Was it luck, or did you have a plan? Every roll of the dice in craps might seem random, but seasoned players know that the right craps strategy can stretch your bankroll, manage risk, and take advantage of streaks.
We’ve tested, refined, and played these strategies ourselves. We know what actually works and what’s just casino myth.
Whether you’re looking for consistent, low-risk wins or want to push for bigger payouts, we’ll show you how to bet smarter.
Understanding How Craps Strategies Work
Craps might seem like a game of pure luck—but there’s more structure under the surface than most players realise.
The dice may be random, but your choice of bets isn’t. Smart players use strategy to:
- Stick to bets with the lowest house edge
- Avoid high-risk, low-reward traps
- Manage their bankroll to ride out the swings
Good strategy in craps is about knowing which bets are worth it, when to press your winnings, and when to walk away.
Understanding Craps Bets & House Edge
Before we get into strategies, you need to know how to play craps and which bets give you the best shot at winning. Craps is full of options—some smart, some designed to drain your bankroll fast.
The Best Bets for Players
Pass Line & Come Bets – The backbone of most strategies, with a low house edge of 1.41%.
Don’t Pass & Don’t Come Bets – Slightly better odds (1.36% house edge) but less popular since they bet against the shooter.
Odds Bets – The only bet in the casino with 0% house edge. Always back up your Pass/Come or Don’t Pass/Don’t Come bets with odds.
Place Bets on 6 & 8 – A 1.52% house edge, making them the best Place Bets to focus on.
Bets to Avoid
- Big 6/Big 8 – Worse odds than a regular Place Bet on 6 or 8.
- Hardways (4, 6, 8, 10) – High house edge, requires a specific dice combination to win.
- Proposition Bets (Any 7, Any Craps, Yo-11, etc.) – House edge over 10%—avoid these if you’re serious about managing risk.
1. Beginner Strategies (Low-Risk)
The Pass Line & Odds Bet Strategy (For Safe, Steady Wins)
This strategy combines a Pass Line bet with an Odds Bet, maximising your chances of winning while keeping the house edge low.
Why It Works
By adding an Odds Bet, you’re reducing the house advantage even further, making this one of the best bets in the casino.
How It Works
- Bet on the Pass Line before the come-out roll.
- If a point is established, place an Odds Bet behind your Pass Line Bet.
- Win if the shooter rolls the point before a 7.
Pros & Cons
- Lowest house edge for a main bet.
- Easy to understand and implement.
- Slower bankroll growth—better for long sessions.
Who Should Use It?
Perfect for new players who want low risk, steady wins, and a simple approach.
The Don’t Pass & Don’t Come Strategy
Instead of betting with the shooter, this strategy has you betting against them, meaning you win when the table is cold.
Why It Works
Since you’re betting on the shooter to lose, this strategy technically has slightly better odds than Pass Line betting.
How It Works
- Bet on Don’t Pass before the come-out roll.
- If a point is established, place an Odds Bet behind your Don’t Pass Bet.
- Win if the shooter rolls a 7 before the point.
Pros & Cons
- Slightly better odds than the Pass Line.
- Ideal for cold tables.
- Less social—most players root for the shooter to win.
Who Should Use It?
Players who don’t mind betting against the crowd and want the best possible odds.
2. Intermediate Strategies (Balanced Risk & Reward)
The 3-Point Molly System
The 3-Point Molly is a structured betting system that ensures you always have multiple numbers working for you while keeping the house edge low.
Why It Works
This system takes advantage of low-house-edge bets while diversifying risk across multiple point numbers, allowing for consistent small wins instead of relying on a single bet.
How It Works
- Start with a Pass Line Bet.
- Once a point is established, place an Odds Bet behind it.
- Place a Come Bet. When another number is rolled, that becomes your second point.
- Repeat Step 3 until you have three numbers working.
- Collect winnings when your numbers hit.
Pros & Cons
- Covers multiple numbers, increasing opportunities for wins.
- Low house edge when paired with Odds Bets.
- Requires a larger bankroll to maintain multiple active bets.
Who Should Use It?
Players who want a structured system with steady payouts and don’t mind making multiple bets per round.
The 6/8 Place Betting Strategy
This strategy focuses on placing bets on 6 and 8, the most commonly rolled numbers after 7.
Why It Works
Since 6 and 8 appear more often than any other number besides 7, betting on them provides a steady flow of wins with minimal risk compared to other Place Bets.
How It Works
- Skip the Pass Line Bet.
- Place a bet on both 6 and 8.
- Collect payouts every time those numbers hit.
- Optional: Increase your bets after a win (progressive betting) or keep them flat for lower risk.
Pros & Cons
- Frequent payouts, keeps bankroll moving.
- Lower risk than the Iron Cross strategy.
- Doesn’t cover as many numbers as some other systems.
Who Should Use It?
Players who want consistent action without high risk and prefer frequent smaller wins over waiting for big payouts.
3. Advanced Strategies (Higher Risk, Bigger Rewards)
The Iron Cross System
The Iron Cross is an aggressive system that covers nearly every number except 7, maximising the frequency of wins.
Why It Works
This system ensures a payout on almost every roll that isn’t a 7, making it appealing for players who enjoy frequent action. However, its major weakness is that a 7 wipes out all active bets.
How It Works
- Place a Field Bet.
- Place a bet on 5, 6, and 8.
- Win on nearly every roll except 7.
- Re-bet after every payout to maintain coverage.
Pros & Cons
- Frequent wins on almost every roll.
- Covers most numbers.
- Vulnerable to a 7, which wipes out all bets at once.
Who Should Use It?
Players who enjoy frequent wins and don’t mind higher risk for short-term excitement.
The Press Strategy
This is a high-risk, high-reward strategy where you reinvest your winnings by increasing bets after each win.
Why It Works
By pressing bets, you take full advantage of hot streaks and increase potential payouts exponentially.
How It Works
- Start with a base bet (e.g., Place Bet on 6 or 8).
- When you win, increase your bet using your winnings instead of pocketing them.
- Keep pressing up until you either hit your profit target or lose.
Pros & Cons
- Can turn small wins into big payouts.
- Ideal for hot streaks.
- Requires discipline—losing too many presses in a row can wipe profits.
Who Should Use It?
Players who want to maximise profit during winning streaks and aren’t afraid of bigger swings.
Strategy Comparison: Stretching $20 Using Each System
| Strategy | Starting Bankroll | Rolls Played | Final Bankroll | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line & Odds Bet | $20 | 15 | $24 | Small, steady wins |
| Don’t Pass & Don’t Come | $20 | 18 | $25 | Slightly better odds |
| 3-Point Molly | $20 | 12 | $22 | Slower, stable growth |
| 6/8 Place Betting | $20 | 14 | $26 | Frequent small wins |
| Iron Cross | $20 | 10 | $18 | Risky, lost to a 7 |
| Press Strategy | $20 | 8 | $30 | High risk, big reward |
Best Strategies for Different Craps Variations
Some strategies work better in certain craps variations due to rule changes. Use this table to match your strategy with the right game:
| Craps Variation | Best Strategies | Strategies to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Craps (Standard Craps) | Pass Line + Odds, 3-Point Molly, Don’t Pass + Odds, 6/8 Place Betting | None – all strategies work. |
| Crapless Craps | 6/8 Place Betting, Iron Cross | Don’t Pass/Don’t Come, 3-Point Molly (higher house edge). |
| High Point Craps | Pass Line + Odds, 6/8 Place Betting | Don’t Pass/Don’t Come (removed from the game). |
| New York Craps | 6/8 Place Betting, Iron Cross | 3-Point Molly, Pass Line + Odds (no odds bets available). |
| Online Craps (Live or RNG) | Any strategy based on table rules | Varies—always check the game rules. |
Expert Tips for Online Craps
Use these 10 tips for online craps to make smarter bets, manage your bankroll, and leave the table with profits.
1. Set Clear Win and Loss Limits
Decide ahead of time when you’ll walk. We recommend setting a win goal of +50% to 100% of your bankroll, and a loss limit of 30% to 40% max.
2. Look for Tables with Higher Odds Bets
We prefer tables offering 3x, 4x, or 5x odds on Pass/Come bets. Avoid “Crapless Craps”—they boost the house edge on key numbers.
3. Always Take the Free Odds Bet
The odds bet behind Pass/Come or Don’t Pass/Come has zero house edge. That’s as good as it gets in any casino—never skip it.
4. Focus on Low House Edge Bets
Best bets: Pass Line, Come, Place Bets on 6 & 8
Avoid: Big 6/8, Hardways, Proposition Bets—some carry a 10%+ edge!
5. Don’t Bet on Everything
It’s easy to “cover the table,” but it burns through your chips. Stick to 1–3 high-value bets per round.
6. Choose a Strategy That Suits Your Style
- Conservative: Pass Line + Odds, Place 6 & 8
- Action seeker: Iron Cross, 3-Point Molly — whichever you pick, manage your bet sizes and risk.
7. Press Slowly When You’re Winning
Winning? Great—press bets gradually, not all at once. Keep some profit behind instead of overextending.
8. Never Chase Losses
Losing? Don’t double your bets in desperation. Stick to your original unit size and play smart.
9. Lock in Profit Mid-Session
If you double your bankroll, pull half off the table. That way, even if luck turns, you still walk away ahead.
10. Keep Sessions Short and Sharp
The longer you play, the more the house edge works against you. Plan short, focused sessions—quit ahead, not behind.
Choosing the Best Craps Strategy for You
Not all craps strategies suit every player. It depends on your budget, experience level, and appetite for risk.
Use the table below to find the strategy that best fits your style:
| Player Type | Recommended Strategies | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Conservative | Pass Line + Odds Don’t Pass Line |
Lowest house edge (<1%). Great for preserving your bankroll and staying longer. |
| 🟡 Casual / Small Wins | Iron Cross Place bets on 6 & 8 |
Frequent wins keep the action going. Good for entertainment-focused sessions. |
| 🔴 High Risk / High Reward | Pressing bets after wins Hardways |
Bigger potential payouts but higher variance. Best for short, aggressive play. |
Other Guides
Conclusion
The best craps players don’t rely on luck—they play smart. We’ve covered the top strategies for every playstyle, from steady bankroll builders to high-risk power plays.
Now it’s time to put them to the test. Play smart, manage your bankroll, and know when to cash out!
Craps Strategy FAQ
- What is the best craps strategy for beginners?
- The Pass Line & Odds Bet strategy is perfect for beginners due to its low house edge and simplicity.
- How do I reduce the house edge in craps?
- To reduce the house edge, focus on Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets, and always back them with Odds Bets.
- What’s the risk of the Iron Cross strategy?
- The Iron Cross offers frequent wins but loses all bets if a 7 rolls, making it a high-risk strategy.
- Can I make money consistently using the 3-Point Molly?
- The 3-Point Molly offers consistent small wins with low risk, but it’s slower, making it ideal for long, steady sessions.
- How does bankroll management affect my craps game?
- Effective bankroll management ensures you don’t chase losses. Set a loss limit and win goal to protect your bankroll and avoid emotional betting.