Craps is an exciting and fast-paced casino game that’s easier to play than it might seem. Once you understand the basic rules and table layout, it becomes a thrilling mix of chance and strategy.

New to craps? This guide covers everything you need to know, from essential bets to step-by-step gameplay. Let’s start with a quick overview of how craps works.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Discover the rules and the table layout of craps.
Learn how to play craps step-by-step.
Find out the popular craps variants to try out and their key features.
Understand all the different craps bet you can bet on.

Craps Features

Craps is a fast-paced dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolls. While it may appear complex at first, understanding the basics can make it an exciting and approachable game.

Craps Dice Rolls

The game uses two six-sided dice, rolled by the shooter, with combined results determining the outcome.
A roll starts with the come-out roll, setting a “point” if numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 are rolled. The shooter must then roll the point again before a 7 to win.

Craps Key Elements: Puck, Shooter, Table Crew

The Puck: Indicates the game status (ON/OFF) and tracks points.
The Shooter: The player who rolls the dice; rotates clockwise in land-based games.
The Table Crew: This includes the stickman, dealers, and boxman in physical casinos.

For online craps, roles like the shooter and table crew are automated unless in a live dealer craps game.

Craps Bets

Craps betting revolves around a diverse table layout, designed to offer simple and complex wagering options for players of all levels. Here’s a streamlined breakdown of the essential betting areas and types you can find in a craps table:

Fact: The house edge in craps varies significantly—from less than 1% for Pass Line bets to over 16% for some proposition bets.

Main Betting Areas

Pass Line: Bet on the shooter rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll (wins 1:1). If a point is set (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the bet wins if the point is rolled before a 7.
Don’t Pass Line: Bet against the shooter, winning on 2 or 3, losing on 7 or 11. If a point is set, the bet wins if 7 is rolled before the point.

Additional Betting Areas

Come Bets: Similar to the Pass Line but placed after the come-out roll. Moves to the number rolled and wins if that number is repeated before a 7.
Don’t Come Bets: Works like Don’t Pass but after the come-out roll, betting on 7 before the rolled point.
Field Bets: A one-roll bet on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Pays 2:1 on 2 or 12, and 1:1 on other winning numbers.

Proposition Bets

Located in the center of the craps table, you can find the high-risk, high-reward bets such as:

Any Craps: Betting the next roll is 2, 3, or 12 (pays 7:1).
Hardways: Betting specific doubles (e.g., 4-4) are rolled before a 7 (pays up to 9:1).
Hop Bets: Single-roll bets on exact dice combinations, paying up to 30:1. Here is a list of the most popular one-roll bets:
- Any Craps: Betting that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12.
- Any Seven: Betting that the next roll will be a 7.
- Snake Eyes (Aces): Betting that the next roll will be a 2 (two 1s).
- Ace Deuce: Betting that the next roll will be a 3 (1 and 2).
- Boxcars (Midnight): Betting that the next roll will be a 12 (two 6s).
- Yo (Yo-Leven): Betting that the next roll will be an 11.
- Horn Bet: A combined bet on 2, 3, 11, and 12, with equal amounts on each.
- Horn High Bet: A horn bet with extra on one of the numbers (2, 3, 11, or 12).
- C&E (Craps and Eleven): Located in the center of the table, betting on either a craps (2, 3, 12) or 11; typical payouts are 7:1 for craps and 15:1 for 11.
Point Bets: There are two types of point bets in craps:
- Place Bets: Bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7, with payouts ranging from 7:6 to 9:5.
- Big 6 and Big 8: Wager on 6 or 8 being rolled before a 7 (pays 1:1).

Extra Betting Tips

Start with Pass or Don’t Pass bets: These are beginner-friendly and have a low house edge.
Avoid high-risk proposition bets: They have higher payouts but significantly higher house edges.

Mastering these bets simplifies your craps experience and sets you up for an engaging, strategic game.

Craps Gameplay

Here is our step-by-step guide to play craps:

Place your bet.
Start with a simple bet, such as the Pass Line. Bet on the shooter rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll to win. A roll of 2, 3, or 12 loses. Place your chips on the Pass Line area or click it in online games.
The shooter rolls the dice.
The shooter rolls the dice for the come-out roll. Winning or losing depends on the outcome, while other numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) set the point for the round.
Rolling the point.
If a point is established, the shooter must roll it again before a 7 to win. If 7 is rolled first, it’s a “seven out,” and the round ends.
Place additional bets.
After a point is set, players can place additional bets like Come/Don’t Come bets, Place bets, and Field bets.
End the craps round.
The shooter continues rolling until the point or a 7 is rolled. Rolling the point wins, and the shooter starts a new round. If 7 is rolled first, the dice pass clockwise to the next player.

Different Variants of Online Craps

Craps offers several exciting variants to suit different preferences. Each variant adds a unique twist, making craps an adaptable and engaging game for all types of players.

Here’s a brief look at the most popular options:

Street Craps

A simplified version with only two bet types and up to four roll outcomes. Players wager on the shooter rolling a specific number before a 7. Perfect for informal play with minimal setup.

Crapless Craps

Removes the risk of losing on 2, 3, or 12, turning them into points instead. While more player-friendly, it comes with a higher house edge.

High Point Craps

Ignores initial rolls of 2 and 3, allowing for a re-roll. Rolling 11 or 12 wins instantly, while other numbers set a point.

New York Craps

Features unique table layouts and focuses on box numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10). Winning bets require these numbers to be rolled.

Die Rich Craps

Uses a single die. Rolling 6 wins, 1 loses, and other numbers (2–5) set the point.

Open Craps

Allows bets at any time during the game, offering flexibility compared to traditional craps.

Put Your Craps Skills to the Test!

Craps offers excitement with every roll. You now have everything you need to confidently join a game, from the basic rules to beginner-friendly bets. Ready to take it further? Check out our best craps tips to elevate your gameplay. Your craps journey begins now!