How to Play Craps – A Beginner’s Guide and Rules

The craps game is an extremely popular dice game that you can find in casinos all around the world. The main objective in craps is to predict the outcome of the dice roll, with players having the option to bet either with the shooter, the person rolling the dice, or against them.

Learning how to play craps is quite straightforward – regardless of whether you want to play in a casino or online. 

Craps Rules: Learn How to Play Craps

When you play craps in a casino, the game is more interactive and social. Each player at the table gets a turn to be the shooter, which means they roll the dice. The first roll by the shooter is called the “come-out roll.” If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, players who bet on the “pass line” win. As the crap rules go: if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (known as craps), pass line bets lose. Any other number rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) establishes a “point.” The shooter continue with the dice-rolling until they either get to the point number again, in which case pass line bets win, or they roll a 7, which triggers the pass line bets loss.

Playing craps online is similar to playing offline in terms of rules and gameplay. However, the experience differs as you’re typically playing against the computer, and the dice rolls are determined by a random number generator, ensuring fairness. There is less interaction with other players, making it a quieter, more self-paced environment. Online craps games follow the same crap rules and often feature tutorials and prompts, making it easier for beginners to learn how to play craps and understand the game mechanics without the pressure of a crowded casino.

Crap Rules – How to Play Craps for Beginners

Craps is an engaging dice game where players bet on the outcomes of rolls of a pair of dice. The main objective is to predict the results of the rolls, betting on various potential outcomes to win money. 

Regarding the craps how to play question: While betting terms and payouts can vary slightly between different casinos and online platforms, the fundamental rules remain consistent, providing a thrilling mix of luck and strategy with each roll of the dice, as explained above. 

Whether played in-person at a casino or online, craps offers a lively atmosphere that combines both high spirits and tactical wagering. Here is a recap of the key rules of a game of craps:

1. Come-out roll: The game starts with the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, pass line bets win. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (craps), pass line bets lose. Any other number rolled establishes a point.
2. Point phase: After establishing the point during the come-out roll (any of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the shooter continues to roll the dice. The objective is to roll the point number again before rolling a 7.
3. Pass line bet: Bet that the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or the point number before rolling a 7 after the point is established.
4. Don’t pass line bet: Opposite of the pass line bet. It wins if the come-out roll is 2 or 3, pushes if it’s 12, and loses on 7 or 11. After the point is set, it wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
5. Come bet: Similar to the pass line bet, but made after the point has been established. It wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 after the come bet is made, and loses if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled.
6. Don’t come bet: Like the don’t pass bet but made after the point is established. It wins on a roll of 2 or 3, pushes on 12, and loses on 7 or 11 after the bet is placed.
7. Field bet: A one-roll bet that wins if the dice roll a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
8. Place bets: Bets on individual numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) that must be rolled before a 7 after the point is established.
9. Proposition bets: These are high-risk bets placed on specific outcomes of a single roll, such as betting on a specific number to appear.
10. Handling of the dice: The shooter must handle the dice with one hand and the dice must hit the opposite walls of the table.

Craps Table

Craps Table Layout

The table is usually covered in felt and is mirrored on both sides, allowing more players to participate at once. Here’s a detailed explanation of the key betting areas on a craps table:

1. Pass line: This is one of the most common betting areas. It runs along the edge of the table where players stand. Bets placed here win if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11 and lose if it’s 2, 3, or 12.
2. Don’t pass line: This area is directly opposite the pass line. Bets here win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 and lose if it’s 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a push, meaning the bet neither wins nor loses.
3. Come bet: Located in a small area directly in front of the players, this area is for bets that work similarly to pass line bets but are made after the point has been established.
4. Don’t Come: Opposite the come bet area, this betting section functions like the don’t pass line but after the point is established.
5. Field: This is a large area labeled with the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Bets placed here win if one of these numbers is rolled next.
6. Place bets: This area consists of boxes numbered 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. Players can bet on these numbers being rolled before a 7. Each box corresponds to one of these numbers.
7. Side and center sections: The side sections are mainly for the pass line, don’t pass, come, and don’t come bets, handled by the base dealers. The center section contains proposition bets and is managed by the stickman. These bets are on specific roll outcomes, such as a particular number being rolled next, with higher payouts and higher risks.

Roles

In craps, participants have specific roles that contribute to the dynamics and flow of the game. To learn how to play craps, you must also understand the roles, starting with the shooter. 

The shooter is the player who rolls the dice. Every player at the table has the opportunity to be the shooter, rotating around the table in a clockwise direction. The shooter’s main task is to make the come-out roll and continue rolling the dice until they “seven out” (roll a seven at the wrong time). The shooter must handle the dice with only one hand and is expected to hit the far wall of the table with the dice to ensure randomness and thus making the how to play craps at the casino experince more enjoyable.

There are usually two base dealers at a craps table, one standing on either side. Their role is to collect and pay bets in their half of the table. They are responsible for managing the bets that occur on the pass line, don’t pass line, come, don’t come, and place bets. Base dealers also assist players by placing their bets in the correct positions on the table, especially those bets that are hard to reach.

Sitting between the two base dealers, the boxman oversees the game. This person supervises the table and guards the chips. They handle any disputes that arise and monitor the dealers. The boxman also keeps a close watch on the dice, inspecting them periodically and deciding when to introduce new dice into the game.

Standing directly across from the boxman, the stickman controls the pace of the game. They use a long stick (hence the name) to move the dice around the table. The stickman is also in charge of the proposition bets placed in the center of the table. They announce the results of each roll and encourage players to place their bets, adding excitement and engagement to the game.

How to put down a bet in craps

Each type of bet has its own rules and ways to win. Here’s a detailed guide to the various types of bets available in craps:

Pass line bet

A pass line bet is made before the come-out roll, the first roll of a new round. You win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and lose if they roll a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, it becomes the point, and the shooter must roll this number again before rolling a 7 for you to win.

Don’t pass line bet

The opposite of the pass line bet, the don’t pass line bet wins if the come-out roll is 2 or 3, and loses on a 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a tie or “push,” meaning the bet neither wins nor loses. After the come-out roll, if a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point number is rolled again.

Come bet

A come bet is like a pass line bet but is made after the point has been established. You place this bet on the come section of the table. If the next roll is 7 or 11, you win. If it’s 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number becomes the “come point” and you win if this number is rolled again before a 7.

Don’t come bet

The don’t come bet is the opposite of the come bet and can also only be made after a point is established. If the next roll after the bet is placed is 2 or 3, you win and you lose on a 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a push. If another number is rolled, that becomes the “don’t come point” and you win if a 7 is rolled before this number.

Field bet

The field bet is a one-roll bet. You win if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. A roll of 2 or 12 typically pays double, making it an attractive one-time bet.

Free odds/laying the odds bet

After a point or come point is established, you can make an additional bet called an “odds bet” behind your initial pass or come bet. This bet pays at true odds, meaning there is no house edge. Conversely, you can lay odds if you have a don’t pass or don’t come bet, betting that a 7 will be rolled before the point.

Place bet

You can make a place bet on any of the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) after the point has been established. You win if the chosen number is rolled before a 7.

Buy bet

A buy bet is similar to a place bet, but you pay a commission (typically 5%) for the chance to receive true odds if your chosen number is rolled before a 7.

Big 6 Big 8

This is a bet that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. It’s generally avoided as it pays even money (1:1), and place bets on these numbers offer better payouts.

Hardways

A hardways bet is a bet that a hard number (double numbers like 2-2, 3-3) will be rolled before a 7 or before the number is rolled “the easy way” (non-doubles that sum to the hard number, e.g., 2-3 for a hard 5).

2 or 12 bet

This is a bet that the next roll will be a 2 or 12, both of which are difficult to roll, hence offering high payouts.

3 or 11 bet

Similarly, this bet is on the next roll being a 3 or 11, which also offers higher payouts due to the low probability of rolling these numbers.

Any 7

The any 7 bet wins if the next roll is a 7. This bet has a high house edge.

Any craps

Any craps bet wins if the next roll is a 2, 3, or 12. This is also a one-roll bet and pays out if any of these numbers are rolled.

Each bet has its own strategic implications and odds, and knowing when and where to place these bets is key to playing a successful game of craps.

Bet Type

Condition to Win

Notes

Pass Line Bet

Shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll

Wins if the point is rolled again before a 7

Don’t Pass Line Bet

Shooter rolls a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll

12 is a push; wins if a 7 is rolled before the point

Come Bet

Next roll after bet is placed is 7 or 11

Wins if the come point is rolled again before a 7

Don’t Come Bet

Next roll after bet is placed is 2 or 3

12 is a push; wins if a 7 is rolled before the don’t come point

Field Bet

Next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12

2 and 12 often pay double

Free Odds Bet

Same as initial pass/come bet after point is set

No house edge; bet behind pass/come bet

Laying the Odds Bet

A 7 is rolled before the point or come point

No house edge; bet behind don’t pass/don’t come bet

Place Bet

Chosen number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled before a 7

Can be made at any time after the point is established

Buy Bet

Chosen number is rolled before a 7

Pays true odds minus a 5% commission

Big 6 Big 8

A 6 or 8 is rolled before a 7

Pays even money; less favorable than place bets

Hardways

Hard number (e.g., 2-2 for 4) is rolled before a 7 or easy way

Pay higher odds, reflecting difficulty of rolling doubles

2 or 12 Bet

Next roll is 2 or 12

High payouts due to low probability

3 or 11 Bet

Next roll is 3 or 11

High payouts due to low probability

Any 7

Next roll is 7

High house edge

Any Craps

Next roll is 2, 3, or 12

Covers three numbers with a single bet

Sequence of Craps rounds

Craps is structured around sequential rounds of dice rolls, each round consisting of phases that determine the flow of gameplay.

The come-out roll

The come-out roll is the first roll of a new round in craps, performed by the shooter (the player who is rolling the dice). This initial roll starts the round and determines what happens next in the game. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, it’s called a “natural,” and the crap rules dictate that they win any pass line bets placed on the table. 

Conversely, if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 (collectively known as “craps”), pass line bets lose. Any other number rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) establishes what is known as the “point,” and the game moves to the next phase.

Point phase

Once the point is established by the come-out roll (one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the shooter continues to roll the dice. The objective now is for the shooter to roll the same point number again before rolling a 7. If the shooter rolls the point number, pass line bets win. If the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point number again (known as “sevening out”), pass line bets lose, and the round ends. The dice then pass to the next player for a new come-out roll, continuing the cycle.

Subsequent rolls

During the point phase, players can continue to place new bets based on the current point. These include odds bets, come bets, and various other wagers explained in the craps betting rules. The shooter keeps rolling until they either hit the point again, winning for pass line bettors, or roll a 7, which ends the round with a loss for pass line bettors.

This sequence keeps the game of craps exciting and dynamic, as players can win or lose with each roll, and strategies can change based on the outcomes of the dice. Managing this sequence is key to understanding how to play casino craps, participating effectively and enjoying the game to its fullest.

Craps terminology

Craps comes with its own distinct terminology, odds theory, and winning strategies that are crucial for mastering the game. Here are the most important terms:

1. Shooter: The player who rolls the dice.
2. Come-out roll: The first roll of the dice in a new round that starts the game.
3. Point: The number established by the come-out roll if it’s 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. The shooter aims to roll this number again before rolling a 7.
4. Pass line bet: A bet placed before the come-out roll, betting that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11, or will hit the point again before rolling a 7.
5. Don’t pass line bet: A bet against the shooter, winning if the come-out roll is 2, 3, or 12, or if a 7 is rolled before the point is repeated.
6. Come bet: Placed after the point is established, this bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the subsequent roll, and loses on 2, 3, or 12.
7. Don’t come bet: Similar to the Don’t Pass Line Bet but placed after the point is established.
8. Field bet: A bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
9. Place bets: Bets on a specific point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7.
10. Hardways: A bet that the shooter will roll a pair (like 2-2, 3-3, 4-4) to make 4, 6, 8, or 10 before rolling a 7 or the number the easy way (e.g., 6 as 5-1).
11. Proposition bets: High-risk bets placed on specific potential outcomes of the next roll, such as a specific number or combination.

You’re now equipped with the basics and ready to roll the dice! Why not put your knowledge to the test and start playing right away?

FAQs

Can I practice playing craps online for free?

Yes, many online casinos including Mega Dice offer free versions of craps where you can practice without risking any money. It is a fun way to learn about the rules and get familar with the game before playing with real money. How to play craps table allow for a decent introduction to the game.

Is there a best time to play craps at a casino?

There isn’t a best time of day to play craps in terms of odds, as they remain the same regardless of the time. 

Can I touch the dice with both hands?

No, craps rules typically require that players handle the dice with only one hand. This is to prevent any potential tampering or switching of the dice.

What happens if the dice roll off the table?

If the dice roll off the table, they are typically inspected by the boxman, and new dice are often brought into play. The shooter is then asked to roll again with the new dice.

What is the minimum bet at a craps table?

The minimum bet at a craps table can vary depending on the casino. Typically, smaller casinos might have minimum bets as low as $5, while larger, more upscale establishments might start at $10 or $25.