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How to Play Craps: Rules Made Simple

How to Play Craps: Rules Made Simple

If craps has ever looked like a chaotic mess of chips and shouting, you’re not alone. But underneath all the action, it’s actually a simple game once you get the hang of it. So we’d like to begin our introduction with a couple of tips to remember when playing online, or at a real Craps table in a land-based casino.

The Basics

Before we start, there are two main things you should know:

Objective of the game
At its core, craps is all about predicting the outcome of two dice. You’re not trying to beat the dealer or another player – you’re betting on what the shooter will roll.

Shooter
The shooter is the person rolling the dice. If you’re playing online, you’re always the shooter. In a casino, that role rotates around the table.

Common Terms and Bets in a Craps Game

Let’s get into this game!

Pass Line (The Starting Point)

How It Works
You’re betting with the shooter (the person rolling the dice). The first roll is called the Come Out Roll.
When You Win
If the Come Out Roll is a 7 or 11, you win instantly. If the roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the Point – the target number the shooter is now aiming for. You win if the Point is rolled again before a 7.
Why use it
Simple, low house edge, and the most common starting bet for beginners.
House edge
~1.41%

Don’t Pass (The Dark Side)

How It Works
You’re betting against the shooter. The Come Out Roll decides your starting position.
When You Win
If the Come Out Roll is 2 or 3, you win instantly. 7 or 11 loses, and 12 is a tie (push). If a Point is set, you win if a 7 is rolled before the Point number.
Why use it
Slightly better odds than the Pass Line, but less popular because you’re betting against most of the table.
House edge
~1.36%

Odds Bet (Best Value)

How It Works
A side bet you can make after a Point is set, backing up your Pass or Don’t Pass bet.
When You Win
For Pass Line odds, the Point is rolled before a 7. For Don’t Pass odds, a 7 comes before the Point.
Why use it
Pays true mathematical odds with no house edge – the best value bet in the casino.
House edge
0%

Come & Don’t Come

How It Works
Similar to Pass Line/Don’t Pass bets, but placed after the Come Out Roll. The first roll after placing a Come bet becomes its own Point.
When You Win
Come Bet – win on 7 or 11 on the first roll after placement, or hit the new Point before 7. Don’t Come – win on 2 or 3, or if 7 comes before the new Point.
Why use it
It lets you create new bets during a round instead of waiting for the next shooter.
House edge
~1.36–1.41%

Place Bets

How It Works
Pick a number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and bet that it will be rolled before a 7.
When You Win
Your chosen number comes up before a 7.
Why use it
Flexible – you can place or remove them any time and target numbers you think are “hot.”
House edge
Varies by number.

Field Bets

How It Works
A one-roll bet. You win if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
When You Win
One of those numbers is rolled immediately.
Why use it
Very simple, quick result – but higher house edge than most bets.
House edge
~5.5%

Proposition Bets (Prop Bets)

How It Works
Flashy single-roll bets in the centre of the table – like “Any 7,” “Yo” (11), or “Snake Eyes” (2).
When You Win
If the specific outcome you chose appears on the very next roll.
Why use it
Fun for a quick thrill, but the odds are heavily in the casino’s favour.
House edge
Up to 16%+

What to know as a Beginner

Playing a new game for the first time might be challenging, especially in a game as varied and fast as Craps. Luckily, there are a couple of strategies you can follow to make the first gaming sessions a bit easier.

Craps Strategy & Bankroll Management

Craps is a fast game – you can win big in minutes or burn through your budget just as quickly. That’s why you need to be smart about making your next move.

Hardways

Betting on doubles like “hard 8” (4+4). The house edge is high.

Any Craps / Any 7

They sound exciting, but bleed your bankroll.

Hop Bets

Risky, specific combos. Low odds, high house edge.

The Best Bets

There are many strategies to keep in mind, but when you start, make the most of this one – stick to bets with the lowest house edge.

Pro-tip
We recommend skipping the “centre table” bets – they’re flashy, but brutal on your bankroll.

Use a Flat Betting System (at First)

Flat betting means placing the same bet amount each time. No doubling, no chasing losses. Add odds behind your bet when the Point is set – that’s where the smart money is. Example: Always bet $5 on the Pass Line. This lets you stay in the game longer and minimise wild swings.

Know When to Walk Away

It’s easy to get pulled into the energy of a hot table or a winning streak. But craps can turn fast. You don’t need to play forever to win. Set rules, such as:

“I’ll stop if I double my bankroll” or “I’ll walk away if I lose three rounds in a row”

Watch for “Streak Tables” (in Live Games)

In live dealer or in-person games, a shooter can go on a tear, rolling for 15 minutes without a 7.
When that happens:
Use Place bets on 6 and 8. Ride the wave, but stay cautious – long rolls are rare!

Pro-tip
Craps is fun because of the speed, but that also means you burn through chips fast. Here’s what we suggest:
– Break your bankroll into units (ex, $100 = 20 x $5 bets).
– Only risk 5% of your total bankroll per session.

Know the Psychology

Craps can feel very engaging. People often root for or against the shooter and celebrate wins together, that is, if you play at a real casino or a private setting, of course.

But don’t get swayed – Stick to your own strategy. Don’t feel pressured to match bets or follow someone’s “system.”

Speak the Lingo

Craps has its own unique language, and if you’re new, it can sound like a confusing code. Whether you’re chatting with a live dealer online or stepping up to a Vegas table, understanding the lingo (and unspoken rules) makes the game smoother and way more fun.

Final Word

Craps might look like chaos at first glance, but once you understand the rhythm of the table, it’s one of the most exciting games in the casino. Start simple — stick to the Pass Line and Odds Bets, manage your bankroll wisely, and enjoy the flow of the dice. Remember, every roll is a new story, and with the right strategy, you’ll not only have fun but play smart. Keep your cool, trust the math, and may the dice roll in your favour!