How to Play Casino Craps: Rules & Strategy

Craps: A lot of activity and strategy are required in the dice game of craps in casinos, both with regard to the money and the dice.

Dice games like craps are probably the most popular in the world for gambling. Played at almost all American casino as well as some British, Australian, and Asian casinos and gambling establishments, bank craps, casino craps, and Las Vegas-style craps are variations of the game. All wagers are placed against the house, and a unique table and arrangement are employed. Before any rolls, a player indicates his stake by placing chips or cash on the relevant area of the layout. It is a must that the dice be thrown such that they collide with one of the table’s walls and rebound.

Craps Basics

Craps is a fast-paced, action-packed game played with two dice that is exhilarating to play in Vegas. Do you have questions about how to play craps at a casino? To get you started at a craps table in Vegas or at craps slot machines, here are some essentials.

Craps Guidelines

Pass Line

On the initial roll of the dice, referred to as the “come out roll,” an even money wager is placed. If a 7 or an 11 roll, you win; if a 2, 3, or a 12 roll (referred to as “craps”), you lose. Any other number that comes up on the roll becomes the “point,” and in order to win, it must roll again before a seven.

Don’t Pass Line

An even money wager, the reverse of a pass line. If the shooter rolls a 7 or an 11 on the “come out” roll, you lose. On a 2 or 3, you win (12 is a tie). Once a point is established, rolling a seven wins, and throwing the point loses.

Come Bets

Made whenever a shooter needs to make a point, any time after the initial roll. You lose on a 2, 3, or 12 and win on a 7 or 11. In order to win before a seven rolls, any other number becomes your “come point” and needs to be repeated.

Don’t Come Bets

Made whenever a shooter wants to make a point after the initial roll. It is the come bet’s opposite. If 2 or 3 rolls (12 is a tie), you win; if 7 or 11 rolls, you lose. Your “come point” is any other number that is rolled; if it is repeated, you lose. You win if a 7 comes up.

Odds

If a point or come point is made before a seven, you can take the odds and win once a point is made on the first roll or a come point on a subsequent roll. 2 to 1 on 4 and 10, 3 to 2 on 5 and 9, and 6 to 5 on 6 and 8 are the payout ratios. The odds are reversed in “don’t pass” and “don’t come” bets, meaning that you have to lay them to win.

Place Bets

You can place a “place bet” on numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 after a shooter makes a point. The following payoffs are yours if the shooter rolls any of these numbers before a 7: 9 to 5 on 4 and 10, 7 to 5 on 5 and 9, and 7 to 6 on 6 and 8.

A “place bet” may be taken off anytime before the next roll.

Field Bets

A wager on one roll. On numbers 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11, you win even money. 2 to 1 on 2 is your win. On 12, you triumph 3 to 1. On 5, 6, 7, or 8, you lose.

Bets on Props

These bets are found in the center of the table and are one-roll bets. You are betting that on the very next roll of the dice any of these numbers will come up:

Any Craps (2, 3 or 12)	pays 8 for 1
Aces (2) or Twelve (12)	pays 31 for 1
Ace-Deuce (3) or Eleven (11)	pays 16 for 1
Seven (7)	pays 5 for 1

Hardaways

A Hardway bet is not a one-roll bet. You are betting that the shooter rolls a pair. Hardways win if the dice roll as a pair and lose if a 7 rolls or if the number is thrown “the easy way.” Example: If you bet a hard 8 and thedice roll 4,4 you win. If the dice roll “easy” 5,3 or 6,2 you lose.

Hard Four or Ten	pays 8 for 1
Hard Six or Eight	pays 10 for 1

Hop Bets

Hop Bets are single-roll wagers on a particular set of dice. In actuality, you are placing a wager on what you believe the results of the very next dice roll to be.
You would inform the dealer that you wish to jump the 6 and 3 if you believe the following roll will be a (6, 3). Hop bets pay either 16 for 1 or 31 for 1, based on the combination you select.

Craps Table Layout Explained

Betting in craps starts with understanding the craps table, so let’s take a look at one:

There are several spaces on the table arrangement where bets can be placed. Now that you understand how to shoot craps and assess your roll, let’s look at how to place a wager in a game of craps.

Pass or Don’t Pass Bets in Craps

Either the “Pass Line” or the “Don’t Pass Line” is where you can wager:

In a pass line bet, you are placing a wager that the shooter will either roll a natural or win the point prior to seven-pointing out.
Betting on the opposite outcome is known as the “Don’t Pass Line.” Alternatively put, you are wagering that the shooter will fail (lose). The player may attempt to roll a 2 or 3, or they may fail to roll the point again before a 7 rears its ugly head.

These wagers are only permitted prior to the point being determined on the table. You can place a come or don’t come wager once the point has been rolled out and the shooter needs to roll the sum once more.

Big 6 & Big 8

The ‘big 6’ and ‘big 8’ on the craps table are one of the most popular bets players make and can be found near the pass line and the don’t pass bar in the bottom corners of the table. You can place wagers here if you think you will land a 6 or 8 before landing a 7. The house edge on this bet is 9.1% and only pays even money making this a potential losing bet in the long run.

The Field

The ‘field’ section is in the middle of the craps table. Here, you can bet whether you’ll land a 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11 on a single roll of the dice. You can potentially double or even triple your money if you place a wager on the dice landing on 2 or 12.

Come & Don’t Come

It may take a few throws to end the round after the comeout roll and point have been established. Players may experience an increased amount of excitement at this point thanks to the ‘come’ and ‘don’t come’ sections, which are located in the upper corners of the table.

If you believe that your next roll will result in a 7 or an 11, place a wager on the coming box. Alternatively, place your wager in the “don’t come” box if you believe your next roll will result in a 2, 3, or 12. You have two opportunities to win if any other number—4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10—is thrown on the following round. This number becomes both your personal point total and the initial “point.”

The Place

‘The place’ is one of the quickest bets on the craps table; it’s the spot next to the boxman. If the shooter lands a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 before they land a 7, you can place a “place to win” wager.

These wagers are made in-game and are added at any point throughout the match. You are placing a “place to lose” wager if you believe the shooter will land a 7 before any of the previously listed numbers.

Center Section

The central part of the craps table is shared by all players. You can add your proposition wagers here. These are single-roll wagers placed on the likelihood that the dice will fall on a particular pattern, as indicated by the table. While some of these have odds as high as 30:1, they also have the biggest house edges (10–16.7%) of any game.

Proposition Bets in Craps

Single roll bets on any roll are called proposition bets. This table (with one exception) illustrates how you succeed:

Bet	Wins if
Any Seven	The shooter rolls a 7
Any Craps	The shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12
Ace Deuce	The shooter rolls a 3
Aces	The shooter rolls a 2
Boxcars	The shooter rolls a 12
Horn	The shooter rolls a 2, 3, 11, or 12

The exception, known as “Hard ways,” entails that you win if you roll a 4, 6, 8, or 10 (according on your choice of wager) with the same pair of numbers (2 and 2, 3 and 3, and so forth) before any other combination that yields a 7 or that total.

Let’s look at some further wagers that pay out 1:1

Craps Betting

Bets are the main focus of activity at a craps table. To play craps, you don’t have to learn every side bet, but it will be more fun if you are familiar with the most common bets.

Novice gamers of craps can place straightforward wagers on single numbers and get paid on each roll. Playing the more complex bets, such “laying the odds,” will help you progress your skills and improve your comprehension of the game. These bets are crucial to any winning craps strategy.

Craps Betting Tips

For new players looking to play craps online, check out our following tips and pitfalls to avoid when playing craps online:

Decide on your bankroll. When playing any casino game, decide how much of your bankroll you’re willing to commit across multiple sessions. Once you’re happy with your budget (winnings and losses included), we recommend not deviating from it.
Find a craps game that matches your gameplay needs. Online casinos offer several varieties of craps games, such as Vegas craps or Bank craps. Always check you understand any rules or odds that may differ in these games before playing. The best online casinos usually feature a help page or pay table that lists this information.
Check the betting limits. Most online casinos will let players adjust the betting limits in a craps game. These can be changed for low- or high-stakes, but ensure this is done before the game starts. Otherwise, you could lose money rapidly in an online craps game.
Check the Return To Player (RTP) percentage. The standard RTP for craps games at most online casinos is 98.64%. If a casino site is offering a lower RTP for its online craps games, it may be worth looking at other online casinos to compare.
Take advantage of welcome bonuses. Online casinos offer welcome bonuses to new players. While checking the wagering requirements is a must, you can use these bonuses to extend your gameplay. Learn which casino bonuses are the best to find, and then use casino reviews to find the best sites that offer these perks.

1.Method – How to Play

1 Win money by betting on what numbers are rolled on a pair of dice.

When you consider that the entire objective of craps is to gamble on the total on two dice, it really isn’t that difficult. When one person rolls the dice, they usually aim for a 7 or an 11. They establish a “point” number that they must roll again before rolling a 7 if they don’t get this number on the initial roll.

Usually, you place a wager on the table with the expectation that the player will roll the necessary number. Additionally, there are ways to wager against the table, which entails rolling a losing number for the gambler.
7 and 11 are the winners on the first roll, often known as the come-out roll. Craps numbers 2, 3, and 12 indicate that bettors will lose.
Depending on the game’s stage, different numbers represent wins and losses. The number 7 turns into a losing number if the player establishes a point.

2 Place a bet on the pass line to play during the come-out roll

To monitor the game, the dealer places a disk on the table. A new round begins when you notice the disk switched to the black side with the word “OFF” on it. A 7 or an 11 on the come-out roll, the initial roll, indicates that all bettors who chose the pass line have won. Anyone who scores a 2, 3, or 12 loses.

The pass line is the most basic element in craps betting, so it’s the best place to start when learning the game. A new round cannot begin until someone places a bet on the pass.
Numbers like 4, 5, and 6 are neither wins nor losses. The rolled number becomes known as the point, and the game moves to the next phase of play.
Another option is to bet on the don’t pass line. If you take this option, you’re betting against everyone else. You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 but lose if they roll a 7 or 11.

3 Play the point if no one wins or loses on the come-out roll

In the event that the player’s come-out roll resulted in a loss, the point is the number they rolled. Four, five, six, eight, nine, or ten are possible point totals. The shooter keeps rolling the dice in the hopes of rolling the point number once more when the dealer flips the disk to the white “ON” side. If you roll a seven, you lose.

The pass line bets stay on the board until the round is over. You win your pass bet if the player rolls their point number.
For example, when the point number is an 8, the shooter tries to roll an 8. If the shooter rolls a 7, all pass line bets lose. Play continues until the shooter rolls one of these numbers.
If the shooter rolls the point number, play starts over with new pass bets. If a 7 comes up, the same thing happens but someone else has to roll the dice.

4 Place a come bet if the come-out roll has already happened

You’re in luck if you arrive at the craps table after a round has begun. For a wager that is extremely similar to the pass bet, place your chips on the come space. You win if the shooter rolls a 7 or an 11. You will lose your stake if they roll a 2, 3, or 12.

Keep in mind that the point doesn’t affect your bet. If the point is 6, you don’t get anything when the shooter rolls a 6.
The come bet is also separate from the pass line. You may win the come bet with a 7 but lose the pass bet after the point is established. Similarly, play may continue even after a 2, 3, or 12 comes up.
A related option is the don’t come bet, where you win if the shooter rolls a 7 and lose if they roll their point number. This is a relatively safe and simple bet, but keep in mind that it means going against other bettors.

5 Start with conservative, basic bets when you begin playing

The most crucial bets to understand before approaching the table are the line and come bets. If you are feeling lucky, throw some odds bets. Proceed to single roll predictions utilizing the field space if you want to do more. Proposition bets should be avoided until you feel more comfortable taking financial risks.

Craps is a fast-paced game, so give yourself time to get accustomed to it. Watch for a while if you need to, then start with a basic line bet when you get a chance to step in.
These simple bets often have the best odds out of anything in the casino, but they don’t pay as much money as riskier bets. You can also lose more if you’re not careful because of how fast and exciting an average craps game is.

6 Roll the dice across the table when the stickperson hands them to you

If you stay at a table long enough, you should be able to roll the dice. You have to wager on a pass or come in order to become the shooter. The stickperson usually hands you five dice. Select your two favorite dice and roll them until they land on the opposing side of the table’s rail.

Always handle the dice with one hand. You don’t need to blow on them or do anything else you see in movies. Shake and toss!
The craps table is long, so you throw the dice rather than roll them. If the dice bounce off the table or fail to hit the back rail, you have to toss them again.

2 Method – Etiquette

1Identify the casino personnel operating the craps table

Craps tables are run by teams of employees since they have the highest stakes of any typical casino game. Four casino personnel make up a standard team. A fifth person who fills in for the other dealers is also a common addition to crews. Every employee has a distinct role in the game, such as keeping track of bets and setting the pace.

The boxperson sits on one side of the table, usually the one closest to the pit. This person may be wearing a suit and tie. The boxperson keeps tabs on the game, stashing and guarding betting chips.
The stickperson is on the opposite side of the table from the boxperson. The stickperson is the one using the long stick to push the dice around. This person controls the game’s tempo, helps bettors place number bets, and calls out the game’s results.
The remaining crew members are dealers. There are at least 2 at every busy craps table. They manage the money, converting cash into chips and paying out winning bets as needed.

2 Stand behind the pass line when approaching the table

The section that runs around ¾ of the table’s outer border is known as the pass line. The stickperson’s position is always in the opposite direction. You, the player, stand at the table and make simple wagers on your own without assistance from the staff. To begin the game by placing a wager on the come-out roll, lay your chips on the pass line.

The pass line is labeled in big letters, so it’s visible no matter where you stand.
The “don’t pass” bar above the pass line is a related betting option. It is for players who wish to bet against the shooter. Also, look for the come and don’t come spaces used for related bets later in the game.

3 Get some chips at the table before you play

Cash in for chips rather than giving your money to the dealer. Speak with a dealer at the craps table or stop by the casino’s exchange counter. Place your cash on the counter and request a change. It is not allowed for dealers to take money right out of your hand.

Step up to an active table with caution. Wait for an open spot and try to come in when the disk on the table is flipped to off.

4 Cheer for other players at the table as they roll

Craps is a group game that can get pretty loud as bettors show enthusiasm for one another. When you’re not rolling the dice, root for the shooter to win the line bet or roll the point as quickly as possible. If you happen to go against the shooter with a don’t pass or don’t come bet, stay quiet to avoid spoiling the fun.

The excitement from a craps game is very easy to hear in most casinos. It’s a very loud game, but at the same time, be respectful of everyone around you.

5 Ask the dealers to help you place bets in off-limits spots on the table

Craps etiquette includes handling chips and placing bets in a significant way. You manage the bets yourself most of the time by placing your chips on a betting area like the pass line. Toss your chips into the open and ask the dealer to transfer them to the appropriate spot for propositional bets in the center of the table and number bets on the stickperson’s side.

Once you put your chips down, remove your hands from the table area. Keep your remaining chips on the rail, which is the elevated edge around the table.
Watch where all the chips are on the table. Keep an eye on your own chips and avoid knocking over someone else’s stack.
If you need help, ask the dealers! They are there to help you have a good time shooting craps.

3 Method – Betting Success

1 Memorize the odds to increase your chances of winning

Learn about the house’s “edge,” or advantage, in relation to each kind of wager. A large portion of the game is based on how frequently a particular combination of numbers appears on a roll. Seven is most frequently used, followed by six and eight. The least likely numbers to appear are 2 and 12, as you require a pair of 1s and a pair of 6s, respectively.

For example, the house has only a 1.41% edge on a pass or come bet. The house has a 1.36% edge on don’t pass and don’t come bets, making them slightly more likely to pay out.
The more complicated the bet, the more likely the odds are to be in the house’s favor. Big 6 and 8 spaces, for instance, pay poorly and tend to be excluded from most tables. Proposition bets are also usually good ways to blow through a stack of chips.
For more information on odds and betting strategies, look for a probability guide or betting strategy guide online.

2 Master some of the common lingo to have an easier time betting

Similar to numerous other casino games, craps has its own unique jargon. You don’t even need to use a craps dictionary to follow along if you understand how the table functions. But when it comes to maintaining your composure on the casino floor, being familiar with some of the jargon goes a long way.

Craps numbers are 2, 3, and 12. These usually are bad news, depending on the bet.
A right bettor is a person betting on the pass line. A wrong bettor is someone who bets against the rest of the table by betting on the don’t pass line.
Betting terms like parlay are the same as in other casino games. A parlay, for example, means adding your stakes from a winning bet to another bet. The house edge means how much of an advantage the house has on a given bet.
All numbers have their own slang that comes up sometimes but isn’t important to memorize. For example, a pair of 1s is called snake eyes and a 9 is called center field.

3 Use the field numbers to predict the next roll

In craps, the field is one of the most widely used betting locations. It contains the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 on it, along with the label “Field.” You don’t need the dealer’s approval to put a wager near the pass line because those numbers are for use by the players.

All field bets pay 1:1 odds except 2 and 12. Since these rolls are less common, you win 2:1 or even 3:1, depending on the house rules.
The numbers at the top of the table close to the stickperson are for “place” and “buy” bets. They are separate from the field box, so notify a dealer before using these areas to bet.
In the corners of the field boxes, you may see spots marked Big 6 and Big 8. These are additional bets that a 6 or 8 comes up before a 7. These spots aren’t present in all craps tables.

4 Use the top row of numbers for a place bet

In the vicinity of the stickperson, look for the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. A place bet can be placed at any moment prior to the shooter rolling the dice. Similar to field bets, these place numbers pay off if the place number is rolled before a 7. Tell the dealer what kind of stake you would want to place once you toss your chips onto the table.

For example, if you bet on 4, you’re predicting that the shooter rolls a 4 before they roll a 7.
A lay bet is the opposite of a place bet. You bet that the shooter rolls a 7 before they roll the number you bet on.
The payout for these bets are not as good as odds bets. You get 1:2 odds on 4 and 10, 2:3 odds on 5 and 9, and 5:6 odds on 6 or 8.

5 Lay chips below your pass line bet if you wish to make an odds bet

The odds bet is a side game while you wait for the shooter to roll their point number. When you place an odds bet, you guess that the shooter will roll the point number instead of a 7. The odds bet happens only after the come-out roll and you can only do it if you made a line or come bet. Like with the original line bet, play continues until the shooter wins or loses.

The payout is better for numbers that come up less frequently. You get 2:1 odds for a 4 or 10, 3:2 odds for a 5 or 9, and 6:5 odds for a 6 or 8.
Odds bets are simple and pay true odds. The house has no “edge” on the bet because the roll is entirely random. Winning is up to pure chance.
Most casinos offer 3, 4, or even 5x odds tables. That means you get to bet as much as 5 times your pass bet. Some casinos allow even higher odds bets.

6 Make proposition bets in the middle of the table

Proposition bets are all single roll bets and they are separate from the main part of the game. Look for the rectangular box in the middle of the table with a bunch of phrases like “5 for 1” and pictures of dice. Once you get more accustomed to the game, take advantage of this area when you wish to place unique bets.

For example, you might use the proposition area to predict that the shooter rolls an 8 as a pair of 4s. This is called a hardaway bet.
Proposition bets are risky. The odds are very high in favor of the house. As a beginner, you are better off avoiding them unless you’re feeling brave.
The proposition area belongs to the dealer, so don’t interfere with it if you wish to bet. Put your chip on the table, then alert the dealer that you wish to bet.