Your Free Guide to Craps Betting Strategies and Odds

Understanding Craps Basics and Table Layout

Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcomes of rolls made with two six-sided dice. The game takes place on a specially designed table with various betting areas marked out for different types of wagers. Understanding the basic layout and terminology is the foundation for making informed betting decisions.

The craps table is divided into three main sections: two identical end sections for individual players and a center section for proposition bets. Each end section contains the Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, Come, and Don't Come areas, along with point boxes numbered 4 through 10. The center section houses higher-risk bets like proposition bets and hardways.

In craps, the player throwing the dice is called the "shooter." The game begins with what's called the "come-out roll." If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, this is called "natural" and Pass Line bets win immediately. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, this is called "craps" and Pass Line bets lose. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the "point." The shooter then continues rolling until either the point number comes up again (Pass Line wins) or a 7 appears (Pass Line loses, called "seven-out").

The Don't Pass Line works opposite to the Pass Line. These bets lose on a natural (7 or 11) and win on craps (2 or 3). A roll of 12 is typically a "push" or tie on Don't Pass bets, meaning your money is returned without winning or losing. Once a point is established, Don't Pass bets win if a 7 appears before the point number.

• Pass Line: betting that the shooter wins (rolls 7/11 on come-out, or rolls the point before a 7)
• Don't Pass: betting against the shooter (wins on 2 or 3 on come-out, or if 7 appears before the point)
• Come bets: similar to Pass Line but made after the point is established
• Don't Come bets: similar to Don't Pass but made after the point is established

Practical takeaway: Before placing any money, spend time watching a craps table or practicing online to become familiar with how rolls progress from come-out to point to resolution. Knowing the basic flow prevents confusion and helps you understand why certain bets win or lose.

The Mathematics Behind Craps Odds and Probability

Every outcome in craps is determined by mathematical probability. With two six-sided dice, there are 36 possible combinations that can be rolled. Understanding which numbers are more likely to appear helps explain why certain bets have better odds than others.

The number 7 is the most likely outcome, appearing in 6 different combinations: 1-6, 2-5, 3-4, 4-3, 5-2, and 6-1. This means a 7 has a 16.67% probability on any single roll. In contrast, the numbers 2 and 12 each appear in only one combination, giving them just a 2.78% probability. The numbers 3 and 11 appear in two combinations each, for a 5.56% probability. The middle numbers (6 and 8) appear in five combinations each (16.67% probability), while 5 and 9 appear in four combinations each (11.11% probability), and 4 and 10 appear in three combinations each (8.33% probability).

These probability differences directly translate into the odds offered on craps bets. The Pass Line and Don't Pass Line both pay even money (1 to 1), meaning if you bet $10 and win, you get $10 back plus your original $10. This is called a true odds payout of 1:1. However, mathematically, the house maintains an edge on these bets because of how the 12 is treated on Don't Pass (it pushes rather than wins).

The house edge is the mathematical advantage the casino holds over players in the long run. For Pass Line bets, the house edge is approximately 1.4%. For Don't Pass bets, the house edge is slightly lower at around 1.36%. These are relatively favorable odds compared to other casino games. For example, slot machines typically have a house edge between 2% and 15%, making craps a better mathematical choice if you plan to gamble.

When you place "odds bets" (also called "taking odds" or "laying odds"), you can reduce the house edge significantly. An odds bet is an additional bet made after the point is established. If you've bet on Pass Line and a point is set, you can place an odds bet that the point will be rolled before a 7. These odds bets pay at true odds, meaning the payout depends on the point number. A bet on point 4 or 10 pays 2 to 1. A bet on point 5 or 9 pays 3 to 2. A bet on point 6 or 8 pays 6 to 5.

• Probability of rolling each number: 7 (16.67%), 6 and 8 (13.89%), 5 and 9 (11.11%), 4 and 10 (8.33%), 3 and 11 (5.56%), 2 and 12 (2.78%)
• Pass Line house edge: approximately 1.4%
• Don't Pass house edge: approximately 1.36%
• Taking odds can reduce the overall house edge to below 0.6% depending on how much odds you take

Practical takeaway: Focus your betting on Pass Line, Don't Pass, and odds bets because they offer the lowest house edge. Avoid proposition bets in the center of the table, as these typically have house edges ranging from 11% to 16%. The mathematics clearly shows that betting on the outcomes that are most likely to occur mathematically gives you the best chance to minimize losses over time.

Pass Line and Don't Pass Betting Strategies

The Pass Line is the most fundamental bet in craps and represents the simplest way to participate in the game. When you place a Pass Line bet before the come-out roll, you are betting that the shooter will "pass," meaning they will either roll 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or they will establish a point and then roll that point number again before rolling a 7.

A basic Pass Line strategy involves always taking odds bets when a point is established. After the point is set, you're allowed to place an additional bet called "odds" that pays true odds. For example, if the point is 6, you can take odds by placing additional money behind your original Pass Line bet. If the point is rolled before a 7, you win both your original Pass Line bet (paid 1 to 1) and your odds bet (paid 6 to 5 for a point of 6). This combination of Pass Line plus odds reduces your overall house edge significantly.

The Don't Pass strategy mirrors Pass Line but works in the opposite direction. With Don't Pass, you're betting that the shooter will lose. This wins on a come-out roll of 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and pushes on 12. Once a point is established, Don't Pass wins if a 7 appears before the point number. The advantage of Don't Pass betting is slightly lower house edge than Pass Line.

Many experienced craps players use what's called a "3-Point Molly" or multi-point strategy. This involves playing multiple Come or Pass Line bets simultaneously. For example, after the initial point is established with a Pass Line bet, you might place a Come bet on the next roll. If that roll establishes a second point, you then have two separate bets working. This approach increases action but also increases the total amount wagered and risk exposure.

The key to successful Pass Line and Don't Pass play is understanding variance and bankroll management. Even with favorable odds, you can experience losing streaks. A shooter might establish a point and then immediately roll a 7, causing your bets to lose. This is normal variation. Your bankroll