What Is Craps? Casino Game Rules & Strategy
Craps is a dice game built around the shooter rolling two six-sided dice. The layout offers more than 100 bets, yet most players focus on Pass Line and Come bets because of their low 1.36% house edge. Understanding the sequence of rolls helps new players follow the action without confusion.
1. Setting Up the Table
Each round begins with a Come-Out roll. If the shooter lands a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win immediately. A 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss for Pass Line. Any other total becomes the Point, and the shooter continues until the Point repeats or a 7 appears.
2. Core Bets Explained
Pass Line and Don’t Pass form the backbone of most strategies. Odds bets behind the Pass Line pay true odds and carry no house edge. Place, Buy, and Lay bets sit farther down the layout and carry higher edges, so they suit experienced players.
- Pass Line: 1.36% house edge
- Odds bet: 0% house edge
- Field bet: 2.78% or 5.56% depending on 2 and 12 payout
3. Simple Strategy Steps
Start with a Pass Line bet plus maximum odds. Avoid Proposition bets in the center of the layout; their edges range from 4% to 16%. Set a win goal and loss limit before you buy in.
- Step 1: Place Pass Line stake
- Step 2: Add odds once Point is set
- Step 3: Leave the table after reaching win goal
4. Online vs. Live Craps
Online RNG craps resolves each roll in seconds. Live dealer versions stream real dice throws and allow players to chat with the crew. Both formats accept the same standard bets and odds multiples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is craps hard to learn?
The basics take ten minutes. Focus on Pass Line and odds first; ignore side bets until you understand the flow.
What is the best bet in craps?
Pass Line combined with maximum odds offers the lowest house edge available on any casino game.
Can I play craps online for real money?
Yes. Licensed sites offer both RNG and live dealer craps with the same rules as land-based tables.
How fast do online craps rounds move?
RNG tables finish a decision every three to five seconds. Live streams average 45–60 seconds per roll.