Learn How to Play Craps and Win

If you’re wondering how to play Craps, you’re in the right place. This is a classic casino game that both beginners and experienced players adore. If you’re new, we’ll introduce you to Craps in the simplest way possible. And if you already know what Craps is all about, then this article will be perfect for taking your game to the next level. Once you are ready, head over to Instant Casino to try your hand at a game of craps!

Craps Rules Explained

Craps rules are fairly simple: bet on the outcome of the dice roll, a series of rolls, or a pair of dice. Believe it or not, the game’s roots are from an Old English game called Hazard. It’s fascinated the world ever since, so it’s no surprise it remains so popular even today.

To play Craps, you first need to know some basic terms and objectives:

• Shooter: The player who rolls the dice.
• Pass Line Bet: A bet placed before the come-out roll. You win if the roll is 7 or 11 and lose if it’s 2, 3, or 12.
• Come-Out Roll: The first roll of the dice to establish a point.
• Point: If the come-out roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. You ( or another Shooter) must roll the point number again before rolling a 7 to win.

Craps Table

Betting Areas

When you first see a Craps table, you’ll notice it has different betting areas. Depending on the area you select, different betting options will be available to you.

• Pass Line: Before the first roll of the dice, you will need to place a bet in the Pass Line area. You’re betting on the Shooter to win. If they do, you get a 1:1 payout.
• Come Bet: This place is reserved for when the point number is established after the come out roll. But, if a 7 is rolled after the point has been established, your Come Bet will lose.
• Don’t Pass: This part of the table layout is reserved for the opposite outcome of the Pass Line bet. You’re betting the Shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12.
• Individual Numbers: In a typical online casinos Craps table, you’ll also see a section for Individual number bets. Here, you can buy bets on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10.
• Lay Bet: You’ll see an unmarked area above each individual number. This place is reserved for when you bet that the 7 will roll before the number currently being bet.
• Field bets: This is the largest area on the table, right below the Come Bets area. The point of field bets is to predict that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Odds bets: Because Odds bets allow you to make the true and payout odds the same, they effectively reduce the house edge to 0%. Here, you bet on the point established. And after the Come and Pass line bets, you take the odds that the same point as before will be rolled again.

Come out roll

The first roll at the table you or another Shooter make is known as a come out roll. This roll of the dice can have three possible outcomes:

Natural Point

If your come out roll has landed on a 7 or 11, you’re a natural winner. If you or someone else have placed a pass line bet on this outcome, then that bet wins too. On top of that, you also get another chance to roll the dice.

Craps Numbers

Any pass line bet placed will automatically lose if the Shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12. But, a Don’t Pass Line bet will win! Though this isn’t the most desirable outcome when playing Craps, you’ll still get another chance to roll the dice.

Point Numbers

4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 are known as place numbers. If you roll any of them, the dealer will mark that place on the table. Before you roll a 7 for any Pass line bet to win, you’ll need to roll the point number first. Plus, you’ll get an additional roll. But, if you roll a 7 before the point number, Don’t Pass bets win!

Craps Betting

The exact payout of bets may depend on the specific game you’re playing a house rules. But, generally speaking, Craps bets payout as described below:

Bet Type	Winning Numbers	Payouts
Pass Line	7, 11	1:1
Don’t Pass Line	2, 3 ( 12 ties)	1:1
Come	7, 11	1:1
Don’t Come	2, 3 ( 12 ties)	1:1
Odds Bets	Varies by point	True odds
Place Bets	4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10	Varies (6:5 for 6&8, 7:5 for 5&9, 9:5 for 4&10)
Proposition Bets	Varies by outcome	Varies (up to 30:1)

Craps Strategy

There are many online craps strategies out there, especially among those who don’t know how to play craps yet. We’ll let you in on a little secret; the three famous strategies listed below will be more than enough to get you started!

3-Point Molly

In this strategy, you cover multiple numbers with a combination of different bets. That way, you increase your chances of winning, as it’s more likely at least one of the bets will be successful.

To pull off the 3-Point Molly, you’ll need to place a Pass Line bet first, before the come out roll. Then, after the point has been established, place a Come bet. If the Come bet establishes another point, place another Come bet. This way, you have three numbers working for you – the Pass Line point and two Come points.

Now you can also see how the strategy got the name!

Iron Cross

Playing the Iron Cross means you’re placing multiple bets that are designed to win at every roll:

• Field Bet: Place a bet on the Field. This bet wins on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
• Place Bets: Simultaneously, place bets on 5, 6, and 8.

This way, all of the numbers are covered by either the Field or the Place bets. The only losing number is 7. Since this strategy relies on low payout odds, it’s better reserved for those who want to win more frequently, even if they don’t win big.

Pass Line/Odds

This strategy is perfect for beginners, as you don’t have to bet a lot and the probability of a winning payoff is high. Here’s a step by step breakdown:

• Pass Line Bet: Place a bet on the Pass Line before the come-out roll.
• Come-Out Roll: If the roll is a 7 or 11, you win. If it’s 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number establishes a point.
• Odds Bet: Once a point has been established, place an Odds bet behind your Pass Line bet. This bet is paid at true odds with no house edge, making it very appealing.

Craps Odds and Tips

Regardless of what strategy you choose, you need to know the payout odds so that you can get a better feel of how the game will go:

Bet Type	House Edge	Best Tips
Pass Line	1.41%	Always take maximum odds
Don’t Pass Line	1.36%	Use Don’t Pass and Don’t Come for lower House edge
Come	1.41%	Combine with Odds bets
Don’t Come	1.36%	Combine with Odds bets
Place 6&8	1.52%	Focus on 6 and 8 for better payouts
Proposition Bets	Varies (up to 16.67%)	Avoid high House edge bets

On top of that, don’t forget these additional tips to increase your chance of winning:

• Stick to Pass Line and Odds Bets: These have the lowest house edge.
• Manage Your Funds: Set a budget and stick to it.
• Avoid Proposition Bets: High house edge means less chance of winning.
• Learn and Use a Strategy: Strategies like the 3-Point Molly can help you win more often.

FAQ

What are the basic rules of Craps?

The game involves rolling two dice and predicting their outcome. The basic bets are the Pass Line bet and the Don’t Pass Line bet. In the first case, you bet on the Shooter to win, and in the second, you bet on the opposite outcome.

What is the easiest way to play Craps?

The easiest way is to place a Pass Line bet before the come out roll and then take odds after a point is established. This simple strategy keeps the game straightforward and the winning potential fair.

Is Craps beatable?

Craps is a game of chance, and while strategies can help increase your chances of winning, there is no way to consistently win in the long term.

Is Craps better than Blackjack?
The answer to this question is highly subjective. We suggest you try playing both at our casino and make the decision for yourself!