Craps Simplified: Bets You Should and Shouldn’t Take

Craps looks loud and fast. The felt has many boxes. It is easy to feel lost. This guide makes it simple. You will learn which bets to make, which to avoid, and why. You will see the real house edge for each bet. You will get a short plan you can use at any table.

Quick take: what to bet and what to skip

If you want the short list, here it is.

Good bets (low house edge)

• Pass Line + take Odds (as much as you can afford)
• Don’t Pass + lay Odds (even a bit better math than Pass)
• Come + take Odds, or Don’t Come + lay Odds (1–2 points max)
• Place 6 and Place 8 (if you want fewer moving parts)
• Buy 4 and Buy 10 only if the casino takes the fee (vig) on wins only

Bets to avoid (high house edge)

• Big 6 and Big 8
• Field (even if 12 pays 3x, it is still worse than the good bets)
• Hardways (Hard 4, 6, 8, 10)
• One-roll props (Any 7, Any Craps, Yo/11, 2, 3, 12, Horn, C&E)
• Place 4/10 and Place 5/9 for normal play

Key idea: Odds bets have 0% house edge. They lower the overall edge when added to Pass/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t Come. Source for house edges: Wizard of Odds.

Craps in 60 seconds

The game has two parts: the come-out roll and the point.

• Come-out roll: If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, Pass Line wins. If the shooter rolls 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line loses. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the point.
• Point phase: The shooter now tries to roll the point again before a 7. If the point hits, Pass Line wins. If a 7 comes first, Pass Line loses.

Don’t Pass is the mirror: it wins when Pass loses, with a small push on a 12 in most casinos.

Come and Don’t Come bets work like Pass and Don’t Pass, but they start after a point is set.

Odds bet: After a point is set, you can add “Odds.” Odds pay true odds. The house has no edge on this part. This is why they are so strong. See details at Wizard of Odds – Basics.

The math that matters: house edge by bet

House edge means the average loss over time on each bet. Lower is better. Numbers below are typical. They can change if payouts change. Always check the table signs or ask a dealer.

• Pass Line: 1.41%
• Don’t Pass: 1.36%
• Come: 1.41%; Don’t Come: 1.36%
• Free Odds bet: 0% (this lowers your total edge when added to line bets)
• Place 6 or 8: 1.52%
• Place 5 or 9: 4.00%
• Place 4 or 10: 6.67%
• Field: about 2.78% if 12 pays 3x; about 5.56% if 2 and 12 both pay 2x
• Big 6 or Big 8: 9.09%
• Hard 6 or Hard 8: 9.09%; Hard 4 or Hard 10: 11.11%
• Any 7 (one-roll): about 16.67%
• Any Craps, 3, 11 (one-roll): about 11.11%
• 2 or 12 (one-roll): about 13.89%
• Buy 4 or 10 with 5% fee on wins only: about 1.67% (good). If the fee is taken up front, the edge jumps (often near 4.76% on small bets).

How Odds lower your edge (approximate combined edges on Pass with Odds):

• Pass + 1x Odds: ~0.85%
• Pass + 2x Odds: ~0.61%
• Pass + 3x Odds: ~0.47%
• Pass + 3-4-5x Odds: ~0.37%
• Pass + 5x Odds: ~0.33%
• Pass + 10x Odds: ~0.18%

Don’t Pass with Odds is slightly better than Pass with Odds at the same level. Exact values vary by rules. For deep math and proofs, see Wizard of Odds – Craps Appendix 1 and the research at UNLV Center for Gaming Research.

Key idea: Bets that look simple and flashy (Field, Big 6/8, props) cost more in the long run. True Odds pay fairly, so adding Odds to good base bets makes your average loss rate go down.

The simple strategy (step by step)

Use this plan to keep things easy and cheap.

Step 1: Pick your side

• Pass Line is the classic and is social. House edge 1.41%.
• Don’t Pass has a tiny edge win over Pass (1.36%). Some players do not like it when you bet “Don’t,” but it is allowed. Be polite.

Step 2: Take Odds when the point is set

• If the table says “3-4-5x Odds,” take them if your bankroll allows. If money is tight, take 1x or 2x.
• Odds have 0% house edge. They raise your bet size, but lower your average loss rate.

Step 3: Add 1–2 Come (or Don’t Come) bets with Odds

• Make one Come (or Don’t Come) bet at a time. When it moves to a number, add Odds. Then, if you like, make one more.
• Do not spread to many numbers. More points = more risk and more swings.

Step 4: Or keep it even simpler: Place 6 and 8

• If you do not like Come/DC movement, just Place the 6 and 8. They have low edge for place bets (1.52%).
• Aim for payout-friendly units. For example, $12 on 6 or 8 pays $14. Easy to count.

Step 5: Skip side action

• Avoid Field, Hardways, and one-roll props. They feel fun, but they drain your bankroll faster.

Small money example

Say your base unit is $10 on the Pass Line. Point becomes 6. With 3-4-5x odds, you can put $30 in Odds on 6. Your total at risk on that point is $40. If 6 hits, you win $10 on the line and $36 on Odds. If a 7 comes first, you lose $40. If the point is 4 or 10, max Odds is 3x the line ($30), but Odds pay 2:1 there, so wins are bigger and the risk/return is different. This is why your total exposure moves as the point changes. More details on odds sizes and payouts: Wizard of Odds – Odds Payoffs.

Key idea: Use a small number of strong bets. Add Odds. Do not scatter chips across the layout.

Bankroll, swings, and session rules

• Pick a base unit that fits your bankroll. A calm rule is base unit ≈ 1/100 to 1/200 of your total bankroll. Example: $500 bankroll → $5 base.
• If you hold 2 points with Odds, bring at least 30–50 times your base unit. This gives room for normal swings.
• Set a stop-loss before you start. Example: “I stop if I lose 3 base units in 15 minutes,” or “I stop at -20 base units.”
• Set a win goal if you like. Example: “I lock half my profit after I double my session stake.” Do not chase after a fast drop.
• If you “press” wins (raise bets), do it with a plan. For example, press Place 6/8 by one unit after two wins, not after random rolls.

Learn about variance and why swings happen at Wizard of Odds – House Edge and Variance and general gaming research at UNLV.

Common traps and why to avoid them

• Field: It pays often, but the math is not good. Even with 3x on 12, it trails Place 6/8 and line bets with Odds.
• Big 6/8: Same idea as Place 6/8, but worse pay. It is a bad deal by design.
• Hardways and one-roll props: Flashy and loud, but very high edge. Treat them as cheap fun only, with tiny amounts, or skip them.
• Hedge a good bet with a bad one? Most “hedges” cost more than they save. Over time, you pay more edge, not less.
• “Systems” that fight math: Dice have no memory. Streaks happen, but the odds per roll stay the same.

Live vs online craps (and rule changes to check)

• Live dealer tables are fast and social. Minimums can be higher. Odds often 3-4-5x, 5x, or 10x. Ask the dealer to confirm.
• Online craps (RNG) is slower and calm. You can take time. Check the pay table and the max Odds in the help screen. Look for testing by groups like Gaming Labs International.
• Field payouts vary: Does 12 pay 2x or 3x? This changes the edge a lot.
• Buy/Lay fee rules vary: Is the 5% fee taken only on wins, or upfront? If on wins only, Buy 4/10 can be good at higher units. If upfront, it is worse.
• Crapless craps: Avoid if you want low edge. The Pass Line edge jumps a lot (about 5.38%). See math at Wizard of Odds – Craps Variants.

Always read the layout. If you are unsure, ask the dealer. You can also check regulator sites for rules and fairness, like the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, or the UK Gambling Commission.

How to pick a safe place to play

• Check a license from a strong regulator (see links above).
• Look for fair pay tables and clear rules on Odds, Field, and Buy/Lay fees.
• Test support. Ask a question and see how fast they reply.
• Read bonus terms. Watch for high wagering, game limits, or blocked bets.
• Check banking speed and fees. Good sites pay fast.

To compare trusted options and see real tests of payouts, support, and craps pay tables, read the reviews at danskecasino.net. Compare before you deposit.

Etiquette and speed tips for new players

• Place line bets (Pass/Don’t Pass) before the come-out roll. Tell the dealer clearly for other bets.
• Keep hands clear when dice are in the air.
• Know the “On/Off” puck. If the puck says “On,” a point is set.
• Stack chips neat. Speak up: “Place the 6 and 8, please.”
• Be polite if you play Don’t Pass. It is a normal bet. No trash talk.

Myths vs reality

• Dice setting: It can be fun, but there is no proof it beats the house in normal play.
• Hot table or cold table: Streaks happen. The dice do not know your plan.
• Progressions: Raising bets after losses or wins does not change the odds.
• The only real edge you control is your bet choice and your limits.

FAQ

What is the best bet in craps?

The best simple bets are Pass or Don’t Pass with Odds, and Come or Don’t Come with Odds. Place 6 and 8 are also strong. These have the lowest house edge. See numbers at Wizard of Odds.

Is Don’t Pass rude?

No. It is a normal bet and has slightly better math than Pass. Some people do not like it, but good tables welcome any legal bet. Be kind and quiet about wins and losses.

How do Odds bets work, and why are they so good?

Odds pay true odds after a point is set. The house has 0% edge on this part. Adding Odds to Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t Come lowers your overall edge. Read a clear guide at Wizard of Odds – Basics.

Should I Place 6/8 or use Come bets?

Both are fine. If you like simple play that stays on the same numbers, Place 6 and 8 is easy. If you want the very best math, Come/Don’t Come with Odds is a bit better.

Why is the Field not recommended?

It pays often, but it carries a higher edge (about 2.78%–5.56% based on payouts). Place 6/8 and line bets with Odds are better over time. See payout impact at Wizard of Odds.

What bankroll do I need?

A calm plan is base unit ≈ 1/100 to 1/200 of your bankroll. If you want two points with Odds, bring 30–50x your base unit. This helps handle normal swings.

Are online craps odds the same as in casinos?

Often yes, but always check the help page. Look for game testing (e.g., GLI) and fair payouts. Rules like max Odds and Field pays can change by site.

Can craps be beaten long-term?

No, not with fair dice and normal rules. The house edge is small on good bets, but it is still not zero overall unless you only bet Odds. The best you can do is lower the edge, play safe, and enjoy the game.

Responsible play and legal note

Only play if you are of legal age in your area. Set limits. Never chase losses. If you need help, contact National Council on Problem Gambling (US) or GamCare (UK). Check local law and regulator rules like the Nevada GCB, NJ DGE, or the UKGC.

Why these numbers are trusted

The house edges and payout math above match standard pay tables used in casinos. You can verify them at:

• Wizard of Odds – Craps (detailed edges and proofs)
• Wizard of Odds – Craps Variants (rule changes and edges)
• Encyclopaedia Britannica – Craps (overview and history)
• UNLV Center for Gaming Research (academic resources)
• American Gaming Association – Responsible Gaming
• Gaming Labs International (RNG testing)
• Nevada Gaming Control Board (regulator)
• New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (regulator)
• UK Gambling Commission (regulator)

Wrap-up: your simple plan

• Use Pass or Don’t Pass with Odds.
• Add 1–2 Come/DC bets with Odds, or Place only 6 and 8.
• Skip Field, Big 6/8, Hardways, and one-roll props.
• Pick a base unit that fits your bankroll. Set stops.
• Check rules, payouts, and fees before you bet.

Keep it simple. Bet smart. Enjoy the game.