Craps
Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of two dice. Its core pass-line and come bets carry a low ~1.41% house edge — and backing them with free odds lowers the effective edge further — while the centre proposition bets are among the worst value in the casino.
| Equipment | Two dice |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Pass line / come (~1.41%) |
| Free Odds | True odds, ~0% edge |
| Worst Bets | Centre proposition bets (10%+) |
How a round is played
A round begins with a come-out roll by the shooter. On the pass line, a 7 or 11 wins immediately and a 2, 3 or 12 loses. Any other number becomes the ‘point’, and the shooter keeps rolling until they repeat the point (pass-line bets win) or roll a 7 first (they lose). The communal, fast-moving nature of the table is part of the game’s appeal.
Good bets and bad bets
The pass line and come bets are excellent value at about a 1.41% edge. Once a point is set, players can place an additional ‘free odds’ bet that is paid at true odds with no house edge at all, lowering the combined edge significantly. By contrast, the tempting one-roll proposition bets in the centre of the table (such as ‘any seven’ at over 16%) are best avoided.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best bet in craps?
The pass/come line backed with free odds. The line bet is ~1.41% and the odds portion carries no house edge.
Why avoid proposition bets?
The centre proposition bets pay flashy odds but carry house edges above 10% — among the worst in the casino.
Sources
- Published craps rules
- Probability theory
- Standard house-edge tables