Craps is a dice game where the house edge varies significantly based on the bets you make. The "best" strategy prioritizes bets with the lowest house edge while incorporating odds bets to dilute that edge further. Below, I'll expand on the key strategies I mentioned earlier, including step-by-step breakdowns, pros/cons, and when to use them. I'll also cover bankroll management in more detail and touch on variance (how much your results can swing short-term). At the end, I'll provide a chart comparing house edges for common bets.
1. Pass Line + Odds Bet (Core Strategy for Most Players)
This is the foundational "right way" bet, favoring the shooter. It's simple, low-edge, and socially engaging since you're rooting with the table.

Step-by-Step:

On the come-out roll (first roll of a new round), bet on the Pass Line. Wins if 7 or 11 (pays 1:1); loses if 2, 3, or 12 (craps out); otherwise, a point is established (4,5,6,8,9,10).
Once a point is set, the bet stays active until the point is rolled again (win) or a 7 is rolled (loss, or "seven out").
Add an Odds bet behind your Pass Line bet. This is a free-odds wager (pays true odds with no house edge) up to the table's maximum (e.g., 3x-4x-5x odds on most tables, meaning 3x on 4/10, 4x on 5/9, 5x on 6/8).

Payouts: 2:1 on 4/10, 3:2 on 5/9, 6:5 on 6/8.

Repeat: Flat bet the Pass Line each new come-out, and always take max odds when possible.

Pros: House edge drops to as low as 0.374% with 100x odds (though most casinos cap at 3x-10x). Easy to learn; builds excitement.
Cons: Vulnerable to quick seven-outs; requires a decent bankroll for odds (e.g., $10 Pass needs $30-50 odds on average).
When to Use: Ideal for beginners or sessions where you want to play longer. Effective house edge with 5x odds: ~0.606%.

2. Don’t Pass + Odds Bet (The "Wrong Way" for Edge Hunters)
This mirrors the Pass Line but bets against the shooter, offering a slight mathematical advantage.

Step-by-Step:

Bet Don’t Pass on come-out: Wins on 2 or 3 (1:1); loses on 7 or 11; pushes on 12 (tie, bet returned).
After point, it wins on 7 before the point; loses if point repeats.
Lay Odds behind it (again, 0% house edge): Pays 1:2 on 4/10, 2:3 on 5/9, 5:6 on 6/8.
Manage carefully—some tables bar the 12 on come-out to even odds.


Pros: Lowest base house edge (~1.36%), reducible to ~0.341% with 100x odds. Great for conservative players focused on math.
Cons: "Dark side" betting can feel antisocial (table roots against you); slightly more complex for newbies.
When to Use: In low-limit games or when you prioritize edge over fun. With 5x odds: ~0.455% effective edge.

3. Place Bets on 6 and 8 (Supplemental Action)
These are direct bets on specific numbers, active after come-out.

Step-by-Step:

After a point is set, "place" a bet on 6 or 8 (or both).
Wins if that number rolls before 7; pays 7:6 (e.g., $6 bet wins $7).
Combine with Pass/Don’t Pass for coverage, but remove/turn off during come-out to avoid losses.


Pros: Probability favors 6/8 (5/36 rolls each vs. 6/36 for 7); low edge makes them sustainable.
Cons: Still loses on 7; not as efficient as odds bets.
When to Use: To add excitement without spiking risk. Avoid placing 4/10 (9:5 payout, 6.67% edge) or 5/9 (7:5, 4% edge) unless odds aren't available.

4. Advanced Strategies
These build on basics but increase exposure (more bets on the table means higher variance).

3-Point Molly:

How: Start with Pass Line + max odds. Then make a Come bet (like a new Pass Line) + odds. Repeat for a second Come bet + odds. Now you have three points working (original + two Comes).
Pros: Covers multiple numbers; wins compound on hot rolls. Effective edge ~0.6-0.8% with odds.
Cons: Triples your risk per roll; devastating on cold tables (multiple 7s wipe you out).
When: For experienced players with a $200+ bankroll per session; press (increase) bets on wins.


Iron Cross (Aggressive Coverage):

How: Bet the Field (covers 2,3,4,9,10,11,12; pays 1:1 or 2:1/3:1 on some) + Place 5,6,8. Wins on everything except 7.
Pros: Hits ~94% of rolls; fun for short bursts.
Cons: Field's 5.56% edge drags overall to ~1.5-2%; big losses on 7 (all bets die).
When: Hot tables only; limit to 5-10 rolls max.


Dice Control (Skill-Based, Controversial):

How: Practice setting dice (e.g., 3-V for 6/8 avoidance) and controlled throws to reduce 7s. Books like Golden Touch Craps teach grips/arcs.
Pros: If mastered, could shift edge to player (claims of 1-5% advantage).
Cons: Casinos counter with rules (e.g., dice must hit back wall); requires 1000+ practice hours; unproven by math (randomness prevails for most).
When: If you're dedicated; otherwise, stick to math-based plays.

5. Bankroll Management and Variance

Core Rules: Use 1-5% of bankroll per bet (e.g., $500 bankroll = $5-25 Pass). Set win/loss stops: Quit up 50% or down 30%. Sessions: 1-2 hours to avoid fatigue.
Variance Insight: Craps is streaky—hot shooters can 10x your money; cold ones bankrupt you fast. With low-edge bets, expect ~1-2% long-term loss, but short-term swings of ±50% are normal.
Progressions: Avoid negative ones (e.g., Martingale—double after loss) as they accelerate ruin. Positive progressions (e.g., Paroli—double after win) are safer but still risky.
Table Selection: Seek 3x-4x-5x or higher odds tables; avoid short-pay (e.g., 6:5 on 6/8).

No strategy beats the house long-term due to the edge, but these minimize it. Simulate rolls via apps or spreadsheets to practice.
Chart: House Edges for Common Craps Bets
Here's a table summarizing house edges, payouts, and notes for key bets. Edges assume no odds unless noted; adding max odds reduces effective edge proportionally.


Bet TypeHouse Edge (%)PayoutNotes / When to UsePass Line1.411:1Base bet; combine with odds for best value.Don’t Pass1.361:1Slight edge over Pass; anti-social vibe.Odds (any)0.00True oddsAlways max this; dilutes base bet edge.Come1.411:1Like Pass but after point; use in 3-Point Molly.Don’t Come1.361:1Like Don’t Pass after point.Place 6/81.527:6Best place bets; high probability.Place 5/94.007:5Avoid unless no better options.Place 4/106.679:5High edge; skip.Field5.56 (or 2.78 if 2/12 pay 3:1)1:1 (2:1/3:1 on 2/12)Fun but costly; part of Iron Cross.Any 7 (Prop)16.674:1Sucker bet; avoid entirely.Hard 6/8 (Prop)9.099:1High edge; for thrill-seekers only.
For context, with 10x odds on Pass Line, effective edge is ~0.184%—one of the best in casinos.