Craps Game Strategies That Actually Work (Even for Beginners)

The craps table is loud, fast, and filled with action. Dice fly, chips move, and players cheer, but if you don’t know what you're doing, your bankroll can disappear in minutes.

Craps may look like pure chance, but smart players know it’s a game of strategic betting. From the low-risk Pass Line to more advanced systems like Don’t Come and odds-based plays, the right strategy can drastically cut the house edge — and boost your chances of walking away a winner.

Whether you’re playing at a Vegas casino or rolling virtually at the best online casino, understanding how to bet is more important than how you throw the dice. This blog breaks down the best craps strategies for every level (beginner, intermediate, and expert) using clear examples and simple logic.

If you're serious about playing casino games that win real money, or just want to stop relying on luck alone, this guide is your perfect starting point. Let's dive into how craps really works and how to master it.

Understanding the Basics of Craps

Before diving into strategy, you need to understand the layout and flow of the craps game, because it’s not just about rolling the dice.

The Shooter & The Come-Out Roll

• The shooter is the player rolling the dice.

• The first roll is the come-out roll, which determines the pace of the game.

• Roll a 7 or 11 → You win (Pass Line).

• Roll a 2, 3, or 12 → You lose (Craps).

• Roll anything else (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) → That becomes the point.

Basic Bets

• Pass Line: Bet that the shooter will win a simple and low-risk option.

• Don’t Pass: You’re betting against the shooter (the “dark side”).

• Come/Don’t Come: Similar to Pass/Don’t Pass, but made after the point is established.

• Odds Bet: An extra wager behind your Pass or Come bet has zero house edge and is key to most winning strategies.

Craps Online vs. Live Tables

• In online casinos, craps is often played using an RNG or with live dealers.

• Online versions simplify tracking and payout displays — great for learning.

• Some of the best online casino platforms even offer demo mode to practice risk-free.

Understanding these building blocks will help you confidently use the strategies covered next — and avoid the traps that cost beginners real money.

Best Beginner Strategy for Craps Game: Pass Line + Odds

If you’re new to craps and looking for a smart, simple way to play, start with the Pass Line + Odds strategy. It’s low-risk, easy to follow, and one of the best bets in the entire casino.

Why It Works

• The Pass Line bet wins if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, and loses if it’s 2, 3, or 12.

• If any other number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the point.

• Your goal is for the shooter to roll that same point number again before rolling a 7.

Once a point is established, you can place an Odds Bet behind your Pass Line wager:

• This bet has no house edge and pays true odds (varies by point).

• It increases your payout without increasing risk for the casino.

Why It’s Great for New Players

• Easy to understand and follow at both live and online casinos.

• The combined house edge can drop below 1%, depending on the odds offered.

• You’ll find this option available on almost all top-rated casino sites and best online casino platforms.

For anyone looking to win real money online or on a live table, this strategy offers the best balance of simplicity, safety, and potential reward.

Intermediate Strategy: Come Bets + Taking Odds

Once you're comfortable with the Pass Line + Odds strategy, it's time to level up with Come Bets — a smart way to multiply your advantage without taking on much more risk.

What is a Come Bet?

• A Come Bet works just like a Pass Line bet, but it’s placed after the point has already been established.

• On your next roll:

• 7 or 11 wins.

• 2, 3, or 12 loses.

• Any other number becomes the Come Point.

You can then back the Come Bet with Odds, just like with your original Pass Line bet:

• This boosts your payout with no added house edge.

• You can have multiple Come Bets active at once, each with its point.

Why This Strategy Works

• It creates multiple chances to win during a hot streak.

• You’re essentially building a pyramid of low-edge bets, backed with odds.

• Helps diversify your position at the table, especially during long rolls.

This approach requires a bit more bankroll management, but it’s highly effective, especially when playing at the best online casino or live tables on top-rated casino sites.

With practice, it’s one of the strongest ways to win real money online or in person, without taking unnecessary risks.

Advanced Strategy: Don’t Pass & Don’t Come (Dark Side Play)

If you’re looking for a low-variance, statistically stronger way to play craps, consider the “dark side” approach — betting against the shooter. While less popular at the table, this method has one of the lowest house edges in the game.

Don’t Pass Bet

• Placed before the come-out roll.

• Wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3.

• Loses on 7 or 11.

• A 12 is usually a push (tie).

• If a point is set, you win if a 7 comes before the point is rolled again.

Don’t Come Bet

• Works just like a Don’t Pass, but is placed after a point is established.

• You can also lay odds behind Don’t Come bets — they pay true odds, like their Pass Line counterpart.

Why Play the Dark Side?

• Lower volatility, ideal for long sessions.

• Less “streaky” than Pass Line strategies.

• Perfect for players who want steady bets and fewer dramatic swings.

It’s not as flashy, and some live players may raise an eyebrow, but the math backs it up. If you're playing internet casino games for real money, no one judges how you win — just that you do. This approach is also supported on many best online casino platforms with real-time odds tracking.

What Bets to Avoid in Craps

Not all bets at the craps table are created equal. While some give you great odds, others are designed to drain your bankroll quickly. If your goal is to win real money, avoiding these high-risk options is just as important as learning the smart ones.

Proposition Bets (Centre Table)

• Bets like “Any 7,” “Yo (11),” or “Hardways” look exciting but come with a house edge as high as 16%.

• These are one-roll bets with low win probabilities.

Big 6 and Big 8

• These seem simple — bet that a 6 or 8 will roll before a 7.

• But they pay even money with worse odds than placing a standard 6 or 8 bet.

• Always opt for the Place Bets instead.

Tie Bets in Side Games

• In some versions of craps or hybrid games online, tie or novelty bets may be offered.

• These usually have high house edges and are not worth the risk.

These bets may be tempting, especially on flashy casinos online, but sticking to low-edge strategies gives you a much better shot at winning. When in doubt, keep it simple and bet smart.

Keep It Simple & Consistent

Craps can feel chaotic, but the smartest players don’t rely on luck; they rely on strategy. Whether you’re rolling dice at a Vegas table or playing from your phone at the best online casino, the key is to stick with bets that offer strong odds and consistent value.

Start with the Pass Line + Odds, move up to Come Bets, and only explore Don’t Pass once you’ve mastered the basics. Avoid flashy side bets, manage your bankroll, and focus on playing the long game.

Winning in craps isn’t about predicting dice — it’s about choosing the right bets. Use the tips from this guide to make every roll count, especially when you're aiming to win real money online or on top-rated casino sites.

The dice may be random, but your strategy shouldn’t be.

 

FAQs 

What is the best craps strategy for beginners?
Start with the Pass Line bet, then add Odds once you're comfortable. It's easy and has great odds.

What is the 3 4 5 rule in craps?
It sets the maximum Odds you can take- 3x on 4/10, 4x on 5/9, and 5x on 6/8.
 

What is the world's best craps strategy?
Use Pass/Don't Pass with maximum Odds and avoid high-house-edge bets like Hardways or Proposition bets.

What is the 6 7 8 strategy in craps?
It's a betting system where you cover the 6 and 8, and hedge with a bet on 7 to balance wins and losses.