How to Play Craps
A round of craps follows a simple two-stage rhythm: the come-out roll, then the point phase. Once you can picture how the dice decide each stage, the whole table makes sense. Here is exactly how a round plays out, step by step.
The come-out roll
Every round begins with the come-out roll. Before it is thrown, you place a bet on the pass line. The result decides what happens next:
7 or 11 — the pass line wins immediately. This is called a natural.
2, 3 or 12 — this is craps, and the pass line loses.
4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 — this number becomes the point, and the round moves to the second stage.
Rolling the point
Once a point is set, the dealer marks it and the shooter keeps rolling. Now the goal flips: the shooter must roll the point number again before a 7 appears. If the point is rolled first, the pass line wins. If a 7 comes first, the pass line loses and the dice pass to the next shooter — this is the dreaded "seven out". Every other number is harmless and the shooter simply rolls again.
The shooter is just the player throwing the dice; the role moves around the table clockwise. You do not have to shoot when it is your turn, and you can bet the pass line whether you are shooting or not.
Putting it together
So a round is: come-out roll → set a point → chase the point before a 7. Simple. Next, see which wagers are worth making in Craps Bet Types, or read the full Craps Guide. You will also find the wider casino games guides and the main guides library. To watch a round live, visit the live casino. Remember: the dice have no memory and no roll is ever guaranteed. 18+.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I roll a 7 after the point is set?
If a 7 appears before you roll the point again, the pass line loses and your turn as shooter ends. Before a point is set, however, a 7 on the come-out roll actually wins the pass line. Context is everything in craps.
Do I have to be the shooter to play?
No. Anyone at the table can bet the pass line on each round regardless of who is throwing. When the dice come to you, you can choose to shoot or pass the turn along.
What are the worst come-out numbers?
On the come-out roll, 2, 3 and 12 are craps and lose the pass line straight away. After a point is established, a 7 is the number that ends the round and loses the pass line.