How to Play Craps Online: Rules and Strategies

Welcome to our guide on how to play craps and improve your game! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up, we’ve got the tips you need. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics and share strategies to help you learn how to win at craps. Let’s get started!

Online Craps 101: A Comprehensive Guide to The Basics

If you’ve made it this far, you’re well on your way to dominating the craps table. However, there are a few core principles to master, such as placing the right bets, when to place them, and all the variations you’ll come to encounter.

Here is a survival breakdown, and an all-in-one crash course.

Craps table layout unveiled: A helpful guide for players

We at Maple Casino try to make learning craps easy by explaining the nitty-gritty details that some other sites may overlook. In doing so, we believe it’s important to address the intricacies of the craps table. The first thing you should keep in mind is that the table layout is not nearly as intimidating as it looks at first glance. After all, the two sides of the table simply mirror each other.

The craps’ table also features a collection of colors, numbers, and different segments. These represent the various types of wagers that players can make.

Here is a breakdown of the core components of the craps table:

core components of the craps table - infographic

How Craps evolved into an online game

Craps, is a very popular dice game, its roots are linked to the age-old game known as “Hazard.” As years went by, universal rules and standardized table designs were put in place, solidifying craps’ position as an iconic casino game. Fast forward to the early 20th century, with the emergence of Nevada’s gambling scene, this game transformed into the version we recognize today.

Online craps table

What are the Most Popular Craps Variants?

Craps is a deep game with many ways of being enjoyed. Online-based craps is notable for its portability, but also its flexibility, especially when it comes to diversity of play style. These are the most popular variants of craps:

Standard online craps: The digital version

This is identical to the traditional Bank Craps played in physical casinos, offering a range of betting options and similar gameplay, just in a digital format.

Live dealer: Real-time interaction

This online variation streams a live dealer in real-time, providing a more immersive experience. Players can interact with the dealer and other players via live chat, making it feel like you’re seated at the table.

Simplified: Perfect for beginners

Ideal for beginners, this version offers fewer betting options and more straightforward gameplay, making it easier to grasp the fundamentals.

High Limit: Big bets

Designed for high rollers, this variation allows for larger bets, while providing the opportunity for significantly larger wins (and losses).

Low limit:

Suitable for players who prefer low-risk sessions, this variation features low minimum bets, giving players the chance to play longer and practice strategy without a substantial financial commitment.

Crapless: unique variation without Craps bets

An online variation where you can’t lose on the come-out roll by rolling craps (2, 3, or 12), but the trade-off typically includes different payout structures.

High point: A Unique Twist

Here, an initial roll of 11 or 12 results in a win, while a roll of 2 or 3 is ignored, making for a unique gaming experience.

New York: Focused gameplay

This online variant focuses mainly on the Box numbers, eliminating some other common betting options, and it’s especially popular among East Coast players.

Die Rich: Master the one-de

An online version of the one-die game, where you get up to three rolls to achieve a winning outcome.

Multiplayer: Social play

In this variation, you can play with or against other players online, adding a social and competitive element to the game.

Types of Craps Bets: How to Bet in Craps

Placing your bets is the fundamental mechanic of every craps game. How much you’re willing to place, as well as where you will place your bets, contributes to your chances of securing victory.

Craps table layout

In order to construct a winning strategy, you’ll need to understand the forms of bets you have at your disposal. They are as follows:

  • Pass Line Bet: This is a basic bet placed before the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win; if they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose.
  • Don’t Pass Line Bet: The opposite of the Pass Line Bet. You’re betting against the shooter. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, you win; if it’s a 7 or 11, you lose. A roll of 12 results in a push (no win, no loss).
  • Come Bet: This bet is placed after the point has been established. It works similarly to the Pass Line Bet but relates to subsequent rolls.
  • Don’t Come Bet: Like the Come Bet but operates in reverse, similar to the Don’t Pass Line Bet.
  • Place Bets: After the point is set, you can bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7.
  • Field Bets: A one-roll bet that wins if a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled, and loses if 5, 6, 7, or 8 is rolled.
  • Proposition Bets: One-roll bets placed on specific combinations of the dice, like “snake eyes” (a roll of two 1s) or “boxcars” (a roll of two 6s).
  • Hardways: Bets on rolling doubles (like 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, or 5-5) before either a 7 or any other combination of that specific number is rolled.
  • Big 6 and Big 8: Bets on the 6 or 8 being rolled before a 7.
  • Odds Bets: These are additional bets made behind the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, or Don’t Come Bets, which pay out at true odds.

How Many Type of Bets on a Craps Table?

1. Pass Line Bet
  • Pass Line Bet
  • Don’t Pass Line Bet
2. Come Bet
  • Come Bet
  • Don’t Come Bet
3. Odds Bet
  • Pass Line Odds
  • Don’t Pass Line Odds
  • Come Odds
  • Don’t Come Odds
4. Place Bets
  • Place to Win
  • Place to Lose
5. Proposition Bets
  • Any Craps
  • Any Seven
  • Eleven
  • Ace Deuce
  • Aces
  • Boxcars (12)
6. Field Bets
  • Field Bet
7. Big 6 and Big 8
  • Big 6
  • Big 8
8. Hardways
  • Hard 4
  • Hard 6
  • Hard 8
  • Hard 10
9 Hop Bets
  • Hop Bets
10. Lay Bets
  • Lay Bets
11. Buy Bets
  • Buy Bets
12. One Roll Bets
  • Yo (11)
  • Hi-Lo
  • C and E (Craps and Eleven)
  • Horn Bet
  • Horn High Bet
13. Fire Bet
  • Fire Bet

Each of these bets has its own rules, odds, and payouts, providing a wide variety of strategies and ways to engage with the game.

Pro Tips: Maximize your Chances of Winning at Craps

If you’ve set your mind to taking on the big dogs, or just looking for a way to flex your gaming chops, these meta strategies are invaluable within your craps tool belt.

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Step 1

Maximize Odds Bets

After a point is established, make additional ‘Odds’ bets behind your Pass Line bet. They have zero house edge.
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Step 2

Place Two Come Bets

Alongside your Pass Line bet, place two come bets. This allows you to cover more numbers, increasing your chances of winning on each roll.
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Step 3

Try the Don't Come Strategy

If you’re feeling rebellious, you can bet against the shooter by using Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets, which have a low house edge.
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Step 4

Avoid the Middle

Stay away from proposition bets in the center of the table. They have a high house edge.
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Step 5

Manage Bankroll

Have a set strategy for increasing and decreasing bets depending on wins or losses. Don’t chase losses, and set win/loss limits.
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Step 6

Lay Bets

For a change, you could lay bets against 4 or 10, leveraging the house’s 2:1 advantage on these numbers.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Steer Clear from Big 6 or 8

Understanding the Big 6 and the Big 8 is a core principle of any successful betting approach. Here are a few things you’ll need to understand before making your first bet.

Five reasons why you should avoid big 6 and big 8

Before pursuing this risky bet, we recommend considering the risk associated with the Big 6 and Big 8.

  • High House Edge: The Big 6 and Big 8 bets come with a house edge of 9.09%, which is considerably higher than many other bets in craps.
  • Better Alternatives: Placing a standard ‘Place Bet’ on the 6 or 8 offers better odds and a lower house edge (1.52%) for the same numbers.
  • Limited Strategy: These are single-roll bets that offer no strategic depth. They are entirely dependent on luck, unlike other bets that can be optimized for better returns.
  • Doesn’t Advance Skill: Using these bets doesn’t help you become a more skilled or strategic craps’ player, as they require no understanding of the game’s more nuanced options.
  • Missed Opportunities: By investing in the Big 6 and Big 8, you’re missing out on other, more rewarding bets, like the Pass Line with Odds, Come Bets, or even Place Bets, which offer a better balance between risk and reward.

Craps Terminology: Master the Lingo for Better Play

Learning craps terminology can be overwhelming for new players. Seasoned gamblers often use colorful jargon that can leave you feeling lost. But don’t worry – Here’s a handy list of terms used to describe the numbers rolled during a game.

BoxcarsThe combination of 12 is most commonly labelled as ‘boxcars. This may have something to do with the numbers resembling boxcars on a railroad. Another popular phrase associated with 12 is ‘midnight’
Yo-levenRolling a combination of 11 may invite the phrase ‘yo, six five no jive’, or ‘yo-leven’. This phrase was introduced to help players distinguish between the words ‘seven’ and ‘eleven’, which are commonly misheard
TennesseeRefers to the number 10.
Jesse JamesRefers to number 9. Other nicknames include ‘Nina from Pasadena’
The Devil7 is referred to as ‘The Devil’. ‘The Big Red’ or ‘Six One.’
Mom and DadRefers to 8. It can also be referred to as ‘Square Pair.’
Little PhoebeRefers to the number 5.
Jimmy HicksRefers to the number 6.
Little JoesRefers to the number 4.
Three CrapsA three is called ‘Three Craps’ or ‘Ace Deuce.’
Snake EyesRolling a combination 2 invites the above phrase. It’s probably the best-known of them all.

Craps Rules: Come Out Roll and Point Phase

Understanding these stages can help you keep the game flowing. Let’s break down the come-out roll and the point phase.

Come out roll

The “come out roll” is the first dice roll thrown at the start of a round. These are the outcomes:

Natural

If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, it's called a “Natural,” and bets on the Pass Line win immediately.

Craps

Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 is called “Craps,” and bets on the Pass Line lose.

Point established

If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, this number becomes the “Point,” and the game moves into the Point Phase.

Point phase

Once a point has been established during the come-out roll, the game will enter the point phase. This is all you need to know:

#1

The shooter continues to roll the dice in the hope of hitting the Point number before rolling a 7.

#2

If the shooter rolls the Point number before rolling a 7, then bets on the Pass Line win.

#3

If a 7 is rolled before the Point number, then bets on the Pass Line lose, and the round ends.

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You don’t need to know when these phases commence, as it will always be indicated once the game state changes. However, it's always ideal for newer players looking to master the flow of the game.

Free Vs. Real Money Craps - What's the Difference?

Real money  and free craps each have something to benefit any type of player. Test your might by playing craps online for real money, or take things slow with a handful of eye-catching free craps demo games.

FeatureReal Money Free
AccessibilityRequires account creation and deposit.Accessible without creating an account.
ObjectiveWin real moneyLearning, practice, and leisure without any financial gain
BonusesSign up bonuses and free spins/playsNo bonuses are awarded
ImmersionMaximum immersion and maximum thrillLacks the immersion provided by its real money counterpart

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