Craps Rules Explained

The Craps Table Layout

Before you roll the dice, you need to know where to stand and where to place your chips. The craps table can look intimidating at first glance. It's a long, felt-covered basin with high walls where players stand. The surface is a mirror image on both ends, allowing more players to join. Understanding the craps table rules starts with recognizing its key sections, each dedicated to different types of bets.

Main Betting Areas (Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, Field, etc.)

The layout is marked with various betting zones. The most prominent is the Pass Line, a wide strip running along the edge closest to the players. Directly above it is the Don’t Pass Bar.

In the center, you'll find Proposition Bets, often pictured with dice combinations.

Large areas are designated for Come and Don’t Come bets. Numbered boxes for 4, 5, Six, 8, Nine, and 10 are for Place Bets and Buy Bets. The Field is a large area for one-roll bets on a range of numbers. Understanding these areas is fundamental to the rules of craps.

Here are the primary areas you’ll find on a standard casino craps table:

Each area serves different strategies and risk levels. If you’re new, start with Pass Line or Come bets for simplicity.

Where and How to Place Your Bets

🟡 Chips are placed directly on the appropriate section of the layout. For some bets (like Pass Line), you place your own chips. For others (like Buy Bets or Proposition bets), you hand them to the dealer and call your wager aloud.

Quick tips for betting:

• Place chips flat on the layout — don't toss them.
• Use $5 minimums unless stated otherwise.
• Keep hands off the table once the dice are out.

Table Personnel (Boxman, Stickman, Dealers)

Every craps table is run by a skilled team:

• Boxman: Sits at the center and supervises chips and dealer behavior.
• Stickman: Controls the dice using a long stick and announces the results.
• Dealers: Two dealers manage player bets on either side of the table.

Knowing who's who helps you interact properly — especially when asking questions or making complex bets.

Come-Out Roll Explained

The game starts with the Come-Out Roll — the first roll of a new round. This roll determines whether the round ends instantly or moves into the Point Phase.

Here's how the dice outcome affects the game:

This simple outcome logic is what makes the craps rules simple for newcomers.

Point Phase

Once a Point is established, the objective for the shooter changes. The rules to craps for this phase are straightforward. Once a Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is established:

• The shooter continues to roll the dice. This action persists until one of two outcomes: the Point number is rolled again, or a 7 is rolled.:
  • Hit the Point again — Pass Line bet wins.
  • Roll a 7 — Pass Line bets lose.

During this phase, players can make new bets, including Come, Place, and Odds Bets (we’ll break those down later).

The suspense builds as everyone watches for that point to hit — or fears the 7!

When a New Shooter Steps In

A new shooter takes over when:

1. The current shooter “sevens out” (rolls a 7 during the Point Phase and loses).
2. The dice move clockwise to the next eligible player.

♻️ A new Come-Out Roll begins, and the table resets to the first phase.

You don’t have to shoot the dice to play — many prefer to just bet and watch. But shooting adds a whole new layer of excitement!

Main Types of Bets and Their Rules

There are dozens of bets in craps, but not all are created equal. Some are simple, others risky. Some have a low house edge, while others are pure long shots. Below are the most important craps betting rules to understand before you lay down your chips.

Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line Bets is the most popular and one of the simplest bets in craps.

• Placed on the Come-Out Roll
• Wins instantly if the shooter rolls 7 or 11
• Loses on 2, 3, or 12
• If a point is established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), the bet stays active
  • Wins if the shooter hits the point again
  • Loses if they roll a 7

✅ This bet has a low house edge (1.41%) and is ideal for beginners.

Don’t Pass Bet

The opposite of the Pass Line — you’re betting against the shooter.

• Wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11
• 12 is a push (tie)
• If a point is set, you win if the shooter rolls a 7 before repeating the point

🧠 It’s a strategic bet for more cautious players — slightly lower house edge than Pass Line (1.36%).

Come and Don’t Come Bets

These bets work like Pass/Don’t Pass but can be placed anytime after the point is set.

They give you more flexibility mid-round and follow the same structure as Pass/Don’t Pass.

Odds Bets (Free Odds Behind Line Bets)

Odds Bets are a game-changer in craps because they have zero house edge. These are supplemental bets made in addition to an existing Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, or Don't Come bet, but only after a point (Pass Line Point or Come Point) has been established.

📌 They pay true odds with no house edge:

You must place a base bet first before you can add odds behind it. The bigger your odds bet, the better your payout potential.

Place Bets and Buy Bets

These bets let you wager directly on specific point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10).

• Place Bet: Pays fixed odds; the casino takes a built-in edge.
• Buy Bet: Pays true odds, but you pay a 5% commission.

🧮 Example: Place 6 pays 7:6; Buy 6 pays 6:5 minus commission.

📌 Best used when you're betting on numbers you think will roll before a 7.

 Field, Big 6/8, and Proposition Bets

💡 Proposition Bets are flashy but dangerous — with very high house edge (over 10% in some cases). Use them for fun, not strategy.

Payouts and Odds

Understanding payouts and house edge is key to making smart bets in craps. Let’s break down what each bet pays, how much risk it carries, and which bets offer the best value. 🎰

What Each Bet Pays

Below is a comprehensive payout table for the most common craps bets:

💡 Keep in mind: Proposition bets may look tempting, but their odds are designed to favor the house.

House Edge per Bet Type

Here’s how much the casino earns on average from each type of bet — the lower the percentage, the better for the player:

📌 Bets like Free Odds are the best deals, while Big 6/8 and Propositions are some of the worst.

Best and Worst Value Bets

Let’s summarize the top-performing bets vs. the riskiest options:

👍 Best Value Bets

👎 Worst Value Bets

💡 Pro Tip: Stick with the basic craps rules explained and low-edge bets to maximize your time and minimize losses.

Game Flow Summary

Even with the rules for craps explained, the game can feel fast-paced. This section shows you exactly how a round flows step-by-step. Whether you're watching or shooting, this roadmap will keep you in control. 🚀

Step-by-Step Example Round

Here’s what a standard round of casino craps looks like:

1. New Shooter is selected. They place a Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet.
2. The shooter makes the Come-Out Roll:
   • Rolls a 7 or 11 → Pass Line wins.
   • Rolls a 2, 3, or 12 → Pass Line loses (Don’t Pass wins on 2 or 3).
   • Oher number becomes the Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10).
3. The game enters the Point Phase:
   • Shooter keeps rolling until they:
     • Hit the Point again → Pass Line wins!
     • Roll a 7 → Seven-out, round ends.
4. Bets are settled, and either:
   • The shooter rolls again (if they won).
   • A new shooter steps up (if they lost).

✅ Example: Shooter rolls a 6 → Point is set. If they roll a 6 again before a 7, Pass Line wins

What Happens After Each Roll

After every roll, here’s what goes down at the craps table:

• Dealers collect and pay bets.
• Players can place new bets like Come, Field, or Propositions.
• Odds bets may be added behind existing Line Bets.
• Stickman returns the dice to the shooter.

📌 Timing matters. You can place most bets between rolls, but Line Bets must be made before the Come-Out roll.

How the Game Resets

A round ends when the shooter:

• Hits their point (win) or
• Rolls a 7 before hitting the point (lose)

Then:

• If they won, they continue shooting.
• If they lost, the dice pass to the next player clockwise.

The table is then reset, and it starts over with a new Come-Out Roll. Players re-place their bets, and the action continues. 

Special Rules and Variations

While the basic craps rules for dummies stay mostly the same, some variations and settings can significantly impact the gameplay. Whether you're playing online or at a physical casino, it pays to understand the subtle differences.

Rules Differences in Online Craps

Online craps games usually follow the same structure as traditional casino versions, but they’re run by RNG software (Random Number Generator). That changes the pace and feel:

🎯 Key differences:

• No physical shooter — dice rolls are animated and automatic.
• Bets must be placed using digital chips and interface buttons.
• Some RNG craps versions may not allow all side bets or may simplify options.

📌 Still, the core rules to craps remain intact — so your strategy doesn’t need to change drastically.

Live Dealer Craps vs. RNG Craps

These two formats offer different experiences:

🤖 RNG craps is great for practicing casino craps rules for beginners, while live dealer casino games mimic the excitement of Vegas.

 Table Limits and Side Bets

Casinos often apply specific table rules, including:

• Minimum & Maximum Bets: Usually posted at the table. Online craps can have much lower limits.
• Crapless Craps: A variation where 2, 3, and 12 are not losing numbers on the Come-Out Roll. Increases volatility.
• Bubble Craps: Electronic terminals with a large transparent dome dice shaker. Great for fast-paced solo play.
• Side Bets: Some tables offer bets like Fire Bet or All Tall Small, which pay huge if multiple points are hit.

💡 Be sure to check the craps table rules before betting — especially if you're playing a variant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mastering the craps game rules is essential, but many players lose due to simple, avoidable mistakes. Here’s how to keep your gameplay sharp and profitable.

Betting Without Understanding the Phases

One of the biggest errors is placing bets without knowing the game phases — the Come-Out Roll and Point Phase have different betting rules for playing craps and outcomes.

• Placing Pass Line bets only make sense before the Come-Out Roll.
• Some bets, like Come bets, can only be placed during the Point Phase.
• Not knowing this leads to lost bets or missed opportunities.

🎯 Tip: Learn which bets belong to each phase for smarter wagering.

Ignoring the House Edge

Every bet carries a different house edge — the casino’s built-in advantage.

• Many players focus on big payouts but ignore how much the house stands to gain.
• Bets like Pass Line and Odds Bets have lower house edges.
• Proposition bets often have the highest house edge and should be approached cautiously.

📊 See the Payouts and Odds section above for details.

Getting Caught in High-Risk Bets Too Early

It’s tempting to chase big wins with high-risk bets, but beginners often lose fast by:

• Betting heavily on proposition bets (e.g., hardways, horn bets).
• Overextending on place bets without understanding odds.
• Forgetting bankroll management.

💡 Start with basic craps rules casino and low-risk bets, then experiment once you’re comfortable.