Overview & Table Layout
The craps table is a large oval with mirrored betting areas. A shooter rolls two dice while players place bets on the outcome. The game starts with the come-out roll:
- 7 or 11 → Pass Line wins
- 2, 3, or 12 → Pass Line loses (“craps”)
- Any other number sets the point. The shooter rolls until the point repeats (win) or a 7 appears (loss).
Bet Types & House Edge
| Bet | Payout | House edge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 1:1 | ≈1.41% | Wins on 7/11; loses on 2/3/12; point must hit before 7. |
| Don’t Pass | 1:1 | ≈1.36% | Wins on 2/3; loses on 7/11; 12 pushes; after point, wins if 7 appears first. |
| Odds | True odds | 0% | No house edge. Back Pass/Don’t Pass after point is set. |
| Come / Don’t Come | 1:1 | ≈1.41% / 1.36% | Like Pass/Don’t Pass but placed after point is established. |
| Place 6 or 8 | 7:6 | ≈1.52% | Wins if 6 or 8 comes before 7. |
| Hardways | 8:1 / 10:1 | ≈9–11% | Betting doubles (e.g., 3-3 for hard 6). High edge. |
| Proposition bets | Varies | ≈11–16% | One-roll bets like Any 7. Poor value. |
Every bet on this table has its own page with the exact house edge computed from the 36 outcomes of two dice, the true odds, and the house rules that change the number. See all 19 craps bets ranked by house edge →
Strategy & Etiquette
- Stick to low-edge bets: Pass, Don’t Pass, Come, Don’t Come, and odds.
- Always take odds: Odds bets have no house edge and reduce overall disadvantage.
- Respect etiquette: Roll with one hand, hit the back wall, and avoid reaching across the table mid-roll.
- Manage bankroll: Craps moves fast – set clear limits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is “Bar-12” in craps?
- Most casinos make Don’t Pass a push if 12 is rolled on the come-out. Some instead use “Bar-2.”
- What’s the best bet in craps?
- Pass/Don’t Pass with odds are the best bets. Odds bets have 0% house edge.
- Can dice control work?
- Casinos require dice to hit the back wall, making controlled throws nearly impossible.