How to Play Craps: A Beginner's Guide to Winning at the Casino

Did you know that learning how to play craps might give you better winning chances than most other casino games? Surprisingly, the house edge for craps is only 1.41%, which beats both blackjack and roulette for chances to win.

Essentially, the concept of playing craps is to roll a number with two dice and then roll that same number again before a seven appears. The most profitable bets in the game are Don’t come and Pass line, with impressive house edges of 1.36% and 1.41%, respectively.

As beginners, we often find the craps table intimidating with its complex layout and enthusiastic crowds. However, once you understand the basics, it’s actually one of the most exciting games in the casino. The player throwing the dice (called “the shooter”) starts with what’s known as the come-out roll, where rolling a 7 or 11 means pass line bets win, while rolling 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about craps—from understanding the table layout to implementing strategies that can help maximize your chances of winning. Let’s roll the dice and get started!

Understanding the Basics of Craps

Craps stands as one of the most action-packed dice games in any casino. At its core, it's a game where players bet on the outcomes of rolled dice, playing either against each other ('street craps') or against the casino ('casino craps'). Unlike many casino games, craps creates an electric atmosphere that draws crowds around the table, making it both exciting and initially overwhelming for newcomers.

What is the craps game?

Craps is fundamentally a dice game involving two six-sided dice where players wager on the outcome of rolls. The basic concept requires rolling a specific number (called a "point") and then rolling that same number again before a seven appears. What makes craps particularly engaging is the variety of betting options available and the social experience it offers.

The game evolved from earlier dice games and has developed its own unique terminology and culture. Players use casino chips rather than cash to place their bets on the craps layout, which displays various betting options. This distinct gaming experience creates a sense of community among players, as everyone at the table can celebrate or commiserate together based on the outcome of each roll.

How do you play craps at the casino?

The gameplay begins with what's known as the "come-out roll." One player, designated as "the shooter," throws the dice at the craps table after all wagers have been placed. During this initial roll, there are three possible outcomes:

If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 (called a "natural"), anyone who bet on the Pass Line wins immediately.
If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (called "craps"), Pass Line bets lose.
If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the "point".

Once a point is established, the shooter continues to roll until either the point number appears again (resulting in a win for Pass Line bets) or a 7 is rolled (resulting in a loss for Pass Line bets). This sequence creates the fundamental tension in the game, as players root for the point to reappear before the dreaded 7.

Additionally, players can make various other bets during play. Some popular options include Come bets, Don't Pass bets, Place bets, and Field bets, each with different odds and payouts. As a beginner, focusing on Pass Line bets offers a straightforward entry point into the game.

Overview of the craps table layout

A standard craps table measures approximately 12 feet long by 4 feet wide. This large surface accommodates multiple players—typically up to eight on each side. The table features a unique layout with three main sections:

First, there are two identical wings on opposite ends that contain spaces for the most popular bets, including Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come. These areas also feature point boxes numbered 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, where dealers place specific bets on behalf of players.

Second, the central section houses Proposition (or "Prop") bets, which are typically higher-risk wagers with larger payouts. This area serves players on both sides of the table and requires dealer assistance to place bets.

Finally, the table is staffed by several casino employees, including a boxperson (who supervises the game and handles chips), dealers (who collect and pay bets), and a stickperson (who uses a long hooked stick to move the dice and calls the results of each roll).

Understanding this layout is crucial for navigating the fast-paced environment of a craps table and placing your bets efficiently.

Step-by-Step: How to Play a Round of Craps

Playing craps follows a specific sequence that, once understood, makes this dice game much more accessible. A round of craps consists of distinct phases that build upon each other, creating the excitement that makes this game so popular on casino floors.

The come-out roll explained

The foundation of every craps game is the come-out roll—the very first action that dictates how the game will proceed. Prior to this initial roll, players must place their bets on either the Pass Line or Don't Pass Line. The person currently rolling the dice, known as "the shooter," then tosses two dice down the table.

The come-out roll has three possible outcomes:

Natural - Rolling a combined 7 or 11 means Pass Line bets win immediately and Don't Pass bets lose.
Craps - Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 (collectively called "craps") results in Pass Line bets losing. For Don't Pass bets, 2 and 3 win, while 12 is typically a push (tie).
Point - Rolling any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) establishes that number as the "point".

What happens when a point is set

Once a point is established, the dealer places a button marked "ON" next to the corresponding number on the table layout. This visual indicator reminds everyone of the current point. The game now enters its second phase, where the shooter's goal changes.

At this stage, additional betting options become available. Players can now make Come bets, Don't Come bets, and Place bets. Furthermore, this is when you can "take odds"—placing additional chips behind your Pass Line bet as a supplemental wager that the point will be rolled before a 7.

The shooter continues rolling until one of two things happens: either the point number appears again or a 7 is rolled. Meanwhile, each roll creates opportunities for various bets to win or lose based on their specific conditions.

Winning and losing conditions

The primary winning and losing conditions revolve around the point:

For Pass Line bets:

Win when the point is rolled again before a 7
Lose when a 7 appears before the point (called "sevening out")

For Don't Pass bets:

Win when a 7 appears before the point
Lose when the point is rolled before a 7

Come bets function similarly to Pass Line bets but are placed after a point is established. When you place a Come bet, the next roll becomes your personal "come-out roll." If 7 or 11 appears, you win; if 2, 3, or 12 appears, you lose; any other number becomes your personal "come point".

Conversely, Don't Come bets follow the same pattern as Don't Pass bets but are placed after the point is established.

Role of the shooter and dice rules

The shooter plays a central role in the craps game, yet must follow specific rules:

First thing to remember, the shooter must place a bet on either the Pass Line or Don't Pass Line before rolling. Subsequently, when throwing the dice, the shooter must use only one hand and ensure both dice hit the back wall of the table. This requirement maintains fairness and prevents controlled throws.

Should either die accidentally leave the table, the roll is declared invalid. Under these circumstances, casino staff inspect the dice for damage before returning them to play. Casinos frequently change dice regardless of wear and tear, typically using them for no more than eight hours.

The shooter maintains this role until they "seven out"—rolling a 7 after a point has been established. Following this outcome, the dice pass clockwise to the next player, who becomes the new shooter. This rotation continues throughout the game, giving each player an opportunity to control the action.

Beginner-Friendly Craps Bets to Start With

As new players approaching a craps table, understanding which bets offer the best value is crucial for extending your bankroll and improving your chances of success. Starting with simple, low-house-edge bets creates a solid foundation for your craps experience.

Pass line and don't pass line bets

The Pass Line bet represents the most fundamental wager in craps. By placing chips on the Pass Line area, you're essentially betting "with the dice." On the come-out roll, you win immediately if 7 or 11 appears, lose if 2, 3, or 12 shows up, and establish a point with any other number. This bet offers a reasonable house edge of 1.41%.

In contrast, the Don't Pass bet works in reverse—you're betting "against the dice." You win on 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and typically push on 12. After a point is established, you win if 7 appears before the point number. This bet offers a slightly better house edge of 1.36%.

Come and don't come bets

Once a point is established, Come bets function almost identically to Pass Line bets but can be placed on any roll after the come-out. If 7 or 11 appears on the roll immediately following your Come bet, you win. If 2, 3, or 12 appears, you lose. Any other number becomes your personal "come point".

Consequently, Don't Come bets mirror Don't Pass bets but are placed after the point is established. These bets win on 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and typically push on 12. Your bet moves behind your specific number, winning if 7 appears before that number.

Place bets and field bets

Place bets allow you to wager on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7. The payouts vary based on the number: 6 or 8 pays 7:6, 5 or 9 pays 7:5, and 4 or 10 pays 9:5. Place bets on 6 and 8 have a relatively low house edge of 1.52%.

A Field bet is a one-roll wager covering numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. If any of these numbers appear on the next roll, you win. Most casinos pay even money on most numbers, with enhanced payouts (2:1 or 3:1) on 2 and 12. Despite its apparent attractiveness, Field bets carry a higher house edge of 2.78%-5.56%.

Avoiding risky proposition bets

Proposition bets occupy the center of the craps table and typically offer enticing payouts but carry substantial risk. These one-roll wagers can have house edges exceeding 13%. As a beginner, focusing on Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come bets provides better long-term value given their substantially lower house edges.

Best Craps Strategies for New Players

Crafting a winning approach to craps requires strategic thinking that balances risk and reward. I've found that successful players consistently employ certain tactics that significantly improve their chances at the table.

Start with low house edge bets

Success in craps begins by focusing on bets with minimal house advantage. The Pass Line (1.41% house edge) and Don't Pass (1.36% house edge) bets form the foundation of any solid strategy. Notably, these bets offer nearly 50-50 odds—much better than most casino games.

For even better odds, I recommend Come and Don't Come bets which maintain the same favorable house edges after a point is established. Above all, avoid proposition bets in the center of the table, as these can carry house edges exceeding 13%.

Use odds bets to your advantage

Odds bets are the hidden gem of craps because they carry zero house edge. Once a point is established, placing an odds bet behind your Pass Line or Come bet pays at true odds: 2:1 on 4 and 10, 3:2 on 5 and 9, and 6:5 on 6 and 8.

At this point, taking maximum odds dramatically reduces your overall house edge—down to 0.37% with 3x-4x-5x odds and as low as 0.02% with 100x odds. Therefore, whenever your bankroll allows, always back your main bets with odds.

Try the 3-point molly strategy

The 3-Point Molly strategy involves making a Pass Line bet plus two Come bets, all backed with odds. According to expert analysis, this approach gives a house edge under 0.5%. Here's how it works:

Place a Pass Line bet on the come-out roll
Once a point is established, back it with odds
Make a Come bet on the next roll
If a new point is established, back it with odds
Make a second Come bet and back it with odds if a point is established

This approach protects against short rolls while positioning you to capitalize on hot streaks.

Avoid common beginner mistakes

Even with great strategies, pitfalls exist. On balance, these are the most costly errors:

Making too many bets simultaneously
Failing to take free odds bets
Not capitalizing on shooting streaks
Chasing losses with larger bets
Playing without adequate bankroll (experts recommend 50x the table minimum)

By employing these strategic approaches, I've found craps becomes not just more enjoyable but also substantially more profitable.

Tips to Win More and Lose Less

Success at the craps table depends not just on understanding the game but on smart money management. Even with perfect strategy, poor bankroll decisions can quickly end your gaming session. These practical tips will help you stay in the game longer and potentially walk away a winner.

Manage your bankroll wisely

Experts recommend bringing at least 40-50 times the table minimum to ensure adequate playing time. For a $5 minimum table, that means a $200-250 bankroll. Moreover, never bet more than 1% of your total gaming budget on any single bet.

To protect yourself from excessive losses:

Separate your gambling money from regular funds
Determine your per-hour gambling rate (divide total bankroll by planned hours of play)
Never dig into money allocated for later sessions

Remember that your bankroll should reflect what you're comfortable losing as entertainment, not as a way to pay bills.

Set time and loss limits

Setting concrete limits represents perhaps the most important discipline in craps. Many experienced players recommend dividing your play into equal sessions—for instance, three 4-hour sessions per day during a casino trip.

Establish a specific loss limit (typically 25-30% of your session bankroll) and win goal (15-30% of your buy-in). Once you hit either threshold, leave the table. This approach prevents the common mistake of chasing losses or giving back winnings.

Practice online before playing live

Free online practice stands as your best bet to learn craps effectively. This risk-free environment allows you to:

Master basic rules without pressure
Understand various betting options
Build confidence before risking real money
Test different strategies without financial consequences

Many online casinos offer free play modes where you can practice until you're comfortable with all aspects of the game.

Watch experienced players at the table

Observing skilled players offers valuable insights into winning approaches. Specifically, note how they:

Respond to hot and cold streaks
Manage their bankroll through ups and downs
Determine when to press their bets or pull back

Pay special attention to how disciplined players remain during winning streaks—often taking profits rather than continuously pressing their luck. Certainly one of the keys to success is "being at the table when the hot roll comes along" rather than seeking perfection on every bet.

Conclusion

Craps truly stands as one of the most exhilarating and potentially profitable games you'll find on any casino floor. Throughout this guide, we've seen how the game combines straightforward principles with strategic depth, making it accessible yet challenging for players at all levels.

Remember, craps offers significantly better odds than many other casino games with its low house edge of just 1.41% on Pass Line bets. This advantage grows even stronger when you back your bets with odds, which carry zero house edge – something you won't find elsewhere in the casino.

First thing to remember as you approach the craps table is to start small. Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come bets give you the best mathematical chance of success while you learn the rhythms of the game. Additionally, always take maximum odds when your bankroll allows, as this dramatically reduces the overall house advantage.

Most importantly, proper bankroll management determines your longevity at the table. Set clear win goals and loss limits before playing, then stick to them regardless of how hot or cold the table feels. Watching experienced players can teach you valuable lessons about discipline during both winning and losing streaks.

The social atmosphere around a craps table creates an unmatched gaming experience. Everyone cheers together during hot rolls and commiserates during cold streaks, making craps not just a game of chance but a communal celebration.

Before risking real money, practice online or observe live games. This preparation will build your confidence and understanding without the pressure of making quick decisions with actual cash.

Undoubtedly, craps might seem intimidating at first glance, but once you understand the basics, it becomes one of the most rewarding casino experiences available. Armed with the knowledge from this guide, you're now ready to approach the craps table with confidence. Remember your strategies, manage your bankroll wisely, and above all – enjoy the thrill of the roll!