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. |
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.