How to Play Craps

Craps involves two dice and a layout abundant with betting choices, ranks as one of the major attractions in casinos. In essence, Craps requires players to wager on the outcomes generated by rolling two dice. The fundamental goal is to correctly predict the resulting numbers after the throw. While the core rules are straightforward, the complexity of the game for novices often stems from the sheer variety of available wagers and underlying mechanics.

Understanding the Two Essential Phases of Craps

To fully grasp the flow of Craps, it is crucial to recognize that the game is structured around two distinct phases: the Come Out phase and the Point phase. These two phases fundamentally determine the dynamics of all betting actions.

1. The Come Out Phase (Button OFF)

Every game initiates with the Come Out phase. The first roll is referred to as the Come Out Roll. In a live casino setting, one player, known as the “shooter” or “atirador,” is responsible for throwing the dice. Online versions handle the dice roll automatically.

This phase is visually identified by the table marker (or disc) being in the OFF position (which is typically black). This marker is usually situated near the Don’t Come area, close to the number 4. During this phase, the shooter attempts to establish the Point.

The result of this initial roll immediately dictates the progression of the round:

• Immediate Win for Pass Line: If the dice result in 7 or 11, all players who have placed a Pass Line bet win instantly, and the round concludes.
• Immediate Loss/Win for Don’t Pass (Craps): If the result is 2, 3, or 12, this outcome is designated as “craps”. In this situation, bets on the Pass Line lose, while wagers on the Don’t Pass Line are victorious. The round ends immediately here as well.
• Establishing the Point: If the result is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that specific number is designated as the Point. When this occurs, the game transitions into the Point phase. Importantly, the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets are not resolved as winners or losers at this moment; they remain active and contingent on the subsequent rolls of the dice.

2. The Point Phase (Button ON)

Once a Point has been successfully established by the shooter, the fundamental goal of the game shifts. This phase is indicated by the marker being in the ON position (which is usually white). The ON marker is placed directly over the number that was established as the Point (e.g., 4, 5, Six, 8, Nine, or 10).

The shooter continues to roll the dice repeatedly until one of two specific scenarios materializes:

1. Point is Rolled Again (Success): If the established Point number is rolled before a 7, players who wagered on the Pass Line win, and those on Don’t Pass lose. The round then concludes, leading to the start of a new Come Out phase.
2. A 7 Appears (Failure): If a 7 is rolled before the Point number is repeated, the Pass Line bets lose, and the Don’t Pass bets win. The round concludes, and a new Come Out phase begins.

All other numbers rolled during the Point phase (excluding the Point and 7) do not affect the outcome of the active Pass/Don’t Pass bets. The game resolution depends entirely on the appearance of either the Point or a 7. This demonstrates a critical dynamic: the significance of the number 7 changes completely based on the game phase; sometimes a 7 guarantees a win, and other times it results in a defeat.

Navigating the Craps Table Layout

The physical layout of the Craps table is a map of all available betting options, and understanding its configuration is essential for accurate play. The board can sometimes appear confusing compared to a roulette table because highly relevant bets like the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line (sometimes shown as Don’t Pass Bar) appear discreetly, while other elements are prominently highlighted.

While table designs are generally quite similar, some may incorporate more details than others. A close examination reveals two major highlighted areas:

1. The area featuring the word COME centrally, which encompasses the most common wagers, referred to as Basic Bets. These bets have specific rules that must be understood for correct application.
2. The area marked HORN BET/HARDWAYS, which contains wagers categorized as Secondary Bets. These are often direct wagers but are used less frequently.

To place any wager, whether in a physical or online setting, chips must be positioned accurately on the corresponding field. Correct chip placement is vital to prevent any confusion or misinterpretation regarding the intended bet.

Detailed Mechanics of Basic Bets

Basic Bets are the most fundamental wagers in Craps, typically concentrated at the extremities of the betting layout. The four most critical bets heavily favored by experienced players are Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come.

1. Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line Bet is the most popular wager and usually the first one initiated. It can only be placed during the Come Out phase, before the Point is established. Without this bet, the game cannot begin.

• Mechanics (Come Out): Wins instantly on 7 or 11. Loses instantly on 2, 3, or 12. If a Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is established, the bet remains active.
• Mechanics (Point Phase): Wins if the Point is repeated before a 7 is rolled. Loses if a 7 appears before the Point is repeated.
• Payout: 1:1 (odd 2.0).
• House Edge: Approximately 1.41%.

2. Don’t Pass Line Bet

This bet functions as the exact opposite of the Pass Line. It must also be placed before the Point has been established.

• Mechanics (Come Out): Wins on 2 or 3. Loses on 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in the bet being annulled, and the wager is refunded (a push). If a Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is established, the bet remains active.
• Mechanics (Point Phase): Wins if a 7 is rolled before the Point is repeated. Loses if the Point is rolled again first.
• Payout: 1:1 (odd 2.0).
• House Edge: Approximately 1.36%.

3. Come Bet

The Come Bet is similar to the Pass Line Bet but is specifically placed after the main Point has already been established.

• Mechanics (Next Roll): Wins on 7 or 11. Loses on 2, 3, or 12. If 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, that number becomes the Come Point (a “personal point” for that specific wager).
• Resolution: The bet wins if the Come Point is repeated before a 7 is rolled. It loses if a 7 appears before the Come Point repeats.
• Payout: 1:1 (odd 2.0).
• House Edge: Approximately 1.41%.

4. Don’t Come Bet

The Don’t Come Bet is the inverse of the Come Bet, functioning like the Don’t Pass Line, and can also only be made after the Point has been established.

• Mechanics (Next Roll): Wins on 2 or 3. Loses on 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a reimbursement. If 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, that number becomes the Come Point.
• Resolution: Wins if a 7 appears before the Come Point is repeated. Loses if the Come Point is repeated first.
• Payout: 1:1 (odd 2.0).
• House Edge: Approximately 1.36%.

5. Place Bets

Place Bets are only permitted once the main Point has been established. These involve selecting a specific number from 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 and wagering that it will appear before a 7 is rolled. This wager is flexible, as players have the option to withdraw it at any time.

• Payouts and House Edge:
  • 6 and 8: Payout 7:6 (odd 2.20). House Edge: Approximately 1.52%.
  • 5 and 9: Payout 7:5 (odd 2.40). House Edge: Approximately 4.00%.
  • 4 and 10: Payout 9:5 (odd 2.80). House Edge: Approximately 6.67%.

6. Field Bet

The Field Bet is a single-roll wager that can be placed at any moment during the game.

• Mechanics: You are betting that the very next roll will be 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Loss: You lose if the next roll is 5, 6, 7, or 8.
• Payouts:
  • 1:1 (odd 2.0): Paid on 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11.
  • 2:1 (odd 3.0) or 3:1 (odd 4.0): Paid on 2 or 12, depending on the casino.
• House Edge: Approximately 5.56% (this figure is conditional on the payout for 2 and 12).

7. Big 6 & Big 8

These are simple wagers that a 6 or an 8 will be rolled before a 7 appears.

• Mechanics: If you bet Big 6, you win if 6 rolls before 7. If you bet Big 8, you win if 8 rolls before 7.
• Payout: 1:1 (odd 2.0).
• House Edge: Approximately 9.09%.

Detailed Mechanics of Secondary Bets (Proposition Bets)

Secondary Bets, often referred to as Special Bets or Proposition Bets abroad, are usually situated in the central area of the Craps table. They are characterized by their rapid resolution, as the majority are resolved in a single throw of the dice (one-roll bets), unlike Basic Bets which may take multiple rounds to conclude. These wagers typically offer higher payouts but carry a less favorable probability and a resulting higher house advantage.

1. Hardways Bets

Hardways involve betting on numbers 4, 6, 8, or 10, with the strict requirement that they must be rolled as identical pairs on both dice.

• Specific Hardways: Hard 4 must be 2-2; Hard 6 must be 3-3; Hard 8 must be 4-4; Hard 10 must be 5-5.
• Losing Condition: If the targeted number is rolled in any other combination (e.g., 4 rolled as 1-3 or 3-1), this is termed the “easy way,” and the Hardway bet immediately loses.
• Resolution: The bet remains active until one of three outcomes occurs: the number rolls as a Hardway (Win), the number rolls the easy way (Loss), or a 7 rolls (Loss).
• Payouts and House Edge:
  • Hard 4 or Hard 10: Payout 7:1 (odd 8.0). House Edge: 11.1%.
  • Hard 6 or Hard 8: Payout 9:1 (odd 10.0). House Edge: 9.09%.

2. Straight Up Bets

These are high-risk, high-reward, single-roll options targeting specific numbers. They appeal to players seeking a rapid, high return on a small wager. The numbers have distinct names: 2 is “Aces,” 3 is “Ace-Deuce,” 11 is “Yo,” and 12 is “Twelve”.

• Ace-Deuce (3): Bet that the next roll is 3 (1-2). Payout 15:1 (odd 16.0). House Edge: Approximately 11.11%.
• Yo (Eleven): Bet that the next roll is 11. Payout 15:1 (odd 16.0). House Edge: Approximately 11.11%.
• Low (Aces – 2 or 3): Bet that the next roll is 2 or 3. If the number rolls, you win. Payout 15:1 (odd 31.0). House Edge: Approximately 11.11%. (Note: Betting specifically on Low-Aces 2 (1+1) pays 30:1).
• High (Twelve – 11 or 12): Bet that the next roll is 11 or 12. Payout 15:1 (odd 31.0). House Edge: Approximately 11.11%. (Note: Betting specifically on High-Twelve 12 (6+6) pays 30:1).

3. C & E Bets (Craps and Eleven)

These are combined, single-roll proposition bets placed in the center area of the table.

• Craps (C): Wager that the next roll will be 2, 3, or 12.
• Eleven (E): Wager that the next roll will be 11.
• Splitting the Bet: A player can choose to divide their total wager equally between C and E. If Craps rolls, the player wins on C (e.g., 3:1) and loses the portion on E. If Eleven rolls, the player wins on E and loses the portion on C.
• Separate Payouts and Edge (Split): Craps pays 3:1 (House Edge 11.11%); Eleven pays 7:1 (House Edge 5.56%).
• Separate Payouts (Not Split): Craps pays 7:1 (odd 7.0); Eleven pays 15:1 (odd 15.0).

4. Any Craps & Any Seven

These are quick, straightforward one-roll bets popular among players who enjoy rapid action.

• Any Craps: Wager that the next roll is 2, 3, or 12. Payout: 7:1 (odd 7.0). House Edge: Approximately 11.11%.
• Any Seven: Wager that the next roll is 7. Payout: 4:1 (odd 4.0). House Edge: Approximately 16.67%.

5. Horn Bets

A Horn Bet is a single-roll wager that covers four specific outcomes: 2 (Snake Eyes), 3 (Ace-Deuce), 11 (Yo), and 12 (Boxcars).

• Mechanics: The dealer divides the total stake into four equal parts, allocating one part to each of the four numbers. If one of those numbers rolls, the corresponding part wins, and the other three parts lose. If any number other than 2, 3, 11, or 12 rolls, all four parts lose.
• Payouts: 2 and 12 generally pay 24:7 (odd 7.75). 3 and 11 generally pay 3:1 (odd 4.0).
• House Edge: Approximately 12.50%.

6. Hope Bets (Hops)

Hope Bets, located in the table’s central square area, cover all possible combinations of two dice that specifically result in the numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. For example, 2+2=4 and 6+1=7 are Hope Bets, but 5+6=11 is not, as the total result did not fall between 4 and 10.

• Mechanics: This is a wager on a very specific dice combination (e.g., betting on 3-3, not just the number 6).
• Payouts: Hope Bets offer two generous payouts:
  • Pairs (2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5): Pay 30:1 because there is only one way to roll each pair.
  • Other Combinations (yielding 4 through 10): Pay 15:1 because there are two ways to roll these specific non-pair combinations.

Essential Casino Interaction and Etiquette

Mastering the proper way to interact with the Craps table is crucial, as missteps can lead to unnecessary losses and ensure a smooth, organized gaming experience. Approaching a table requires understanding specific rules regarding chip placement and communication.

Self-Service Bets

Many common wagers are classified as self-service, meaning they are placed directly by the player without the dealer handling the chips. These include Pass Line and its Odds, Don’t Pass and its Lay Odds, Come Bet, Don’t Come, and Field.

• Player Responsibility: When making self-service bets, the player is entirely responsible for monitoring their wagers and ensuring they collect their winnings. Dealers are not obligated to track every individual result for every player, especially at a busy table.
• “If It Lays, It Plays”: If a dealer uses this phrase, it serves as a warning that a player won a self-service bet but failed to remove their profits. If the player does not collect the funds, the winning amount is automatically added to the original stake for the subsequent roll, even if this was not the player’s desire.

Verbal Bets

It is common practice for players to interact directly with the dealers to make wagers, adjust stakes, request bets to be deactivated (OFF), or reactivated (ON). This allows actions to be taken without physically touching the table surface.

• Validation: A verbal instruction only constitutes a valid bet if the dealer explicitly repeats the instruction aloud. After the roll, the player can provide the chips or money to the dealer to finalize the bet.
• Safety and Etiquette: This verbal method is preferred to adhere to strict etiquette rules, primarily to prevent interference with the dice. If the shooter’s dice collide with a player’s hand or loose objects on the table, altering the result and causing losses to other players, the interfering player could be held responsible.
• General Etiquette: Essential rules include keeping hands on the rail, avoiding placing loose money or chips on the surface, and refraining from gestures or pointing that could interfere with the dice trajectory.

Chip Placement and Clarity

The design of the Craps table is intentionally structured to facilitate clear betting. Since the majority of wagers occur in the Basic Bets area, chips must be positioned visibly and unambiguously.

• Correct Placement: Chips should be clearly identifiable and placed precisely on the intended betting field (like the colored chips referenced in the source). For example, chips indicating a wager on the numbers 4 and 5 should be clearly placed on those fields.
• Incorrect Placement: Positioning chips over lines or covering multiple numbers (like the black and yellow chips mentioned) generates confusion by mixing distinct bets and should be avoided.
• Secondary Bets: For the smaller squares used for Secondary Bets, clear organization is still vital. If positioning a chip correctly is challenging due to the density of other players’ wagers, it is highly recommended to verbalize the intended bet to the dealer before the next roll to prevent misunderstandings.

The “No Bet” Call

If a dealer uses the expression “No bet,” it signifies that the attempted wager has not been accepted. This rejection can occur for several reasons, such as placing the bet at the incorrect time, making an invalid bet, or lack of clarity regarding the player’s intention. If a player hears this call, they must determine the precise reason for the rejection.

Author:

Lucas Portela

Owner, BoldGambler • Avanhandava/SP

Oddsmaker, affiliate and content creator in the iGaming industry.

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