If you’ve ever been curious about how to play craps, this guide will break it all down in simple terms—from the first dice roll to the most strategic bets. Craps is one of the most fast-paced and exciting games in the casino, combining luck, strategy, and plenty of energy around the table.
Even if the table layout looks intimidating at first, learning how the game flows, what the bets mean, and how to manage your bankroll will give you the confidence to join in. Let’s start with the basics.
How to Play Craps: What Is Craps?
Craps is a thrilling dice game where players wager on the outcome of rolling two standard six-sided dice. The action centers around the shooter, the player who rolls the dice, while the rest of the table bets on what those rolls will produce. Though the setup may look overwhelming at first glance, the craps rules are surprisingly easy to follow once you understand the game’s structure.
Most casino games pit players directly against the house, but craps is unique in that everyone at the table often roots for the shooter to win. This creates a high-energy, social atmosphere where cheers erupt for wins and groans follow losses. The main version you’ll encounter in casinos is known as casino craps, played on a regulation craps table with dealers, chips, and structured betting zones. Street craps, by contrast, is informal and lacks the table, house rules, and sometimes even legality.
Every round begins with a come-out roll, and depending on the result, the game either ends quickly or transitions into what’s called the point phase. Players can make a wide variety of bets throughout—some simple, some complex—all with different payout odds and varying levels of house edge.
To fully understand how to play craps at online casinos, you’ll need to get familiar with basic terms like pass line bet, come bet, odds bets, and more. Once you know how the flow works, you’ll feel far more confident placing your first chips on the table.
Craps Table Layout & Participants
Before placing any chips, it’s essential to understand the craps table layout and the roles of the people who run the game. For beginners learning how to play craps, the table can appear overwhelming, with all its sections, numbers, and labels. But once you break it down, the layout follows a logical structure that supports the game’s flow.
The craps table is long and rectangular, with betting areas mirrored on both ends. This allows multiple players to place wagers from either side. Along the outer edge are the main betting zones: the pass line, don’t pass, come, and don’t come areas. These bets form the foundation of most strategies and are where new players should focus first.
Inside the layout, you’ll find areas for place bets and field bets, which offer shorter-term options. At the very center of the table are the proposition bets—one-roll wagers like Any 7, Any Craps, and specific doubles known as hardways (like a hard four or hard six). These high-risk bets often carry a higher house edge, so they’re best approached with caution.
A proper game of craps is overseen by a crew of casino staff who ensure fairness and speed:
- Shooter: The player rolling the dice. Every round starts with a new shooter, and players rotate in clockwise order.
- Stick person: Uses a long stick to control the dice, announce results, and manage proposition bets.
- Base dealers: Two dealers stand on either side of the table, handling chip payouts, collecting losses, and placing odds bets or buy bets on behalf of players.
- Box person: Supervises the entire game, manages chip inventory, and resolves disputes when needed.
Understanding who’s responsible for what—and where to place your chips—can dramatically reduce the intimidation factor for beginners. It also helps you follow table etiquette, such as waiting for the stick person’s call before celebrating or keeping hands out of the path of the dice roll.
Once you’ve gotten a feel for the layout and roles, you’re ready to follow the action as the game moves through its unique phases.
Game Flow
The core rhythm of the craps game is built around two key phases: the come-out roll and the point phase. These determine how bets are resolved and what new bets become available. Understanding this flow is essential to learning how to play craps, as every round follows this basic structure.
Come-Out Roll Phase
The game always starts with the come-out roll, which is the shooter’s first dice roll of the round. At this point, players can place bets on the pass line or the don’t pass line—two of the most important and commonly used wagers in craps.
Here’s how it works:
- If the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, it’s called a “natural.” Pass line bets win, and don’t pass bets lose.
- If the roll is 2, 3, or 12, it’s a craps out. Pass line bets lose. Don’t pass bets win on 2 and 3, but push on 12.
- If the roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point number, and the game moves into the second phase.
The come-out roll is also when you’ll hear the stick person shout “coming out!” to alert the table that a new round is starting. Once a point is established, the table dynamics change.
Point Phase
In the point phase, the shooter continues rolling the dice in an attempt to hit the point number again before rolling a 7. If they succeed, pass line bets win. If a seven-out occurs first, pass line bets lose, and don’t pass bets win.
This is also the time when players can make odds bets, one of the smartest wagers in the game due to their true odds and 0% house edge. Players who placed a pass line bet can now “take odds” by placing extra chips behind their original bet. Don’t pass bettors can “lay odds,” betting that a 7 will come before the point.
Because odds bets pay exactly according to the statistical probability of the outcome, they’re considered a cornerstone of the best craps strategy. The deeper you get into the point phase, the more layered your betting options become—including come bets, place bets, and other add-ons we’ll break down next.
Bet Types
One of the most exciting parts of learning how to play craps is discovering the wide variety of bets available. Some are simple and beginner-friendly, while others require more nuance and come with higher risk. Understanding each bet type—and when to use it—is key to developing a smart craps strategy.
Pass & Don’t Pass Bets
These are the most fundamental wagers and a perfect place for new players to start.
- Pass Line Bet: Placed before the come-out roll, this bet wins on a 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a point number is rolled, the bet stays active and wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.
- Don’t Pass Bet: Essentially the opposite of the pass line. You win on 2 or 3, push on 12, and lose on 7 or 11 during the come-out roll. If a point is set, you’re betting the shooter will roll a 7 (seven-out) before hitting the point again.
Come & Don’t Come Bets
These are similar to pass and don’t pass bets, but they’re placed after the come-out roll during the point phase.
- Come Bet: Functions just like a pass line bet, but is initiated mid-round. The first roll after placing it determines the come point.
- Don’t Come Bet: Mirrors the don’t pass structure. You’re betting that the shooter will craps out or roll a 7 before the come point is hit.
Odds Bets (Take and Lay)
Once a point or come point is established, players can place additional chips behind their original bet:
- Take Odds: Adds to a pass/come bet. These are paid out at true odds with no house edge—a rare advantage in casino gambling.
- Lay Odds: Adds to don’t pass/don’t come bets. You’ll wager more to win less, but again with zero house edge.
The exact craps payouts for odds bets depend on the number involved:
- 2:1 on 4 or 10
- 3:2 on 5 or 9
- 6:5 on 6 or 8
Place Bets
You can bet directly on numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) being rolled before a 7. These are placed manually and offer different payout odds. For example, betting on 6 or 8 pays 7:6.
Buy & Lay Bets
- Buy Bet: Similar to a place bet but pays true odds with a 5% commission.
- Lay Bet: A bet that 7 will come before a specific number (you’re betting against the number). This also includes a commission and can be part of a strong wagering strategy for experienced players.
Field Bets & Proposition Bets
- Field Bet: A one-roll wager on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Payouts vary—2 and 12 usually pay double.
- Proposition Bets: High-risk, high-reward one-roll bets found at the center of the table. These include Any Craps, Any 7, horn bets, and others.
Hardways
These are bets that a specific double (e.g., hard four = 2–2) will be rolled before a 7 or the same total rolled an “easy way” (e.g., 3–1).
Hardways offer flashy payouts but a high house edge, making them a fun but risky addition to your strategy.
Odds, Payouts & House Edge
Understanding how bets pay out—and what they cost you over time—is a huge part of mastering how to play craps. While many bets in the game offer exciting returns, the real challenge is identifying which ones give you the best value over time by minimizing the house edge.
Typical Craps Payouts
Each bet type comes with its own risk-reward balance. Here are some standard craps payouts for core bets:
- Pass Line / Come Bets: Even money (1:1)
- Odds Bets (behind pass/come):
- 4 or 10: 2:1
- 5 or 9: 3:2
- 6 or 8: 6:5
- Place Bets:
- 6 or 8: pays 7:6
- 5 or 9: pays 7:5
- 4 or 10: pays 9:5
- Buy Bets: Pays true odds (same as odds bets) minus 5% commission
- Field Bet: Usually 1:1, but 2 and 12 may pay 2:1
- Hardways:
- Hard 6 or 8: 9:1
- Hard 4 or 10: 7:1
- Proposition Bets:
- Any 7: 4:1
- Any Craps: 7:1
- Horn bets: up to 30:1 depending on the roll
It’s always smart to review a full craps payout chart before you start wagering, especially online or at a new casino.
The Role of House Edge
The house edge reflects the statistical advantage the casino has over time. Some bets in craps have a surprisingly low edge, making them great options for consistent play:
- Pass Line: ~1.41%
- Don’t Pass: ~1.36%
- Come / Don’t Come: ~1.41% / ~1.36%
- Odds Bets: 0% — these are true odds and the only bet in the casino with no built-in edge
- Place Bets: ~1.5%–6.7%, depending on the number
- Hardways / Proposition Bets: 9–17% or higher — risky bets with poor value
For the best long-term success, focus on low‑edge bets like pass + odds, or place bets on 6 and 8. Avoid sucker bets in the center of the table unless you’re just playing for fun or flair.
When you understand both craps payouts and the math behind the odds, you gain a huge edge—not over the house, but over other players who bet blindly.
Basic Strategy & Betting Tips
Now that you understand the core bets and payouts, it’s time to talk craps strategy. While craps is a game of chance, smart choices can drastically improve your odds and help you stretch your bankroll. The key is to focus on low-edge bets, manage your risk, and avoid the flashier options that drain your chips over time.
Start Simple: Pass Line + Odds
The most reliable strategy for beginners is to place a pass line bet and then back it up with an odds bet once a point is established. This combo keeps the house edge low and gives you access to true odds payouts. If you’re playing online or in a low-stakes casino, always check how many times odds can be backed (1x, 2x, 5x, etc.)—more is usually better for the player.
If you’re feeling confident, you can also use come bets with odds layered in the same way. These expand your coverage and give you multiple points in play without overextending your budget.
Place 6 and 8
The numbers 6 and 8 appear more frequently than any numbers other than 7. Making place bets on these is a strong, low-risk play that complements a pass line strategy. Many players use 6/8 place bets as their base play when they want to keep things active but manageable.
Avoid the Tempting Center
New players often get pulled toward field bets, hardways, and proposition bets because of the flashy payouts. But these bets come with some of the highest house edges on the table. Unless you’re intentionally mixing in a little risk for excitement, it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Bankroll Management Matters
All it takes is one look at US online gambling statistics to see that operators are making a lot of money, and this underscores the importance of being careful with your bankroll. Even with smart wagers, poor bankroll management can ruin a good session. Set a fixed amount before you sit down and break it into units—enough to handle at least 20 bets at your average size. Stick to consistent wager amounts unless you’re actively applying a progression system.
It’s also smart to take breaks and reset after big swings. Even though craps can be fast-paced and social, don’t let the table energy override your judgment.
If you’re just starting to learn how to play craps, these rookie craps tips can help you stay in the game longer and build good habits that carry into more advanced play.
Etiquette & Shooter Rotation
Even if you know the rules, ignoring table etiquette can quickly make you stand out for the wrong reasons. Craps is a communal game, full of energy and shared wins, and maintaining good manners at the craps table is just as important as knowing how to bet.
Dice Etiquette
When it’s your turn to be the shooter, you’re responsible for rolling the dice. The stick person will push two dice toward you using a long stick, and it’s up to you to:
- Use only one hand to toss the dice.
- Hit the back wall of the table with both dice for the roll to be valid.
- Avoid throwing them too high, off the table, or too short.
- Never switch or substitute dice (casinos take dice control seriously).
Players should avoid touching or placing chips in the path of the dice during a roll. Once the shooter picks up the dice, keep your hands and drinks off the table’s surface.
Shooter Rotation
After a round ends—either by the point being hit or a seven-out—the dice pass clockwise to the next player who wishes to roll. If you’re not comfortable shooting, you can pass, and the dice will move to the next eligible person. That said, many players enjoy the added excitement of being the hot shooter, especially during a long streak of winning rolls.
The box person and base dealers will handle chip payouts and manage the game flow, but it’s your job to wait until all bets are settled before placing new wagers. Jumping in too early can slow the game and annoy the dealers.
Respect the Vibe
Craps tables can get loud, celebratory, and even superstitious. It’s part of what makes the game unique. Be supportive of wins, stay calm during losses, and avoid criticizing other players’ bets—even if they’re making risky plays like proposition bets or betting the don’t pass line.
If you’re still learning how to play craps, observing the culture of the table is one of the best ways to blend in, learn quickly, and earn the respect of regular players.
Advanced Concepts
Once you’ve grasped the basics of how to play craps, you may start to explore some advanced ideas and offshoots of the game. While these aren’t necessary for casual play, they can add an extra layer of depth for players looking to refine their skills or try new experiences.
Dice Control
One of the most debated advanced strategies in craps is dice control, sometimes called “controlled shooting.” The theory is that with enough practice, a player can influence the outcome of a dice roll by gripping and tossing the dice in a consistent way—reducing randomness and increasing their chances of avoiding a 7.
Controlled shooters usually set the dice in specific formations and release them with just enough force to hit the back wall gently, minimizing bounce and chaos. While some believe this can reduce the house’s edge advantage, casinos typically remain skeptical. Many enforce strict rules to prevent any real or perceived manipulation.
Unless you’re dedicating time to serious practice and technique, dice control is better approached as an interesting theory rather than a practical method.
Craps Variations
Not all craps games follow the exact same rules. Here are a few common craps variations you might encounter:
- Crapless Craps: Eliminates the 2, 3, and 12 as losing results on the come-out roll, but also removes natural wins. This version increases the house edge significantly and is generally not recommended.
- Simplified Craps: A stripped-down version where players win on 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12 and lose on 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. It’s easier for beginners but lacks depth and offers poor odds.
- New York Craps: Played mostly in the Northeast and Europe. It eliminates come bets and odds bets, uses different layout rules, and has fixed commissions built into payouts.
Each variation shifts the dynamic and payout structure slightly, so it’s important to read the rules carefully before jumping in. If you’re trying a new version in demo mode or at a live table, take a few rounds to observe.
While you don’t need these advanced topics to enjoy the game, knowing them expands your knowledge base and deepens your understanding of how to play craps at a higher level.
Practice & Demo Resources
If you’re still wrapping your head around how to play craps, the best way to learn is by practicing in a low-pressure environment. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to explore the game outside of a live casino—many of which are free or low-stakes.
Online Demo Mode
Many online casinos and gambling education sites offer a demo mode where you can play craps with virtual chips. This is the perfect place to test out strategies, get familiar with the craps table layout, and experiment with different bets—like the come bet, place bet, or hardways—without risking real money.
Most demo versions allow you to repeat rounds quickly and observe results, which can help reinforce how the come-out roll, point phase, and shooter rotation work. These tools also give you a chance to try things like take odds, lay odds, or even sample proposition bets just to see how they play out.
Mobile Apps
There are also dedicated craps apps that simulate the real game on your phone or tablet. Some even include strategy suggestions or craps glossary terms to help you learn as you play. If you’re working on improving your feel for the game’s rhythm or managing your wagers, this can be a great on-the-go tool.
Live Table Observation
If you’re heading to a brick-and-mortar casino, consider watching a few rounds before joining the action. Pay attention to how players manage their bankroll, how the base dealers and box person communicate, and when chips are placed or pulled. You’ll also get a sense of table etiquette and how to time your bets properly.
Craps can feel fast at first, but it follows a consistent rhythm once you learn beginner’s blackjack rules. The more you watch or simulate hands in practice, the easier it becomes to internalize the flow.
Practicing your game in a stress-free environment is one of the smartest ways to build confidence, sharpen your wagering strategy, and eventually make your real-money sessions more rewarding.
Glossary of Key Terms
If you’re learning how to play craps, understanding the game’s lingo is half the battle, not just how to play dice. Here’s a quick craps glossary to help you decode the most common terms you’ll encounter at the table once you know how to play dice:
- Shooter: The player currently rolling the dice.
- Come-Out Roll: The first roll in a round; determines whether a point is established or the round ends immediately.
- Point Number: If the come-out roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point the shooter tries to roll again.
- Seven-Out: Rolling a 7 during the point phase, ending the round and passing dice to the next shooter.
- Pass Line Bet: A bet that the shooter will win—either with a natural (7 or 11) or by hitting the point before a seven-out.
- Don’t Pass Bet: A bet that the shooter will lose—either by crapping out (2 or 3) or rolling a 7 before the point.
- Come Bet / Don’t Come Bet: Similar to pass/don’t pass bets but placed after the come-out roll during the point phase.
- Odds Bet: A side bet that backs a pass or come bet with true odds and no house edge.
- Place Bet: A bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) to roll before a 7.
- Buy Bet: A bet similar to a place bet but pays true odds with a 5% commission.
- Lay Bet: Betting that a 7 will be rolled before a specific number.
- Hardways: Bets that a double (like 2–2 for a hard four) will roll before a 7 or the same total rolled the easy way (e.g., 3–1).
- Proposition Bets: High-risk, one-roll bets found in the center of the table.
- Field Bet: A one-roll bet on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
- Push: A tie—your bet stays on the table but doesn’t win or lose.
- Dice Control: A controversial technique aimed at influencing the outcome of a dice roll.
- Commission: A small fee (usually 5%) paid to the house on buy bets and lay bets.
- Table Etiquette: Unwritten rules of behavior that keep the game moving smoothly and respectfully.
- Hot Shooter: A shooter on a winning streak, often drawing excitement and larger wagers.
Reviewing this terminology as you continue practicing will help you stay sharp at the table.
FAQs
What are the basic rules of craps?
Craps begins with the shooter making a come-out roll. If the roll is a 7 or 11, pass line bets win. If it’s 2, 3, or 12, those same bets lose. Any other number becomes the point, and the game moves to the point phase, where the shooter tries to roll that number again before rolling a 7. Players can bet on various outcomes along the way, using wagers like the pass line, come bets, and odds bets.
How does the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line work?
The pass line bet wins on a come-out roll of 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is set, the bet stays active until the point is rolled again (a win) or a 7 appears (a loss). The don’t pass line is essentially the opposite—it wins on 2 or 3, pushes on 12, and loses on 7 or 11. During the point phase, it wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.
What is the come-out roll and how does the point phase differ?
The come-out roll is the initial roll of the round. Its result either ends the round or establishes a point number. If the game moves to the point phase, the shooter continues rolling to hit that number again. Bets like odds, come, and don’t come become available during the point phase, expanding the strategic options.
How do you take or lay odds bets?
After a point or come point is set, players can take odds behind a pass or come bet by placing extra chips behind their original wager. This pays out at true odds. For don’t pass or don’t come bets, players can lay odds, which involves risking more to win less—again at true odds and with no house edge.
Which bets offer the lowest house edge?
The bets with the lowest house edge include the pass line, don’t pass, come, and don’t come—each with around 1.36–1.41%. However, the best bet in craps is the odds bet, which carries no house edge at all. Combining these options creates a strong foundation for long-term play.
What are the payout odds on place, buy, lay, and hardway bets?
Place bets pay different amounts based on the number—6 and 8 pay 7:6, 5 and 9 pay 7:5, and 4 and 10 pay 9:5. Buy bets pay true odds (2:1 on 4 or 10, for example) but include a 5% commission. Lay bets pay less than you wager, also with a commission, while hardways pay 7:1 or 9:1, depending on the total.
How does bankroll management work in craps?
Smart bankroll management involves setting a fixed amount to play with and breaking it into betting units—often enough for at least 20 rounds. Players should stick to consistent bet sizes, avoid chasing losses, and take breaks when necessary. Good management is what allows even skilled players to weather short-term swings.
What are proposition bets and field bets?
Proposition bets are one-roll wagers with high payouts and high house edge. These include Any 7, Any Craps, and specific combinations like hard 6. Field bets are also one-roll wagers but cover a wider set of numbers—2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12—and pay out immediately depending on the result.
Can you influence craps outcomes with dice control?
Some players believe in dice control, which involves setting and tossing the dice in a consistent way to reduce randomness. While this technique is controversial and difficult to master, it’s become a topic of interest for players looking to gain an edge. Most casinos require dice to hit the back wall to preserve randomness.
What are common craps table etiquette rules for beginners?
Basic etiquette includes handling the dice with one hand, avoiding the dice path with your hands or chips, and waiting for payouts to complete before placing new bets. It’s also good manners to cheer for the shooter, avoid excessive commentary on others’ bets, and follow the pace set by the dealers and box person.
