How to Play Craps

What Is Craps?

Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolls made by a "shooter." The game moves fast, the table layout looks complex at first, and the noise level at a craps table is often the highest in the casino. However, once you understand the core bets, the game is straightforward to follow.

The Basic Flow of a Game

A new round begins with what is called the "come-out roll." The shooter rolls two dice:

• 7 or 11 — an immediate win for Pass Line bettors (called a "natural").
• 2, 3, or 12 — an immediate loss for Pass Line bettors (called "craps").
• Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) — that number becomes the "point." A white puck is placed on that number on the table.

Once a point is established, the shooter must roll that exact number again before rolling a 7. Rolling the point wins for Pass Line bettors; rolling a 7 first loses (called "sevening out").

The Core Bets

• Pass Line — The most common bet. You win on a come-out 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, or 12, and win if the point is rolled before a 7. Pays 1:1.
• Don't Pass — The opposite of Pass Line. You win on a come-out 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and push on 12. You win if a 7 appears before the point is re-rolled. Pays 1:1.
• Come Bet — Placed after the point is established. Works like a Pass Line bet but uses the next roll as its own come-out.
• Don't Come — The opposite of the Come Bet, placed after the point is set.
• Free Odds — An additional bet placed behind the Pass or Don't Pass line after a point is established. This bet pays at true mathematical odds with no house edge built in. The maximum odds multiple allowed varies by casino.

Place Bets and Proposition Bets

Beyond the core bets, the table offers numerous options:

• Place Bets — You bet that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) will be rolled before a 7.
• Field Bet — A one-roll bet on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Proposition Bets — Single-roll bets on specific outcomes (such as Any Craps, Yo-leven, or Hard Ways). These bets generally carry a much higher house edge than Pass Line bets and are best avoided by newer players.

Table Etiquette

• Bets in the centre of the table (propositions) are placed via the dealers — not by you directly.
• The shooter must hit the far wall of the table with both dice.
• Keep your hands out of the table when the dice are in motion.
• Buy in between rolls by placing cash on the felt — never hand it directly to the dealer.

House Edge Varies by Bet

The house edge in craps differs significantly from one bet to another. Pass Line and Don't Pass bets have among the lowest house edges on the craps table. Taking Free Odds reduces the overall house edge on your combined stake — though it does not eliminate it. Proposition bets carry substantially higher house edges and are generally considered unfavourable for the player over time.

Responsible Play

The rapid pace of craps and the social energy around the table can make it easy to lose track of spending. Decide how much you are comfortable losing before you buy in. Do not increase your bets to recover losses. Step away from the table when your limit is reached.