Craps is one of the most high-energy and entertaining games in any casino. Whether you're tossing dice at a real-life table or playing from your phone or laptop, the game delivers nonstop action. With players shouting, chips flying, and dice bouncing across the felt, it’s easy to think the game is complicated. But once you understand the basics, craps becomes both approachable and thrilling.
At first glance, craps might seem more complex than games like blackjack or roulette due to its fast pace and unique lingo. But don't let that intimidate you. Once you get a handle on the rules and learn the flow, you’ll see why craps has such a loyal following among casino players.
In this quick-start guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials. You’ll learn what the most common outcomes mean, how to make your first bets, and why players are always watching for the number 7.
By the time you’re done, you’ll understand:
Let’s break it down step by step.
Craps is a dice game played in rounds, and each round starts with what’s known as the come-out roll. The player rolling the dice is called the shooter. In a live casino, the shooter physically throws the dice. In an online game, you’ll click to roll, and the system simulates the outcome.
The goal is to predict the result of the rolls and place bets accordingly. Here’s what can happen when the dice are rolled:
If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, that’s called a Natural—and it’s an instant win for those betting on the Pass Line, the most basic and popular bet in craps. When this happens, the round ends immediately, and a new one begins with another come-out roll.
If the dice land on 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, it’s called crapping out. This is a losing result for Pass Line bets, and the round ends. But the action doesn’t stop—another come-out roll follows to start the next round.
If the shooter rolls 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the Point. The dealer (or the system in online games) marks the Point, and the shooter keeps rolling.
From this moment, the shooter’s goal is to roll the Point number again before rolling a 7.
The number 7 plays a special role in craps. On the come-out roll, a 7 is great—it means an instant win for Pass Line bets. But once a Point is set, rolling a 7 ends the round in a loss. It goes from the best outcome to the worst, adding drama and anticipation to every roll after the Point is established.
Before you step up to a craps table, it’s helpful to understand the layout. At first glance, it can look a bit overwhelming—but once you break it down, you’ll see it’s organized with purpose. Each section of the table corresponds to specific types of bets, making the fast-paced gameplay much easier to follow once you’re familiar with where everything goes.
Craps tables are long, rectangular, and built for group play. The layout is mirrored on both ends, allowing multiple players to join in from either side. Regardless of where you’re standing, the same betting options are available to you.
You’ll notice the more advanced wagers are placed in the center of the table, while the outer edges are reserved for the game’s core bets. This structure makes it easy to locate the types of bets that suit your playing style—whether you're sticking with the basics or feeling more adventurous.
Here’s a breakdown of the key areas you’ll use when placing bets at a craps table:
These are the foundation of craps betting and are usually placed before the come-out roll. You’ll find these areas running along the outer rail in front of each player.
These function like Pass/Don’t Pass bets but are made after a Point has been established. Their sections are located a little closer to the center of the table.
Above the main lines, you’ll see areas for Place Bets, where you can bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to appear before a 7 is rolled.
Field Bets, also nearby, are one-roll bets that win if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. These are popular for players looking for quick outcomes.
Located right in the center of the table, this section is home to one-roll and specialty bets like betting on specific totals (e.g., 2, 3, 11, or 12). These bets offer big payouts but carry much higher risk and are better suited for experienced players or those feeling lucky.
Understanding the table layout isn’t just about knowing where to place your chips—it’s about staying confident and sharp in a game that moves fast. When you’re familiar with where each bet goes, you’ll be able to:
Once you know your way around the table, craps becomes far more enjoyable. Whether you're sticking with the safer bets or exploring high-risk options, being comfortable with the layout is the first step toward feeling like a seasoned player.
One of the first decisions you’ll make when playing craps is whether to bet with the shooter or against them. This means placing either a Pass Line or a Don’t Pass Line bet—two core wagers that define the basic flow of the game. While both are simple in structure, they follow very different strategies.
A Pass Line bet is the most common starting wager in craps—and it puts you on the shooter’s side. You’re hoping the shooter wins, and your bet rides on their success.
Here’s how it plays out:
Pass Line bets are simple, social, and popular—especially with beginners—because you’re cheering with the table, not against it.
A Don’t Pass Line bet is the opposite approach. Instead of backing the shooter, you’re betting against them. You’re hoping the shooter fails to make their point.
Here’s how it works:
This strategy is often referred to as “betting the dark side.” It’s just as legitimate, and it actually carries a slightly lower house edge—but it can feel a little less social since you’re rooting against the shooter.
Both Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets must be placed before the come-out roll. Once the point is established, those options close for that round. After that, you can move on to Come and Don’t Come bets, which follow similar mechanics but are made mid-round.
Understanding these two fundamental bets is the best way to ease into craps. Once you’re comfortable with them, you can explore more advanced betting options and strategies as your confidence grows.
Once a Point has been established in craps, players can still get in on the action with Come and Don’t Come bets. These mid-round wagers work much like Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets, but they're placed after the come-out roll. They allow for more flexibility and help keep your strategy active throughout the round.
A Come Bet is essentially a wager on the outcome of the next roll—and it mirrors a Pass Line bet in how it plays out, just at a different stage in the game.
Here’s what happens:
Because you can place Come Bets at any time after the come-out roll, they’re a great way to stay involved—even if you missed the start of the round.
The Don’t Come Bet is the opposite approach. It’s like placing a Don’t Pass Line bet, but after the Point has already been set.
Here’s how it works:
From there, you’re hoping the shooter rolls a 7 before repeating your Don’t Come Point. If the shooter hits your point first, the bet loses.
This style of betting is ideal for players who want to play it safe and take the “dark side” approach during the round.
While you can’t remove a Come or Don’t Come bet once it’s active, you can increase your action by adding odds bets behind them.
Odds bets are extra wagers placed once your point is set, and they come with no house edge—making them a great value.
You can:
Odds bets pay true odds, so they’re a smart move if you're looking to boost potential returns.
These bets keep your strategy moving forward—even mid-round. Whether you missed the initial roll or want to diversify your risk, Come and Don’t Come bets give you more chances to win without waiting for the next round to start.
They’re especially useful for:
Learning how to use these bets effectively adds a new layer of strategy—and makes the game more dynamic and engaging from start to finish.
Proposition bets are quick, one-roll wagers placed in the center of the craps table. These bets are focused on specific outcomes from the very next roll. While they carry a much higher risk than other craps bets, they’re appealing for their large potential payouts and fast resolution—ideal for thrill-seeking players who love the action.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular one-roll bets and the typical returns you can expect (based on a $1 wager):
|
Bet Type |
You Win If... |
Typical Payout |
|
Any Seven |
A 7 is rolled |
$4 (sometimes $5) |
|
Any Craps |
A 2, 3, or 12 is rolled |
$7 |
|
Ace Deuce |
A 3 is rolled |
$15 |
|
Aces |
A 2 is rolled |
$30 |
|
Boxcars |
A 12 is rolled |
$30 |
|
Horn Bet |
A 2, 3, 11, or 12 is rolled |
Varies ($3.75–$5 avg.) |
Note: Actual payouts can differ based on the casino or online platform. Always check the game’s house rules or payout chart before betting.
Hard Way bets are a special category of proposition wagers. Unlike most one-roll bets, these require a specific double (like 2+2 or 4+4) to be rolled before a 7 or a simpler combination of the same total.
Hard Way bets appeal to players who enjoy bigger wins and a little suspense while they wait for that perfect double to hit.
If you’re not a fan of high volatility, even-money bets offer a safer, more predictable experience. These bets pay out 1:1 and come with a much lower house edge. They're excellent for new or cautious players.
These bets are simple to understand, follow the natural rhythm of the game, and are favored for long-term bankroll management.
After a Point is set, you can bet directly on specific numbers by making a Place Bet. This gives you control over which numbers you want to wager on—something not offered in the standard line bets.
|
Number |
Payout Ratio |
|
6 or 8 |
Pays 7:6 |
|
5 or 9 |
Pays 7:5 |
|
4 or 10 |
Pays 9:5 |
One of the biggest advantages of Place Bets is flexibility: you can adjust or remove your wager at any time (unless the dice are in the air). This makes them a popular choice for players who want more control over their strategy.
Field bets are among the quickest wagers you can place in craps. These single-roll bets resolve immediately based on the next dice roll—making them a go-to choice for players who enjoy a faster tempo and quick decisions.
To win a field bet, the shooter must roll one of the following numbers:
You lose if the result is:
Because so many numbers are covered, the odds can feel appealing. Still, since it’s a one-roll bet, field bets carry a relatively high house edge.
⚠️ Note: Not all casinos offer the same payout rules. Always check the table’s posted terms before betting.
Field bets are simple, fast, and easy to understand, making them a popular option for newer players or those just looking to keep the action going. However, the trade-off is in the odds—since the bet is decided in one roll, outcomes are more volatile. Consider using field bets sparingly and strategically within your broader game plan.
Big 6 and Big 8 bets are prominently displayed in the corners of most craps tables. These bets are attractive to beginners because they’re easy to find, easy to understand, and seem straightforward.
It’s a basic concept: just pick your number and root for it to show up before the dreaded 7.
While Big 6 and Big 8 are easy to understand, they’re statistically worse than other similar options. Specifically:
That means if you're betting on 6 or 8 anyway, you’re simply getting less return for the same risk when choosing the “Big” bets.
Big 6 and Big 8 bets are acceptable for first-timers still learning the ropes. But once you’re comfortable, it’s wise to shift to Place Bets instead—they pay more and give you better odds in the long run.
So if you’re aiming to maximize your payout potential and play a bit smarter, avoid the corner bets and look to the main section of the table where Place Bets offer a better deal.
Now that you’ve got a handle on the basics of craps—from how the game works to the different types of bets—you’re ready to jump in and start playing for real. Whether you prefer online gameplay or the buzz of a casino floor, there’s a way to ease into the action comfortably.
If you’re completely new or just need a refresher, you’ve got two solid paths to start playing with confidence.
Many trusted online casinos offer user-friendly craps games with helpful features like:
These versions are perfect for learning at your own pace and experimenting with strategies without the pressure of a live table.
If you enjoy live energy and don’t mind jumping into the action, head to a physical casino. Craps tables are lively, but don’t let that intimidate you—most dealers are happy to walk you through the basics, especially if you let them know you’re new.
With just a bit of practice and patience, you’ll be placing smart bets, understanding the table, and enjoying the high-energy fun of craps like a seasoned player.
Craps is a high-energy dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolling two dice. It’s played on a special table and is available both in physical casinos and online platforms.
Yes. Most online casinos offer demo versions of craps, allowing players to learn the rules and test betting strategies without risking real money.
Yes, you can win real money if your bets correctly predict the dice outcomes. Winnings depend on your bet amount and the type of wager placed.
Craps has some of the lowest house edges in the casino:
Pass Line bet: ~1.41%
Don’t Pass bet: ~1.36%
Odds bets: 0% house edge (true odds)
Payouts vary by bet type:
• Pass/Don’t Pass: 1:1
• Place bets: Varies (e.g., 6 and 8 pay 7:6)
• Proposition bets: Up to 30:1, but risk is much higher
There’s no set cap on winnings. Conservative bets yield smaller but steadier returns, while high-risk bets may offer large payouts but come with much lower odds.
Craps is primarily based on luck. However, understanding the best bets and managing your bankroll wisely can improve your overall experience and minimize losses.
The name “craps” likely originated from the French word “crapaud,” meaning “toad,” as early street players would crouch like toads while rolling dice on sidewalks.
