
How to Play and Win at Craps in a Casino

Key Craps Strategy Tips
Casino craps has some of the top odds in betting when you use good plans and bet well. This full guide shows trusted ways to boost your win chances at the craps table.
Core Betting Tips
Start with the Pass Line bet, good for a low 1.41% house edge. Once a point is set, up your bet by taking max odds bets – the only casino bet with no house edge. Smart players bet on numbers 6 and 8 with good 7:6 payouts and small house edge.
Advanced Table Tactics
Good dice control is key for steady results. Use one hand for dice and make sure to hit the back wall. Stack your chips well to bet quick and talk clear with dealers. Stand near the table’s center for the best throw angles.
How to Handle Your Money
Use strong money rules by setting win/loss stops. Stay away from high-risk proposition bets with house edges over 15%. Set clear play goals and stay strict no matter the game flow. Smart money moves let you play longer and save money during low points.
Best Play Conditions
Pick tables with good bet limits for your money. Play when it’s less busy for a calm game and more dealer help. Watch game patterns and use hot shooters, but bet safe.
Know the Craps Table Layout
Craps Table Key Parts
The usual craps table layout has a matching look on both ends, for many player spots.
The layout has two main parts: the middle area for single bets and the outer parts for main bet zones.
Main Betting Zones
The table’s edge has many key bet spots:
- The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bar are key for basic bets
- Come and Don’t Come areas right above the main bet line
- Number boxes (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10) line up the sides for place bets and Come bet spots
- The Field bet section is between Pass Line and single bets
Middle Part Jobs
Single Bets
The middle part has different one-roll single bets:
- Any 7 bets
- Any Craps bets
- Number combos
- Hard Ways bets for paired dice
More Parts
Each table end has a curved hook area set for players’ chips during simple bets. This clever layout helps fast chip placing and bet managing in quick games.
Basic Dice Rules and Right Moves
Key Casino Dice Rules and How to Act Right
Picking and Managing Dice
Casino dice rules need careful care to keep the game fair.
Players pick two dice from five or six when the stickman offers them.
One-hand holding is a must, and dice must stay in sight over the table edge during the game.
Right Throw Moves
Good dice throwing means hitting the far wall hard enough to bounce back right.
The throw needs to be strong to reach the wall but controlled to stop table jumps.
If dice leave the table, the boxman checks them before the game goes on.
Key Handling No-Nos
Dice rules say don’t:
- Slide the dice over the table
- Hand them hand to hand
- Move dice out of sight
- Take dice off the edge
Breaking these leads to a “no roll” call and a redo.
What to Do Between Rolls
Act right at the table by:
- Keeping hands away during rolls
- Letting dealers pay out first
- Waiting for the go-ahead before touching dice
- Keeping dice where all can see
These strict casino rules help fair play and keep each game clean.
Pass Line Bet Ways
The Best Pass Line Bet Tips
What Pass Line Bet Means
The Pass Line bet is a must-know for new and old players.
This key bet is about guessing that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 to start, or set and hit a point number before rolling a 7.
How to Bet Pass Line Right
Smart Pass Line betting starts with your bet before the first roll. What happens first sets if you win:
- Win right away: Rolling 7 or 11 pays back even
- Lose right away: Rolling 2, 3, or 12
- Point Numbers: Rolling 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 sets the point
Get the Best Odds and Least House Edge
When a point is up, backing your Pass Line bet with odds is key.
The odds bet has no house edge, making it the best casino bet you can make.
The base Pass Line bet has a tiny 1.41% house edge, making it one of the best craps bets.
Best Ways After the Point
After setting the point, you win if the shooter hits the point number before a 7.
Max your odds bets for the best way, as these extra bets boost possible wins while keeping the math in your favor.
The Best Odds and Payouts
All You Need to Know on Craps Odds and What You Get Back

One-Roll Proposition Bets
One-roll bets bring some of the most fun payouts in craps. The Any Seven (Big Red) gives a 4:1 payout, while both Snake Eyes (2) and Boxcars (12) pay a big 30:1.
Field bets give different wins: even on 3,4,9,10,11, double on 2, and triple on 12.
Horn bets, with 2,3,11,12, give payouts from 15:1 to 30:1.
Bets That Stay Till They Win or Lose
Hard Way bets give good chances with Hard 4 and Hard 10 giving 7:1, and Hard 6 and Hard 8 giving 9:1.
Place bets on numbers 6 and 8 give 7:6 back, and 4 and 10 give 9:5.
Buy bets give true odds minus a 5% fee, offering good plans for those who know the game.
Line and Come Bets
The best bets in craps are the odds bets behind Pass/Come bets. These pay true odds with no house edge:
- 2:1 on numbers 4 and 10
- 3:2 on numbers 5 and 9
- 6:5 on numbers 6 and 8
Max your odds bets for the best plan, as these are the only casino bets with no house edge. This mix of Pass Line and odds bets gives the best math chance for long wins at the craps table.
Big Mistakes to Stay Away From
Big No-Nos in Craps: Expert Tips
Know Your Odds and Which Bets to Make
New craps players often make big slip-ups that cost a lot of money fast.
The worst mistake is making bets with high house edges, like Any Seven and single bets. These risk-heavy bets can quickly eat your chips and wreck your game plan.
How to Manage Your Money Right
Good money handling is key to winning craps games.
Use firm loss stops and stay strict in bad times. Players must not chase after lost money or bet more when losing, as this often ends in losing all your money.
Right Ways to Handle Dice
Handling dice right is a must for fair rolls at the craps table. Key moves include:
- Hitting the back wall with both dice
- Throwing in one smooth move
- Not cupping or sliding
- Using just one hand
The Best Bets and How to Act Right
Free odds bets are a key plus, giving no house edge Rewarding Experience chances many miss.
Acting right at the table includes:
- Keeping hands clear when dice are rolling
- Passing chips right to dealers
- Standing right at the table
- Following standard bet ways
These basics ensure the best play and right act at the craps table.
Top-Level Betting Combos
Top Craps Betting Combos and Plans
The Best Multi-Bet Ways
Pass line betting with max odds is the base of top craps plans.
Players should make multiple come bets with odds to make a strong betting base.
This mix maxes possible wins while keeping the house edge low across many numbers.
Top Place Bet Plans
Place betting on 6 and 8 at the same time boost win chances when mixed with active pass line and come bets.
When the game goes well, using a step-up pressing plan lets players up their bets with won money.
Skilled players can add the 5 and 9 spots after steady wins.
Top Bet Setups
The Iron Cross setup is a full betting mix, joining field bets with smart spots on 5, 6, and 8.
This setup covers all numbers but 7, though it has a higher house edge than usual pass line plans.
Use this best in hot streaks and specific table setups.
Key Top Combos:
- Pass Line + Max Odds
- Many Come Bets with Odds
- 6 and 8 Place Bets
- Step-Up Pressing Plan
- Iron Cross Setup