A complete Craps guide explaining rules, gameplay, dice outcomes, bet types, table layout, and odds. Learn how this fast-paced casino dice game works for beginners.
Introduction
Craps is one of the most energetic and exciting games in the casino. Played with two dice, the game revolves around predicting the outcome of each roll. While the table layout may look complicated at first, the core rules of craps are simple, and most of the action centers around just a few main bets.
This guide breaks down how craps works, what the most common bets mean, how the dice rolls determine outcomes, and why the game is often less intimidating than it looks. After reading, you’ll understand each stage of the game and the purpose of every major betting area on the table.
What Is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the results of a roll (or series of rolls) of two six-sided dice. The game is played on a large table with designated betting areas and involves two roles:
- The Shooter — the player rolling the dice
- Other Players — those placing bets on outcomes
The game is divided into rounds that start with the Come Out Roll and continue until the shooter “sevens out.”
How Craps Works: Game Structure
1. The Come Out Roll
Every round begins with the Come Out Roll. The shooter rolls two dice, and the outcome determines the direction of the round.
Come Out Roll Results
- 7 or 11 → Pass Line wins
- 2, 3, or 12 → Pass Line loses
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 → A Point is established
If a Point is established, the shooter continues rolling.
2. Point Phase
When the shooter rolls 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the Point.
During the Point phase:
- The shooter continues rolling
- If the Point number is rolled again → Pass Line wins
- If a 7 is rolled first → Pass Line loses (seven out)
When the shooter sevens out, a new shooter takes over, and a new round begins.
Dice Probabilities in Craps
Two dice create 36 possible outcomes. Here are the most important totals:
| Total | Ways to Roll | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 ways | 16.67% |
| 6 or 8 | 5 ways | 13.89% |
| 5 or 9 | 4 ways | 11.11% |
| 4 or 10 | 3 ways | 8.33% |
| 3 or 11 | 2 ways | 5.56% |
| 2 or 12 | 1 way | 2.78% |
Understanding these probabilities explains why some bets are more favorable than others.
Basic Craps Bets Explained
Craps has many bets, but only a few are essential for beginners.
1. Pass Line Bet
The most common bet in craps.
On the Come Out Roll:
- Wins on 7 or 11
- Loses on 2, 3, 12
- Any other number → Point phase begins
During Point Phase:
- Wins if the Point is rolled again
- Loses if 7 is rolled first
2. Don’t Pass Line Bet
This bet is the opposite of the Pass Line.
Come Out Roll:
- Wins on 2 or 3
- Loses on 7 or 11
- 12 is a push
During Point Phase:
- Wins if 7 is rolled before the Point
- Loses if the Point is rolled first
3. Come Bet
Works the same as the Pass Line but placed after a Point is established.
4. Don’t Come Bet
Opposite of the Come Bet, similar to the Don’t Pass Line.
5. Place Bets
Players can bet on specific numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10.
These bets win if the chosen number is rolled before a 7.
6. Field Bet
A one-roll bet that wins if the dice show:
- 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12
Often pays double on 2 and triple on 12 (varies by casino).
7. Proposition Bets (Center of the Table)
These are one-roll bets that include:
- Any 7
- Any Craps (2, 3, 12)
- Hardways (4, 6, 8, 10 rolled as doubles)
- Specific totals
These bets have higher payouts but also higher house edge.
Craps Table Layout Overview
The craps table is divided into several key areas:
Left and Right Sides
Identical layout on both ends so more players can participate.
Main Sections
- Pass Line
- Don’t Pass Bar
- Come Area
- Don’t Come Bar
- Field
- Place Bets
- Proposition Bets (center area)
Although it looks busy, beginners typically only need to focus on the Pass Line, Come, and Field sections.
Payouts for Common Craps Bets
| Bet | Payout |
|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1:1 |
| Don’t Pass | 1:1 |
| Come / Don’t Come | 1:1 |
| Place 6 or 8 | 7:6 |
| Place 5 or 9 | 7:5 |
| Place 4 or 10 | 9:5 |
| Field Bet | Varies (usually 1:1; special pays for 2 or 12) |
| Hardways | 7:1 or 9:1 depending on total |
(Some payouts vary by casino.)
House Edge in Craps
| Bet Type | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1.41% |
| Don’t Pass | 1.36% |
| Come | 1.41% |
| Don’t Come | 1.36% |
| Place 6 or 8 | 1.52% |
| Field | 2.78% (varies) |
| Proposition Bets | 9%–16%+ |
Craps offers some of the lowest house edges in the casino, especially for Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets.
Why Craps Is Popular
Players love craps because:
- Fast-paced action
- Strong social environment
- Simple core mechanics
- Many bet types for different styles
- Some of the best odds in the casino
Even though the table looks complex, most players only use a few basic bets.
FAQ
Do I need to understand all the bets to play craps?
No. Most beginners use only the Pass Line bet.
Is 7 always bad?
Not on the Come Out Roll—it’s actually the most favorable outcome.
Can multiple players bet on the shooter?
Yes, everyone at the table can bet on the same outcomes.
Why does the craps table have two identical sides?
To allow more players to join and place bets simultaneously.
Does the shooter rotate?
Yes. A new shooter rolls when the previous shooter sevens out.