A good craps strategy rests on two decisions: which bets you place and how you size your stakes from one roll to the next. No method changes the dice, so the real aim is to stretch your budget, keep each session under control and enjoy the game at UK casino sites without chasing results. Below we look at the bets on the craps layout that suit a staking plan, how the best-known progression systems behave on the Pass Line, which wheel-based methods fail at the dice table, and the habits that separate a disciplined player from one who empties an account in a single evening.
What a craps strategy can and cannot change
A craps strategy controls which bets you choose and how much you stake; it cannot alter the probability of any roll. Every throw of the dice is independent, so the previous result tells you nothing about the next one. Raising or cutting your stake does not move the odds either: a small Pass Line bet and a large one face exactly the same chance of winning.
What a craps betting strategy can do is shape the experience. Picking the right bets keeps the house edge low, while a staking system decides how quickly money moves in and out of play. Some systems try to recover a losing run with a single win; others try to ride a hot streak while risking little of the original bankroll. Neither family produces a long-term profit, and the edge on each wager stays the same no matter how many wagers you have on the table. Treat every method below as a way to organise your play, not as a formula for beating the casino.
The best craps bets for any betting system
The best craps bets for a staking plan are the even-money line bets: Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come and Don’t Come. They return one unit for every unit staked, which is exactly the structure progression systems were designed for, and they carry some of the lowest house edges in the casino.
A pass line bet wins on a come-out roll of 7 or 11 and loses on a 2, a 3 or a 12. Any other total becomes the point, and the bet then wins if the point is rolled again before a 7 appears. Don’t Pass works the other way round: it generally wins on a come-out 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, treats 12 as a tie in most games, and once a point is set it wins if the 7 arrives first. Come and Don’t Come follow the same logic but are placed after a point is established, so you can have more than one line bet working at once.
The free odds bet is the second cornerstone. Once a point is set, you can back your line bet with an extra wager that pays at true odds, which means the house has no edge on that part of your money. Online craps tables cap how much odds you may take, usually as a multiple of the line bet, so check the table rules before the first roll.
The table below sorts the main craps wagers by how well they work with a staking system.
| Bet | How it pays | Fits a progression |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | Even money | Yes |
| Don’t Pass | Even money | Yes |
| Come | Even money | Yes |
| Don’t Come | Even money | Yes |
| Free odds | True odds | As an add-on only |
| Field | Even money on most totals | Partly |
| Place bets | Above even money | Rarely |
| Proposition bets | Long-shot fixed odds | No |
Proposition bets are the single-roll wagers in the middle of the layout, such as Any Seven or a specific pair. They pay large multiples but carry the steepest house edges at the table. They can be fun in small doses, yet pairing them with a progression is the quickest way to drain a bankroll.
Negative progressions: raising the stake after a loss
Negative progressions raise your stake after a loss, betting that a win will come soon enough to wipe out the deficit. They feel comfortable in short sessions, but a long cold run can push stakes to uncomfortable levels or into the table maximum.
Martingale
The Martingale is the simplest negative progression: double your Pass Line or Don’t Pass stake after every loss and return to your base unit after a win. Because line bets pay even money, the first win recovers every earlier loss in the sequence and adds a profit equal to one base unit. It is the most common system at casino tables and the easiest to grasp, which explains its appeal to newcomers.
The weakness is how fast the numbers grow. Doubling takes you from one unit to two, four, eight and sixteen in just a few rolls, and a table limit or an empty balance can end the sequence before the recovering win turns up. Remember that a bigger bet never improves your chance on the next roll.
Grand Martingale
The Grand Martingale is a more aggressive variation for experienced players: after each loss you double the stake and add one extra base unit on top. A win then returns a larger profit than the standard version, but the stake escalates even faster, so it only suits players with a deep budget and a firm stop-loss.
Fibonacci
The Fibonacci system follows the sequence one, one, two, three, five, eight, thirteen and onwards, in which each figure is the sum of the two before it. You move one step along the sequence after a loss and two steps back after a win. Named after an Italian mathematician, it climbs more gently than the Martingale, so it is a sensible option if you want a structured plan without doubling every time.
D’Alembert
The D’Alembert adds one unit to your stake after a loss and removes one unit after a win. It was built for even-money bets, which on the craps layout means the four line bets rather than place or proposition wagers. Because the steps are small, your bankroll moves slowly in both directions, although an extended cold streak still leaves you well behind.
Labouchère
The Labouchère, also called the cancellation system, starts with a line of numbers you write down, for example 1 to 10. Each stake is the sum of the first and last numbers on the line. When you win, you cross both off; when you lose, you add the amount lost to the end. The session finishes once every number is cancelled. It suits even-money wagers such as Pass Line and Don’t Pass, where each bet has close to a coin-flip chance, but a losing run makes the line and the stakes grow quickly.
Positive progressions: raising the stake after a win
Positive progressions raise your stake after a win and cut it after a loss, so most of the extra risk is funded by money the table has already paid you. They protect your bankroll better through cold spells, though a single loss at the peak of a sequence hands back the gains.
Paroli
The Paroli system doubles your stake after each win and resets after three consecutive wins or after any loss. It is popular in baccarat and roulette and transfers neatly to craps, Sic Bo, Pai Gow Poker and blackjack. On a Pass Line bet, a run of three wins turns one base unit into a profit of seven units before you lock it in and start again.
Reverse Martingale
The Reverse Martingale doubles your stake after every win and drops back to the base unit after a loss. Unlike the Paroli it has no fixed exit, so you decide when to bank a streak. It is regarded as safer than the classic Martingale because the larger bets are paid for mostly with winnings rather than fresh deposits.
Contra D’Alembert
The Contra D’Alembert adds one unit after a win and takes one away after a loss, the mirror image of the D’Alembert. Stakes shift slowly either way, so it is gentle on your bankroll and works well over longer sessions at a low-limit online craps table.
Reverse Labouchère
The Reverse Labouchère flips the cancellation method: you add each winning stake to the end of your line and cross off the outer numbers after a loss. Players commonly begin with a line of 10 or 12 figures, often 1 through 10. Losses stay contained, while a hot shooter can produce a long and profitable run.
1-3-2-6
The 1-3-2-6 system sets a four-step pattern for winning runs: one unit, then three, then two, then six. After any loss you go back to one unit, and you also restart after completing all four steps. It is used in roulette, baccarat, craps and blackjack, and on even-money line bets a full cycle banks twelve units of profit while your own money at risk never goes beyond two units.
How the main craps betting systems compare
The main craps betting systems differ on one point: whether you raise the stake after a loss or after a win. The comparison shows how each method reacts and where its pressure point lies.
| System | Stake rises after | Stake falls or resets after | Main pressure point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martingale | A loss | A win | Doubling stakes in a losing run |
| Grand Martingale | A loss | A win | Faster growth than the Martingale |
| Fibonacci | A loss | A win | A slow climb that still adds up |
| D’Alembert | A loss | A win | Long cold streaks |
| Labouchère | A loss | A win | The line lengthens after each loss |
| Paroli | A win | A loss or three wins | Losing at the top of a run |
| Reverse Martingale | A win | A loss | No set exit point |
| Contra D’Alembert | A win | A loss | Gains build slowly |
| Reverse Labouchère | A win | A loss | Needs a long streak to pay off |
| 1-3-2-6 | A win | A loss or four wins | Losing on the final step |
Choosing a craps strategy for your experience level
The best craps strategy for you depends on your bankroll and your tolerance for swings, because every system sits on top of the same house edge. Read how each one behaves, try it at low stakes and keep the method that matches the way you like to play.
Strategies for beginners
Beginners do best with flat stakes on Pass Line or Don’t Pass before adding any progression. Once the rhythm of come-out rolls and points feels familiar, the Martingale is the easiest system to understand: increase after a loss, reset after a win. Only use it with a base unit small enough to survive several losses in a row, and never with money you need for anything else. Our beginner’s guide explains how online casinos work if you are new to real-money play.
Strategies for experienced players
Experienced players can raise the stakes with variations such as the Grand Martingale, or combine a line bet with the maximum free odds the table allows. Positive progressions such as the Paroli and Reverse Labouchère suit seasoned players who want to press a hot shooter while protecting the core bankroll. Whatever you choose, set a profit target and a loss limit for the session and stick to both.
Which systems players use most
The Martingale, Labouchère and Andrucci systems are often named as the most widely used methods and the ones linked to the largest wins. Popularity, however, reflects how easy a method is to follow, not any power to beat the house. At craps, the Martingale and Labouchère translate directly to line bets, while the Andrucci belongs to roulette and has no real equivalent at the dice table. If you try any of them, fix your loss limit before the first bet.
Roulette systems that do not work at the craps table
Several well-known staking plans were designed around the roulette wheel and do not fit craps, because they rely on zero, columns, dozens or specific number ranges. Knowing them helps you avoid applying the wrong tool to the dice.
James Bond
The James Bond system spreads a fixed total across three areas of the wheel on every spin and keeps that total the same each round. It is usually played with between £100 and £200; a typical £200 split puts about £140 on 19–36, £50 on 13–18 and £10 on zero as insurance. It is easy to follow and can be scaled down, but craps has no number ranges or zero to cover, so the split cannot be reproduced at the dice table.
Fisher, Andrucci and the 3-2 system
The Fisher system mixes inside and outside bets to limit the damage when the ball lands on zero. The Andrucci system asks you to watch roughly 30 spins, note which numbers repeat and then back those numbers. The 3-2 system places two outside bets and one column bet for players who like to spread their action. Each depends on the wheel layout, and the Andrucci idea of tracking past results clashes with the basic rule that every dice roll is independent.
Five craps mistakes beginners can easily avoid
Five avoidable habits cause most early losses at craps: unfamiliar games, no budget, too many bets, chasing losses and not knowing your options. Each one has a simple fix.
Playing a version you do not understand
Craps has more bet types than most table games, and online versions can differ in payouts, odds limits and table maximums. Field and Place bets show the gap most clearly: some tables pay double on one end of the Field and triple on the other, others pay double on both, and Place payouts are not identical everywhere. The free odds limit also changes from table to table, and the table maximum caps how far any progression can run. Read the rules and the paytable before you play, then stake money.
Playing without a budget
Decide before you log in how much you are prepared to lose and stop when you reach it. Craps moves quickly, and like other table games it can become habit-forming, especially for players who hate losing.
Placing too many bets at once
Covering the layout with several wagers does not reduce the house edge, which stays the same however many bets you have in play. Start with small stakes and a single line bet per round, and add odds or Come bets only once you understand them.
Chasing losses
Raising your stakes after every loss to win money back is the most common route to an empty account. A negative progression is a planned version of the same idea, which is why it needs a fixed stop-loss. Treat craps as entertainment first and a chance to win second.
Not knowing your betting options
Many players never move beyond the Pass Line because the rest of the layout looks confusing, while others drift into proposition bets without realising their cost. Learn what each area of the table does, and look up unfamiliar terms in our casino glossary.
Playing online craps responsibly in the UK
Responsible play means treating craps as paid entertainment, with limits set before the first roll. Most UK casino sites let you set deposit limits, time-outs and reality checks from your account, and these tools work best when you switch them on at the start rather than after a bad session. Walk away as soon as the game stops being fun. When you pick where to play, our advice on how to choose a casino covers the checks worth making, and the casino games hub lists other titles if you want a break from the dice.
Putting your craps strategy into practice
The most effective craps strategy combines knowledge of the rules, a fixed budget and realistic expectations. Learn which bets carry the lowest edge, pick one staking system and test it at low stakes, then accept each result, win or lose. Regular play in moderation sharpens your decisions at the table, and the same discipline pays off in other table games such as blackjack and baccarat. For more walkthroughs on games and betting, browse our casino guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best craps strategy?
The best craps strategy is a flat stake on the Pass Line or Don’t Pass, backed by free odds once a point is set. These wagers pay even money or true odds and keep you away from costly proposition bets. Add a staking system only when you understand how it reacts to a losing run, and set a loss limit before the first roll.
Does the Martingale system work in craps?
No, the Martingale cannot beat craps over the long run, although it can be applied to even-money line bets. Doubling after each loss lets one win recover the earlier losses, but a cold streak quickly pushes stakes towards the table maximum or beyond your budget. The house edge on every bet stays the same whatever amount you stake.
Can you use the Paroli system at the craps table?
Yes, the Paroli system works well on Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come and Don’t Come bets. You double your stake after each win and return to the base unit after three wins in a row or after any loss. Because the extra stake comes from winnings, it limits how much of your own bankroll is exposed during a losing session.
Which craps bets should you avoid?
Proposition bets in the centre of the layout, such as Any Seven or single-roll pairs, are the wagers most players should avoid. They pay large multiples but carry the highest house edges at the table. Line bets backed with free odds give you far more playing time for the same budget, especially when you combine them with a staking system.
Can the James Bond system be used in craps?
No, the James Bond system is built for the roulette wheel and has no direct craps equivalent. It splits a fixed total between high numbers, a middle range and zero as insurance. The craps layout has no number ranges or zero to cover, so players who like a steady approach should use a level stake on a line bet instead.
Is Don’t Pass a better bet than Pass Line in craps?
Yes, Don’t Pass carries a slightly lower house edge than Pass Line, although the gap is very small. Many players still prefer Pass Line because it means betting with the shooter and the rest of the table. Both are even-money line bets that suit any progression, so the choice comes down to personal preference rather than a real strategic advantage.
How much should you stake per roll at craps?
Your stake per roll should be a small base unit that your budget can carry through a long losing run. Negative progressions such as the Martingale need far more cover than flat betting, because stakes double after each loss. Decide your session budget first, divide it into units, and lower the base unit if the table maximum would cut a sequence short.