Introduction
Craps is one of the most exciting games in any casino, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. The cheering, fast pace, and complicated-looking layout can intimidate beginners—but the core game is actually very simple. Once you understand the dice probabilities and the smart bets to make, craps becomes one of the best low house-edge games in the casino. This article will guide you on how craps works.
1. The Objective of Craps
Craps is played with two dice, and the goal depends on which bet you choose. The most common bet, the Pass Line, wins when the shooter (the player rolling the dice) rolls certain numbers.
2. The Come-Out Roll (First Roll)
The game starts with a come-out roll.
For the Pass Line bet:
- Win on 7 or 11
- Lose on 2, 3, or 12
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the Point
When a point is established, the goal becomes rolling the point again before a 7.
3. The Smart Bets (Low House Edge)
Craps has some of the best bets in the casino:
Pass Line
- House edge: 1.41%
- Best for beginners
Don’t Pass
- House edge: 1.36%
- You win if the shooter loses
Come / Don’t Come bets
Same rules as Pass/Don’t Pass, but made after the point is set.
Odds Bet (The Best Bet in the Casino)
Once a point is set, you can place an Odds Bet behind your Pass or Don’t Pass bet.
- House edge: 0% — it pays true odds
- This is literally the only bet in the casino without a mathematical disadvantage
4. The Bad Bets (High House Edge)
Avoid these if you care about your bankroll:
- Hardways
- Any 7
- Yo (11)
- 2 or 12
- Hop bets
- One-roll proposition bets
These can have house edges from 9% up to 16.67%.
5. Understanding Dice Probability
There are 36 possible combinations of two dice.
Most likely outcome = 7 (6 combinations)
Least likely = 2 or 12 (1 combination each)
This is why the number 7 is so important in craps.
6. Basic Strategy for Beginners
If you want to keep things incredibly simple:
✔ Bet Pass Line
✔ Take Odds
✔ Add a Come bet
✔ Take Odds on that too
That’s it.
This setup gives you excellent odds and keeps your strategy clean.
Conclusion
Craps looks complicated, but the game itself is simple once you understand the flow: Pass Line → Point → Odds. Avoid high house-edge bets, stick to the basics, and enjoy one of the most exciting games on the floor—without giving the casino unnecessary advantage.