Last Updated on May 26, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Craps is a popular casino game where players bet on the outcomes of rolls or a series of rolls of two six-sided dice. The game can seem overwhelming at first due to its wide range of betting options, but with some practice and understanding, it becomes a fun and strategic game. This in-depth guide will explain the game’s rules, betting strategies, and terminology to help you learn how to play craps like a pro.

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How to Play Craps

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Objective of Craps

The primary objective in craps is to correctly predict the outcome of the dice rolls. Players can bet on different possibilities, such as whether the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will roll a specific combination or whether a certain point will be achieved.

Craps Table Layout

A craps table has a unique layout with different betting areas. The key sections include:

• Pass Line: A basic bet that the shooter will win.
• Don’t Pass Line: A bet that the shooter will lose.
• Come Bet: A bet that a specific outcome will occur after the point is established.
• Don’t Come Bet: A bet against the point being made.
• Place Bets: Bets on a specific number being rolled before a 7.
• Field Bet: A one-roll bet on a specific set of numbers.
• Proposition Bets: Specific, one-roll bets that cover various combinations of dice.

The Game Phases

Craps is played in two main phases: the Come-Out Roll and the Point Phase.

The Come-Out Roll

• The game begins with the come-out roll. The shooter rolls the dice, and the outcome determines what happens next.
• Winning Outcomes (on Come-Out Roll):
  • 7 or 11: Pass Line bets win.
  • 2, 3, or 12 (Craps): Pass Line bets lose, and Don’t Pass Line bets win (except on a 12, which is a push on Don’t Pass).
• Establishing the Point: If the shooter rolls any number other than 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12, that number becomes the point. The shooter must now continue rolling until they either roll the point number again or roll a 7 (which ends the round).

The Point Phase

Once a point is established, the shooter’s objective is to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. Here’s what happens:

• Rolling the Point: If the shooter rolls the point number again before a 7, the Pass Line bet wins. The shooter gets another turn.
• Rolling a 7: If the shooter rolls a 7 before the point, the Pass Line bet loses, and the Don’t Pass bet wins. The round ends.

Types of Bets in Craps

There are many betting options in craps. Below are the most common bets:

1. Pass Line Bet

• A Pass Line bet is one of the most basic and popular bets in craps. It is placed before the come-out roll.
• Win: You win if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11.
• Lose: You lose if the come-out roll is 2, 3, or 12.
• Point: If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. You need the shooter to roll the point again before a 7 to win.

2. Don’t Pass Line Bet

• The Don’t Pass Line bet is the opposite of the Pass Line bet.
• Win: You win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 (12 is a push).
• Lose: You lose if the come-out roll is 7 or 11.
• Point: If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point, and you lose if the point number is rolled again.

3. Come Bet

• The Come Bet is similar to the Pass Line bet but can be made after the point is established.
• Win: If the next roll is a 7 or 11.
• Lose: If the next roll is 2, 3, or 12.
• Point: If a number between 4 and 10 (excluding 7 and 11) is rolled, that number becomes your “come point.” You win if that number is rolled again before a 7.

4. Don’t Come Bet

• The Don’t Come Bet is the opposite of the Come Bet.
• Win: If the next roll is 2 or 3 (12 is a push).
• Lose: If the next roll is 7 or 11.
• Point: If a number between 4 and 10 (excluding 7 and 11) is rolled, that becomes your “don’t come point.” You win if a 7 is rolled before that number.

5. Place Bets

• Place Bets are placed on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10). You bet that the chosen number will be rolled before a 7.
  • Odds: Different numbers have different payouts, and the payout depends on how hard it is to roll that number (e.g., 7 is rolled more frequently than 4 or 10).

6. Field Bet

• The Field Bet is a one-roll bet. You bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Payouts: Typically, 2 and 12 pay double, while the other numbers pay even money.

7. Proposition Bets

• Proposition Bets are one-roll bets that can be placed on any specific combination of dice. Common propositions include:
  • Any Craps: A bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12.
  • Yo: A bet that the next roll will be an 11.
  • Horn Bet: A bet that the next roll will be 2, 3, 11, or 12.
  Note: Proposition bets have high payouts but low chances of winning.

Understanding Odds and Payouts

The odds of winning a bet in craps vary depending on the bet you place. Some bets, like the Pass Line, have relatively favorable odds, while others, like Proposition Bets, are much riskier but have higher payouts.

Basic Strategy Tips for Beginners

• Stick to Pass Line and Come Bets: These bets have a low house edge and are good bets for beginners.
• Avoid Proposition Bets: While they have high payouts, the odds are much worse, and they are better suited for advanced players.
• Take Odds on Your Bets: Once a point is established, you can make an odds bet behind your Pass Line or Come Bet. This is a bet that pays true odds and has no house edge, so it’s always a good bet to take.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Craps can be fast-paced, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Be sure to set a budget before playing and stick to it.

Common Craps Terminology

• Shooter: The person rolling the dice.
• Come-Out Roll: The first roll of the game, which determines the point or ends the round.
• Point: A number rolled during the come-out roll that must be rolled again before a 7 is rolled to win the round.
• 7-Out: When the shooter rolls a 7 before the point, ending the round.
• Hardways: A bet that a pair of a specific number (e.g., two 4s) will be rolled before a 7.

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Craps is a dynamic, exciting dice game that combines strategy and luck. With a variety of betting options and a unique table layout, learning craps can be both challenging and rewarding. By mastering the basic bets, understanding the odds, and keeping an eye on your bankroll, you’ll increase your chances of having fun while playing this classic dice game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, craps offers plenty of opportunities to develop and refine your strategies as you go.