How to Win at Craps: A Craps Strategy Guide

We’ve summarized the most straightforward craps betting strategies beginner players can implement in a craps game. These have the lowest house edge, making them especially convenient for players who are still learning craps.

Pass Line Craps Strategy

The Pass Line is one of the most common bets in craps. Its house edge is at around 1.41%. A Pass Line strategy requires you to bet on the Pass Line before the come-out roll. You will lose if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12. Whereas, if it’s a 7 or 11, you will win. Any other number rolled is a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10). In that case, you will need the same point rolled again before a 7 to win.

Come Craps Strategy

This basic craps strategy is similar to the Pass Line bet, with the difference being that you can place it any time after the come-out roll. With the Come strategy, you bet on the shooter rolling a 7 or 11 on the next roll. The same applies to shooter establishing a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 19). Also, for this strategy, after establishing a point, the shooter must roll the same number before 7 to win. Besides, the house edge is favourable, with 1.41%, making it great for beginners.

Don't Pass/Don’t Come Craps Strategy

Don't Pass and Don't Come strategies are reversed Pass Line and Come bet strategies. As it's a bet against the shooter, it's not as popular, but it has a low house edge of 1.46% to consider. Essentially, you bet the shooter will roll a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll. If it's a 7 or 11, you lose. If you get a point, you bet the shooter will roll a 7 before establishing the point again.

Beginner Craps Strategy Payouts

To help you navigate the potential outcomes from beginner craps strategies, we’ve indicated the payouts for pass line, come and don’t pass/don’t come strategies below.

Now that we’ve covered the simple beginner strategies let’s navigate craps strategies that are tad more complex. Among them are Odds, 6/8, and Press strategies.

Craps Odds Strategy

Additional bets after the shooter establishes a point are part of the craps Odds strategy. You can place them after you've made the initial Pass Line or Come bet. Odds bets pay out at true odds. It means the casino doesn't add margin to the payout if the bet is won.

Since Odds bets come with true odd payouts, this strategy reduces the total house edge for the initial bet. It doesn't make you more likely to win, but if you win, your payout is more favourable.

6/8 Craps Strategy

In craps it’s also possible to bet on specific numbers. With 6 and 8 having a low house edge of 1.52%, it’s a popular bet choice among players. Also, statistics show that these are the most rolled point numbers after the 7. With this strategy you must make an initial Pass Line bet and then add Odds bets on 6 and 8. It can increase your payouts, especially, during win streaks.

Craps Press Strategy

Another noteworthy betting strategy is the Craps Press strategy. To use this strategy, you must increase your bets after winning to maximize profit from winning streaks. Craps players can implement it for any bet, but most commonly, they use it on the 6 and 8 bets as they impose better chances of winning. To press the bet, you must add the won sum to your initial bet amount. However, this strategy comes with a higher risk. Being aware of when to stop pressing is crucial, as lucky wins can stop anytime.

Intermediate Craps Strategy Payouts

When using intermediate craps strategies, consider that payouts depend on the bets you choose to place. See in the table below payouts associated with respective strategies and their bets.

Most advanced craps strategies come with the highest risk. We suggest using these only if your funds allow it, and the desire for unpredictable gambling is something you can handle. With that being said, we’ll explain Iron Cross and 3 Point Molly Craps strategies that are made for the most tenacious craps players.

Iron Cross Strategy in Craps

This strategy requires to incorporate as many potential outcomes on the craps table as possible. Hence, its name is Iron Cross. With this strategy, you’ll try to cover nearly every number on the board. To do so, you’ll have to make four bets:

• Bet on 5, 6, and 8: Statistically, these numbers are the most likely to get rolled. With this bet, you’ll cover the three most common outcomes.
• Place a field bet: Place this bet on the table’s “Field” area. You’ll earn a payout if the shooter rolls 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Therefore, additional numbers are now covered, increasing the possibility of getting a winning combination.

The Iron Cross strategy will yield wins more frequently. However, it comes with a higher risk as you spend more money making the bet. If the shooter rolls a 7, you lose all your wagers.

3 Point Molly Craps Strategy

If you’re looking for an advanced strategy with a relatively lesser risk than the Iron Cross, then consider the 3 Point Molly craps strategy. It’s made to improve chances of winning but focuses on three numbers. It works as a sequence of bets. Here’s how to use this strategy:

1. Place a Pass Line bet: It’s the basis for this strategy. 7 or 11 on the come-out roll will grant you a win. You lose if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number rolled establishes a point.
2. Place a Come bet: Now that the point is established, make a Come bet. It will apply to the next roll.
3. Place another Come bet: If another point is established, you must make another Come bet to establish the third point.
4. Make Odds bet: The last part of this strategy is to place Odds bets on each point to reduce the house edge for your total bet.
5. Look out for your bets: Don’t make additional bets unless one of your points wins or if the shooter rolls a 7.

It’s an excellent strategy for players who prefer a calculated approach yet are ready to take on the risk of the gamble.

Advanced Craps Strategy Payouts

The more advanced the strategy, the higher the potential payouts and risk of losing. To educate you on what that entails, we've summarized the advanced craps strategy payouts.

Various difficulty strategies have different impacts. Advanced craps strategy can land significant wins if controlled, while beginner play focuses on simple and straightforward profit. Each player should choose a strategy suitable for their playing style. For those seeking the best platforms to practice these strategies, check out our online casino reviews for recommendations on secure and reliable casinos.