Craps is one of the most exciting and energetic games on the casino floor—whether you’re rolling the dice in a land-based venue or playing digitally from home. At first glance, the layout, cheering crowds, and wide range of betting options may feel overwhelming. But don’t be fooled: once you grasp the basics, craps is surprisingly approachable.
Unlike simpler games like blackjack or roulette, craps might seem more complex due to its unique terminology and pace. However, the core mechanics are easy to understand—and once you’ve played a few rounds, the game quickly becomes one of the most enjoyable in any casino setting.
This beginner-friendly guide will break down the essentials of playing craps, explain the key rules and terms, and show you how to place smart bets. Whether you're new to dice games or just looking to build your confidence before heading to the table, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how craps works—and why so many players love the fast, unpredictable energy this classic dice game delivers.
Craps is a fast-paced dice game that delivers excitement from the very first roll. Played at both physical casinos and online platforms, the game centers around a series of rolls, starting with what’s known as the come-out roll. The player responsible for rolling the dice is referred to as the shooter.
In traditional casinos, the shooter throws two dice by hand. Online, you’ll simply click a button to simulate the roll. From that moment, the outcome of the round—and your bets—hinges on the total shown.
Here’s a breakdown of what can happen after the come-out roll:
If the total from the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, it’s called a Natural. This is the best-case scenario for most bets on the first roll. The shooter immediately wins, and a new come-out roll begins for the next round.
When the come-out roll results in a 2, 3, or 12, the shooter has crapped out. This outcome means the round ends in a loss for most bettors. However, the game doesn’t stop—you’ll simply reset and start again with a new come-out roll.
If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the Point. In a live casino, the dealer places a marker on the table to highlight the Point. In online versions, a digital indicator will show the Point has been set.
From this point on, the objective is clear: the shooter must roll the same Point number again—before a 7 appears. If that happens, it’s a win. If a 7 is rolled before the Point is repeated, the round ends in a seven out, and all bets depending on that Point are lost.
You’ll notice that 7 isn’t a Point number. That’s because while it may be a winning roll on the come-out, it becomes the losing roll once a Point is established. It flips from your best friend to your worst enemy—adding to the tension and excitement with every roll.
Before you dive into the action at a craps table, it’s essential to get familiar with the layout. While it may appear complex at first glance, the table is carefully designed to organize all the different types of bets—and once you grasp how it’s arranged, everything starts to make sense.
A standard craps table features a long rectangular surface with mirrored betting zones on each end. This mirrored layout allows multiple players to join the game simultaneously, each placing bets from their side of the table. No matter where you stand, the betting options are the same.
The center area of the table is where you’ll find more advanced and less commonly used bets—such as proposition bets—while the outer edges are where players place fundamental bets like Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come wagers.
Knowing how to read the craps table isn’t just about where to put your chips—it’s about gaining confidence in how the game flows. Each area of the layout supports a particular style of play, whether you’re going for low-risk, steady bets or chasing big wins with advanced wagers.
By understanding the layout, you’ll be able to follow the action more clearly, make quicker betting decisions, and avoid confusion during fast-paced gameplay.
When learning how to play craps, one of the first choices you'll face is whether to place a Pass Line bet or a Don’t Pass Line bet. These are the two foundational wagers in the game, and they determine how you’ll engage with the shooter and the dice.
Placing a Pass Line bet means you're betting with the shooter—hoping they roll a winning combination. Here's how it works:
Pass Line bets are popular with new players because they follow the general momentum of the game—cheering for the shooter to win.
On the flip side, a Don’t Pass Line bet is a wager against the shooter. You’re hoping they fail to hit their point. The rules are almost the opposite of a Pass Line bet:
This type of bet is often referred to as “playing the dark side,” and while it’s just as valid as a Pass Line bet, it tends to be less popular in social craps tables because you're betting against the shooter.
Both Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets must be placed before the come-out roll. Once the point is established, you can’t go back and make these bets for that round—but you can transition into Come or Don’t Come bets, which work similarly and are placed mid-round.
If you're new to craps, the Pass Line bet offers a simple, easy-to-follow path that aligns with the shooter and the crowd. But if you're more focused on strategy and probabilities, the Don’t Pass Line bet offers a slightly lower house edge—making it an option worth considering.
Understanding these two core bets is the first step to building confidence at the craps table and making smarter decisions as the game unfolds.
Once a Point has been established in a game of craps, players have the option to place Come and Don’t Come bets. These wagers function similarly to the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets, but they’re made after the come-out roll—giving you the chance to stay active during the round.
A Come Bet is a wager on the next roll, following nearly the same rules as a Pass Line bet—but placed after the Point is already set.
Come Bets are popular because they allow you to engage continuously, even mid-round.
The Don’t Come Bet is the counterpart to the Come Bet—it’s like a Don’t Pass bet placed after the Point has been established.
This bet is ideal for players who prefer to bet against the shooter and want ongoing opportunities during the round.
Once you place a Come or Don’t Come bet, it remains active until it’s resolved—you can’t remove or “turn off” the wager. However, you can add odds bets to them once your point is set.
Odds bets are additional wagers you can place behind your original bet. They’re optional but offer better payouts and no house edge. You’re free to increase, reduce, or remove your odds bet at any point before the resolution.
These mid-round wagers offer more opportunities to stay engaged in the game, especially if you missed the come-out roll or want to diversify your strategy. They’re a smart way to keep your momentum going while managing risk across multiple betting points.
Understanding how and when to use Come and Don’t Come bets adds a layer of depth to your craps play—and can keep the action exciting all round long.
Proposition bets are one-roll wagers placed in the center of the craps table. These bets focus on specific outcomes from the very next roll. They’re high-risk but offer appealing payouts, which makes them popular with players who enjoy fast action and the chance for big rewards.
|
Bet Type |
Wins If... |
Typical Payout (per $1 bet) |
|
Any Seven |
A 7 is rolled |
$4 (sometimes $5) |
|
Any Craps |
A 2, 3, or 12 is rolled |
$7 |
|
Ace Deuce |
A 3 is rolled |
$15 |
|
Aces |
A 2 is rolled |
$30 |
|
Boxcars |
A 12 is rolled |
$30 |
|
Horn |
A 2, 3, 11, or 12 is rolled |
Varies ($3.75–$5 average) |
Note: Payouts may vary by casino or online platform, so be sure to check specific house rules before placing these bets.
While most proposition bets resolve in a single roll, Hard Way bets require a specific double to be rolled before a 7 or any easier combination of that number.
Hard Way bets add suspense to the game and appeal to players looking for less frequent but higher-paying wins.
If you prefer a steadier strategy over high-risk rolls, craps also offers even-money bets—these pay 1:1 and carry a much lower house edge. Common options include:
These bets are favored by more conservative players who focus on long-term gains and bankroll management.
Once a Point is established, you can place bets directly on specific numbers—this is known as making a Place Bet. These bets are made on numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10.
|
Number |
Payout |
|
6 or 8 |
Pays 7:6 |
|
5 or 9 |
Pays 7:5 |
|
4 or 10 |
Pays 9:5 |
Place bets give you more control and flexibility. You can increase, decrease, or even remove your bet at any time—unless a roll is in progress.
Field bets are among the simplest wagers you can make in craps. They're one-roll bets, meaning the outcome is decided immediately on the next roll of the dice. This makes them a popular choice for players who enjoy fast-paced action.
You win if the shooter rolls one of the following numbers:
You lose if the result is:
Because field bets cover so many numbers, the odds are relatively appealing—especially with enhanced payouts for specific results.
Note: Payout rates can vary by casino, so it’s smart to check the table rules before placing your bet.
Field bets are easy to understand and great for players looking to keep the game moving with quick win opportunities. However, they’re still high-risk due to the one-roll nature, so use them strategically.
Another easy option for beginners are the Big 6 and Big 8 bets. You’ll find them in the corners of the craps layout, marked with large “6” and “8” squares.
These bets are straightforward, and they appeal to new players due to their simplicity and visibility on the table.
Big 6 and Big 8 bets pay even money (1:1). While they’re easy to play, they offer worse odds than placing a traditional Place Bet on 6 or 8, which pays 7:6 and has a lower house edge.
Now that you’ve covered the basics of craps and have a solid understanding of the different types of bets, it’s time to take the next step—actually playing the game.
If you’re brand new to craps or just brushing up your skills, you have a few great ways to start.
Many reputable online casinos offer beginner-friendly versions of craps. These games often come with tutorials, visual guides, and lower betting limits—making them a great way to learn at your own pace.
If you enjoy the energy of a live setting, head to a land-based casino. Most craps tables welcome new players, and dealers are usually happy to explain the basics if you let them know you’re just starting out.
With just a little practice, you’ll be rolling confidently and enjoying the thrill of the game in no time.
Craps is a fast-paced dice game found in both physical and online casinos. Players bet on the outcome of the roll of two dice using a special table layout.
Several online platforms offer free craps games. These are perfect for beginners who want to learn the rules and practice strategies without risking any real money.
Yes. If your bets accurately predict the outcome of the dice rolls, you can win money—just like any other casino game.
Craps has one of the lowest house edges in the casino, especially on basic bets like the Pass Line, which sits around 1.41%. This gives players better long-term odds than many other games.
Payouts vary depending on the type of bet. For example:
It depends on how much you bet and the type of wager you place. While some bets offer high payouts, they usually come with lower odds of hitting.
Craps is primarily a game of luck. While experienced players use strategies to manage bets, the outcome of each roll is always random and can’t be controlled.
The name “craps” likely comes from the French word crapaud (meaning “toad”), which referred to early players who crouched down to roll dice on the streets.
