Craps for Beginners: 2025 Checklist
A friendly, fact‑checked starter guide: rules, smart bets, etiquette, and a printable checklist.
Last updated: September 3, 2025 · Beginner 10–minute read
What is Craps & Why Do Players Love It?
Craps is the lively dice game where the table cheers together. One player (the shooter) rolls two dice; the rest bet on what will happen. Although the layout looks busy, beginners can stick to a couple of simple, low‑edge bets and have a great time.
Good news: you don’t need a complicated “system.” A few smart bets and basic etiquette go a very long way.
How to Join a Craps Table (Step‑by‑Step)
- Pick your table. Look at the minimum bet posted on the rail (e.g., $10–$25 in many Vegas pits). If you’re learning, cheaper is better. See our Low‑Minimum Tables Guide.
- Buy chips. Place cash on the layout between rolls; say your denomination if needed. Dealers will push chips to you.
- Find a spot. Stand anywhere around the rail. You can play without being the shooter.
- Know the shooter’s role. The shooter must roll with one hand and try to hit the back wall with both dice.
- Place bets on the layout. Make your bets before the dice are pushed to the shooter whenever possible.
Core Beginner Bets (Keep It Simple)
These are the backbone bets with the most friendly math for new players:
Pass Line / Don’t Pass
- Pass Line: Bet with the shooter. Wins on the come‑out roll of 7 or 11; loses on 2, 3, or 12. House edge ≈ 1.41%.
- Don’t Pass: Bet against the shooter. Wins on 2 or 3; pushes on 12; loses on 7 or 11. After a point, 7 wins. House edge ≈ 1.36%.
Come / Don’t Come
These work the same as Pass/Don’t Pass—just placed after a point is established. Edges are the same as above.
Odds Bets (the best deal in the casino)
After a point is set, you can place Odds behind your Pass/Come (or lay Odds behind Don’t Pass/Don’t Come). Odds pay at true odds and carry a 0% house edge. Your overall edge improves the more odds you’re allowed to take/lay.
Popular “Place” Bets
If you want more action, consider placing the 6 or 8. Typical house edges per bet resolved:
| Bet | Typical Payout | House Edge* | Beginner‑friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass / Come | 1:1 | ≈ 1.41% | Yes ✅ |
| Don’t Pass / Don’t Come | 1:1 (bar 12) | ≈ 1.36%–1.40% | Yes ✅ |
| Take/Lay Odds | True odds | 0% | Yes ✅ |
| Place 6 or 8 | 7:6 | ≈ 1.52% | Conditional ✅ |
| Place 5 or 9 | 7:5 | ≈ 4.00% | Usually ❌ |
| Place 4 or 10 | 9:5 | ≈ 6.67% | No ❌ |
| Field (pays 2:1 on 2; 2:1 or 3:1 on 12) | Varies | ≈ 5.56% (2:1 on 12) or ≈ 2.78% (3:1 on 12) | No ❌ |
| Any 7 | 4:1 | ≈ 16.67% | Never ❌ |
| Hardways | 9:1 / 7:1 | ≈ 9–11% | Never ❌ |
| Big 6 / Big 8 | 1:1 | ≈ 9.09% | Never ❌ |
*House edges compiled from authoritative math sources; see the References section.
Quick 2025 Checklist (Beginner Essentials)
This keeps every word from our original post and adds context.
- Start with Pass/Come or Don’t Pass/Don’t Come; add odds when available.
- Avoid centre‑table propositions until you’re experienced.
- Etiquette: one hand on dice, quick bets, respect the shooter’s roll.
Why these items matter
- Pass/Don’t + Odds keep your average house edge low while you learn the flow.
- Proposition bets (center table) look exciting but are some of the worst bets mathematically.
- Etiquette makes the game smoother and keeps dealers/pit on your side—hit the back wall and avoid late throws.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Chasing losses with bigger bets (e.g., Martingale) instead of taking a break.
- Confusing Come with Pass and placing them at the wrong time.
- Forgetting Odds—the only 0% house‑edge bet you’ll find at the table.
- Sprinkling side bets “for fun” that quietly drain the bankroll.
2025 Table Tips (Minimums, Electronic, Online)
- Vegas minimums: many Strip pits post $15–$25 during busy hours; look for weekday afternoons or Downtown for friendlier mins.
- Electronic/bubble craps: often allow smaller bets (sometimes $1–$5) and are great for practicing etiquette and timing.
- Online “demo” modes: useful for learning rules; always verify that you’re using a legal, licensed site in your jurisdiction.
Tip: Before a trip, skim our Bankroll Management basics.
Etiquette in 30 Seconds
- Use one hand on the dice; keep them visible over the layout.
- Hit the back wall with both dice on the roll.
- Make bets before the dice are sent to the shooter; avoid late tosses.
- Be mindful of chips when you roll—don’t scatter stacks.
FAQ
- What’s the single smartest bet for a beginner?
- Pass Line (or Don’t Pass) plus the maximum Odds you’re comfortable with.
- How big should my buy‑in be?
- As a rough rule for learning at a $10–$15 table, bring 40–60× the minimum so you can weather cold stretches (e.g., $400–$900).
- Should I play Place 6/8?
- It’s reasonable if you want extra action, but understand the edge (~1.52% per bet resolved) and prioritize Pass/Don’t + Odds first.
Responsible Play
Set time and spend limits before you start. If gambling stops being fun, step away. See our trust & safety standards and editorial policy.
References (Fact‑Checked Sources)
- Wizard of Odds – Craps: Basics & House Edge
- Wizard of Odds – House Edge for Major Craps Bets
- Wizard of Odds – How the House Edge is Derived (Odds)
- Covers – Las Vegas Craps Etiquette
- Vegas Advantage – Las Vegas Craps Minimums (Survey)
- American Gaming Association – Responsible Gaming Regulations
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research – Gaming Reports & Data
- Las Vegas Review‑Journal – Table‑game trend context
We review these sources periodically and update figures if casinos alter rules or payouts.
