Craps Rules

Basic Craps Rules: Understanding the Roll

Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of one or more rolls of a pair of dice. The game moves in rounds, and a player, known as the shooter, rolls the dice. The game is played on a specially marked table, and the objective is to predict the sum of the dice correctly.

The Two Phases of the Game

A round of craps has two main phases: the Come Out roll and the Point phase.

• The Come Out roll is the first roll of a betting round.
• If the Come Out roll establishes a Point, the game moves to the Point phase.
• The round ends when the shooter rolls the Point number again or rolls a 7.

Key Roll Results

The total of the dice determines the outcome of the roll:

• Natural: A total of 7 or 11 on the Come Out roll. These are immediate winners for the Pass Line bets.
• Craps Out (or Craps): A total of 2, 3, or 12 on the Come Out roll. These are immediate losers for the Pass Line bets.
• Point: A total of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 on the Come Out roll. This number becomes the Point.

Essential Craps Bet Types

The multitude of betting options can make the craps table look intimidating, but most of the action centers around a few core craps bets. We'll focus on the most fundamental ones first.

Main Betting Options (Pass/Don't Pass)

These are the primary bets in the game and are placed before the Come Out roll.

• Pass Line Bet: You are betting that the shooter will win. This wins on a Natural (7 or 11) and loses on Craps (2, 3, or 12) during the Come Out roll. If a Point is set, the bet wins if the Point is rolled again before a 7.
• Don't Pass Line Bet: You are betting that the shooter will lose. This loses on a Natural (7 or 11) and wins on Craps (2 or 3). A roll of 12 (sometimes 2) is a "push" or "bar," meaning the bet is a tie. If a Point is set, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the Point number.

Secondary and Proposition Bets

Once a Point is established, other strategic wagers become available.

• Come Bet: Works exactly like the Pass Line bet, but you place it *after* the Point has been established. The next roll determines the Come Point.
• Don't Come Bet: Works like the Don't Pass Line bet, but you place it *after* the Point has been established.
• Place Bets: Betting on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7. These bets can be made at any time.
• Field Bet: A one-roll bet that the next roll will be 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Proposition Bets: High-risk, high-reward one-roll bets on specific combinations (e.g., "Any Craps" for 2, 3, or 12).

Step-by-Step Craps Gameplay

The action at the craps table follows a predictable, rhythmic cycle. Here is how a round unfolds:

1. Placing Initial Bets: Players place their Pass Line or Don't Pass Line wagers on the table before the shooter makes the Come Out roll.
2. The Come Out Roll: The shooter rolls the dice.
   • If it's 7 or 11 (Natural), Pass Line bets win. The round ends, and a new Come Out roll starts.
   • If it's 2, 3, or 12 (Craps), Pass Line bets lose. The round ends, and a new Come Out roll starts.
   • If it's 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the Point. The dealer flips a marker (the "puck") from "Off" to "On" to mark the Point number.
3. The Point Phase: Once the Point is established, the shooter continues to roll the dice.
   • If the shooter rolls the Point number again, Pass Line bets win. The round ends, and a new Come Out roll starts.
   • If the shooter rolls a 7 (Seven Out), Pass Line bets lose. The round ends, and the dice pass to the next shooter.
4. Changing Shooters: If the shooter Sevens Out, the dice pass to the next player clockwise around the table. If the shooter makes the Point, they retain the dice for the next Come Out roll.

Craps Payouts and House Edge

Understanding the payouts is crucial for managing your bankroll and making smart choices. Payouts are generally expressed as a ratio (e.g., 2:1), meaning you win $2 for every $1 bet.

Common Bet Payouts

• Pass Line/Come Bets: Pay even money (1:1).
• Don't Pass/Don't Come Bets: Pay even money (1:1).
• Odds Bets: These are a powerful feature of craps because they pay true odds and have a 0% house edge. They are supplemental bets made after a Point or Come Point is set. Payouts vary based on the Point number (e.g., 2:1 for a Point of 4 or 10).
• Place Bets (Win): Payouts are slightly less than true odds, giving the casino a house edge. For example, a Place Bet on 6 or 8 pays 7:6.

The House Advantage

The allure of craps for knowledgeable players is that the main bets, especially when combined with free Odds Bets, offer some of the lowest house edges in the casino. Understanding where the casino odds are lowest is a core part of any successful craps strategy.

To determine the optimal strategy for playing Craps, you first need to analyze the bets and assess their profitability. This can be done by looking at the tables.

First, about the main stakes.

Next, let's break down the Pass / Come Odds bets.

Now we'll talk about Don't Pass / Come Odds.

Next up: Win Bets.

It is not necessary to know the mathematical data about other bets, which are less favorable for gamblers. These options are not suitable for an adventurous player. Looking carefully at the table, you can see that the most profitable option is to play on Odds Bet.

But you need to remember that in order to make that bet, you must first bet Don't Pass / Come or Pass / Come. Therefore, the most acceptable strategy is a combination of these bets.

Other types of bets can be left out. 

		Name	Soft
		Craps SP
		Vegas Craps		Play T&C applies, 18+
		Craps		Play T&C applies, 18+
		Craps Betsoft		Play T&C applies, 18+
		Craps Sheriff Gaming

Effective Craps Strategy

While no gambling game can be guaranteed, strategic play in craps significantly improves your position. The best strategy focuses on the bets with the lowest house advantage.

Core Strategic Principles

• Stick to Pass/Don't Pass: These fundamental bets offer the best baseline odds.
• Always Take Full Odds: This is the most important strategic move. After placing a Pass/Don't Pass bet and a Point is established, place an Odds Bet behind your original bet. Since this supplemental bet pays true odds, it drastically reduces the overall house edge of your total wager.
• Avoid High-House-Edge Bets: Steer clear of most single-roll Proposition Bets (like Any Craps or hard ways) unless you are looking for pure, short-term excitement, as their house edge is very high.

Where to Play Craps for Money or Fun?

Craps is available at most major online casinos that use software from various providers. You will find it in the table and card games section. Many famous software developers offer their games.

We recommend checking out these reliable online casinos.

My Experience and Advice

After many hours playing, my best advice is this: start slow. When I first approached the craps table, I started with just the Pass Line. I watched the flow, learned the calls of the dealers, and only then did I begin to introduce other low-edge bets, such as taking the Odds.

The noise and the complexity are part of the fun, but they can be overwhelming. Don't be afraid to tell the dealer, "I'm new, can you help me with this bet?" They are there to assist, and a confident player understands what they are betting on.

The feeling of a winning roll, the communal cheer when the Point is hit—that's what makes the game legendary. Focus on the core rules, manage your bets wisely, and you'll find that playing craps is an unparalleled experience in any casino.