How To Play Craps: A Guide

Jamie Bungaree | Reviewed by: Gail Banavage | March 6, 2015 | Updated on: October 4th, 2024

In Craps, players bet against the casino on the outcome of rolling two dice. Check out our guide to learn how to play the game of Craps and how to tilt the odds in your favour.

Understanding The Basics of Craps

The game of Craps uses dice and chips on a table. To fully understand this game, you need to know the ins and outs of the game, including the table layout, rules, and basic strategies.

While the table might seem complicated, it’s simpler than it appears; it’s just mirrored for players on both sides.

The Craps Table Layout

The craps table has two identical side sections and a central section. Each side section has a dealer, while the middle section is managed by a stickman. You only interact with the side you’re on.

Side Section: This area includes the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Field, Come, and Don’t Come bets. It’s also called the “self-service” area because players can place their own bets with the dealer’s help.
Middle Section: Shared by all players, only the stickman or dealer can manage this area.

To place a bet, put your chips on the designated spot. If you win, you should remove your chips. If you leave them, it means you’re betting the same amount on the next roll.

Using One-Roll-Bets On A Craps Table:

On the right side of the table, you’ll find the area for one-roll bets. These bets are placed on the outcome of a single roll.

An image of the various ways to play craps

Rules of Craps

In the game of craps, players bet on the outcome of two dice:

Instant Win: A first roll total of 7 or 11 wins.
Instant Loss: A first roll total of 2, 3, or 12 loses.
Point: Any other number becomes the “Point.” To win, the Point must be rolled again before a 7 is rolled.
Crapped Out: If a 7 is rolled before the Point, the player loses, and the dice pass to the next player who bets on the “Pass Line.”

Main Strategies to Win In Craps

“Do Not” Strategy: For Beginners: Stop betting when the shooter rolls a Point or a natural (7 or 11). Start betting again after a 7 is rolled.
Fibonacci Strategy: Bet amounts follow a sequence where each bet is the sum of the previous two (e.g., 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, etc.).
Parlay Betting System: Best for Pros: After a win, bet both your winnings and the original bet. It can yield big wins but is riskier.

How to Play Craps And Win

Craps is a thrilling and unpredictable game, but you can still take steps to boost your chances of winning. Here are some tips to help improve your odds:

Practice Regularly: Gain confidence and skill by playing often.
Stick to a Strategy: Avoid switching strategies too quickly. Give each one a fair trial for a few rounds.
Bet Smaller Amounts: Keep bets modest to manage the fast-paced excitement.
Consider the House Edge: Place bets that factor in the casino’s advantage.
Set a Time Limit: Avoid losing track of time and overspending by setting and sticking to a playtime limit.

How to Play Craps As A Beginner

Learning to play Craps as a beginner is easy. Start by finding a reputable craps casino from our recommended list. Then, focus on these three essentials:

Understand the Craps rules
Practice regularly
Choose and test a good Craps strategy

How to Play Craps As An Intermediate Player

Once you grasp the rules and gain practice, you can confidently play craps at real money casinos. While these tips won’t guarantee wins due to craps’ unpredictability, they enhance your odds:

Stay focused on the game’s flow.
Place bets promptly.
Roll the dice down the centre of the table.
Avoid saying “seven,” use “Big Red” instead.
Tip the dealer as a gesture of good etiquette.
Above all, enjoy the game!

How to Play Craps Like A Pro

Once you’ve learned the basics and a strategy, you’ll want to play craps like a pro. A craps pro understands:

The various types of craps bets
Craps terms and lingo for a professional gameplay experience
Mastering these aspects helps you employ effective tactics and increase your chances of winning in craps.

Online Craps Bets And Terms

Pass Line Bet

Wagering that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll.

Don’t Pass Bet

Betting the dice will not pass. The bet can be placed on a Come Out roll.

Don’t Pass Bar/line

This is where you place the don’t pass bets, usually opposite of a pass line.

Come Bet

Bet after the Come Out roll that the dice will pass

Don’t Come Bet

The player will win the wager if the shooter rolls a 2 or a 3, while a 7 or 11 will mean they lose.

Field Bet

Betting that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.

Place Bet

Betting the shooter will roll a 7 before a 5, 6 8, 9 or 10.

Big 6

Placing a bet that the shooter will roll a 6 before a 7.

Big 8

Wagering that the shooter will throw an 8 before 7.

Hardways

Betting that the shooter will roll identical dice, totalling 4, 6, 8, or 10.

Any 7

Placing a single roll wager on the shooter rolling 7.

Any craps

Another single roll wager on the shooter rolling a 2, 3 or 12.

Natural

This refers to when the first two cards in a hand have the value of and 8 or 9. If this occurs then the hand is finished and the payout is given to the winning participant.

Playing The Game of Craps Overall

Playing Craps can be highly rewarding once you’re familiar with it. You can enjoy this thrilling dice game at our recommended gambling sites for Aussies. For more tips on playing the game of craps, check out our guide and choose from our top-rated casinos for the best experience.