At first glance, craps can look chaotic—with a loud table, fast action, and lots of bets. But once you understand the core rules and bet types, it becomes one of the most thrilling and player-friendly games in the casino. Whether you’re playing at a physical table or online, knowing the basics will help you enjoy the game and make smarter bets.
This guide covers everything beginners need to start rolling the dice with confidence.
How Craps Works: The Basics
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of rolls, or a series of rolls, using two six-sided dice. The game is divided into two phases: the Come-Out Roll and the Point Phase.
- Come-Out Roll: The shooter (dice roller) rolls the dice for the first time in a new round.
- A roll of 7 or 11 means an instant win (called a “natural”).
- A roll of 2, 3, or 12 is a loss (called “craps”).
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the “point.”
- A roll of 7 or 11 means an instant win (called a “natural”).
- Point Phase: The shooter keeps rolling until either the point is rolled again (win) or a 7 comes up (loss).
The most basic and beginner-friendly bet is the Pass Line Bet, which wins on 7 or 11 on the come-out roll and loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, the bet wins if that point number is rolled again before a 7.
Most Common Bets for Beginners
While the craps table offers a wide variety of betting options, beginners should stick with the simple, low-house-edge bets:
- Pass Line Bet: A fundamental bet with about a 1.41% house edge.
- Don’t Pass Line: The opposite of Pass Line—betting that the shooter will lose. House edge: ~1.36%.
- Come Bet: Similar to a Pass Line bet, but made after the point is established.
- Don’t Come Bet: Like the Don’t Pass, but placed after the point is set.
- Odds Bet: A separate wager you can place behind your Pass/Don’t Pass/Come/Don’t Come bets. This bet has no house edge, making it one of the best in the casino.
Avoid complex bets like Hardways or Proposition Bets early on—they may look exciting but often carry high house edges.
Table Layout and Etiquette
The craps table might seem overwhelming, but it’s actually mirrored—so both ends have identical layouts for convenience. You’ll see areas for:
- Pass Line / Don’t Pass Line
- Come / Don’t Come
- Field bets
- Place bets
- Proposition bets in the center
Etiquette tips:
- Wait until the shooter has the dice before placing bets.
- Don’t hand chips directly to the dealer unless placing center bets.
- Keep your hands clear of the dice area during rolls.
Following table etiquette makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.
Final Thoughts: Craps Can Be Simple and Fun
Craps is a fast-paced, social, and exciting game once you understand the basics. Focus on simple bets like the Pass Line and Odds, learn the table flow, and don’t be intimidated by the action. With a little practice, you’ll feel right at home cheering with the crowd.
Whether you’re looking for a game of chance or just want to roll the dice and have fun, craps is a great choice for beginners who want something energetic and rewarding.