What is Craps? Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll, or a series of rolls, of two six-sided dice.
In 2026, it remains a common choice on UK online casino apps due to its Return to Player (RTP) rates and gameplay dynamics. While the table layout appears complex, the core mechanic is straightforward: you are betting on whether the “Shooter” (the person rolling) succeeds or fails.
This guide explains how to play craps step-by-step, simplifying the rules, odds, and table etiquette for complete beginners.
How to Play Craps: Step-by-Step
If you are new to the game, follow this chronological checklist to play a standard round. This covers the most common betting sequence used in UK casinos.
- Check the Puck: Look for a plastic disc on the table. It must be black and read OFF. This indicates a new round is about to begin. If it is white (ON), wait for the current round to finish.
- Place Your Bet: Put your chips on the long bar marked Pass Line. This is the standard wager betting that the shooter will win.
- The “Come Out” Roll: The shooter rolls the dice. 7 or 11: You win instantly (1:1 payout). 2, 3, or 12: You lose instantly. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10: The number rolled becomes the “Point.” The game continues to the next stage.
- The Point Phase: The dealer flips the puck to ON and places it on the specific number rolled (the Point). Your goal now is for that number to roll again before a 7.
- Option to “Take Odds”: Once the Point is established, you may place an additional wager directly behind your original Pass Line chips. This “Odds” bet has zero house edge and pays true odds if it wins.
- Resolution: The shooter continues rolling. If the Point hits: You win both your Pass Line and Odds bets. If a 7 hits: You lose both bets. The dice pass to the next shooter.
For those interested in games like baccarat or roulette, Betmaster Casino offers a 100% first-deposit match (up to £100) and 100 Free Spins for new accounts. T&Cs Apply.
Basic Craps Rules and Table Setup
To play craps, you must place chips on specific sections of the layout that correspond to dice outcomes.
Now that you understand the flow of a round, it is helpful to know the environment.
The standard table is mirrored, meaning the left and right sides offer identical betting areas so more players can participate. In UK land-based casinos (like those in London or Manchester), the game operates via a specific crew hierarchy:
- The Boxman: The supervisor seated in the middle who guards the chips and resolves disputes.
- The Stickman: Stands opposite the Boxman, holding the “mop.” They move the dice, manage the centre bets, and control the pace.
- The Dealers: Located on either side. They exchange cash for chips and handle payouts for the main betting areas.
- The Shooter: The player rolling the dice. In online games, this is handled by an RNG or a mechanical arm.
The Dice and the Objective
The game uses two standard six-sided dice. The combined total (2 through 12) determines outcomes.
The primary objective for the majority of players is to bet with the shooter (the Pass Line). The goal is for the shooter to roll a “Natural” (7 or 11) to win immediately or establish a “Point” number and roll it again before rolling a 7.
How Does Craps Work: The Game Cycle Explained
When learning how to play craps dice games, understand that the game loops through two distinct phases. Identify the current phase by looking at the “Puck”—a plastic disc on the table.
Phase 1: The Come Out Roll (Puck is OFF)
Every new game begins with a Come Out roll. During this phase, the Pass Line bet is the most common wager.
- Natural (Win): If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, the Pass Line wins instantly.
- Craps (Lose): If the shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12, the Pass Line loses instantly.
- Point (Next Phase): If 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, that number becomes the “Point.” The game moves to Phase 2.
Phase 2: The Point Phase (Puck is ON)
Once a Point is established, the dealer places the Puck on that number. The rules now shift. The shooter must roll that specific Point number again before rolling a 7.
- Hit the Point (Win): If the Point rolls again, Pass Line bets win. The game resets.
- Seven Out (Lose): If a 7 rolls before the Point, Pass Line bets lose. The round ends, and the dice pass to a new shooter.
Note: Rolling any other number during this phase has no effect on the Pass Line.
Types of Craps Bets
There are dozens of wagering options, but effective play requires knowing only a few.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line
The Pass Line is the fundamental bet placed before the Come Out roll. It offers a house edge of approximately 1.41%. You are backing the shooter to win.
The Don’t Pass Line is the opposite. You are betting against the shooter (playing the “Dark Side”). You win on 2 or 3 during the Come Out and lose on 7 or 11. While mathematically slightly better, it opposes the majority of bets on the table.
Craps Come Line Bets: Similar but Strategic
Come Bets operate exactly like the Pass Line, but they are made after a Point has been established.
A Come Bet functions as an independent game within the main round. When placed, the very next roll acts as a “Come Out” roll for those chips. If a 5 rolls, the chips move to the 5, and a 5 is needed again before a 7 for the bet to win.
The Odds Bets
This is a critical concept when learning how to play craps at casino venues. The Odds Bet is an additional wager placed behind Pass or Come bets once a point is established.
Why is it significant? The casino pays true odds on this bet, meaning there is zero house edge on this specific portion of the wager. Utilising the Odds bet (within table limits) is the statistically optimal strategy to lower the overall house edge.
Field and Proposition Bets
The Field is a simple one-roll bet that the next number will be 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. It offers instant results but carries a higher house edge.
Proposition Bets (or “Props”) are located in the centre of the table. These include betting on Hardways (pairs) or specific numbers like “Any Seven”. While they offer higher payout ratios (up to 30:1), they carry significantly higher house edges and increase the rate of loss.
How Does Craps Work With Multiple Bets?
It is common to have multiple bets active simultaneously.
Example Scenario: A Pass Line bet is active on a Point of 5. A Come Bet is then placed, and the shooter rolls a 6. The Come Bet moves to the 6.
- If the shooter rolls a 5, the Pass Line wins.
- If the shooter rolls a 6, the Come Bet wins.
- If the shooter rolls a 7, both bets lose instantly.
Beginner Tips and Strategy
There is no guaranteed winning system in craps, but playing with awareness helps manage risk.
The Statistical Strategy: Stick to the Pass Line and back it with Maximum Odds. This combination offers the lowest combined house edge in the casino.
Etiquette Essentials:
- One Hand Only: When shooting in a live casino, handle dice with one hand only.
- Hit the Back Wall: Throw dice with enough force to hit the back wall for a valid roll.
- “Hands High”: Keep hands out of the table area when dice are in the air.
How to Play Craps Online vs. Land-Based
Playing online offers a distinct experience compared to a physical casino.
- Online RNG Craps: The player controls the speed. The dice do not roll until clicked, allowing time to check rules. Minimum stakes are often lower (e.g., £0.10).
- Live Dealer / Land-Based: Offers a distinct social element. The pace is slower, and minimum stakes are higher (typically £5+), but the interaction is different.
Summary
Craps offers a distinct gameplay style and competitive house edges if sticking to the fundamentals. By mastering the Pass Line and utilising Odds bets, players position themselves for an informed experience. Whether at a physical table or online, understanding the mechanics is key.
FAQ
What are the basic rules of craps?
The basic rules revolve around the Pass Line bet. A game starts with a “Come Out” roll.
- Win: Roll a 7 or 11.
- Lose: Roll a 2, 3, or 12.
- Point: Roll 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. If a Point is established, the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win.
How to bet on craps for beginners?
The standard strategy is:
- Place a wager on the Pass Line before the round starts (Puck is OFF).
- Once a Point is established, place an Odds bet behind the Pass Line wager.
- Avoid the “Proposition Bets” in the centre of the table.
What is the 6 7 8 craps strategy?
This usually refers to betting on the 6 and 8 (the most frequent numbers after 7). A common move is to place £6 on the 6 and £6 on the 8.
- Note: Never bet on the 7 (“Any Seven”) as a strategy; it has a high house edge.
What is the best bet in craps?
Mathematically, the bet with the best odds is the Odds Bet. It has zero house edge and pays true odds. Since a Pass/Don’t Pass bet is required to make it, the combination of Pass Line + Max Odds is the statistically superior strategy.
When you’re ready to try roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker and more, give Betmaster casino a whirl. There’s a 100% deposit match up to £100, plus 100 Free Spins for newcomers. T&Cs Apply.
