Craps 101: Quick Primer

Craps is one of the most exciting casino dice games, often played with multiple players around a single table. The game revolves around the roll of two six-sided dice. Players bet on the outcome of the roll, or a series of rolls, with various options offering different odds.

How the Game Works

  1. The Come-Out Roll: The first roll in a betting round. Rolling a 7 or 11 wins, 2, 3, or 12 loses (craps).
  2. Point Phase: If the come-out roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point.” The shooter continues to roll until they either hit the point again (win) or roll a 7 (lose).
  3. Bet Types: Bets include Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, Don’t Come, Place, Field, and Proposition bets. Each has different house edges.

Basic Strategy Cheat Chart

Use this table as a general guide for lower-risk betting options:

Bet Type When to Bet House Edge Strategy Tip
Pass Line Come-out roll ~1.41% Best beginner bet; take odds after point is established.
Don’t Pass Come-out roll ~1.36% Bet against the shooter; wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11.
Come Bet After point is set ~1.41% Similar to Pass Line, but starts after point; add odds for better value.
Place 6 & 8 Anytime ~1.52% Steady low-risk bets with decent payout.
Field Next roll ~5.56% Quick one-roll bet, simple but higher house edge.

💡 Tip: Start with Pass Line or Don’t Pass with odds. Avoid high-risk proposition bets until you understand the game.