Craps might seem complex at first glance, offering over 100 bet combinations. But it’s easier than you think once you grasp the basics of the game. This guide breaks down the game’s rules, its bets and strategies.
How Craps Works
It is a dice game played on a large table where players bet on the outcome. Various betting options include predicting totals or specific combinations. Casino craps pits players against the house, while street craps involves informal player-to-player betting.
How to Play Craps Online
Craps begins with the come-out roll, where the shooter (a person who throws a dice) rolls two dice to start the betting round. The possible outcomes are a Natural (7 or 11), Craps (2, 3, or 12) and Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10).
- Choose a craps table: Pick a trusted casino and select a craps game that suits your budget. Make sure to review the minimum bet requirements.
- Place your bet: Place chips on the Pass Line (betting the shooter wins) or Don’t Pass Line (betting against the shooter).
- Roll the dice (come-out roll): The shooter rolls the dice. A 7 or 11 wins Pass Line bets, while a 2, 3, or 12 loses them. Any other number becomes the point.
- Set the point: If a point is rolled, the dealer marks it on the table. The shooter now aims to roll the point number again before hitting a 7.
- Place additional bets: During the point phase, players can make extra bets, like Come, Don’t Come, or Place bets, to diversify their strategy.
- Resolve the round: The round ends when the shooter rolls the point (Pass Line win) or a 7 (Don’t Pass win). A new round starts, with the dice passed clockwise in offline games or reset if online.
Craps Table Layout
In casino craps, the table layout is large and divided into three main sections: the centre, sides, and ends. The physical table may accommodate up to 22 players. The centre is for proposition bets, offering higher payouts but riskier odds. The mirrored side sections include common bets like Pass Line and Place bets, while the dealer’s area features point boxes for tracking gameplay.
Online Craps Table Layout
Online craps tables are compact. The layout is simplified to fit the screen, usually featuring a single dealer and clear bet options.
Сraps Table Team
There are dealers managing the game if you play at land-based casinos.
- The Stickman stands at the centre of the table. They control the dice, oversee proposition bets and assist dealers with payouts. The Stickman uses a long, hooked stick to move the dice.
- The Boxman sits at the centre of the table opposite the Stickman. They oversee the entire game, manage the chip tray, resolve issues and ensure all procedures are followed correctly.
- Two base Dealers, one on each end of the table, handle most bets, pay out winnings, and collect losing bets. They ensure the game flows smoothly on their side.
Note:You’ll find dealers only in live online versions. Most times, a single person handles all table activities.
Types of Bets in Craps
At the craps table, bets fall into three main categories:
- Line bets (Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Taking the Odds)
- Multi-roll bets (Place Bets, Hardways)
- Single roll bets (Any Craps, Horn Bets, Any Seven)
Here’s a breakdown of the most common bets, how they work, and when to use them.
Pass Line & Don’t Pass Bets
The shooter begins by rolling two dice to establish a point number. After that, they keep rolling the dice until either the point number comes up again (which wins) or a 7 is rolled (which ends the round).
| Bet Type | Winning Roll | Losing Roll | Notes | House Edge | Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 7, 11 | 2, 3, 12 | Wins if point rolls again before 7 | 1.41% | 49.29% | 1:1 |
| Don’t Pass | 2, 3 | 7, 11 | Push if 12 is rolled | 1.36% | 50.71% | 1:1 |
Come & Don’t Come Bets
These wagers are placed only after a point.
| Bet Type | Winning Roll | Losing Roll | Notes | House Edge | Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Come | 7, 11 | 2, 3, 12 | Any other number becomes the point, and you win if that point rolls before a 7 | 1.41% | 49.32% | 1:1 |
| Don’t Come | 2, 3 | 7, 11 | Pushes on 12; once the point is set, it wins if 7 comes before the point | 1.36% | 50.68% | 1:1 |
Taking the Odds
These are additional bets offering no house edge and paying true odds. They are placed after the point is set.
- For Pass/Come odds, bet that the point will roll before 7.
- For Don’t Pass/Don’t Come odds, bet that 7 will roll before the point.
| Point Number | Pass/Come Odds Payout | Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Odds Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2:1 | 1:2 |
| 5 or 9 | 3:2 | 2:3 |
| 6 or 8 | 6:5 | 5:6 |
Place Bets
Players bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) rolling before 7. They can be made at any time and offer different payouts based on the number’s probability. Place bets on 6 and 8 are popular.
| Bets | House Edge | Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 and 8 | 1.52% | 13.89% | 7:6 |
| 5 and 9 | 4.00% | 11.11% | 7:5 |
| 4 and 10 | 6.67% | 8.33% | 9:5 |
Hardways
Bet on a specific double (e.g., 3-3, 4-2, 5-1 for 6). Wins only if rolled as a double before a 7.
| Bets | Wins if | House Edge | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 4 or 10 roll as an exact pair or combination | 11.11% | 7:1 |
| 6 or 8 | 6 or 8 roll as an exact pair or any other combination | 9.09% | 9:1 |
Single Roll Bets
High-risk, high-reward wagers on specific outcomes.
| Bet | Winning Roll | House Edge | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any Seven | 7 | 16.67% | 4:1 |
| Horn Bets | combination split equally on 2, 3, 11, and 12 | 11.11% to 14%, depending on the combination | 15:1 (3 or 11) 30:1 (2 or 12) |
| Any Craps | 2, 3, or 12 rolls | 11.11% | 7:1 |
Pro Tip:Start with Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets—they offer low house edges (around 1.4%) and are simple to follow.
Craps Variations
| Simplified Craps | It removes the point system, focusing only on winning and losing rolls. While easier to play, it comes with a higher house edge of 2.8%. |
| Crapless Craps | Any roll other than a 7 establishes a point. While it removes the risk of crapping out, the Pass Line bet has a higher house edge of about 2.6%. |
| New York Craps | This craps variation features a double-end table layout and eliminates Come and Don’t Come bets. With a house edge of 5%, it is rarely found online. |
| Die Rich Craps | Die Rich Craps is played with a single die. However, it has a high house edge of about 7.87. |
| Diceless Craps | Dice are replaced by cards numbered Ace to 6. |
Common Craps Strategies
Craps is a game of luck. Nevertheless, some strategies can tip the odds in your favour, though there’s no guarantee.
- Basic bets strategy: The Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come strategies are all fundamental.
- The Craps Press strategy: It focuses on increasing your bets after each win, taking advantage of winning streaks. You can press your bet by one unit, two units, or even to the table maximum. The goal is to build profits quickly during a hot streak.
- The 6/8 Strategy: It targets the numbers 6 and 8, as they are the most likely to be rolled. Place bets on these numbers along with a Pass Line bet.
- Iron Cross system: It combines a Field Bet with Place Bets on 5, 6, 8, and 9, covering most numbers except 7. This strategy aims for frequent wins, as it wins on every roll except for a 7.
- Three Point Molly: Players bet on a Pass Line and a maximum of two Come bets. They back both the Pass Line and Come wagers with odds bets. It keeps three numbers working for you at all times.
Takeaway:Start with the basic bets because of their best odds. These bets are easy to understand and have a low risk level.
Tips and Tricks to Play Craps Online
Here are some practical tips to help you start strong and enjoy the game.
- Start with the Pass Line bet. It’s simple, has a low house edge, and lets you monitor the game’s flow while keeping your risk manageable.
- Avoid proposition bets: They have a steep house edge, often exceeding 10%. As a beginner, stick to smarter, low-edge bets to stretch your bankroll.
- Focus on low house edge bets: Bets like Place 6, Place 8, Don’t Pass, and Don’t Come offer better odds and lower house edges, giving you a greater chance to stay in the game longer and win more consistently.
- Consider using smart betting systems: Apply strategies to lower the house edge but be careful with the budget.
Conclusion
Craps can seem a bit tricky at first, so start by mastering the basics and take it step by step. The key to success in this game is mastering its bets, and understanding the rules and betting systems.
