How to Play Craps: A Beginner’s Guide to Rules, Strategy & Winning
The craps table, with its complex layout, fast-paced action, and unique language, can look chaotic and intimidating to a newcomer. But here’s the secret: the basic game is surprisingly simple to learn and offers some of the best odds in the entire casino. This guide is designed to demystify the game, breaking down everything you need to know to walk up to a table—real or virtual—with the confidence of a seasoned player in 2025.
We’ll transform you from a spectator into a participant, guiding you through your first roll, the best bets to make, and the “sucker bets” to avoid. By the end, you’ll understand why so many players fall in love with the thrilling game of craps.
Quick Facts: Craps at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Goal | Bet on the outcome of a pair of dice rolled by the “shooter.” |
| House Edge | As low as 0.00% (on Odds bets) to over 16% (on Proposition bets). |
| RTP (Return to Player) | Up to 98.64% on optimal bets. |
| Min/Max Bets | Varies by casino; typically from $5 online to $10+ in a land-based casino. |
| Difficulty | Easy to learn the basics, but has deep strategic options. |
How to Play Craps: Your First Round Step-by-Step
Let’s walk through a typical round of craps from the perspective of a brand-new player. This is all you need to know to get started.
- Finding a Table & Buying In: Look for a craps table with a minimum bet that fits your budget. Place your cash on the table felt (never hand it directly to a dealer) and ask for “chips.” The dealer will exchange your cash for casino chips.
- The Come Out Roll (Puck is “OFF”): This is the first roll of a new round. The dealer puck will be black and in the “OFF” position. This is the only time you can make the most basic bet.
- Placing Your First Bet: The Pass Line: Place your chip(s) on the large betting area labeled Pass Line. This is a bet that the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will win. On this first roll:
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, your Pass Line bet wins instantly! The round is over.
- If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (known as “craps”), your Pass Line bet loses. The round is over.
- Establishing the Point: If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes “The Point.” The dealer will flip the puck to the white “ON” side and move it to the corresponding number box on the table layout.
- The Goal is Now the Point: The game’s objective has now changed. The shooter must roll the Point number again before rolling a 7.
- The Best Bet in the Casino: The Odds Bet: Once a Point is established, you can make an “Odds” bet. Place chips directly behind your Pass Line bet. This is a side bet that the Point will be rolled before a 7. It is special because it pays “true odds” and has a 0% house edge. It’s the best bet you can make.
- The Outcome: The shooter will continue rolling the dice.
- If they roll the Point number again, all Pass Line bets and their corresponding Odds bets win. The puck turns “OFF,” and a new Come Out roll begins.
- If they roll a 7 (known as “sevening out”), all Pass Line bets and Odds bets lose. The dice pass to the next shooter, and a new Come Out roll begins.
Understanding the Craps Table Rules and Layout
Knowing the key elements of the game will increase your confidence and understanding of the action.
The Objective
The core objective in craps is for players to wager on the outcome of a series of dice rolls. You can bet with the shooter (Pass Line) or against the shooter (Don’t Pass Line), or on a wide variety of single-roll or multi-roll outcomes.
The Table Personnel
- The Boxman: Sits in the middle, managing the chips, supervising the game, and resolving any disputes.
- The Stickman: Stands opposite the Boxman, controls the dice with a long stick, calls out the results of each roll, and manages the Proposition bets in the center of the table.
- The Dealers: There are two dealers, one on each side of the Boxman. They manage players’ bets, collect losing wagers, and pay out winning ones.
The Dice and the Shooter
The “shooter” is the player currently rolling the dice. The dice must be handled with one hand and tossed so they hit the back wall on the opposite side of the table to ensure a random roll.
The Puck: “ON” vs. “OFF”
This simple marker is the most important indicator of the game’s status. If it’s “OFF” (black side up), it’s a Come Out roll. If it’s “ON” (white side up) and sitting on a number, that number is the Point.
All Craps Betting Options Explained
Craps has dozens of potential bets, but they can be broken down into two main categories: smart, low-house-edge wagers and high-risk “sucker bets.” Beginners should stick to the first category.
The Best Bets: Low House Edge Wagers
| Bet Name | How It Works | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | Bet with the shooter. Wins on 7/11 on come out; loses on 2/3/12. | 1:1 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass | Bet against the shooter. Wins on 2/3; loses on 7/11; pushes on 12. | 1:1 | 1.36% |
| Come Bet | A Pass Line bet made after the Point is established. | 1:1 | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come | A Don’t Pass bet made after the Point is established. | 1:1 | 1.36% |
| The Odds Bet | A side bet on your Pass/Don’t Pass/Come/Don’t Come bet with no house edge. | True Odds | 0.00% |
| Place 6 / 8 | Bet that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. | 7:6 | 1.52% |
Proposition Bets: The “Sucker Bets” in the Middle
These bets are located in the center of the table and are managed by the stickman. While they offer high payouts, their house edge is significantly higher, making them poor choices for strategic play.
| Bet Name | How It Works | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Bet | A one-roll bet that a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 will be rolled. | 1:1 (2:1 or 3:1 on 2/12) | 2.78% – 5.56% |
| Hardways (4,6,8,10) | Bet the number is rolled as a pair (e.g., 4-4) before a 7 or an “easy” version. | 7:1 or 9:1 | ~9.09% – 11.11% |
| Any 7 (Big Red) | A one-roll bet that the next roll will be a 7. | 4:1 | 16.67% |
| Any Craps | A one-roll bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12. | 7:1 | 11.11% |
The Best Craps Strategy to Win (and How to Use It)
While craps is a game of chance, you can dramatically improve your odds by using a smart, simple strategy.
The #1 Basic Strategy: Pass Line with Max Odds
This is the most effective and widely recommended strategy for both beginners and experts. It reduces the overall house edge to its absolute minimum.
- Bet the table minimum on the Pass Line before the Come Out roll.
- Once a point is established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), place the maximum allowed Odds bet directly behind your Pass Line bet.
- That’s it. Don’t place any other bets. This combination gives you the best possible chance of winning over the long term because the large, 0% house edge Odds bet minimizes the effect of the small edge on the initial Pass Line bet.
What is the 3-4-5x Rule in Craps?
This is a common rule that defines the maximum Odds bet you can place. It’s named after the multipliers for different point numbers:
- You can bet 3x your Pass Line bet on points 4 & 10.
- You can bet 4x your Pass Line bet on points 5 & 9.
- You can bet 5x your Pass Line bet on points 6 & 8.
Tips on How to Play Craps Smarter
- Stick to the Basics: The best bets are Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, Don’t Come, and always take Odds.
- Avoid the Middle: The proposition bets in the center of the table have tempting payouts but a terrible house edge. Avoid them.
- Learn Table Etiquette: Don’t say the word “seven” (call it “Big Red”). Keep your hands out of the table when the dice are in motion. Tip your dealers.
- Practice First: Start at a low-minimum table, or better yet, play on a craps machine or free online simulator to learn the ropes without financial pressure.
Craps Odds and Payouts
The payouts in craps are directly related to the probability of rolling a specific number. The number 7 is the most likely outcome, which is why it plays such a crucial role in the game.
Dice Roll Combinations
| Dice Total | Possible Combinations | Number of Ways |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1-1 | 1 |
| 3 | 1-2, 2-1 | 2 |
| 4 | 1-3, 3-1, 2-2 | 3 |
| 5 | 1-4, 4-1, 2-3, 3-2 | 4 |
| 6 | 1-5, 5-1, 2-4, 4-2, 3-3 | 5 |
| 7 | 1-6, 6-1, 2-5, 5-2, 3-4, 4-3 | 6 |
| 8 | 2-6, 6-2, 3-5, 5-3, 4-4 | 5 |
| 9 | 3-6, 6-3, 4-5, 5-4 | 4 |
| 10 | 4-6, 6-4, 5-5 | 3 |
| 11 | 5-6, 6-5 | 2 |
| 12 | 6-6 | 1 |
Odds Bet Payouts
Your Odds bet pays “true odds,” meaning you are paid exactly based on the statistical probability of winning.
| Point Number | True Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2 to 1 | Pays 2:1 |
| 5 or 9 | 3 to 2 | Pays 3:2 |
| 6 or 8 | 6 to 5 | Pays 6:5 |
Popular Craps Game Variations
How to Play Craps Online vs. In a Casino
Online casinos offer lower minimum bets, the ability to play for free to practice, generous bonuses, and the comfort of playing at your own pace. Land-based casinos provide an unmatched social atmosphere, the thrill of rolling physical dice, and direct interaction with dealers and other players.
How to Play Bubble Craps (Electronic Craps Machine)
This is a great option for beginners. Bubble Craps features individual video betting terminals surrounding a central glass dome where a mechanical arm pops two large dice. It removes the social pressure of a live table and offers very low minimum bets.
How to Play Crapless Craps
In this variation, you cannot lose a Pass Line bet on the come out roll. The numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12 all become Point numbers. While this sounds great, the house edge on the Pass Line is actually higher than in traditional craps (around 5.38%) because the advantage of the instant win on an 11 is removed.
How to Play Street Craps (Street Dice)
This is an unofficial version of the game played without a table or casino staff. The rules are simplified, typically focusing only on Pass/Don’t Pass style betting against a wall or curb.
Best Online Casinos for Craps
When choosing where to play online, look for sites that offer a good variety of craps games, fair bonuses, and a secure platform. Note: Always check your local laws regarding online gambling and play responsibly.
| Online Casino Type | Craps Games Offered | Key Feature | Where to Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Dealer Specialist | RNG Craps, Live Dealer Craps | Best for an authentic, interactive casino experience. | Check for top-rated regulated online casino sites. |
| Game Variety Leader | Crapless Craps, Bonus Craps, Standard Craps | Offers a wide selection of different craps variations. | Look for platforms known for their extensive game libraries. |
| Beginner-Friendly Site | Free Play Craps Simulator, Low Minimums | Excellent for practicing rules and strategy without risk. | Search for online casinos with a “play for fun” or “demo” mode. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Craps
- Chasing Losses: Never increase your bets to try and win back money you’ve lost. Stick to your bankroll plan.
- Making High House Edge Proposition Bets: The allure of a big payout isn’t worth the terrible odds. Avoid the bets in the middle.
- Not Taking the Odds Bet: This is the best bet in the game. Failing to back up your Pass/Come bets with Odds is leaving value on the table.
- Not Knowing Basic Etiquette: Saying “seven” or interfering with the shooter can annoy other players and disrupt the game’s flow.
- Betting Too Much Per Roll: Your bet size should be a small fraction of your total bankroll for the session.
Bankroll Management for Craps
Smart money management is the key to having fun and playing for longer. Follow these simple rules:
- Set a strict budget for your craps session and never exceed it. Treat this money as the cost of entertainment.
- Choose a table where the minimum bet is no more than 1-2% of your total session bankroll. This allows you to withstand swings of luck.
- Set a winning goal and a loss limit. Know when to walk away, whether you are ahead or behind.
Playing Craps on Mobile
Most premier online casinos offer fully optimized mobile websites or dedicated apps that allow you to play craps on your smartphone or tablet. The experience is streamlined for touchscreens, offering all the same bets and rules. You can also find many free-to-play craps simulator apps, which are the best way to learn how to play craps on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the basic rules of craps?
The most basic rule is to bet on the Pass Line. On the first roll (Come Out), you win if a 7 or 11 is rolled and lose if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled. If any other number is rolled, it becomes the Point. You then win if the Point is rolled again before a 7.
How to bet on craps for beginners?
The absolute best way for a beginner to bet is to place a small wager on the Pass Line. If a point is established, back it up with a free Odds bet. This is the simplest and most effective strategy.
Is craps easy to learn?
Yes, the basic game is very easy to learn. The part that seems complicated is the huge number of different bets on the table, but you only need to know one or two smart bets to play effectively.
What is the 3-4-5 rule in craps?
The 3-4-5x rule is a common casino policy that limits the maximum size of your Odds bet. You can bet up to 3 times your Pass Line bet on points 4/10, 4 times on points 5/9, and 5 times on points 6/8.
What is the single best bet in craps?
The single best bet is the Odds bet. It has a 0.00% house edge, meaning the casino has no statistical advantage on this wager. However, you can only make it after placing a Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t Come bet first.
Can you play craps online for real money?
Yes, in many jurisdictions, you can play craps online for real money at licensed and regulated online casinos. Always ensure you are playing on a reputable site that is legal in your location.
How do you shoot the dice in craps?
Pick up the dice with one hand. Give them a light shake and toss them down the table so they bounce off the far wall. The roll must be hard enough to hit the wall but not so hard that the dice fly off the table.
Conclusion
Craps may look complicated, but at its heart, it’s a game of fundamentals. By ignoring the noise and focusing on the core principles—sticking to the Pass Line with maximum Odds, managing your bankroll wisely, and understanding basic etiquette—you can enjoy one of the most social and exciting games the casino has to offer. Now that you have the knowledge, the next step is to put it into practice. Try a free online craps simulator to get a feel for the flow of the game before you play for real.
Responsible Gambling Reminder: Gambling should always be a form of entertainment. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. Set limits, play responsibly, and know when to stop. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help from a professional organization.
