Craps can feel intimidating when you first approach the table, but understanding which bets give you the best chances can make the game a lot more fun and less stressful. With dozens of betting options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that not all bets are created equal. Some provide a better chance of winning and a lower house edge, while others are mainly for high-risk excitement. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common craps bets, rank them from best to worst for beginners, and give you practical tips to maximize your table experience.
Understanding the Basics of Craps Bets
Before diving into which bets are best, it’s important to understand the basic types of bets on the craps table. Familiarity with these bets will help you make smarter decisions and feel confident while playing.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line
The Pass Line bet is the most classic wager in craps. You place your chips on the Pass Line before the come-out roll, and you win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, or if the point is hit before a 7 after a point is established. Conversely, the Don’t Pass Line bet is essentially the opposite. You’re betting that a 7 will be rolled before the point is made. While it may feel counterintuitive to bet against the shooter, statistically, this bet has a slightly lower house edge, making it a smart choice for beginners.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
Once a point has been established, you can place a Come or Don’t Come bet. These work just like the Pass and Don’t Pass bets, except they are made after the point is set. A Come bet wins if the next roll is 7 or 11, or if the number you establish hits before a 7. The Don’t Come works in reverse. These bets allow you to stay active on the table even after the game has started and follow the same low-house-edge principles as Pass/Don’t Pass bets.
Place and Buy Bets
Place bets let you wager that specific numbers—4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10—will hit before a 7. They are placed directly on the numbered sections of the table layout, and payouts vary depending on the number. Buy bets are similar but offer better payouts for numbers like 4 and 10 if you pay a small commission, known as the vig. These bets provide flexibility and are ideal for players looking to focus on specific numbers while keeping their risk manageable.
One-Roll Bets and Other Fun Bets
Finally, there are bets like Hardways, Field bets, and Any 7, which resolve on a single roll or have special conditions. They are high-risk, high-reward bets and should generally be approached with caution, especially for beginners. While the potential payouts are exciting, these wagers carry a significantly higher house edge and are better suited for thrill-seekers rather than consistent, strategic play.
How House Edge Affects Your Odds
Even if a bet seems like it has a 50/50 chance, the house always has a slight edge that affects your long-term winnings. Understanding this concept is essential for smart craps play.
What is House Edge?
The house edge is the statistical advantage the casino has on a given bet. It ensures the casino profits over time, even if players experience short-term wins. For example, a Place bet on 10 pays 9:5 instead of the true 2:1 odds. This slight difference represents the casino’s edge. While it may seem small, repeated bets over time favor the house.
Why It Matters for Beginners
For beginners, focusing on bets with a low house edge can preserve your bankroll and allow you to enjoy the game longer. High-house-edge bets might provide a rush of excitement, but they can drain your money quickly. Learning which bets are the most cost-effective is the key to building confidence and maintaining a positive experience at the table.
Ranking Craps Bets from Best to Worst
Now that we understand the basics and house edge, let’s rank the most common bets from best to worst for beginners.
Low House Edge (Best Bets)
The best bets provide the lowest house edge and offer steady chances of winning.
- Don’t Pass / Don’t Come – house edge 1.36%. Slightly better than Pass/Come bets, these wagers favor the player slightly more over time.
- Pass / Come – house edge 1.41%. These are classic, beginner-friendly bets with consistent, predictable outcomes.
- Place 6/8 – house edge 1.52%. Place bets on these numbers hit frequently and pay 7:6, making them the most reliable Place bets on the table.
Focusing on these bets allows beginners to build confidence while limiting losses.
Medium House Edge (Moderate Risk)
These bets carry slightly higher risk but can yield moderate rewards:
- Buy 4/10 – house edge 1.67% if the vig is paid. Offers improved payouts for 4 and 10, especially for higher stakes.
- Place 5/9 – house edge 4.0%. Slightly riskier than Place 6/8, but still reasonable for steady play.
- Field Bets – house edge 2.78–5.56%. These are fun for short-term excitement, as they pay immediately and sometimes double on certain rolls, but they are less predictable.
High House Edge (High-Risk Bets)
High-risk bets are mostly for thrill-seekers and not recommended for beginners focused on consistency:
- Place 4/10 – 6.67% house edge. Hits less often than 6/8 but offers higher payouts.
- Hardways – 9–11% house edge. Rarely hit but can pay big.
- Big 6/8 – 9.09% house edge. Avoid these bets; Place 6/8 is a better alternative.
- Any 7 – 16.67% house edge. Extremely risky and mostly a fun, high-stakes side bet.
By understanding the risk and payout of each bet, beginners can make more informed decisions at the table.
Tips for Beginner Craps Players
Knowing the best bets is only part of the game — here are some practical tips for beginners to maximize enjoyment and manage risk.
Start Small and Stick to Low House Edge Bets
Begin with small bets on Pass/Come, Don’t Pass/Don’t Come, or Place 6/8. These provide steady wins and minimize losses while you learn the flow of the table.
Avoid Temptation of Big Payouts at First
High-risk bets like Any 7, Hardways, or Place 4/10 may be tempting due to their large payouts, but they can deplete your bankroll quickly. Focus on consistency first.
Watch the Dice and Table Flow
Pay attention to how shooters roll and how points are established. Observing the table helps you understand timing for Come and Place bets.
Practice Online or with Friends
Electronic craps games or home versions are excellent ways to practice without risking real money. This allows you to become comfortable with the rules and betting options.
Conclusion
Craps is exciting, fast-paced, and full of betting options, but knowing which bets give you the best odds makes all the difference for beginners. Focusing on low-house-edge bets like Don’t Pass/Don’t Come, Pass/Come, and Place 6/8 can provide consistent wins and a positive learning experience. As you gain confidence, you can explore medium- and high-risk bets for added excitement. Remember, craps is as much about having fun as it is about strategy—enjoy the energy of the table and let the dice roll in your favor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Don’t Pass better than Pass Line?
A1: Slightly. Don’t Pass has a house edge of 1.36% compared to Pass Line’s 1.41%, giving you a very small statistical advantage over time.
Q2: Should beginners ever bet on Hardways or Any 7?
A2: These are high-risk, high-reward bets and are not recommended for beginners focused on learning the game and managing bankroll.
Q3: What are the best numbers to place bets on?
A3: Place bets on 6 or 8 are the most reliable because they hit frequently and have a low house edge of 1.52%.
Q4: Can electronic craps affect the odds?
A4: Regulated electronic or online craps uses a random number generator (RNG) to simulate dice rolls. The odds mirror a real table, but always ensure the site or casino is licensed.
Q5: How can I practice craps without losing money?
A5: You can play free online craps games, practice with friends, or use electronic table versions to familiarize yourself with the rules and betting options.