Craps
Craps offers some of the best bets in the casino (Pass Line at 1.41%) and some of the worst (Big 6/8 at 9.09%). Knowing which bets to make (and which to avoid) is the key to smart craps play.
Play Craps FreeHow to Play Craps
Craps is a dice game played at a large table where one player (the shooter) rolls two dice while others bet on the outcome. The game looks intimidating because of the complex table layout, but the core gameplay is simple. Most of the action centers on the Pass Line bet, which is the most fundamental bet in craps.
A craps round has two phases. The Come-Out Roll is the first roll: if it's a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win immediately. If it's 2, 3, or 12 (craps), Pass Line bets lose. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the Point. The second phase continues until the shooter rolls the Point number again (Pass Line wins) or rolls a 7 (Pass Line loses, called 'sevening out').
The best bet in craps, and one of the best in any casino, is the Odds bet. After a Point is established, you can place an additional bet behind your Pass Line bet that pays at true odds with zero house edge. This is the only bet in the casino with no mathematical advantage for the house. Casinos limit Odds bets (typically 3x-4x-5x your Pass Line bet), but you should always take maximum odds.
Beyond the Pass Line, craps offers dozens of other bets. The Don't Pass is the opposite of the Pass Line with a slightly lower house edge (1.36%). Come and Don't Come bets work like Pass/Don't Pass but can be made after the Point is set. Avoid proposition bets in the center of the table. They have house edges from 5.6% to 16.7% and are there to generate profit for the casino.
Quick Rules
- Shooter rolls two dice and bets are placed on the outcome
- Pass Line: wins on 7 or 11 (come-out), loses on 2, 3, or 12
- Any other number becomes the Point, and the shooter tries to roll it again before a 7
- Odds bet behind the Pass Line pays true odds (0% house edge)
- Don't Pass is the opposite of Pass Line (1.36% house edge)
- Avoid proposition bets in the center with house edges up to 16.7%
- Pass Line + maximum Odds is the optimal basic strategy
Beginner Tips
#1Stick to Pass Line + maximum Odds. This combination has an effective house edge well under 1%
#2The Don't Pass bet is mathematically slightly better (1.36% vs 1.41%) but can attract social pressure from other players
#3Never make proposition bets (any craps, hardways, big 6/8) because they're designed to drain your bankroll
#4Come bets with Odds are a great way to have multiple points working simultaneously while keeping the edge low
#5Craps is a social game, so learn basic etiquette (don't say 'seven', don't delay the game, tip the dealers)
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Craps Strategies. Ranked by Score
Pass Line + Full Odds
The best bet combination in craps. The Pass Line has a 1.41% house edge, and the Odds bet behind it has a true 0% edge, making it unbeatable.
Don't Pass Strategy
Betting against the shooter for a slightly lower 1.36% house edge. Also known as 'playing the dark side' in craps. A smart contrarian approach.
Proposition Bets Analysis
Why the flashy center-table proposition bets are the worst bets in the casino, with house edges up to 16.67%. Avoid them at all costs.
Recommended Tools
Key Terms to Know
The most fundamental bet in craps, placed before the come-out roll. Wins on 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3, or 12. Any other number becomes the point. Has a house edge of 1.41%, making it one of the best bets in the casino.
Don't Pass BetThe opposite of the pass line in craps. Wins on 2 or 3, pushes on 12, loses on 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. After a point is established, wins if 7 comes before the point. House edge of 1.36%.
Odds Bet (Craps)An additional bet placed behind the pass line after a point is established. The only bet in the casino with ZERO house edge, paying at true odds. Casinos limit odds bets (commonly 3x-4x-5x). Always take maximum odds.
Come BetA craps bet that works like a pass line bet but can be made after the come-out roll. Establishes its own point number. House edge of 1.41%. Can be backed with odds for a combined lower edge.
House EdgeThe mathematical advantage the casino has over the player, expressed as a percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run. For example, a 2% house edge means the casino expects to keep $2 for every $100 wagered. Different games and bets within games have different house edges.
Expected Value (EV)The average amount a player can expect to win or lose per bet over the long run. Calculated as (probability of winning 脳 win amount) - (probability of losing 脳 loss amount). A positive EV means the bet is profitable long-term; negative EV means it loses money.
Craps FAQ
What is the house edge in Craps?
The house edge in Craps ranges from 0% - 16.7%, depending on the specific bet and strategy used.
What is the best Craps strategy?
The highest-rated strategy is Pass Line + Full Odds with a score of 8.1/10.
How many Craps strategies are there?
CasinoEdges analyzes 3 different Craps strategies.