Craps Strategy and Tips: How to Win at Craps

If you’re looking for answers on how to play craps, start with the bets that matter. Choosing smart ones, such as Pass Line, Don’t Pass, and the Odds bet, can reduce the house edge. Together, these choices form the foundation of a solid craps strategy. Understanding the rules is the first step to a better gaming experience for both beginners and experienced players.

The purpose of this guide is to walk you through practical tips and reliable craps betting strategies, helping you find the best way to play with greater confidence. You’ll also find out where to enjoy online craps with real bonuses. Keep in mind that these strategies are simply structured approaches to betting. The outcome remains unpredictable, and winning still depends on luck.

Types of Craps Strategy

As we already mentioned, one will find many different ways to play craps, but not all of them are equally effective. You may be new to gamblingor want to sharpen your existing skills. It doesn’t matter. What really matters is understanding these strategies. They do help make smarter choices and focus on the most profitable bets at the table.

In this section, we’ll go through several well-known approaches that can help you choose the best craps strategy for your style of play. You’ll get a better idea of which bets are worth your attention. You’ll learn how they affect your odds and which ones are best to skip if you want to play smart over time. 

Basic Beginners Craps Strategy

If you’re stepping on the craps table for the first time, you should start by reading a beginner’s guide to understand the rules and flow of the game. Then, move on to simple bets. For example, the Pass Line betis easy to follow, and it offers a fair chance with a low house edge. Alternatively, you may eventually try the Bubble Craps strategy. 

These are great starting points for a basic craps strategy, but that’s not all. Let’s now take a closer look at some more common bets that new players often use to build confidence and keep risk under control.

Pass Line Craps Strategy

Craps players start with the Pass Line bet. It’s the foundation of any solid craps betting strategy. It offers a simple and low-risk way to get into the game. The odds are among the fairest when compared to other bets on the table.

That’s how you make a Pass Line bet: place your chips on the "Pass Line" area before the shooter’s first roll, known as the come out roll. You win if a 7 or 11 comes up, but you lose the bet if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number becomes the “point.” After that, you win if the shooter rolls the point again before a 7 is rolled. It’s a great way to start learning how the game flows.

Don’t Pass Craps Strategy

The craps don’t pass strategy is essentially the opposite of the Pass Line bet. It’s a bet against the shooter. It follows the same rules and can be just as effective, although it’s less popular among players.

The bet is decided during the come out roll. Rolling a 2 or 3 means your bet pays out, but if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, your bet fails. A 12 doesn’t count either way; it’s called a push, and your bet is returned. It means your bet is returned, and there’s neither a win nor a loss. If any other number becomes the point, you win by rolling a 7 before the point appears again. You can also add odds bets to your Don’t Pass wager to increase your potential payout. Even though it’s among the less popular betting strategies, it can still be an effective choice.

Come Craps Strategy

The come bet is a crucial part of any flexible craps strategy. It works like the Pass Line bet, but you place it only after the main point has been established. So, you placed a come bet, and now the shooter rolls again. 

A roll of 7 or 11 means a winning outcome, while 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss. If the shooter rolls any number other than 7, it becomes a point for your come bet. To win, that number must be rolled again before a 7 is rolled. This craps strategy adds flexibility to this classic casino game and keeps you involved at the craps table between main rolls.

Don’t Come Craps Strategy

The Don’t Comecraps strategy is similar to the Don’t Pass approach, but it only comes into play after the come out roll. The difference is in how you place bets. You’re still betting against the shooter but at a later stage in the game. 

To use this craps strategy, place your chips on the Don’t Come field. The next roll works like a reversed come bet. For example, if a 2 or 3 is rolled, you win; 7 or 11 means a loss; 12 is a push. 

Let’s say the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10; whichever number comes up becomes your point. You win if a 7 is rolled before that number appears again. In theory, you could combine the Don’t Comecraps strategy with odds bets and other low-risk options to build what many consider the best craps strategy.

Payouts for Basic Craps Strategy

You should understand the difference between true odds, payout odds, and the house edge, as each basic craps strategy performs differently over time. These elements determine how much risk you’re taking and what kind of return you can expect from each bet. 

In general, the lower the house edge is, the more favorable the bet is for the wagerers. Basic bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass are known for offering better long-term value. However, there are also other options, like place bets, for example. They may seem attractive, but they often impose greater risk and less favorable odds. Below, you’ll find a table covering the four main basic bets in craps. It shows you the true odds, how each payout works, and the house edge for each one.

Intermediate Craps Strategy

When you’re confident with basic bets, it’s time to move on. There are different craps betting strategies that one may start experimenting with. For example, the $200 craps strategy or the Arnold craps strategy, as they move beyond the basics. In this section, though, we’ll focus on other strategies, which are more optimal ones. The following options offer new ways to manage risk and expand your play.

The Craps Odds Strategy

The Craps Odds Strategy is a calculated approach used by players who prefer betting against the shooter. After the come out roll, once a point number is set (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), you can place odds bets behind a Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bet. You win if a 7 is rolled before the point number appears again. 

This method follows all the rules of a standard casino game and is popular because odds bets pay out fairly, with no extra edge for the house. It could be a smart way to play craps in the long term, but the payouts are lower compared to more aggressive bets.

The Craps Press Strategy

The key point of this strategy is as follows: when you’re at the craps table, you raise your next bet after a win instead of pocketing your profits. There is a chance to boost your total payout by riding a winning streak. Many other players use this technique to turn small wins into something bigger while keeping the game exciting and fun. There are three common ways to this approach:

• Press by 1 unit: Raise your next bet by the amount you just won (e.g., from $10 to $20).
• Press by 2 units: Double your bet after each win (e.g., from $5 to $15).
• Press to the maximum: Increase your stake to the highest amount the casino allows.

The 6/8 Strategy in Craps

The 6/8 craps strategy is built around two of the most frequently rolled numbers in the game: 6 and 8. You begin with a Pass Line bet. You win on 7 or 11, and you lose on 2, 3, or 12 during the come out roll.

Once a point is set, you place extra bets on 6 and 8. These numbers appear frequently, creating steady chances to win as the game progresses. Some players add odds bets to increase potential payouts. Since this craps strategy is combined with the Pass Line bet, it comes with lower risk than many others. 

Advanced Craps Strategy

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to explore more advanced ways to play craps. As you become more experienced, you need to learn how to improve your decision-making, adjust your minimum bet wisely, and effectively manage your bankroll.
If you’re not new to this casino game, you’ve probably heard of the crapless craps strategy or the craps fire bet strategy. But in our guide, we’ll focus on the best craps approaches that offer structure, consistency, and long-term value.

The Iron Cross Strategy in Craps

The Iron Cross craps strategy is an aggressive betting option designed to cover almost every number on the table, but 7. It’s built around a combination of Field Bets and Place Bets. 

• Field Bet hits if the subsequent roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Place Bet wins if 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 rolls before a 7.

Players typically choose to place bets on numbers not already covered by the Field bet in this strategy. They include 5, 6, and 8. If you apply this strategy to play craps, remember that it’s more aggressive than simpler strategies, such as the 6/8 method. However, it offers higher profits due to the range of payout ratios. 

The 3 Point Molly Strategy in Craps

The 3 Point Molly craps system is often seen as the best strategy for craps if you want to stay in the game longer with smart bets. It combines a Pass Line bet, a come bet, and a place bet on the number 5. 

These three bets are popular for their relatively low house edge:

• 1.41% for the Pass Line bet;
• 1.41% for the come bet;
• 1.52% for the place bet on 5. 

Together, they offer a balanced setup that keeps you playingwith three active chances to win on the table. This approach is easy to use, works for players of all levels, and offers a nice balance between risk and potential reward. 

What to Look Out For With a Craps Strategy

The strategies described above are just a few of the many you’ll find in guides or online. They reflect some of the best craps strategy ideas. They offer a good starting point for becoming a more confident and thoughtful winner. Placing odds can be one option, but there are also more ways to stay in control and enjoy the game. And since craps are meant to be fun, it’s worth knowing what else matters at the table, so keep reading.

Find Your Best Craps Game

Before you sit at the table, take a moment to read the rules of the specific craps version you’re playing. Details matter, even when everything looks easy. Always check the online casino’s terms and conditions before placing any real money wagers to avoid unpleasant surprises when you win.

Learn Money Management in Craps

If you want to win and keep your money, learn to manage your bankroll from the start. Set a clear goal and walk away once you hit it. Many players continue playing after losses, throwing in more chips, only to lose even more. Smart limits make a big difference.

Stick to Your Craps Strategy

It’s essential to stay consistent with your craps bets, even if a few rounds don’t go your way. The best odds often show over time. Every casino session has ups and downs, so don’t change tactics too quickly. Remember to stick with your plan, or you may lose your edge.

Know When to Walk Away

It may be the most important lesson at the table: knowing when to walk away. Whether you win or lose, staying too long can cost you money. Stick to your plan, manage your bankroll, and respect your limits. Good odds mean little without discipline.

Play Real Money Craps Online

Finally, it’s time to take your strategy to the table. At Las Atlantis, you can apply the best mathematical craps strategy, start with a low minimum bet, and explore other bets as you go. The platform is smooth, secure, and built to make you feel like a winner.

FAQ 

What is the most successful craps strategy?

The best craps strategy involves combining odds bets with low house edge wagers, such as the Pass Line and Don’t Pass.

How do you win consistently in craps?

To win consistently in craps, one should make informed bets, seek fair odds, manage their finances effectively, and avoid chasing losses.

What is the 3-4-5 rule in craps?

It limits odds on a Pass Line or come bet based on the point: 3x odds if the point is 4 or 10, 4x if it’s 5 or 9, and 5x odds if the point is 6 or 8.

What is the smartest way to bet craps?

The smartest approach is to stick with low house edge bets, such as the Pass Line or comebet, and back them with maximum odds once the point is established.