Operational Overview of Craps Gameplay

Structural Framework of Craps

Craps functions as a two-dice probability game built around a fixed-resolution cycle. All wager outcomes derive from independent dice rolls governed by static probability distributions. No betting structure alters mathematical expectation; performance variance is shaped by wager selection and capital deployment.

The table operates in two states: the come-out phase and the point phase. This binary structure determines wager activation, resolution timing, and payout mechanics.

Come-Out Roll Mechanics

The come-out roll initiates each round. Pass Line and Don’t Pass wagers must be placed prior to this roll. Outcomes immediately resolve certain bets or establish a point number.

• Totals of 7 or 11 resolve Pass Line wagers as wins.
• Totals of 2, 3, or 12 resolve Pass Line wagers as losses.
• Totals of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 establish the point.

Point Phase Dynamics

Once a point is established, the shooter continues rolling until the point repeats or a total of 7 appears. This phase defines the core risk exposure of line-based wagers.

• Repeating the point resolves Pass Line wagers as wins.
• A roll of 7 resolves Pass Line wagers as losses and ends the round.
• The table resets to a new come-out roll after resolution.

Pass Line and Don’t Pass Positions

Pass Line represents the primary participation model and aligns the player with the shooter. Don’t Pass represents the inverse position, benefiting from a seven-out prior to point repetition. House rules may treat the number 12 as a neutral outcome on Don’t Pass wagers.

These wagers exhibit the lowest expected loss per decision within the standard craps offering and form the foundation of conservative exposure models.

Odds Wagers

Odds wagers may be placed behind qualifying Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets after a point is set. These wagers pay according to actual probability ratios and do not embed casino margin. Exposure is restricted by table-specific maximum multiples.

• Odds wagers increase variance without increasing expected loss.
• Total capital exposure rises in proportion to odds multiples.
• Suitable for controlled expansion of core positions.

Come and Don’t Come Bets

Come and Don’t Come wagers replicate Pass Line and Don’t Pass mechanics but are initiated after a point exists. Each Come wager establishes an independent point, creating parallel exposure streams.

This structure supports staggered position management across multiple numbers.

Place, Field, and Proposition Bets

Place bets target specific numbers and remain active until resolution or a seven-out. Field and centre-table propositions resolve over short intervals and introduce higher volatility.

• Place bets maintain medium variance profiles.
• Field bets resolve in a single roll.
• Proposition bets concentrate risk into short cycles.

Table Conduct Standards

Operational discipline at the table supports smooth execution. Buy-ins occur between rolls, dice must contact the back wall, and hands must remain clear of the layout during active play.

Bankroll Governance

Craps volatility necessitates session-based capital allocation. A structured approach separates baseline exposure on line bets from discretionary exposure on higher-variance wagers.

Predefined loss thresholds and unit sizing aligned to total bankroll support behavioural consistency under extended variance.

Strategic Positioning

Craps strategy functions as a volatility allocation exercise rather than an optimisation model. Line-based wagers combined with measured odds exposure offer the most capital-efficient framework within fixed probability constraints.

Long-term engagement outcomes correlate with structural discipline, exposure containment, and adherence to predefined capital controls.