How to Play Craps: Simple Rules, Common Bets & Quick Tips

If you’ve ever walked by a casino table and heard the clatter of dice, you’ve probably seen craps. It can look chaotic, but the core idea is easy: you roll two dice and hope the numbers line up with your bet. In this guide we’ll break down the basics, point out the bets that give the best odds, and share a couple of tricks that keep your bankroll healthier.

Basic Rules in a Minute

The game starts with the "come‑out" roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, everyone who bet on the Pass Line wins. A 2, 3, or 12 means they lose – that’s called "crapping out." Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the "point." The shooter keeps rolling until they hit the point again (win) or roll a 7 (lose). That’s the entire cycle — repeat and a new shooter takes over.

All other bets are built around this simple loop. You don’t need to remember a long list of odds; just focus on the Pass Line, Don't Pass, and a few easy side bets. The table can be loud, but once you know the flow, you’ll feel right at home.

Popular Bets You Should Know

Pass Line – the most common bet. You win on a natural 7 or 11 on the come‑out, lose on 2, 3, or 12, and then hope the point repeats before a 7 shows up. The house edge is about 1.41%, making it a solid starter.

Don’t Pass – the opposite of Pass Line. You win on a 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and if a point is set you win when a 7 comes first. The edge drops to roughly 1.36%, a tiny advantage over Pass Line.

Come and Don't Come – these work like Pass and Don't Pass but can be placed after the point is established. They let you jump in at any time, and the odds stay the same.

Odds Bet – after a point is set, you can add an "odds" wager behind your Pass or Come bet. This bet has zero house edge because it pays true odds. Most casinos let you bet up to 3‑5‑10 times your original stake, so take advantage of it whenever you can.

Place Bets – you pick a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and win if that number appears before a 7. The house edge varies; 6 and 8 are the cheapest at about 1.52%.

Stay away from high‑risk bets like "Any Seven" or the "Hardways" unless you’re feeling lucky – they carry a huge house edge (up to 16%). Stick to the low‑edge options for longer play.

One practical tip: always take the odds bet when it’s offered. It’s the only wager that doesn’t give the house a built‑in advantage, and it can dramatically improve your overall win rate.

Finally, manage your bankroll. Decide ahead of time how much you’re comfortable losing and split it into small session stakes. If you hit a winning streak, consider setting aside half of your profits and continue betting with the rest. This simple habit keeps the fun going without blowing your budget.

Now you’ve got the basics, the top bets, and a couple of smart habits to make your craps experience smoother. Walk onto the table, place a Pass Line bet, add odds when you can, and enjoy the dice roll. Good luck and have fun!