You walk up to a craps table, and it’s chaos. People are yelling, chips are flying, and the dealer is moving so fast you can barely follow. You want to join the fun, but you’re terrified of looking like a rookie and losing your money on a bet you don’t understand. Sound familiar? Let’s cut through the noise. Craps is the most social and potentially lucrative game on the floor, but you need to know exactly where to place your chips to avoid the sucker bets. This is your straight-talking guide to playing craps with confidence, not confusion.
Your First Move: The Essential Pass Line Bet
If you remember one thing, make it this: start every game with a Pass Line bet. It’s the fundamental wager of craps. You place your chips on the Pass Line before the shooter’s first roll, called the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win even money. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12 (craps), you lose. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the “point.” Once a point is established, the shooter keeps rolling until they either hit that point number again (you win) or roll a 7 (you lose). The house edge on the Pass Line is a low 1.41%, making it one of the best bets in the casino.
The Power of Free Odds
After a point is established, you can supercharge your Pass Line bet with an “odds” bet. This is the only bet in the casino with zero house edge—it pays at true odds. Simply place additional chips behind your original Pass Line bet. If the point is 6 or 8, a $10 odds bet wins $12. If the point is 5 or 9, it pays $15 for a $10 bet. For 4 or 10, it pays $20 for $10. Casinos limit how much odds you can take, often expressed as “3x-4x-5x” odds, meaning you can bet 3 times your Pass Line bet on a point of 4 or 10, 4 times on 5 or 9, and 5 times on 6 or 8. Always take the maximum odds you can afford; it lowers the overall house edge on your total bet.
The Don’t Pass Bet: Playing Against the Table
If you’re a contrarian, the Don’t Pass bet is for you. You’re betting that the shooter will lose. On the come-out roll, you win on a 2 or 3, push on 12 (it’s a tie at most casinos), and lose on 7 or 11. Once a point is established, you win if a 7 rolls before the point. The house edge is slightly better at 1.36%. You can also lay odds against the point, which means you have to bet more to win less (the inverse of taking odds). While mathematically sound, be prepared for dirty looks—you’re winning when everyone else is losing.
Come Bets and Place Bets: Getting in the Game Late
Missed the come-out roll? You can still get action with a Come bet. It works exactly like a Pass Line bet, but for the next roll. You win on 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, or 12, and if a point number is rolled, your bet moves to that number on the layout. You can then take odds on that Come bet, too. It’s a great way to have multiple numbers working for you. Alternatively, you can make a Place bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) at any time. You’re betting that your chosen number hits before a 7. The house edge varies: 4% on 4/10, 2.78% on 5/9, and 1.52% on 6/8. While convenient, the edge is higher than a Pass Line bet with odds.
The Bets You Should Almost Always Avoid
Craps tables are littered with tempting, high-paying bets that are terrible for your bankroll. These are the sucker bets in the center of the table. The Big 6 and Big 8 pay even money, but the Place bet on 6 or 8 pays better (7:6) and has a lower edge. Any hardway bet (hard 4, 6, 8, 10) has a house edge between 9.09% and 11.11%. The “Any 7” bet pays 4:1 but carries a brutal 16.67% house edge. A one-roll proposition bet on “Any Craps” (2, 3, 12) pays 7:1, but the edge is 11.11%. Stick to the Pass Line with odds, Come bets, and Place bets on 6 and 8.
Craps Etiquette and Casino Vibes
Craps has unwritten rules. Use hand signals to place bets when the table is busy—toss your chips gently onto the layout and call out your bet clearly. Never say “seven” at the table; it’s considered bad luck. Keep your drinks off the rail. Tip the dealers by placing a bet for them (say, “$5 on the pass line for the crew”). The energy is infectious; cheer with the table when you win, but don’t be the person throwing a tantrum on a loss. It’s a game, and the social experience is half the fun.
FAQ
What is the simplest bet to make in craps?
The Pass Line bet. Put your chips on the Pass Line before the come-out roll. You win on 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is set, you win if it’s rolled again before a 7. It’s the foundational bet with a low house edge.
What does it mean to take odds in craps?
Taking odds is an extra bet you make after a point is established on a Pass Line or Come bet. This bet has no house edge—it pays at true odds. For example, if the point is 6, a $10 odds bet wins $12. Always add an odds bet to lower the casino’s overall advantage on your money.
Is it bad luck to bet on the Don’t Pass line?
Mathematically, no—it has a slightly better house edge (1.36%) than the Pass Line. Socially, maybe. You’re betting against the shooter, so some players might give you side-eye when you win as the table loses. It’s a valid strategy, but know the room.
What’s the worst bet on the craps table?
Any one-roll proposition bet in the center of the table is terrible. The “Any 7” bet is the classic example, with a house edge of 16.67%. It pays 4 to 1, but the 7 only rolls about once every six throws. Stick to the outside edges of the layout.
How much money should I bring to a craps table?
Craps is a volatile game. A good session bankroll is at least 20 times the table minimum. If the minimum is $10, bring $200. This lets you weather cold streaks and make proper odds bets. Never bet more than 5% of your total bankroll on a single shooter’s turn.
