Craps Rules: Core Gameplay and Bet Resolution

Objective and Game State

Craps is played with two dice and a rotating shooter. Each round operates in one of two states: the come-out state, followed by the point state when a point number is established. The table state governs which wagers can be placed and how they resolve.

Come-Out Roll Rules

The come-out roll begins a new round. Most players start with a Pass Line or Don’t Pass wager placed before the roll. The come-out outcome either resolves these wagers immediately or establishes a point number.

• Pass Line wins on 7 or 11.
• Pass Line loses on 2, 3, or 12.
• Point established on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10.

Point Phase Rules

After a point is established, the shooter continues rolling until the point repeats or a 7 appears. The round resolves and resets after either condition is met.

• Pass Line wins if the point is rolled before a 7.
• Pass Line loses if a 7 is rolled before the point.
• After resolution, the next round begins with a new come-out roll.

Don’t Pass Rule Set

Don’t Pass represents an inverse position. It wins on the come-out roll with 2 or 3, and loses with 7 or 11. House rules commonly treat 12 as a push on the come-out roll, though policies vary by casino.

• Don’t Pass wins on 2 or 3 during come-out.
• Don’t Pass loses on 7 or 11 during come-out.
• 12 may push during come-out, depending on venue rules.
• In point state, Don’t Pass wins on 7 before point repetition.

Come and Don’t Come Rules

Come and Don’t Come bets mirror Pass Line and Don’t Pass mechanics but are placed after a point is active. A Come bet “travels” to the number rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and then resolves if that number repeats before a 7.

• Come wins immediately on 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12 at placement.
• Otherwise, the rolled number becomes the Come point.
• A 7 clears unresolved Come points as losses; repeating the point resolves as a win.

Odds Bets

Odds bets are optional add-on stakes placed behind qualifying Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bets after a point exists. Odds availability and maximum multiples vary by table limits.

Common Multi-Roll Bets: Place Bets

Place bets target specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) and remain active until the number appears or a 7 is rolled. A 7 resolves place bets as losses. Payout ratios vary by number and casino pricing.

Single-Roll Bets: Field and Propositions

Field bets and centre-table propositions resolve on the next roll or within a narrow outcome set. These wagers exhibit higher volatility and typically higher expected loss. Payout schedules differ by casino and should be verified at the table.

Dice Handling and Table Protocol

Casinos apply operational rules to preserve pace and integrity. Buy-ins typically occur between rolls, hands must remain clear of the layout during live dice, and dice are expected to contact the back wall for a valid roll.