The Ultimate Craps Tutorial: Master the Dice Game Like a Pro

Craps is one of the most exciting and social casino games, where players bet on the outcome of two dice rolls. Despite its intimidating appearance with a complex table layout and numerous betting options, craps is surprisingly straightforward once you understand the basics. This comprehensive craps tutorial breaks down everything you need to know to confidently step up to any craps table, whether online or in a land-based casino. You’ll learn the fundamental rules, essential bets, proper etiquette, and proven strategies to maximize your winning potential while minimizing the house edge. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to navigate the craps table with confidence, make smart betting decisions, and enjoy this thrilling game to its fullest.

How to Play Craps: Basic Rules Explained

Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolling two six-sided dice. The game may seem complicated at first glance with its colorful table layout and numerous betting options, but the core mechanics are surprisingly simple.

At its most basic level, craps involves a shooting phase where one player (the “shooter”) rolls the dice, while everyone else at the table bets on the outcome. The game progresses through distinct stages:

1. The Come-Out Roll: The first roll of a new betting round
2. Establishing a Point: If the come-out roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10
3. Rolling to Hit the Point: Subsequent rolls until either the point or 7 appears

Each stage offers different betting opportunities and determines whether pass line bets win or lose. Mastering this flow is essential for anyone wanting to know how to play craps correctly.

When you first approach a craps table, you’ll notice it’s much larger than other casino tables. This is because craps typically accommodates multiple players positioned around the entire table perimeter. Each player gets a chance to be the shooter when the dice come around to them in clockwise order.

The Flow of the Game

Understanding the flow of craps is crucial for any beginner:

1. Players place Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets before the come-out roll
2. The shooter rolls the dice for the come-out roll
3. Based on the result, either a point is established or the round ends immediately
4. If a point is established, the shooter continues rolling until either the point or 7 appears
5. The round ends when either the point number is hit (pass line wins) or 7 appears (pass line loses)
6. A new shooter begins the next round

Unlike many casino games where you play against the house, craps features all players betting on the same outcome. This creates a social atmosphere where everyone is either winning or losing together as the shooter continues their turn.

Craps Table Layout and Betting Zones Explained

At first glance, a craps table might look like someone spilled a deck of cards all over it then added mysterious symbols. But once you understand the layout, it becomes logical and straightforward. The table is divided into specific zones for different types of bets.

The craps table features a perimeter for players and a central area where the dealers stand. On the felt covering the table, you’ll find:

• Pass Line and Don’t Pass areas running along the outer edges
• Come and Don’t Come areas adjacent to the pass line sections
• Place bet areas near the betting positions for each player
• Proposition bets in the center of the table
• Field bet area between the pass line and center propositions
• Hardways bets in the center section

Each betting area serves a specific purpose, and understanding where to place your chips is essential for proper gameplay.

Key Areas of the Craps Table

The craps table can be divided into several logical sections:

Understanding these different zones helps you navigate the table confidently. The outer edges contain the lowest house edge bets (pass line, come bets), while the center contains higher house edge proposition bets. The back of the table is where you place your odds bets after a point has been established.

When placing your bets, remember that dealers will help you position your chips correctly. Just indicate which bet you want, and they’ll place your chips in the proper location corresponding to your position at the table.

Official Craps Rules: Step-by-Step Gameplay

Learning the exact sequence of play is crucial for understanding how to play craps. Let’s break down the process step by step.

Step 1: Place a Bet on the Pass Line

Before the come-out roll (first roll of a new round), you need to place your initial bet. The most basic and recommended bet for beginners is the Pass Line bet. To make this bet:

1. Wait for the dealer to remove the “ON” puck (indicating no active point)
2. Place your chips on the Pass Line area closest to you
3. Ensure your bet meets the table minimum

This simple bet has one of the lowest house edges in the casino at 1.41% – making it the perfect starting point for any beginner learning how to play craps.

Step 2: Establishing the Point

The shooter then makes the come-out roll, which has three possible outcomes:

If the come-out roll produces a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this number becomes “the point.” The dealer will move a puck to that number to indicate which is the active point for the round.

This is when the real game begins. The shooter must now continue rolling until either the point number appears again (pass line wins) or a 7 appears (pass line loses). The odds of winning at this stage depend on which point number was established.

Step 3: Rolling to Win (or Crap Out)

Once a point has been established, the shooter continues rolling. Each subsequent roll has two possible outcomes that matter to your pass line bet:

• If the point number rolls again before a 7 – Pass Line bets win
• If a 7 rolls before the point – Pass Line bets lose (“seven out”)

All other numbers rolled during this phase have no immediate effect on the pass line bet but do affect other possible bets players may have placed.

The round continues until one of these two outcomes occurs. A shooter can have an extended turn rolling many times, or they can “seven out” immediately on the first post-point roll. Some shooters can be on amazing streaks, holding the dice for 20+ rolls while hitting multiple points.

Step 4: Add Additional Bets to the Point

Once a point is established, you have additional betting options:

1. Take Odds on your Pass Line bet (explained in detail later)
2. Place a Come bet to start a new sequence
3. Make Place Bets on specific numbers

These additional bets create opportunities for multiple winning possibilities on each roll. For example, while waiting for your original point to hit, you might also have a Come bet that establishes its own secondary point.

Step 5: Keep Playing Until the Point, 7 or 11 is Thrown

The round continues until the point is made or a 7 appears. When the point is made, Pass Line bets win even money, and a new come-out roll begins with the same shooter. When a 7 appears (“seven out”), Pass Line bets lose, the shooter passes to the next player, and a new round begins.

Understanding this sequence is foundational to mastering craps strategy. Once you grasp these basic mechanics, you can start exploring the various betting options in more depth.

Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bets: The Foundation

The Pass Line bet is the most fundamental wager in craps and the perfect starting point for beginners. Understanding this bet and its counterpart, the Don’t Pass bet, gives you a solid foundation to build your craps knowledge.

Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line bet is simple: you’re betting that the shooter will win by either:

• Rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll (a “natural”), or
• Establishing a point and then rolling that point again before rolling a 7

If the shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll (“craps out”), your Pass Line bet loses immediately.

The appeal of the Pass Line bet lies in its favorable odds:

• House edge: 1.41% (one of the lowest in the casino)
• Pays even money (1:1)
• Simple to understand for beginners

This bet has withstood the test of time as the most popular choice for craps players. According to historical records, when French colonists brought Hazard to New Orleans in the 18th century, it gradually evolved into the modern version of craps we see today with the Pass Line as its central betting option.

Don’t Pass Bet (Betting Against the Shooter)

The Don’t Pass bet is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. When you make a Don’t Pass bet, you’re wagering that:

• The shooter will craps out on the come-out roll (2 or 3), or
• The shooter will “seven out” (roll a 7) before hitting the established point

Slightly more complex is that a 12 on the come-out roll results in a “push” (tie) for the Don’t Pass bet in most casinos, rather than a win.

Don’t Pass bet advantages:

• House edge: 1.36% (slightly better than Pass Line)
• Pays even money (1:1)
• Theoretically better odds

However, betting Don’t Pass means you’re usually betting against the shooter and the majority of players at the table, which can create an uncomfortable social dynamic at live tables. Most beginners should stick with Pass Line bets until they’re comfortable with table etiquette.

Expert Advice: Pass Line vs Don’t Pass Strategy

“While the Don’t Pass bet does have a marginally lower house edge (1.36% vs 1.41%), beginners are almost always better served starting with Pass Line bets. The social aspect of craps can’t be overlooked – you’ll find more friendly tables when you’re betting with the shooter rather than against them. Once you’re comfortable with the game flow and table etiquette, you can explore the ‘dark side’ betting if it appeals to you.”

– Michael Shackleford, The Wizard of Odds, gambling statistics expert

Come/Don’t Come Betting: Expanding Your Strategy

Once you’ve mastered the Pass Line bet, the natural next step is understanding Come and Don’t Come bets. These allow you to get more involved in the action, especially after a point has been established.

What is a Come Bet?

A Come bet is essentially a Pass Line bet made after a point has already been established. The rules mirror the Pass Line bet but apply to subsequent rolls:

1. Place your chips in the Come area
2. The next roll becomes the “come-out” roll for your Come bet
3. 7 or 11 wins immediately; 2, 3, or 12 loses immediately
4. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes your “come point”
5. You win if the come point is rolled again before a 7

Key characteristics of Come bets:

• House edge: 1.41% (same as Pass Line)
• Pays even money (1:1)
• Can be made at any time after the point is established
• Multiple Come bets can be active simultaneously

How Come Bets Work in Practice

Imagine the shooter has established 6 as the point. You place a $10 Come bet. The next roll is a 9, which becomes your come point. The dealer moves your $10 chip to the 9 position corresponding to your spot at the table. You now have two active bets:

1. Your original Pass Line bet waiting for 6 to hit
2. Your new Come bet waiting for 9 to hit

If the shooter then rolls a 9 before rolling either 6 or 7, your Come bet wins and pays $10. The dealer returns your original $10 along with $10 in winnings. Your Pass Line bet remains active, still waiting for 6 to hit.

Don’t Come Bet (Like a Don’t Pass Mid-Round)

Just as the Come bet mimics the Pass Line bet after the point is established, the Don’t Come bet mirrors the Don’t Pass bet. With a Don’t Come bet:

• You win if the next roll is 2 or 3
• You lose if the next roll is 7 or 11
• You push if the next roll is 12 (in most casinos)
• Any other number becomes your “don’t come point”
• You win if a 7 is rolled before your don’t come point

Like Don’t Pass bets, Don’t Come bets have a slightly better house edge (1.40% vs 1.41%) but put you in opposition to the shooter and most other players at the table.

The Odds Bet: Your Secret Weapon with Zero House Edge

If there’s one piece of advice every serious craps player will give you, it’s this: always take the odds bet when available. This bet is special because it’s the only bet in the casino with zero house edge – meaning the payout exactly matches the true mathematical odds.

How the Odds Bet Works

The odds bet can only be made after a point has been established and only in conjunction with a Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bet. Once a point is set, you can place additional chips behind your original bet:

• For Pass Line/Come bets: Place chips behind your original bet (on the table, not stacked on top)
• For Don’t Pass/Don’t Come bets: Place chips in front of your original bet

Your odds bet wins if your original bet wins, and loses if your original bet loses. The key difference is in the payout, which varies based on the point number:

The beauty of the odds bet is that casinos take no commission on these bets because they pay exactly according to the mathematical probability of the outcome. This significantly reduces your overall house edge when combined with your original line bet.

How Free Odds Affect House Edge

The impact of taking odds on your overall house edge is dramatic:

In casinos offering 3x-4x-5x odds (most common for 4/10, 5/9, and 6/8 respectively), taking full odds reduces the house edge dramatically from 1.41% to just 0.40% – making craps one of the best bets in the casino.

Expert Advice: Maximizing Your Odds Bets

“The single most important strategic decision in craps is always taking maximum odds when available. The odds bet is the only wager in the casino with no built-in house advantage. If you’re playing at a table offering 10x odds, putting 90% of your total wager on the odds and only 10% on the line bet is the mathematically correct approach to minimize the house edge. This simple step alone can transform craps from an average bet to one of the best in the house.”

– Stanford Wong, gambling author and expert in casino mathematics

Place Bets to Win or Lose Against Specific Numbers

Once you’re comfortable with the basic line bets and odds, the next layer of craps strategy involves Place Bets, which allow you to target specific numbers directly. These bets let you play the probability of certain numbers appearing more frequently than others.

Place Bets to Win Against 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10

Place bets to win allow you to bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7. This differs from line bets because:

• You can make place bets at any time (not just on come-out rolls)
• Each bet targets one specific number
• They remain active until you remove them or the 7 is rolled

Available numbers for place bets to win and their characteristics:

The 6 and 8 offer the best odds among place bets because they’re the most frequently rolled points (after 7). Smart players focus primarily on these numbers when making place bets to win.

Place Bets to Lose Against 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10

Place bets to lose (also called “lay bets”) are the opposite – you’re betting that a 7 will be rolled before your chosen number. This option is available for the same numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10).

Characteristics of place bets to lose:

• You win if a 7 comes before your chosen number
• You lose if your chosen number appears before a 7
• Casino charges a 5% commission (“vig”) on potential winnings
• Excellent way to hedge other bets or balance your position

Unlike place bets to win, place bets to lose have better odds when betting against the 4 or 10 (rather than 6 or 8), since these numbers are less likely to be rolled than 6 or 8.

When to Use Place Bets

Place bets are most effective when used strategically:

• As follow-ups after establishing the point with a line bet
• When you have a strong feeling about specific numbers hitting
• As hedges against other bets to reduce variance
• When table rules prohibit odds bets but allow place bets

To place a bet, simply position your chips on the appropriate number in the main section of the table and tell the dealer “Place number to win” or “Place number to lose.” The dealer will move your chips to the designated section corresponding to your position at the table.

Proposition Bets: High Risk, High Reward (and High House Edge)

The center of the craps table features proposition bets – one-roll wagers that often tempt players with their attractive payouts. However, these are generally the worst bets in craps due to their extremely high house edges.

Field Bets

The Field bet is one of the most misunderstood proposition bets. It’s a one-roll bet that wins if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12:

• Most casinos pay even money on winning field bets
• Some casinos pay 2:1 or 3:1 on 2 and/or 12
• House edge ranges from 2.78% to 5.56% depending on payouts

Despite seeming to cover most numbers, remember that 5, 6, 7, and 8 cause an immediate loss – and these four numbers account for 58.33% of all possible outcomes!

Hardways Bets

Hardways bets wager that a specific pair (hard 4=2+2, hard 6=3+3, hard 8=4+4, hard 10=5+5) will be rolled before a 7 or the “easy” version of the same number:

Hardways have high house edges because they require a very specific combination (the “hard” way), whereas both the 7 and the “easy” version of the number have multiple combinations.

Avoid High-Risk “Sucker” Bets

Some proposition bets should almost always be avoided due to their terrible odds:

• Any Seven: House edge of 16.67% – pays 4:1 on a bet with true odds of 5:1
• Any Craps: House edge of 11.11% – pays 7:1 on a bet with true odds of 8:1
• Horn Bet: House edge of 12.5% overall – splits your bet across multiple numbers
• Big 6/Big 8: House edge of 9.09% (Place 6/8 pays better and has lower house edge)

These bets are sometimes called “taxes” on inexperienced players. The dealers may encourage them, but they’re designed to drain your bankroll quickly. As craps expert Frank Scoblete notes:

Expert Advice: The Truth About Proposition Bets

“Casinos prominently feature proposition bets because they’re some of the most profitable wagers for the house. The Any Seven bet, for instance, has a staggering 16.67% house edge – more than three times worse than the Pass Line bet. If you’re going to make proposition bets, treat them as entertainment rather than serious wagers, and never stake more than 5% of your total session bankroll on them. Remember: casinos don’t feature these bets because they help you win; they feature them because they help the casino profit.”

– Frank Scoblete, author of ‘Beat the Craps Out of the Casinos’

The important principle is that the simpler the bet is to understand (like one-roll proposition bets), the worse the odds typically are. Conversely, the more complex the betting structure (like taking odds), the better the player’s odds become.

Craps Strategy for Beginners and Advanced Players

While you can’t control the dice in craps, you can control your betting decisions. Strategic betting helps manage your bankroll, extend play time, and maximize your winning potential. Let’s explore strategies for players at different skill levels.

Craps Strategy for Beginners

If you’re new to craps, start simple with strategies that minimize risk while you learn the game:

1. Begin with Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets: With house edges around 1.4%, these offer the best beginner value
2. Always take full odds when available: This dramatically reduces the house edge
3. Add Come bets once a point is established: Builds multiple potential winning points
4. Set a win goal and loss limit: 25-30% of your bankroll is a common guideline
5. Avoid proposition bets: Stick to the lower-edge wagers along the table edges

A simple beginner strategy: Pass Line bet with full odds plus one Come bet with full odds. This creates two potential winners with minimum risk. Once that Come bet establishes a point, you can add another Come bet, eventually building up to three active points.

Advanced Craps Strategies

Experienced players can employ more sophisticated approaches once they’ve mastered the basics:

3 Point Molly Strategy

This popular intermediate strategy focuses on three numbers:

1. Make a Pass Line bet
2. After point is established, make a Come bet
3. When first Come bet establishes a point, make second Come bet
4. Take full odds on all three points

Advantages: Creates multiple winning opportunities while maintaining a relatively low house edge. Disadvantage: Requires larger bankroll to cover multiple bets with odds.

Iron Cross Strategy

A one-roll betting system designed to win on almost everything except 7:

• Place a $5 Field bet
• Place $6 on Place 6
• Place $6 on Place 8
• Place $5 on Place 5

If any number but 7 hits, you win something. However, this strategy has significant drawbacks:

• House edge is approximately 1.14% per roll (much higher than line bets with odds)
• Only effective after point is established
• High volatility – one 7 wipes out all bets

This strategy works best for short sessions when you want frequent small wins rather than building an edge.

Advanced Betting Strategy: For Experienced Players

The most mathematically solid approach for serious players:

1. Place minimum bet on Pass Line
2. Take maximum odds on Pass Line
3. Make one Come bet and take maximum odds
4. Continue adding Come bets with max odds until you have three active points
5. After points established, make additional Come bets only if you’ve won on previous Come bets

This strategy maximizes your exposure to the best odds in the game while providing multiple winning opportunities. Though complex, it offers the lowest possible house edge and best bankroll management.

Bankroll Management Essentials

No craps strategy is complete without proper bankroll management:

• Bring at least 20x the table minimum for session play
• Divide bankroll into session units (e.g., 5 sessions of $40 from a $200 total)
• Don’t chase losses after hitting your predetermined loss limit
• Walk away after achieving your win goal (typically 25-50% of buy-in)
• Only bet what you can afford to lose

Craps can have significant variance – even with perfect strategy, you’ll experience losing streaks. Proper bankroll management ensures you survive the lows to capitalize on the highs.

Playing Craps at a Casino vs Online: Key Differences

Whether you play at a physical casino or online, the fundamental rules of craps remain the same. However, there are important differences in experience, pace, and available features.

Differences in Setup and Experience

Playing craps in a land-based casino versus online offers distinctly different experiences:

Many beginners find online craps less intimidating because they can learn at their own pace without pressure from dealers or other players. The ability to play for low stakes (sometimes as little as 10 cents per bet) allows for extended practice sessions at minimal cost.

Live Dealer Craps Online

Recent advancements have bridged the gap between casino and online play through live dealer craps:

• Real dealers streaming from casino studios
• Real dice being rolled on actual craps tables
• Chat functionality to interact with dealer and other players
• Same betting options as physical tables
• Broadcast quality similar to major sports events

Live dealer craps offers the authenticity of casino play from the comfort of home, with the added benefits of online play like lower minimums and easy bankroll tracking. Platforms like Evolution Gaming and Playtech offer high-quality live casino craps experiences.

Highest Rated Online Casinos that offer Live Craps in 2025

When selecting an online casino for craps, look for these key features:

• Valid gambling license (UKGC, MGA, etc.)
• Multiple craps variations including live dealer options
• Generous welcome bonuses for table games
• Low minimum betting limits
• Mobile compatibility
• Responsive customer support

Some of the best-rated online casinos for craps play include:

1. Bovada: Best for US players with generous table game bonuses
2. Ignition Casino: Fast payouts and extensive casino game library
3. Betway: Excellent live dealer experience and mobile interface
4. William Hill: Trusted brand with professional live dealers
5. 888 Casino: User-friendly platform with multiple craps options

Before committing to any real money play, take advantage of free demo modes to practice your strategy without risking funds.

Craps Table Etiquette and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Proper craps etiquette ensures a pleasant experience for everyone at the table. Whether you’re playing in a casino or online (where etiquette still matters in live dealer games), following these guidelines will make you a welcome participant.

Basic Craps Etiquette Rules

When you arrive at a craps table, follow these etiquette guidelines:

1. Find a suitable craps table: Look for one with minimums matching your bankroll and check for an “ON” puck indicating an active point (wait to buy in when it’s “OFF”)
2. Buying into the Craps Game: Place cash on the table – never hand money directly to dealers
3. Chip Handling: Stack chips neatly, don’t splash the layout with chips
4. Chip Color Up: When leaving, say “color up” so dealers convert small chips to larger denominations
5. Chips on Layout: Place bets clearly within betting areas – don’t “tap” chips on the table
6. Dice Handling: Use one hand only, don’t take dice beyond table edge
7. Making Bets: Place bets before the shooter picks up dice, not during a roll

Dealers are there to help you – don’t hesitate to ask questions between rolls, but try not to slow down the game with excessive inquiries.

Common Craps Mistakes Beginners Make

Avoid these common errors that mark you as a newbie:

• Touching dice with both hands: Only use one hand when handling dice
• Throwing dice too softly: Dice must hit back wall to be valid
• Leaving bets on layout unattended: Any chips left may be considered active bets
• Not knowing bet outcomes: Know when your bets win or lose
• Playing with rent money: Never gamble with funds you can’t afford to lose
• Chasing losses: Walking away is often the smartest move
• Not tipping dealers: Tip when winning or for exceptional service

Tipping is particularly important in craps. Standard practice is to place a small bet “for the dealers” on the hardways or placing a $1 chip in the Come area. Periodic tips (every 20-30 minutes if winning) build rapport and may result in extra attention from dealers.

Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

Learning craps involves both understanding the rules and avoiding common pitfalls:

Mastering these etiquette rules and avoiding common mistakes will make your craps experience much more enjoyable and potentially more profitable. As you become more comfortable at the table, you’ll begin to appreciate the social dynamics that make craps one of the most engaging casino games.

What Experts Say About Craps

To provide genuine insight into effective craps play, we’ve gathered perspectives from respected industry professionals who have spent decades studying the game. Their advice goes beyond basic strategy to address the realities of craps play.

“Craps offers some of the best bets in the casino when played correctly, but also some of the worst. The pass line with full odds reduces the house edge to well below 1% – rivaling the best blackjack games. But the same table will feature proposition bets with house edges exceeding 16%. Your betting choices determine whether you’re playing a top-tier game or one of the worst offerings in the casino.”

– Alan Krigman, award-winning gambling author and columnist for Cat World magazine

“The biggest misconception about craps is that it’s a complicated game. At its heart, it’s remarkably simple: bet on the pass line and take full odds. Everything else is embellishment. New players should master this core strategy before even considering other bets. Casino floor staff know this too – that’s why they’ll often encourage new players toward the high-edge proposition bets in the center of the table.”

– Henry Tamburin, Ph.D., gambling educator and author of ‘Craps: Take the Money and Run’

“Many players come to craps looking for a ‘system’ that can beat the game. Let me be clear: no betting system overcomes the house edge in craps. What you can control is minimizing that edge through smart bet selection and proper money management. The difference between a recreational player and a savvy one isn’t predicting winning rolls – it’s consistently making the highest value bets session after session.”

– Casino.org Research Team, industry-leading gambling information source

Frequently Asked Questions About Craps