Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolling two six-sided dice, either against each other in street craps or against the casino in bank craps. The game uses a specialized table with various betting options, and players take turns as the shooter rolling the dice. While the table layout might look complex at first, the basic rules are simple to learn.
Craps combines simple dice rolling with dozens of betting options, making it one of the most social and exciting games in any casino. Players gather around the table to cheer on the shooter, creating an energy that few other casino games can match. The game moves quickly once players understand the flow of the come-out roll and point phase.
This guide breaks down everything needed to start playing craps with confidence. It covers the table setup, explains the most common bets, and provides strategies to improve odds. Whether planning to play online or walk up to a casino table, understanding these basics makes the game more enjoyable and less intimidating.
What Is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcomes of rolling two dice. The game takes place at a specialized table in casinos or informally on the street, offering multiple betting options and fast-paced action that attracts both beginners and experienced gamblers.
History and Evolution of Craps
Craps developed from Hazard, a dice game that originated in western Europe. The exact origins of Hazard remain unclear, though some historians trace it back to the Crusades. By 1790, Edmond Hoyle had documented detailed rules for Hazard in his gaming guide.
The name “craps” comes from “crabs,” a term used in aristocratic London for the losing dice combinations of two and three. This term evolved through French variations, changing from “crabs” to “Krabs” to “creps” and finally to “craps.”
The game arrived in America at least as early as the 1600s. Anonymous Black American inventors simplified Hazard into the modern game, removing complex rules and adding new betting options. The simplified version was initially called “Pass” and gained popularity among working-class Americans in the early 1800s.
John H. Winn introduced a major innovation around 1907 by creating a betting layout that included both “Pass” and “Don’t Pass” options. This change became standard in casinos. Craps exploded in popularity during World War II when servicemen played it widely, leading to its dominance in postwar Las Vegas casinos.
Craps as a Dice Game
The craps game uses two six-sided dice with specific dimensions and markings. Casino dice measure exactly 3/4 inch on each side with perfectly square edges. Each die features drilled pips filled with paint that matches the density of the die material to maintain balance.
The shooter rolls the dice to start each round with a come-out roll. A roll of 7 or 11 wins immediately, while 2, 3, or 12 loses immediately. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point. The shooter then continues rolling until either matching the point to win or rolling a 7 to lose.
Players take turns as the shooter, with dice passing to the left after each round ends. The shooter must bet on either Pass or Don’t Pass before rolling. Both dice must hit the back wall of the table for the roll to count as valid.
Craps in Casinos
Casino craps uses a specialized rectangular table with a fabric layout displaying available bets. The table accommodates up to 16 players at the U-shaped ends, with duplicate layouts on each side. A mirror typically runs along one long side, while the casino’s chip bank sits along the other.
Four casino employees typically run a full craps table:
- Boxman: Seated employee who manages chips and supervises dealers
- Base dealers (2): Stand on either side collecting and paying bets
- Stickman: Stands opposite the boxman, announces results and moves dice with a long stick
Players use casino chips instead of cash to place bets on the layout. The casino offers various betting options with different payouts, though each casino sets its own specific odds and available bets. Street craps operates differently, with no formal table or casino employees. Players bet with cash on the floor and self-police the game’s fairness and payouts.
How to Play Craps
Craps involves rolling two dice to produce specific number combinations. The shooter rolls the dice while other players bet on the outcomes. The game moves through different phases based on what numbers appear.
The Shooter and Dice Rolling
The shooter is the player who throws the dice during each round. Players take turns being the shooter, moving clockwise around the table. To become the shooter, a player must place a bet on either the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line.
The shooter uses one hand to throw both dice. The dice must hit the back wall of the table for the roll to count. This rule prevents cheating and keeps the game fair.
Other players can bet on the shooter’s rolls without handling the dice themselves. The shooter keeps rolling until they “seven out” by rolling a 7 after a point is established. Once this happens, the dice move to the next player.
The stickman pushes the dice to the shooter before each roll. The boxman and dealers watch to make sure all rules are followed.
Game Phases and Turn Order
The game starts with the come-out roll. This is the first roll of a new round. On the come-out roll, rolling a 7 or 11 wins Pass Line bets immediately. Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 loses Pass Line bets right away.
Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point. A dealer marks this number with a puck that says “ON.” Once the point is set, the game enters the point phase.
During the point phase, the shooter keeps rolling until one of two things happens. If the shooter rolls the point number again, Pass Line bets win. If the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point, Pass Line bets lose and the round ends.
After each round ends, a new come-out roll begins. The same shooter continues if they won their last round.
Winning and Losing Outcomes
Pass Line bets win when the come-out roll shows 7 or 11. They also win when the shooter rolls the point number before rolling a 7. Pass Line bets lose on come-out rolls of 2, 3, or 12, and when a 7 appears before the point number.
Don’t Pass bets work in reverse. They win on come-out rolls of 2 or 3 and lose on 7 or 11. A roll of 12 on the come-out is a push, meaning no one wins or loses. During the point phase, Don’t Pass bets win if a 7 comes before the point.
Players receive even money (1:1) on Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets. The house edge on Pass Line bets is 1.41%, while Don’t Pass bets have a 1.36% house edge. These are among the best odds in the casino.
Come and Don’t Come bets follow the same rules but can be placed after the come-out roll. They create individual points for each bet.
Craps Table Layout and Setup
A standard craps table measures about 12 feet long by 4 feet wide and features a distinctive layout that accommodates up to 20 players at once. The table design includes two identical wing sections on each end and a central proposition betting area that serves both sides.
Craps Table Overview
The craps table layout uses a mirrored design with two identical wings. This setup allows players to stand anywhere around the table and have access to the same betting options.
Each wing contains the main betting areas including Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come. The wings also display numbered boxes for 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 where dealers place specific bets on behalf of players.
The Field bet area sits prominently in each wing for single-roll wagers. Players can also find Big 6 and Big 8 betting spaces, though these carry a higher house edge.
The felt surface uses clear markings to show each betting area. All odds and payouts are printed directly on the table so players can see potential returns before placing chips.
Understanding Table Sections
The central section runs lengthwise between both wings and houses all proposition bets. This area is managed exclusively by the stickman and serves players on both sides of the table.
Proposition bets include single-roll options like Any Seven, Any Craps, and specific dice combinations. The central area also contains Hard Way bets, which are the only multi-roll options among propositions.
Self-service bets include:
- Pass/Don’t Pass lines around the table edge
- Field bets
- Come/Don’t Come areas
- Big 6/8 (though not recommended)
Dealer-assisted bets require staff placement:
- Place bets on specific numbers
- Buy bets with commission
- Lay bets against numbers
- All proposition bets in the center
Dealers position chips based on where players stand around the table. A player in the upper left corner gets their chips placed in the upper left of betting boxes.
Dice and Equipment
The table uses standard casino dice measuring 0.75 inches per side. Shooters select two dice from a set of five or six that the stickman presents.
The table features padded rails with grooves for players to hold drinks and store chips. High walls with rubber pyramids line the ends to ensure random bounces when dice hit.
A crew of four operates a full craps table: one stickman, two dealers (one per wing), and one boxman who supervises. The stickman uses a 30-inch curved stick to retrieve dice and manage center bets. The boxman sits opposite the stickman and oversees the chip bank while resolving disputes.
Understanding Craps Bets
Craps offers several types of bets that range from simple to complex. The pass line bet and don’t pass bet form the foundation of the game, while come bets and place bets provide additional ways to wager as the game progresses.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bets
The pass line bet is the most basic wager in craps. Players place this bet before the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins even money. If the roll is 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses.
Any other number becomes the point. The shooter must roll that point number again before rolling a 7 to win. If a 7 comes first, the pass line bet loses.
The don’t pass bet works in the opposite way. It wins on a come-out roll of 2 or 3 and loses on 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a push where no one wins.
After a point is set, the don’t pass bet wins if a 7 rolls before the point number. This bet is sometimes called betting against the shooter.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
The come bet works like the pass line bet but can be placed after the point is established. Players put chips in the come area on any roll. A 7 or 11 wins immediately, while a 2, 3, or 12 loses.
Any other number becomes the come point. That number must roll again before a 7 for the bet to win. The come bet allows players to establish multiple points during a single game.
The don’t come bet is the opposite of the come bet. It wins on 2 or 3 and loses on 7 or 11, with 12 being a push. After a come point is set, a 7 must roll before that number for the bet to win.
Both bets can be combined with odds bets for better payouts.
Place Bets and Proposition Bets
Place bets allow players to wager on specific numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. These bets win if the chosen number rolls before a 7. Place bets on 6 and 8 pay 7:6, while bets on 5 and 9 pay 7:5. Bets on 4 and 10 pay 9:5.
Proposition bets are one-roll wagers decided on the next throw. These include betting on specific numbers or combinations. The horn bet covers 2, 3, 11, and 12 in a single wager. It pays 30:1 for rolling a 2 or 12, and 15:1 for rolling a 3 or 11.
Other proposition bets include any craps (2, 3, or 12) which pays 7:1, and any seven which pays 4:1. These bets carry a higher house edge than pass line or come bets.
Hardways, Odds, and Other Bets
Hardways are bets on rolling doubles before rolling that number any other way or before rolling a 7. A hard 6 means rolling two 3s. A hard 8 means rolling two 4s. Hard 6 and hard 8 pay 9:1.
Hard 4 (two 2s) and hard 10 (two 5s) pay 7:1. These bets stay active until they win or lose.
The odds bet is placed behind a pass line, don’t pass, come, or don’t come bet. It pays true odds with no house edge. Players can bet multiples of their original wager up to the table limit.
For example, if the point is 4 or 10, odds bets pay 2:1. If the point is 5 or 9, they pay 3:2. Points of 6 or 8 pay 6:5. This bet offers the best value in craps.
Online Craps and Variations
Online craps offers players the flexibility to enjoy the game from anywhere, whether practicing with free versions, wagering real money, or experiencing live dealer tables. Most online casinos feature Bank Craps as their standard offering, though some platforms provide access to variations like Crapless Craps or High Point Craps.
Online Craps for Free
Free online craps allows players to learn the game without financial risk. These demo versions provide full access to the standard craps table layout, betting options, and game mechanics. Players receive virtual chips to place bets and can practice as long as they want.
New players benefit most from free craps games. They can study different bet types, understand odds, and develop strategies before risking real money. The free versions typically mirror real money games in every aspect except payouts.
Most online casinos offer free craps without requiring account registration. Players simply load the game in their browser and start playing. Some casinos require account creation but still allow play with virtual currency. Free games help players test different betting systems and gain confidence with the game’s pace.
Real Money Online Craps
Real money online craps requires players to deposit funds into their casino accounts. The standard version found at most sites maintains the same rules and odds as land-based casinos. Table minimums online typically start at $1 to $5, much lower than physical casinos where minimums can reach $10 to $25 or higher.
Players can access their betting history and track wins and losses more easily online. The digital format eliminates dealer errors in payouts. Most platforms offer bet limits ranging from $1 minimum to $500 or more maximum per wager.
Payment options include credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency at some sites. Withdrawals typically process within 24 to 72 hours depending on the method chosen. Players should verify their state or country allows online gambling before depositing funds.
Live Dealer Craps
Live dealer craps streams real tables with actual dealers from casino studios. Players watch the action through high-definition video feeds and place bets using digital interfaces. The dealer rolls physical dice on a real craps table, combining online convenience with authentic casino atmosphere.
These games operate on set schedules with multiple players joining the same table simultaneously. The pace matches physical casinos more closely than standard online versions. Players can view other participants’ bets and chat with the dealer or other players.
Live dealer craps typically requires higher minimum bets than standard online versions, often starting at $5 to $10. The games provide multiple camera angles showing the dice roll and table action. Internet connection speed affects the streaming quality, so stable broadband is recommended for the best experience.
Craps Strategies and House Edge
Smart craps players focus on bets with low house edges and manage their money carefully. The difference between a 1.41% house edge and a 16.67% house edge can mean the difference between a fun session and quickly losing your bankroll.
Popular Betting Strategies
The Pass Line bet forms the foundation of most craps strategies. It carries a 1.41% house edge and remains one of the simplest bets to understand. Players place this bet before the come out roll and win on 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, or 12.
The Odds bet is the most powerful tool in craps. This bet has zero house edge, meaning the casino has no mathematical advantage. Players can add this bet behind their Pass Line bet after a point is established. It pays 2 to 1 on points of 4 and 10, 3 to 2 on 5 and 9, and 6 to 5 on 6 and 8.
Most casinos offer 3-4-5X odds, allowing players to bet three times their Pass Line bet on 4 or 10, four times on 5 or 9, and five times on 6 or 8. Some casinos offer even higher odds multipliers like 10X or 20X.
Place bets on 6 and 8 offer another solid option with just a 1.52% house edge per bet resolved. These bets pay 7 to 6 and resolve relatively quickly.
Managing Your Bankroll
Players should set a specific budget before approaching the craps table. A common guideline is to bring at least 20-30 times the minimum bet to weather normal fluctuations in luck.
Dividing the bankroll into smaller session amounts helps prevent losing everything in one unlucky run. If a player brings $300, splitting it into three $100 sessions provides multiple chances to play.
Betting limits should match the bankroll size. A player with $200 shouldn’t make $25 Pass Line bets with full odds, as this combination can deplete funds quickly. Smaller bets with maximum odds provide better value than larger bets without odds.
Understanding the House Edge
The house edge represents the casino’s mathematical advantage on each bet. Craps offers some of the lowest house edges in the casino, but only on specific bets. The Pass Line sits at 1.41%, while the Don’t Pass is slightly better at 1.36%.
Different house edge measurements exist in craps: per bet made, per bet resolved, and per roll. The per roll figure matters most for comparing bets because some wagers resolve in one roll while others take multiple rolls.
House Edge Comparison:
| Bet | House Edge (Per Bet) |
|---|---|
| Pass/Come | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass/Don’t Come | 1.36% |
| Place 6 or 8 | 1.52% |
| Place 5 or 9 | 4.00% |
| Place 4 or 10 | 6.67% |
| Any 7 | 16.67% |
Players should avoid proposition bets in the center of the table. These bets carry house edges ranging from 9% to 16.67%, making them poor choices for anyone trying to maximize their playing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players new to craps often have questions about specific rolls, betting types, and the rules that govern gameplay. Understanding these fundamental aspects helps players make informed decisions at the table and avoid common mistakes.
What is the ‘Come Out Roll’ in craps?
The come out roll is the first roll of the dice in a new betting round. This roll determines whether pass line bettors win immediately, lose immediately, or establish a point number.
When a shooter rolls 7 or 11 on the come out roll, pass line bets win. If the shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12, pass line bets lose. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point.
Once a point is established, the shooter continues rolling until they either roll the point number again (pass line wins) or roll a 7 (pass line loses).
How does one place a ‘Pass Line’ bet and what are its payouts?
Players place pass line bets by putting chips on the pass line area of the table before the come out roll. This is the most basic bet in craps and one of the most popular choices at any table.
The pass line bet pays even money, which means a $10 bet wins $10. The house edge on this bet is approximately 1.41%, making it one of the better bets available in the casino.
Players can leave their pass line bet on the table for the entire round. The bet remains active until the shooter either makes the point or rolls a 7.
What are the most common betting strategies used in craps?
The pass line with odds strategy involves making a pass line bet and backing it with an odds bet once a point is established. This approach minimizes the house edge because odds bets pay true odds with no house advantage.
Another common strategy is the don’t pass approach. Players bet against the shooter, winning when others lose. This strategy has a slightly lower house edge of 1.36%.
Some players use a press strategy where they increase their bets after wins. Others prefer to keep their bets consistent regardless of outcomes. Setting a bankroll limit before playing helps players manage their money effectively.
How are ‘Odds Bets’ placed and what do they pay in craps?
Players place odds bets behind their original pass line bet after a point has been established. These bets are placed directly behind the pass line chips on the table layout.
Odds bets pay based on the true probability of rolling the point before a 7. Points of 4 or 10 pay 2 to 1. Points of 5 or 9 pay 3 to 2. Points of 6 or 8 pay 6 to 5.
Casinos typically allow players to bet up to a certain multiple of their pass line bet. Common maximums are 3x, 4x, or 5x the original bet. Some casinos offer higher odds multiples, which further reduces the overall house edge.
What is the significance of the ‘7’ in a game of craps?
The number 7 is the most likely outcome when rolling two dice, appearing in six different combinations. This probability makes it the most important number in the game.
On the come out roll, a 7 wins for pass line bettors. After a point is established, a 7 causes pass line bettors to lose and ends the shooter’s turn. Players call this “sevening out.”
The dual nature of the 7 creates the tension in craps. It starts as a winning number but becomes a losing number once the point is set. This shift changes the dynamics of every betting round.
Can you explain the different types of ‘Proposition Bets’ in craps?
Proposition bets are single-roll wagers placed in the center of the table. The any seven bet wins if the next roll is a 7, paying 4 to 1 with a house edge around 16.67%.
The any craps bet wins if the next roll is 2, 3, or 12. This bet pays 7 to 1 and carries a house edge of approximately 11.11%. Snake eyes (two ones) and boxcars (two sixes) are individual bets that pay 30 to 1.
The yo bet wins when an 11 appears on the next roll, paying 15 to 1. Hard way bets win when specific doubles appear before a 7 or an easy way of that number. These proposition bets have significantly higher house edges than pass line bets, making them less favorable for players focused on long-term value.