Craps Rules & Betting Guide
Craps is a dice game played in casinos worldwide, and it's one of the best games in the house — if you know which bets to make. The game uses two six-sided dice, and the core gameplay revolves around the "pass line" bet. Despite the intimidating table layout, the basic rules are straightforward.
Basic Craps Rules
A game of craps starts with the "come-out roll." If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, pass line bets win immediately (called a "natural"). If the shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12, pass line bets lose (called "craps"). Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the "point." The dealer marks the point number on the table, and the shooter keeps rolling until they hit the point (pass line wins) or roll a 7 (pass line loses, called "seven out").
The Pass Line Bet
The pass line is the most fundamental craps bet and one of the best bets in any casino. It pays even money (1:1) and has a house edge of just 1.41%. On the come-out roll, you win on 7 or 11 (probability: 22.2%) and lose on 2, 3, or 12 (probability: 11.1%). Once a point is established, you win if the point is rolled before a 7. The overall probability of winning a pass line bet is 49.3%.
Come and Don't Come Bets
A come bet works exactly like a pass line bet, but you can place it after the come-out roll. It treats the next roll as its own "come-out." Don't come (and don't pass) bets are the opposite — you win when the shooter loses. Don't pass has a slightly lower house edge (1.36%) but is considered "betting against the table," which some players frown upon. Mathematically, don't bets are marginally better.
Odds Bets — The Best Bet in the Casino
After a point is established, you can place an "odds bet" behind your pass line bet. This is the only bet in a casino with zero house edge — it pays at true mathematical odds. Odds of 4 or 10 pay 2:1, odds of 5 or 9 pay 3:2, and odds of 6 or 8 pay 6:5. Most casinos allow 3x to 5x your pass line bet in odds, and some offer 10x or even 100x odds. Always take maximum odds — it's free expected value.
Place Bets and Their House Edges
Place bets let you bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) to be rolled before a 7. Place 6 and 8 have a house edge of 1.52% — nearly as good as the pass line. Place 5 and 9 have a 4% house edge. Place 4 and 10 have a 6.67% house edge. Stick to placing 6 and 8 if you want to make place bets. Avoid proposition bets in the center of the table — they have house edges of 5% to 16.67%.
Craps Etiquette and Terminology
Never say "seven" at the table — it's considered bad luck. Use "it" or "the big red" instead. Keep your hands out of the table area when dice are being thrown. Place bets between rolls, not during. Tip the dealers periodically (you can place a bet for them). "Hardways" means a pair (e.g., hard 8 = 4+4). "Natural" means 7 or 11 on the come-out. "Snake eyes" is 1+1. "Boxcars" is 6+6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet in craps?
The pass line bet (1.41% house edge) combined with maximum odds (0% house edge) is the best strategy. Together, they give craps one of the lowest house edges of any casino game.
What are the odds of rolling a 7?
16.67% (6 out of 36 combinations). Seven is the most likely result with two dice, which is why it plays such a central role in craps — it's the number that ends the round.
Should I play pass or don't pass?
Mathematically, don't pass (1.36% house edge) is slightly better than pass (1.41%). However, pass line is more fun since you win with the table. Both are excellent bets. The difference is negligible.
What bets should I avoid in craps?
Avoid proposition bets (center of the table) — they have house edges of 5% to 16.67%. The "Any 7" bet has a 16.67% house edge. "Hardway" bets range from 9% to 11%. Stick to pass/don't pass, come/don't come, odds, and place 6/8.