high house edge proposition bets. Set a loss limit before you begin, and walk away when you reach it. Similarly, establish a win goal, and consider leaving when you achieve it, securing your profits rather than risking them back to the house.
Craps combines mathematical strategy with social excitement, offering some of the best odds in the casino when played correctly. By focusing on Pass Line or Don't Pass bets, maximizing odds bets, and selectively adding Place bets on 6 and 8, you can enjoy extended play with minimal house edge. Understanding the two-phase structure of come-out rolls and point rolls, along with proper table etiquette, allows you to confidently join any craps game. While the table layout may initially seem intimidating, the core mechanics are straightforward, and the communal atmosphere makes craps uniquely engaging. Approach the game with a solid bankroll management plan, avoid high house edge bets, and enjoy the thrilling experience that has made craps a casino staple for generations.
The best bet in craps is the odds bet placed behind a Pass Line or Don't Pass bet after a point is established, as it has zero house edge and pays true odds. Combined with the Don't Pass line bet, this strategy offers the lowest overall house advantage available in the game.
Yes, you can join at any time, but it is considered polite to wait until the ON button is off, indicating a new come-out roll is about to begin. Buy your chips during this break to avoid disrupting the flow of play.
A good rule is to bring at least 20 times the table minimum to allow for reasonable play duration. For a 10 dollar table, 200 dollars provides adequate bankroll for 15 to 20 rounds when betting conservatively on low house edge wagers.
A hot table refers to when shooters are making multiple points before sevening out, creating winning streaks for Pass Line bettors. A cold table means shooters are sevening out quickly. These are descriptive terms for recent outcomes and have no predictive value for future rolls.
No, you can decline to shoot and pass the dice to the next player. There is no obligation to become the shooter, and many players prefer to only place bets without handling the dice.
The Pass Line bet has a house edge of 1.41 percent, making it one of the better bets in the casino. When combined with maximum odds bets, the overall house edge on your total wager decreases significantly, potentially below 0.5 percent depending on the odds multiple allowed.
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