Craps is one of the most dynamic and fast-paced best online casinos games you’ll find online or at a physical table. It’s also a game where, with the right strategy, you can reduce the house edge and make the most of your bankroll. While you can’t beat the house in the long run, you can choose bets that give you the best shot.
Let’s explore five proven Craps strategies that experienced players rely on — with tips on how to adapt them to your goals and budget.
1. Pass and Come Bets with Odds
This is the go-to strategy for beginners and seasoned players alike. It starts with a pass line bet, which backs the shooter. If a point is established, you add a free odds bet, which comes with no house edge.
The come bet works the same way but is placed after the point is set. You can repeat the process with additional come bets to cover multiple numbers. This gives you up to four chances in one round.
Why it works:
Because the odds bet has zero house edge, the more you place on it, the lower your total edge becomes. Even at 5x odds (fairly common), your house edge drops to around 0.33%.
Tip: Always place your initial pass or come bets at the table minimum and stack the rest on odds.
Pros:
- House edge as low as 0.02% with max odds
- Ideal for long sessions and slow, steady wins
Cons:
- You need a big bankroll to back multiple bets with full odds
- Can lose quickly if a 7 is rolled early
2. Don’t Pass and Don’t Come with Lay Odds
This is the dark side of Craps — you’re betting against the shooter. It works just like the previous strategy but flipped: you start with a don’t pass or don’t come bet, then lay odds behind it.
Laying odds means you’re betting the shooter will fail to hit their point. Again, this portion of the bet has no house edge, making it mathematically optimal.
Why it works:
Don’t pass/don’t come bets already have a slightly lower house edge than pass line bets. Laying odds improves your odds even more.
Pros:
- Slightly better house edge than pass/come
- Excellent long-term strategy
Cons:
- Not popular at the table — you’re betting against the crowd
- Bankroll risk increases with multiple lay odds in play
Tip: Use this if you prefer quiet, disciplined betting and don’t mind being the outsider at the table.
3. Place Bets on 6 and 8
Don’t want to deal with come-out rolls or points? Then go straight to betting on 6 and 8 — the most frequently rolled numbers besides 7. These bets pay 7:6 and carry a low house edge of 1.52%.
Always bet in multiples of $6, or you’ll miss out on the full payout.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Low house edge
- Lower financial commitment than odds-based strategies
Cons:
- Not as mathematically strong as free odds bets
- Still subject to house edge
Tip: Great for smaller bankrolls and casual players looking to stay in the game.
4. Hybrid Strategy: Pass Line with Odds + Place 6 or 8
This strategy blends the best of both worlds. Start with a pass line bet, back it with odds, then place bet on 6 and/or 8, depending on the point.
If the point is 6 or 8, you bet on the other number. If it’s something else, place both.
Why it works:
You maintain a low house edge while increasing your coverage on frequently rolled numbers.
Pros:
- Flexible and balanced
- Capitalises on strong bet types
- Easy to manage
Cons:
- Slightly higher edge than pure odds-based betting
- Still vulnerable to bad rolls
Tip: This is ideal if you want to enjoy more action while keeping the house edge under control.
5. Don’t Pass with Lay Odds + Lay 4 or 10
This reverse hybrid strategy works for players who want to bet against the most volatile numbers.
You start with a don’t pass bet and lay odds as usual. Then, lay additional bets against 4 or 10, which are the least likely point numbers to hit.
If the point is 4, you lay the 10. If it’s 10, lay the 4. If the point is something else, lay both.
Why it works:
You’re targeting numbers with the lowest probability of hitting, turning that to your advantage.
Pros:
- Tactical and selective
- Lets you build a strategy around the weakest point numbers
- Can create profitable patterns over time
Cons:
- Lay bets on 4/10 carry higher house edge than don’t pass bets
- Lower excitement and longer waiting times
Tip: Combine this with strict bankroll limits — it’s a slower but sharper strategy.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Craps Strategy for You
There’s no such thing as a “perfect” craps strategy, but you can play smart and give yourself the best shot.
If you want long-term value and the lowest house edge, stick to pass or don’t pass bets with odds. These are mathematically optimal.
If you’re low on funds or just want action, betting on 6 and 8 lets you stay in the game longer with minimal risk.
And if you want to play both sides of the table, hybrid strategies offer flexibility — just keep an eye on your bankroll.
Tip to remember: Stick to bets with low house edge. Avoid the flashy ones with big payouts and low probabilities (like hardways or hop bets). Craps is about precision, not luck.
Ready to try your luck the smart way? Pick a strategy that suits your goals — and let the dice roll.