Casino rules
craps rules
How the dice game works, starting with the Pass Line
Craps is a dice game where you bet on the outcome of two dice, and the simplest bet — the Pass Line — wins on a first roll of 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3 or 12. Any other number becomes the "point", and the shooter keeps rolling until they repeat the point (you win) or roll a 7 (you lose).
The table looks busy, but you only need the Pass Line to play. Below is how a round works. Craps shares the "every roll is independent" truth with the wheel — see how roulette works for the same idea.
The come-out roll
A round starts with the come-out roll. If you've bet the Pass Line, a 7 or 11 wins immediately (even money), while 2, 3 or 12 ("craps") loses. Any other total — 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 — becomes the point, and the round continues.
Making the point
Once a point is set, the shooter rolls again and again. Roll the point number again and the Pass Line wins; roll a 7 first and it loses ("seven out"). No other number matters now. This simple win/lose rule is the core of the whole game.
Beyond the Pass Line
There are many extra bets (Come, Don't Pass, Odds, Place and the one-roll "proposition" bets), with very different odds. Beginners do best to stick to the Pass Line, which has one of the lowest house edges on the table. For another dice-and-numbers game, see sic bo rules.
How a round of craps is played, step by step
- Bet the Pass Line Place your chips on the Pass Line before the come-out roll.
- Come-out roll 7 or 11 wins; 2, 3 or 12 loses; anything else sets the point.
- The point is set The dealer marks the point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10).
- Keep rolling The shooter rolls until the point repeats or a 7 appears.
- Win or lose Point before 7 wins the Pass Line; a 7 first loses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pass Line bet in craps?
The main craps bet. It wins on a come-out roll of 7 or 11, loses on 2, 3 or 12, and otherwise sets a 'point' that must be rolled again before a 7 for the bet to win.
What does 'seven out' mean?
Rolling a 7 after a point is set, which makes the Pass Line lose and ends the shooter's turn.
Is craps hard to learn?
The table has many bets, but the game itself is simple if you stick to the Pass Line: 7 or 11 wins the come-out, craps loses, and otherwise you chase the point before a 7.