Basic Craps Strategy

Craps stands out as one of the most dynamic and social casino games, offering players an exciting atmosphere filled with energy and camaraderie at the table. The game's appeal lies not just in its potential for winning, but in the collective experience of players working together toward common goals. For beginners entering the craps table for the first time, understanding and implementing a basic craps strategy transforms the experience from intimidating to manageable and enjoyable. An effective strategy doesn't require complex calculations or years of experience—it simply means making informed betting decisions that minimize losses and maximize your chances of success. With the right foundational approach, new players can navigate the craps table with confidence while genuinely enhancing their long-term gameplay and enjoyment.

Basic Craps Strategy Overview

What is Craps?

Craps is a dice game where players make wagers on the outcomes of rolls made by a designated shooter. The game revolves around establishing a target number (called the "point") and determining whether the shooter will roll that number again before rolling a 7. The objective for pass line bettors is to see the shooter succeed in hitting their point, while don't pass bettors win when the shooter fails.

Importance of Strategy

Developing a basic craps strategy as a beginner provides several crucial advantages. Rather than placing random bets throughout the game, a structured approach allows you to focus on wagers with lower house edges, maintain consistent betting amounts, and avoid the tempting but costly proposition bets that can quickly deplete your bankroll. A solid strategy essentially creates guardrails that keep you engaged in the game while protecting your funds from unnecessary losses.

Starting Your Game: The Basics

Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management begins with setting realistic expectations and betting limits before you sit down at the table. Start by finding a craps table with a minimum bet that feels comfortable for your budget—$5 to $10 minimum tables are ideal for beginners, allowing you to play for extended periods without excessive risk. Once you've established your total gambling budget for the session, commit to keeping your stake amount the same every round, as this simple approach limits the variables you need to worry about and prevents the temptation to chase losses through increasingly aggressive bets.

Required Bets

There is only one mandatory bet in craps: if you're shooting the dice, you must make either a Pass Line or Don't Pass bet before rolling. The Pass Line bet is the foundational wager in craps and represents your starter bet for the round. Even if you're not shooting, most players choose to make a Pass or No Pass bet as their primary wager. These required bets establish the framework for the entire round and determine whether you're betting with or against the shooter.

Core Betting Strategies

The Come-Out Roll

The come-out roll is the first roll of a new betting round, and it's where your Pass Line bet activates. During this critical moment, three outcomes are possible:

• Winning the Come-Out Roll: If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 (called a "natural"), your Pass Line bet wins immediately at even money, and the round concludes.
• Crapping Out: If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, your Pass Line bet loses instantly—this outcome is called "crapping out."
• Establishing the Point: Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the established point number, and the game transitions to Phase Two, where the shooter must roll that point number again before rolling a 7 to win the Pass Line bet.

Establishing a Point: The Odds Bet Strategy

Once a point is established, the most powerful move in your basic craps strategy is to lay the Odds—a supplementary bet placed behind your Pass Line bet that pays true odds with no house edge. This bet wins if the shooter rolls the point number before rolling a 7, and it's widely considered the best bet available in craps because it directly counters the house advantage.

After establishing your Odds bet, consider placing bets on the numbers 6 and 8 during Phase Two. These numbers are statistically more likely to appear than other point numbers and offer a favorable house edge when placed correctly. The recommended beginner strategy involves making your Pass Line bet, laying the Odds, and then placing the 6 and 8—creating multiple ways to win without overcomplicating your approach.

Advanced Betting Techniques

Making Come Bets

Come bets function similarly to Pass Line bets but can be made at any time during Phase Two (after a point is established). When you place a Come bet, the next roll becomes a "come-out" for that specific bet: rolling a 7 or 11 wins the Come bet, rolling 2, 3, or 12 loses it, and any other number establishes a separate point for that Come bet. Come bets are advantageous because they allow you to create multiple winning opportunities across different numbers without waiting for a new shooter, effectively giving you more action during a single round.

Placing Bets on 6 and 8

Placing bets directly on the 6 and 8 represents a strategic approach to generating consistent wins during Phase Two. Once the point is established, you can instruct the dealer to "place the 6 and 8," which means you win if either number is rolled before a 7 appears. These numbers are among the most frequently rolled combinations on two dice (five ways to make each), making them statistically reliable choices. You can add or remove these Place bets at any point during Phase Two, giving you flexibility to adjust your strategy based on how the round unfolds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

High House Edge Bets

Beginning craps players often fall into the trap of making tempting but mathematically unfavorable bets. Prop bets (proposition bets made in the center of the table) and Field bets carry significantly higher house edges compared to Pass Line and Come bets, making them poor choices for your basic strategy. While the dealers and other players might encourage these bets because they generate excitement, your fundamental approach should prioritize bets with low house edges—the Pass Line, Don't Pass Line, Come bets, and Odds bets are your core arsenal.

Chasing Losses

The psychological pressure to recover losses quickly leads many beginners to abandon their strategy and escalate their bets unpredictably. Instead of adopting progressive betting strategies that increase stakes after losses, maintain the same bet amount every round. This consistency protects your bankroll during inevitable losing streaks and prevents the spiral of escalating losses that derails most amateur players. Your strategy's strength lies in its simplicity and your commitment to following it regardless of short-term results.

Conclusion

A basic craps strategy for beginners centers on three fundamental principles: making your required Pass Line or Don't Pass bet, consistently laying the Odds behind that bet to eliminate house advantage, and placing selective bets on the 6 and 8 during Phase Two. Avoid high house edge proposition bets, maintain consistent betting amounts, and remember that the game's true appeal comes from the social experience and manageable action, not from chasing dramatic payouts. As you gain experience and comfort at the craps table, you can gradually explore more sophisticated betting patterns and strategies. However, the foundation you build with this basic approach—emphasizing low house edge bets, disciplined bankroll management, and strategic simplicity—provides the platform for long-term enjoyment and sustainable play at the craps table.

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