When I first started playing craps, the rules seemed complex. However, once you understand the basics, the game becomes incredibly exciting.

In this article, I’m going to explain the essential rules of craps so you can have fun and play with confidence.

Craps presentation

How to play craps A game in two phases

When I first discovered craps, I learned that it’s played in two distinct phases: On and Off. Understanding these phases is crucial to playing well. In this section, I’ll explain how each phase works and what you need to know to maximize your chances of winning.

How the game unfolds: the On phase

When you’re playing craps and the die shows the “On” phase, it means the point has been established.

Here’s how it works: on the first roll, called the “come-out roll”, if you get a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, that number becomes the point. The dealer then places a marker on this number, indicating that the “On” phase has begun.

Your objective is now to raise the same number before rolling a 7. If you succeed, you win your pass line bets. On the other hand, if a 7 comes up before you raise the point, you lose those bets.

The “On” phase adds suspense, as each throw can bring you closer to victory or defeat.

Process on

How the game unfolds: the Off phase

When the phase is “Off” in craps, it means that there is no established point. This phase occurs mainly during the “come-out roll”, the first throw of the dice in a new round.

If you roll a 2, 3, 7, 11 or 12 at this point, the “Off” phase persists. A 7 or 11 wins your pass-line bets, while a 2, 3 or 12 loses them.

Until you score a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, the game remains in the “Off” phase. This phase is essential, as it determines whether you will enter the “On” phase, where a point will be established. Use this phase to familiarize yourself with the rhythm of the game and refine your strategy.

Course off

Types of craps bets

I’ve discovered that there are a variety of craps bets, each with its own rules and advantages.I’m going to introduce you to the different bets on this table game, so you can choose the ones that best suit your playing strategy.

Pass

When you bet on the pass line in craps, you’re betting on the shooter to win.

Here’s how it works: on the come-out roll, if you roll a 7 or 11, you win immediately. If you roll a 2, 3 or 12, you lose.

If you get a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, that number becomes the point. Your aim is to raise this point before making a 7. If you succeed, you win. Otherwise, you lose.

The Pass bet is simple and popular, perfect for a good craps debut.

Don’t pass

When you bet on the Don’t Pass line in craps, you’re betting against the shooter.

On the come-out roll, if you roll a 2 or a 3, you win immediately. If you make a 7 or an 11, you lose. A 12 gives you back your bet.

If you get a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, that number becomes the point. Your aim is for the pitcher to get a 7 before throwing the point again. If a 7 comes out before the point, you win. Otherwise, you lose.

The Don’t Pass bet is ideal if you want to bet against the pitcher’s odds.

Don't pass

Come

When you bet on the Come line in craps, you make a bet similar to the Pass bet, but after the point is established. You place your Come bet, and it’s as if the next roll of the dice becomes a new come-out roll for you.

If you get a 7 or an 11, you win immediately. If you make a 2, 3 or 12, you lose.

If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 comes up, that number becomes your Come point. Your goal is to raise this point before making a 7 to win your bet.

Mise Come te lets you join the action at any time, without waiting for a point to be set.

Don’t come

When you bet on the Don’t Come line in craps, you bet against the shooter after the point is established. You place your Don’t Come bet, and the next roll of the dice becomes your come-out roll.

If you roll a 2 or a 3, you win immediately. If you roll a 7 or an 11, you lose. A 12 gives you back your bet. If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is rolled, this number becomes your Don’t Come point. Your aim is to get the shooter to roll a 7 before you roll the point again.

If a 7 comes up first, you win. If not, you lose. The Don’t Come bet allows you to bet against the pitcher’s chances at any time, again without having to wait for an established point.

Don't come

Odds

When you bet on Odds in craps, you add an additional bet to your Pass, Don’t Pass, Come or Don’t Come bet, once the point is established.

After you have made a base bet and the point is established, you can place an Odds bet behind your initial bet. Odds bets have no house edge and are paid according to real odds.

For example, if you bet on Pass and the point is 4 or 10, you’re paid 2:1 if the point is raised before a 7. For a point of 5 or 9, it’s 3:2, and for a 6 or 8, it’s 6:5. This increases your potential winnings without increasing the house advantage.

Fields

When you bet on the Field in craps, you’re betting on the outcome of the next roll of the dice. You place your bet in the Field area of the table. If the next throw is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12, you win. A 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11 pays you even money, while a 2 or 12 pays you double.

If you roll a 5, 6, 7 or 8, you lose your bet. It’s a quick and easy bet with immediate payouts, ideal if you want to add some suspense to your session.

Fields

Big 6

When you bet on the Big 6 in craps, you bet that the number 6 will be thrown before a 7. You place your bet in the area marked “Big 6” on the table.

If a 6 comes out before a 7, you win and your bet is paid evenly. If a 7 comes out before the 6, you lose your bet. It’s a simple bet to understand and ideal for beginners, but it offers the same payout as placing a bet directly on the 6 with a Place bet, which can be more advantageous.

The Big 6 keeps you in the action, without feeling left behind, with a bet that’s easy to follow.

The big 8

The Big 8 bet works just like the Big 6, except that here you’re betting that the number 8 will be rolled before a 7. You place your bet in the area marked “Big 8” on the table.

If an 8 comes out before a 7, you win and your bet is paid evenly. If a 7 comes out before the 8, you lose your bet. Once again, it’s an easy-to-understand bet, ideal for beginners who want to take part in the game without complications.

But again, it is often recommended to place a bet directly on the 8 with a Place bet, as this can offer a better return.

Big 8

Place

When you make a Place bet in craps, you bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) in the hope that it will be rolled before a 7. You place your bet on the number of your choice in the Place section of the table.

If your number comes up before a 7, you win. Winnings vary according to number: 4 and 10 pay 9:5, 5 and 9 pay 7:5, and 6 and 8 pay 7:6. If a 7 comes up before your number, you lose your bet.

Place bets are flexible and can be withdrawn or reduced at any time. This is a popular strategy for maximizing your winnings on specific numbers.

Le 7

When you bet on 7 in craps, you’re simply betting on the fact that the next roll of the dice will be a 7. You place your bet on the Any Seven section of the table.

If the next roll is a 7, you win and your stake is paid at 4:1. If the result is another number, you lose your bet.

This bet is risky, as the 7 can come out at any time, but it has a high house advantage. It’s a quick and exciting bet, ideal if you’re prepared to take a big risk.

7

Le 11

Like 7, when you bet on 11 in craps, you’re betting that the next roll of the dice will be an 11. You place your bet on the Any Eleven or Yo section of the table.

If the next throw is an 11, you win and your bet is paid at 15:1. If the result is another number, you lose your bet. This bet is very risky because of the low probability of making an 11, but the potential winnings are high.

You can consider this bet for an even riskier version than the 7.

Craps

When you make a Craps bet, you bet that the next roll of the dice will be a 2, 3 or 12. You place your bet on the Any Craps section of the table.

If the next roll is a 2, 3 or 12, you win and your bet is paid at 7:1. If the result is another number, you lose your bet.

This is a risky bet, as these figures have the lowest probability of coming out, but the payoff can be substantial. It’s a fast and exciting bet, perfect if you’re looking for an instant thrill and are prepared to accept the risk of losing.

Winning a game of Craps: Some strategies to make it easier

To improve your craps chances, here are some strategies I find useful:

  • Pass Line bet with Odds: Start by betting on the Pass Line. If the point is established, take Odds, as they have no house edge and increase your potential winnings. This maximizes your chances of long-term success.
  • Don’t Pass bet with Odds: If you prefer to bet against the shooter, bet on the Don’t Pass line and also take Odds. This gives you a slight advantage on the house.
  • Play on 6 and 8: Numbers 6 and 8 have good exit odds. Placing bets on these numbers gives you a good ratio, as they pay 7:6.
  • Avoid high-volatility bets: Avoid high-volatility bets like Any Seven or Any Craps, as they have a high house edge and can quickly deplete your budget.
  • Come and Don’t Come bets: These bets are similar to Pass and Don’t Pass bets, but can be placed after the point has been established. This allows you to diversify your bets and maximize your winning opportunities.

By following these strategies, you can play smarter and increase your chances of craps success.