KnowYourCasinos
Craps
Learn the come-out roll, pass line bets and how the main table flow works.
Quick facts
- Game type
- Dice Game
- Main bets
- Pass / Come / Odds
- Goal
- Predict Dice Rolls
- Pace
- Fast
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Key concepts
- Pass Line
Introduction
Craps is a dice-based casino game where players bet on the outcome of rolls. The table can look complicated at first, but the core game starts with the come-out roll.
Once you understand basic bets like Pass Line and Odds, the table flow becomes much easier to follow.
Rules
Craps rules can look complicated because the table has many betting areas. The core game is easier to understand when you start with the come-out roll, the point number and basic bets like Pass Line.
Come-out roll
The come-out roll starts a new sequence. A 7 or 11 usually wins for Pass Line bets. A 2, 3 or 12 usually loses for Pass Line bets. Any other number becomes the point.
Point phase
The shooter keeps rolling after a point is set. The goal is to roll the point again before a 7. Rolling the point resolves Pass Line bets as winning. Rolling a 7 before the point ends the sequence.
Common bets
Pass Line is the most common beginner bet. Come bets work similarly after the point is set. Odds bets are linked to an existing Pass or Come bet. Many centre-table proposition bets carry higher risk.
Table flow
Craps flow starts with the come-out roll and changes once a point is set. The table looks busy, but the main sequence is easier than the layout suggests.
Pass Line
A common beginner bet on the shooter sequence.
Come-out roll
The first roll starts the round.
Point set
A point number is set if no instant result happens.
Keep rolling
The shooter rolls until the point or seven appears.
Odds bet
An optional bet linked to Pass or Come bets.
Sequence ends
The round resets after the point or seven resolves.
Variations
Craps variations usually change the table format, available bets or how certain numbers behave. The core idea still comes back to dice results and the shooter sequence.
Bank Craps
The standard casino version played against the house.
Crapless Craps
A variant where some instant-loss numbers become point numbers instead.
High Point Craps
A variation where the goal is to roll a higher point number before a seven.
Simplified Craps
A stripped-down version with fewer betting options.
Electronic Craps
A digital or stadium-style version with automated dice or screens.
Live Craps
A real dealer format streamed from a craps table.
Odds explained
Craps odds vary heavily by bet type. Some bets, like Pass Line and linked Odds bets, are commonly treated as more beginner-friendly, while many centre-table proposition bets offer bigger payouts because they are much harder to hit.
The table becomes easier to understand when you separate the main dice sequence from extra side bets. Higher payouts usually mean lower probability, not better value. Rituals and the way a player handles the dice do not provide a reliable advantage.
Strategy basics
Craps strategy becomes easier when you focus on the main dice sequence first. The table has many betting options, but beginners should understand Pass Line, point numbers and Odds bets before exploring riskier areas.
Start with Pass Line
Pass Line is one of the easiest bets to follow. It teaches the basic come-out roll and point flow.
Understand the point
Once a point is set, the round changes. The shooter is trying to roll the point again before a seven.
Use odds carefully
An Odds bet is an additional wager linked to an eligible Pass, Come or equivalent base bet. The Odds portion pays at true odds under standard rules, but it still increases the amount you can lose.
Avoid proposition bets early
Centre-table bets may offer bigger payouts, but they are usually harder to hit and easier to misunderstand.
Glossary
- Pass Line
- A common beginner bet on the shooter sequence.
- Come-out roll
- The first roll starts the round.
- Point set
- A point number is set if no instant result happens.
- Keep rolling
- The shooter rolls until the point or seven appears.
- Odds bet
- An optional bet linked to Pass or Come bets.
- Sequence ends
- The round resets after the point or seven resolves.
Frequently asked questions
What is Craps?
Craps is a dice-based casino game where players bet on the outcome of rolls. The table can look complicated at first, but the core game starts with the come-out roll. Once you understand basic bets like Pass Line and Odds, the table flow becomes much easier to follow.
How does Craps work?
Craps flow starts with the come-out roll and changes once a point is set. The table looks busy, but the main sequence is easier than the layout suggests. Pass Line: A common beginner bet on the shooter sequence. Come-out roll: The first roll starts the round. Point set: A point number is set if no instant result happens. Keep rolling: The shooter rolls until the point or seven appears. Odds bet: An optional bet linked to Pass or Come bets. Sequence ends: The round resets after the point or seven resolves.
What affects the odds in Craps?
Craps odds vary heavily by bet type. Some bets, like Pass Line and linked Odds bets, are commonly treated as more beginner-friendly, while many centre-table proposition bets offer bigger payouts because they are much harder to hit. The table becomes easier to understand when you separate the main dice sequence from extra side bets. Higher payouts usually mean lower probability, not better value. Rituals and the way a player handles the dice do not provide a reliable advantage.
Can a Craps strategy guarantee a profit?
No. A strategy cannot guarantee a winning hand, round or session. Understanding the rules can help you avoid mistakes, but money remains at risk. Set a fixed entertainment budget, take breaks and never chase losses.
Responsible play
Gambling involves risk and is not a way to earn an income. Only play where it is legal for you, meet the local minimum age, set spending and time limits, and never chase losses. You can use these guides without gambling. Visit Responsible Gambling for support information.
Responsible gambling information and support