Craps is a fast-paced dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolling two dice. Despite its intimidating table layout, craps offers some of the best odds in the casino and creates an unmatched social atmosphere.
Craps stands as one of the most exciting and social games in any casino, combining simple core mechanics with sophisticated betting strategies. The game's energy comes from players gathering around the table, cheering together as the dice determine collective fortunes. While the table layout may appear complex at first glance, understanding the fundamental rules and optimal betting strategies transforms craps from an intimidating spectacle into an engaging game with some of the lowest house edges available in casino gaming.
Craps evolved from the European game of Hazard, with its modern form developing in the United States during the 19th century. The game requires minimal equipment—just two dice and a betting surface—which explains its popularity in both formal casino settings and informal street games. The casino version, known as bank craps, features a specialized table layout with numerous betting options, staffed by multiple dealers who manage the game flow and handle chip transactions.
The fundamental appeal of craps lies in its combination of simplicity and depth. New players can participate immediately by making basic Pass Line bets, while experienced gamblers employ complex multi-bet strategies. The game's social nature distinguishes it from other casino offerings, as players typically bet with the shooter rather than against the house individually, creating shared moments of excitement and disappointment.
Every craps game begins with the Come Out Roll, the first roll of the dice by the shooter. This initial roll determines the immediate game direction and establishes whether the game enters its second phase. Understanding these two phases forms the foundation for all craps strategy.
During the Come Out Roll, three outcomes are possible. Rolling a 7 or 11 results in an immediate win for Pass Line bettors, called a natural. Rolling 2, 3, or 12 produces an immediate loss for Pass Line bets, with these numbers collectively known as craps. Any other number—4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10—becomes the point, and the game transitions to the Point Phase.
The Come Out Roll represents the simplest decision point in craps. Pass Line bettors want to see 7 or 11, while Don't Pass bettors prefer 2 or 3. The number 12 creates a standoff for Don't Pass bets, neither winning nor losing, which maintains the house edge on this bet type.
Once a point is established, the shooter continues rolling with a new objective: repeat the point number before rolling a 7. If the point appears first, Pass Line bettors win and the shooter retains the dice for a new Come Out Roll. If a 7 appears first, called sevening out, Pass Line bettors lose, and the dice pass to the next player.
During the Point Phase, the 7 transforms from the most desirable number to the most feared for Pass Line bettors. This shift creates the game's dramatic tension, as each roll either brings the shooter closer to success or threatens to end their turn. Other numbers rolled during this phase don't affect Pass Line bets but matter for other wager types placed on the table.
Craps offers dozens of betting options, but understanding a core set of wagers provides the foundation for effective play. These essential bets cover the majority of strategic approaches and offer the best mathematical value for players.
The Pass Line bet represents the most fundamental craps wager. Placed before the Come Out Roll, this bet wins on 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3, or 12, and continues to the Point Phase on any other number. Once a point is established, the bet wins if the point repeats before a 7 appears. The Pass Line carries a house edge of 1.41 percent, making it one of the better bets in the casino.
Pass Line betting aligns players with the shooter, creating the communal atmosphere that defines craps culture. When the shooter succeeds, everyone betting the Pass Line wins together. This shared experience explains why craps tables often erupt in collective celebration, distinguishing the game from more solitary casino offerings.
The Don't Pass bet functions as the opposite of the Pass Line, winning when the Pass Line loses and vice versa. This bet wins on 2 or 3 during the Come Out Roll, loses on 7 or 11, and pushes on 12. After a point is established, Don't Pass wins if a 7 appears before the point repeats. The house edge sits at 1.36 percent, slightly better than the Pass Line.
Don't Pass bettors are sometimes called wrong bettors, though this terminology reflects social convention rather than mathematical reality. These players bet against the shooter, which can feel awkward at a crowded table where everyone else celebrates the shooter's success. However, the slightly lower house edge makes Don't Pass the mathematically superior choice for players unconcerned with table dynamics.
Come bets function identically to Pass Line bets but can be placed during the Point Phase, allowing players to establish additional points. After placing a Come bet, the next roll serves as a personal Come Out Roll for that wager. Rolling 7 or 11 wins immediately, 2, 3, or 12 loses immediately, and any other number becomes that bet's point. The dealer moves the Come bet to the appropriate number box, and it wins if that number repeats before a 7.
Don't Come bets work as the opposite of Come bets, following the same rules as Don't Pass but available during the Point Phase. These bets allow players to continuously establish new points, creating action on every roll regardless of the game phase. Experienced players often combine Pass Line bets with multiple Come bets to maintain several active wagers simultaneously.
The game operates in two distinct phases: the Come Out Roll and the Point Phase. During the Come Out Roll, the shooter establishes the game's direction by rolling 7 or 11 to win immediately, 2, 3, or 12 to lose, or any other number to set a point. Once a point is established, the shooter continues rolling until either the point number repeats for a win or a 7 appears for a loss.
Players can join at any time and place various bets on the table layout. The dealer manages chip placement for certain bets, while players handle Pass Line and Come bets directly. Understanding the two-phase structure and basic betting options allows newcomers to participate confidently while learning more complex wagering strategies over time.
Odds bets represent the only wagers in the casino with zero house edge, paying true mathematical odds. These bets supplement Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come wagers after a point is established. Players place odds bets behind their original wager, typically allowed at multiples of the original bet amount depending on casino rules.
After establishing a point on a Pass Line or Come bet, players can take odds by placing additional chips behind the original wager. These odds bets pay based on the true probability of the point appearing before a 7. Points of 4 and 10 pay 2 to 1, points of 5 and 9 pay 3 to 2, and points of 6 and 8 pay 6 to 5.
Casinos limit odds bets to specific multiples of the original wager, commonly 3x, 4x, 5x, or higher. Taking maximum odds reduces the combined house edge on the Pass Line plus odds bet to well below 1 percent. A Pass Line bet with 3-4-5x odds carries a combined house edge of just 0.374 percent, making it one of the best bets available in casino gaming.
Don't Pass and Don't Come odds work inversely, as these bets favor the player after a point is established. Players lay odds by betting that a 7 will appear before the point, receiving payouts at true odds. Laying odds on 4 or 10 pays 1 to 2, on 5 or 9 pays 2 to 3, and on 6 or 8 pays 5 to 6.
Because Don't Pass and Don't Come bets become favorites after the point is established, players must risk more to win less when laying odds. However, the zero house edge on odds bets still makes this strategy mathematically sound. Combined with the already low 1.36 percent edge on Don't Pass, laying maximum odds creates an overall house edge below 0.5 percent.
Place bets allow players to bet directly on specific numbers—4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10—winning if that number appears before a 7. Unlike Come bets, place bets activate immediately without requiring a Come Out Roll. Place bets on 6 and 8 carry a house edge of 1.52 percent, making them reasonable options. Place bets on 5 and 9 have a 4 percent edge, while 4 and 10 carry a 6.67 percent edge.
Buy bets function similarly to place bets but pay true odds in exchange for a 5 percent commission on the wager. Some casinos charge commission only on winning bets, significantly improving the value proposition. Buy bets on 4 and 10 become worthwhile when commission is charged only on wins, reducing the effective house edge to approximately 1.67 percent.
While craps offers some of the best odds in the casino, the table layout also features numerous high-edge bets that should be avoided. Proposition bets located in the table's center carry house edges ranging from 9 to 16.67 percent, making them poor value despite their appealing payouts.
The Any Seven bet pays 4 to 1 when a 7 appears on the next roll but carries a massive 16.67 percent house edge. Similarly, betting on specific combinations like Hard Ways—where both dice show the same number—carries edges between 9 and 11 percent. The Field bet, covering 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12, typically has a 5.56 percent edge, though some casinos reduce this to 2.78 percent by paying triple on 12.
These bets appeal to players seeking large payouts from small wagers, but their poor odds make them unsuitable for serious strategy. Recreational players might occasionally make proposition bets for entertainment value, but they should represent a minimal portion of total action.
The mathematically optimal craps strategy combines low house edge bets with maximum odds. Players should focus exclusively on Pass Line or Don't Pass bets supplemented with full odds, adding Come or Don't Come bets with odds to increase action. This approach reduces the overall house edge to approximately 0.4 percent or lower, comparable to blackjack with basic strategy.
For players seeking simplicity, betting the Pass Line with maximum odds provides excellent value with minimal complexity. More active players can add two Come bets with odds, creating three simultaneous points. This strategy maintains low house edge while generating action on most rolls. Avoid all proposition bets, hardways, and other center table wagers regardless of their appealing payouts.
Craps involves specific etiquette that helps games run smoothly. Players should keep hands above the table when the dice are rolling to avoid accusations of interfering with the roll. Dice must hit the back wall of the table to ensure randomness. When placing bets, set chips on the table rather than handing them to dealers, and clearly state your intended wager.
Tipping dealers is customary, typically accomplished by placing a bet for the dealers alongside your own wagers. Many players make small Pass Line bets for the crew when shooting. Understanding basic etiquette helps new players integrate into the game's social environment and ensures smooth gameplay for everyone at the table.
Craps combines mathematical favorability with social excitement, offering players some of the best odds in the casino when approached strategically. By focusing on Pass Line or Don't Pass bets with maximum odds and avoiding high-edge proposition wagers, players can enjoy extended gameplay with minimal house advantage. The game's learning curve is steeper than slots or roulette, but the investment in understanding craps fundamentals pays dividends through better odds and a more engaging casino experience. Whether playing in a bustling Las Vegas casino or online from home, craps rewards players who take time to master its rules and optimal betting strategies.
The Pass Line bet carries a house edge of 1.41 percent. When combined with maximum odds, the overall house edge drops to approximately 0.4 percent or lower depending on the odds multiple allowed.
Don't Pass offers a slightly lower house edge at 1.36 percent compared to 1.41 percent for Pass Line. However, Pass Line aligns you with other players socially. Both are excellent bets mathematically, so choose based on personal preference.
Odds bets are supplemental wagers placed after a point is established that pay true mathematical odds with zero house edge. Taking maximum odds significantly reduces the combined house edge on your total wager, making them essential for optimal strategy.
No. Proposition bets carry house edges ranging from 9 to 16.67 percent, making them poor value. Stick to Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come bets with odds for the best mathematical results.
No betting system can overcome the house edge. While craps offers favorable odds with proper strategy, the house maintains a mathematical advantage on all bets except odds. Focus on minimizing house edge rather than seeking guaranteed winning systems.
Sevening out occurs when the shooter rolls a 7 during the Point Phase before repeating the point number. This ends the shooter's turn and causes Pass Line bets to lose. The dice then pass to the next player.
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