Learn to Play Casino Craps: The 3-Way Craps, Over 7, and Under 7 Bets

Be smart, play smart, learn how to play casino craps the right way!

3-Way Craps is like Any Craps in that it's a one-roll bet that wins if a 2, 3, or 12 appears and loses with any other number. However, it's actually three separate one-roll bets disguised as one: a bet on the 2, a bet on the 3, and a bet on the 12. Therefore, your 3-Way Craps bet amount should be divisible by three. For example, if you make a $6 3-Way Craps bet, the dealer puts $2 on the 2, $2 on the 3, and $2 on the 12. The minimum bet amount for each of the three numbers (i.e., 2, 3, and 12) is the value of the lowest-denomination chip in play at the table, usually $1. So, since your bet amount should be divisible by three, the smallest 3-Way Craps bet you can make is $3.

The 3-Way Craps bet is controlled by the stickman, so keep your hands off. The 2, 3, and 12 boxes are clearly marked in the proposition area. When you have the stickman's attention, gently toss your chips to an open area near the center of the table and say, "Three-way Craps, please." Aim for an empty spot on the table so your chips don't mess up other chips on the table.

If a 2 shows, the payoff is 30:1; and your 3 and 12 lose. If a 12 shows, the payoff is 30:1; and your 2 and 3 lose. If a 3 shows, the payoff is 15:1; and your 2 and 12 lose. Note that there are two ways to make a 3 (i.e., 1-2 and 2-1) and only one make to make a 2 (i.e., 1-1) or 12 (i.e., 6-6). Therefore, the payoff for the 3 is half the payoff for the 2 or 12.

The Over 7 and Under 7 bets are rare one-roll bets that you probably won't see unless you play in a lot of different casinos. The Over 7 bet wins if an 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 shows on the next roll; and loses if any other number shows, including 7. The Under 7 bet wins if a 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 shows on the next roll; and loses if any other number shows, including 7. The payoff for both bets is 1:1, or even money.

Now you know! Remember, learn how to play casino craps the right way.

W. Enslen is a reliability engineer who routinely works with statistics. Having played and analyzed casino craps for 30 years, he has compiled his winning secrets in a new Ebook, which you can sample at Learn to Play Casino Craps. Be smart, play smart, and learn to play casino craps in reality instead of a Fantasyland of false hope.