Craps is one of the most exciting games in the casino — fast-paced, social, and full of chances to win. If you’ve ever been curious about how to play craps, this guide will break down the basics so you can approach the table with confidence.
Craps Table Overview
The craps table may look complicated, but it’s built around just a few core bets. It features:
- A Pass Line
- A Don’t Pass Line
- Sections for Come, Don’t Come, Odds, and Proposition Bets
The Come-Out Roll
The game begins with a shooter rolling two dice.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win.
- If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose — this is called “crapping out.”
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point.
Establishing the Point
Once the point is set:
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The shooter keeps rolling until they hit the point again (Pass Line wins) or roll a 7 (Pass Line loses).
Other Bets
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Don’t Pass Bet: The opposite of the Pass Line — you win if the shooter craps out or rolls a 7 before the point.
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Come Bet: Like a Pass Line bet, but placed after the point is established.
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Odds Bets: Extra bets behind Pass/Come/Don’t Pass/Don’t Come for better payouts with no house edge.
Winning and Payouts
- Pass Line pays 1:1
- Odds vary depending on the point: e.g., 4 and 10 pay 2:1, 5 and 9 pay 3:2, 6 and 8 pay 6:5
How to Play Craps: Tips for Beginners
- Start with Pass Line and Odds bets — simple and low house edge.
- Avoid one-roll bets in the center — high risk and high house edge.
- Watch a few rounds before jumping in to learn the rhythm.
Final Thoughts
Craps might look complicated, but at its core, it’s just about rolling dice and betting on the outcome. Once you understand the basic bets, it becomes one of the most thrilling games in the casino.
