Craps Rules, Table Phases and Odds Explained
Craps is a two-dice game with different settlement rules for different table categories. This overview explains the come-out and point phases, common terms and rule variations for adult readers in Canada.
WinnerOnline provides information and does not host craps or accept bets. Learning the table layout does not predict dice outcomes or guarantee a profit.
The Come-Out Roll: Starting the Round
Every game of craps begins with the Come-Out Roll. If you are the “shooter” (the person rolling the dice), this first toss determines how the rest of the round will play out. Before the dice are thrown, most players place a bet on the Pass Line.
- 7 or 11: This is a “Natural.” If the shooter rolls these, the Pass Line bets win immediately.
- 2, 3, or 12: This is “Craps.” Pass Line bets lose, and the round ends.
- Any Other Number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10): This number becomes the Point. The dealer will place a marker (the “ON” puck) on that number.
The Point Phase
Once a Point is established, the goal of the game shifts. The shooter continues to roll the dice until one of two things happens:
- The Point is rolled again: Pass Line bets win, and a new round begins.
- A 7 is rolled: This is known as “Sevening Out.” Pass Line bets lose, and the dice are passed to the next shooter.
Common Bet Categories
Each category has its own covered outcomes, timing and payout schedule. See the craps bets and odds guide for related terminology.
1. Pass Line and Don’t Pass
Pass Line settlement follows the come-out and point rules above. Don’t Pass uses different settlement, including a barred come-out result under the table’s rules, and generally wins after a point when seven appears before that point. It is not an exact opposite payout in every circumstance.
2. Odds Bets and True-Odds Payouts
An odds bet associated with a qualifying line bet can pay at true odds under conventional rules. The zero house edge applies to that component, not to the underlying line bet or the risk of losing the total stake. It is incorrect to describe this as the only zero-edge wager in every form of gambling.
3. Come and Don’t Come Bets
These work exactly like the Pass/Don’t Pass bets but can be made at any time after a point has already been established. Several active bets can expose more money to the same roll.
4. Field Bets (One-Roll Bets)
The Field is a one-roll category. You are betting that the very next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The payout treatment of 2 and 12 affects its house edge and differs between tables.
Craps Rule and Presentation Variants
When exploring different portals, you may encounter unique twists on the classic game:
- Crapless Craps: A format in which 2, 3, 11 and 12 can become point numbers. Removing certain immediate losses changes other probabilities and does not establish a safer game.
- First Person Craps: A computer-rendered presentation. Animation does not necessarily represent a physical simulation, and the exact timing and rules depend on the version.
- Live Dealer Craps: Featuring mechanical dice-shakers and high-definition streams, this brings the social atmosphere of the “pit” directly to your mobile or desktop device.
Probability and Spending Misconceptions
A sequence of outcomes does not establish that the dice have become “hot” or “cold.” Important distinctions include:
- Combined house edge: A quoted percentage may refer to the original bet or to all money wagered. Comparisons need the same denominator and complete rule set.
- Large payouts: A high payout ratio often corresponds to a less frequent outcome; the payout alone does not establish value or safety.
- Session length: No fixed budget multiple or number of rounds guarantees recovery from losses. Essential living costs should not depend on a gambling outcome.
See the craps table-layout guide, dice-probability explanation and Canadian gambling-support resources.
Explore the full section: casino game guides.
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craps rules and table layout · craps betting systems and limitations.
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