Craps is one of the most exciting casino games, with an energetic atmosphere and players cheering together. But it's also one of the most intimidating for beginners. The table layout looks complex, the terminology is unfamiliar, and the pace can be fast. The good news is that craps is simpler than it appears. You can start playing with just two basic bets and learn the rest gradually. Once you understand the flow, you'll see why so many players love this game. This guide explains craps from the ground up. We'll cover how the game works, the basic bets you need to know, and how to get started without feeling overwhelmed.
What Is Craps?
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolling two dice. One player (the "shooter") rolls the dice, and everyone at the table can bet on the results.
The basic concept:Each round has two phases: the "come-out roll" and the "point phase." Depending on what the shooter rolls, different outcomes occur. You're betting on whether certain numbers will or won't appear.
Why craps has a reputation:The table layout shows dozens of betting options, each with different rules and payouts. But you can ignore most of these when you're starting out.
The Craps Table Layout
The craps table is large and covered with betting areas. Here's what you need to know initially:
Pass Line: The most common and simplest bet (we'll focus on this)
Don't Pass Bar: The opposite of the Pass Line bet
Come / Don't Come: Similar to Pass/Don't Pass, used after the come-out roll
Field, Place Bets, Proposition Bets, etc.: Additional betting options with varying house edges
For beginners: Start with just the Pass Line. You can learn the rest later.
The Basic Flow of a Craps Round
Craps rounds follow a consistent pattern:
Phase 1: The Come-Out RollStep 1: A new shooter takes the dice. Players place bets on the Pass Line (or Don't Pass).
Step 2: The shooter rolls two dice (the "come-out roll").
Possible outcomes:-
7 or 11: Pass Line bets win immediately. Don't Pass bets lose. Round ends, new round begins. -
2, 3, or 12 ("craps"): Pass Line bets lose immediately. Don't Pass bets win (except 12 is usually a push). Round ends, new round begins. -
4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: This number becomes the "point." The game moves to Phase 2.
Phase 2: The Point PhaseOnce a point is established, the goal changes:
Step 3: The shooter continues rolling, trying to roll the point number again before rolling a 7.
Possible outcomes:-
Point number is rolled: Pass Line bets win. Don't Pass bets lose. Round ends. -
7 is rolled ("seven-out"): Pass Line bets lose. Don't Pass bets win. Round ends, and the dice pass to the next shooter. -
Any other number: Nothing happens. Shooter keeps rolling.
The Pass Line Bet (Your Starting Point)
The Pass Line is the most popular bet in craps and the best place for beginners to start.
How to bet:Before the come-out roll, place chips on the "Pass Line" section of the table.
How it wins:-
On come-out roll: Win if 7 or 11 is rolled; lose if 2, 3, or 12 is rolled -
During point phase: Win if the point is rolled before a 7; lose if 7 is rolled before the point
Payout: 1:1 (even money)
House edge: 1.41%
Why it's good:Simple to understand, low house edge, and aligns with most of the table (you're rooting with other players).
The Don't Pass Bet
The Don't Pass bet is the opposite of the Pass Line.
How it wins:-
On come-out roll: Win if 2 or 3 is rolled; lose if 7 or 11 is rolled; push (tie) if 12 is rolled -
During point phase: Win if 7 is rolled before the point; lose if the point is rolled before a 7
Payout: 1:1
House edge: 1.36% (slightly better than Pass Line)
Why fewer people play it:You're betting against the shooter, which goes against the social energy of the table. Mathematically, it's slightly better, but many players prefer the camaraderie of betting with the table.
Taking Odds (Advanced Beginner Strategy)
Once you're comfortable with the Pass Line, you can learn about "odds bets."
What are odds bets?After a point is established, you can place an additional "odds" bet behind your original Pass Line bet. This bet has no house edge (true odds) and is one of the best bets in the casino.
How it works:- After the point is set, place additional chips behind your Pass Line bet - This bet wins if the point hits, loses if 7 is rolled first - Payout varies by point number (true mathematical odds)
Odds bet payouts:- Point 4 or 10: Pays 2:1 - Point 5 or 9: Pays 3:2 - Point 6 or 8: Pays 6:5
House edge on odds bet: 0%
Why this matters:Combining a Pass Line bet with odds bets reduces the overall house edge on your total wager to as low as 0.4% (depending on how much odds you take).
How much odds can you take?Casinos set limits, usually expressed as "1x odds," "2x odds," "3-4-5x odds," etc. This means you can bet that multiple of your Pass Line bet as an odds bet.
For beginners:Learn the Pass Line first. Add odds bets once you're comfortable. For more detailed strategy, see our guide on [craps bets explained](#).
Come and Don't Come Bets
Come and Don't Come bets work exactly like Pass and Don't Pass, but you place them after the point is established.
How Come bets work:- Place bet in "Come" area after point is set - The next roll acts as a new come-out roll for your bet - If 7 or 11, you win; if 2, 3, or 12, you lose - If any other number, that becomes your "come point" and your bet moves to that number
Why players use Come bets:They let you have multiple numbers working simultaneously, giving you more action and excitement.
For beginners:Stick to Pass Line until you're very comfortable. Come bets add complexity.
Bets to Avoid as a Beginner
The craps table offers many bets. Most have high house edges and should be avoided.
High house edge bets:-
Field bet: 2.78-5.56% house edge -
Proposition bets (center of table): 9-16.67% house edge -
Any 7: 16.67% house edge -
Hardways: 9.09-11.11% house edge
Rule of thumb:Stick to Pass/Don't Pass and Come/Don't Come bets, plus odds bets. Ignore the center proposition bets.
Craps Terminology
Shooter: The player rolling the dice
Come-out roll: The first roll of a new round
Point: The target number established on the come-out roll (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10)
Seven-out: Rolling a 7 during the point phase (ends the round, shooter loses)
Natural: Rolling 7 or 11 on the come-out roll (Pass Line wins)
Craps: Rolling 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll (Pass Line loses)
Hot table: When the shooter is rolling many numbers before sevening-out (good for Pass Line bettors)
Cold table: When the shooter sevens-out quickly (bad for Pass Line bettors)
Physical Casino Etiquette
Handling the dice:- Use one hand only - Keep dice over the table - Bounce dice off the far wall
Placing bets:- Some bets you place yourself (Pass Line, Field) - Other bets are placed by the dealer (Place bets, Proposition bets) - Tell the dealer clearly what you want
Timing:- Don't reach onto the table while dice are being thrown - Place bets during pauses, not while shooter is rolling
Tipping:Tipping dealers (making bets for them) is customary if you're winning.
Online vs Physical Craps
Physical casino craps:- Social, energetic atmosphere - Fast-paced with multiple players - More intimidating for beginners - Etiquette and timing matter
Online craps:- Play at your own pace - No social pressure - Good for learning the game - Lower minimum bets typically
Live dealer craps:- Real dealer and table streamed via video - Combines online convenience with social elements - Good middle ground
Recommendation for beginners:Practice online or with free apps to learn the flow before playing at a physical table.
Why Craps Has Good Odds
Craps offers some of the best odds in the casino when you stick to the right bets.
Pass Line + odds: Combined house edge as low as 0.4%
Don't Pass + odds: Combined house edge as low as 0.3%
Comparison to other games:- Craps (with odds): 0.3-0.4% - Blackjack (perfect strategy): 0.5% - Baccarat (Banker): 1.06% - Roulette (European): 2.7% - Slots: 2-15%
The catch:You only get these great odds if you: 1. Stick to Pass/Don't Pass or Come/Don't Come bets 2. Take odds bets 3. Avoid proposition bets and other high house edge options For more on how house edge works, see our guide on [understanding house edge](#).
Starting Strategy for Beginners
Here's a simple, effective approach for your first sessions:
Step 1: Bet the table minimum on Pass Line before the come-out roll
Step 2: If a point is established, add an odds bet (1x or 2x your Pass Line bet)
Step 3: Wait for the round to resolve
Step 4: Repeat
That's it. This gives you low house edge play without complexity.
As you gain experience:- Add Come bets with odds - Increase odds multiples (if table allows 3x-4x-5x) - Experiment with Don't Pass if you don't mind betting against the table
Playing Craps Safely
Set a budgetDecide how much you're willing to spend before you play. Craps can be fast-paced, so it's easy to go through money quickly.
Start with small betsLearn the game with table minimums. Once you're comfortable, you can increase bet sizes.
Avoid high house edge betsStick to Pass/Don't Pass and odds. The proposition bets in the center of the table have terrible odds.
Don't chase lossesIf you're losing, taking a break is smarter than increasing bets to "win it back."
Understand it's still gamblingEven the best craps bets have a house edge. Over time, you'll lose slightly more than you win.