The Ultimate Guide to Craps: Rules, Strategies and Pro Tips to Win More

How to Play Craps: Basic Rules Explained

Craps is played with two dice and a layout that allows players to bet on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls.

The Objective:

Bet on the results of the shooter’s dice roll.

Game Flow:

1. Come-Out Roll:
   1. A new round begins.
   1. If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, it’s a win for Pass Line bets.
   1. If they roll 2, 3, or 12, it’s a loss (craps).
   1. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the point.
2. Point Phase:
   1. Shooter keeps rolling.
   1. If the point number is rolled again → Pass Line wins.
   1. If a 7 is rolled before the point → Pass Line loses (Seven-Out).
3. The cycle restarts with a new come-out roll.

Key Bet Types (And Which Ones to Focus On)

Best Bets (Low House Edge)

Bet Type	Description	House Edge
Pass Line	Win on 7/11, lose on 2/3/12; point wins if hit again	1.41%
Don’t Pass	Opposite of Pass Line (wins on 2/3, loses on 7/11)	1.36%
Come Bet	Like Pass Line but made after come-out roll	1.41%
Don’t Come	Like Don’t Pass but made after come-out	1.36%
Odds Bet	Taken after Pass/Come—true odds, no house edge	0.00%

Bets to Avoid (High House Edge)

Bet Type	House Edge
Big 6/8	9.09%
Hardways	9%–11%
Yo (11), Any 7	11%–16.67%
Proposition Bets	13%+

Pro Tip: Stick with Pass/Don’t Pass, Come/Don’t Come, and Odds Bets. These give you the best return.

Winning Craps Strategies for Real Players

Strategy 1: Pass Line + Max Odds

• Place a Pass Line bet
• Once the point is established, back it up with the maximum odds bet allowed
• Most casinos allow 3x, 4x, 5x, or higher on odds bets

Why it works: Odds bets are the only ones in the casino with zero house edge.

Strategy 2: Don’t Pass System

• Place a Don’t Pass bet (you’re betting against the shooter)
• Lay odds after the point is set
• Statistically, Don’t Pass has slightly better odds than Pass

Pro Tip: This strategy is less popular because you’re “betting against the table,” but pros use it often for its edge.

Strategy 3: The 6/8 Place Bet Focus

• Skip the Pass Line.
• Directly place bets on 6 and 8.
• These numbers roll frequently (only second to 7).
• Payoff: 7:6 for 6 or 8

Why it works: The house edge is 1.52%, better than most bets and great for short sessions.

Strategy 4: The Iron Cross (High Action, Low Loss)

• Place bets on 5, 6, and 8
• Place a Field Bet
• You win on every number except 7

Caution: You’ll lose when 7 is rolled, which is the most common outcome. So use for short-term streaks.

Bankroll Management for Craps

Craps can move fast—especially with multiple bets. Smart money control is key.

Pro Guidelines:

• Only risk 1–3% of your bankroll per roll
• Set clear win goals (e.g., +25% of session bankroll)
• Use a unit-based betting system (e.g., $5 or $10 base unit)
• Avoid martingale or doubling systems—they’re risky during cold streaks

Table Etiquette & Player Tips

• Always wait for the come-out roll to make a Pass Line bet
• Don’t touch chips once the dice are out
• Ask dealers for help—they’re there to assist, especially at full tables
• You can say “same bet” or “press” to repeat your previous wagers

Pro Tip: Learn the layout, play online for free first, and walk up to a live table with confidence.

Practice Makes Profit: Simulate Before You Risk

Before playing with real money, practice on:

• Free craps apps or demos
• Casino simulator games
• Low-minimum online tables

Track:

• Number of Pass/Don’t Pass wins
• Effectiveness of strategies
• Emotional responses to swings

Advanced Tips from Pro Craps Players

• Alternate between Pass and Don’t Pass only after full cycles
• Take full odds if allowed—especially at 3x/4x/5x tables or higher
• Cut your losses early if the table is cold
• Ride hot tables, but don’t increase bets without a stop-limit
• Observe first—watch the table rhythm and shooting patterns

Sample Winning Session Plan (Low-Risk)

Action	Bet Size	Notes
Pass Line	$10	Always at the start of a round
Take 3x Odds on Point	$30	Maximize your edge
Place Bets on 6 and 8	$12 each	Once point is established
Walk Away After +$50 Profit	—	Or if you’re down 50% of bankroll

Conclusion: Craps is a Game of Controlled Risk

While craps has a reputation for being chaotic, it actually offers some of the best odds in the casino—when played strategically. Stick with low-edge bets, manage your bankroll carefully, and keep emotion out of your decisions.

Recap: Keys to Winning at Craps

• Focus on Pass/Don’t Pass and Odds Bets
• Avoid high house-edge bets like Hardways and Props
• Manage your money and set win/loss limits
• Practice online before playing live
• Use smart strategies, not superstition