April 21, 2025
6 Minute Read
Field Bet in Craps – Rules, Payouts, and Best Strategies
The Field Bet in Craps is a popular wager on the craps table and offers a straightforward, easy betting option with a high-payout potential. The wager covers several numbers and often offers some bonus payouts on some numbers within that grouping.
How do you make a Field bet and is this a wise wager? Keep reading to learn all about the rules, odds, and strategies for effective use of this popular craps option.
What is the Field Bet in Craps?
When scanning the craps table, the Field Bet in Craps stands out as a prominent betting option in the center of the main betting area (not the proposition bet section) between the Come Bar above and the Don’t Pass Bar below. See the craps layout below to find the Field bet area.
You will notice a total of seven numbers available for players on this bet – 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. When making this bet, players are hoping that one of these numbers shows up on the next roll. It’s important to remember that unlike bets like the Pass Line, the Field bet is a single-roll wager.
A Field bet pays out even money. So betting $5 on the Field and seeing a 9 rolled will reward you with an extra $5. However, 2 and 12 usually come with bonus payouts of 2 to 1 and sometimes even 3 to 1 on either the 2 or 12 – some nice extra bang for the buck.
How Does the Field Bet Work?
Placing a Field bet is simple. There are no major considerations or odds bets to calculate. That’s one of the reasons some players enjoy this bet. Here’s a quick guide on how to make a Field bet
- Step 1 – Place your chips in the Field area.
- Step 2 – Wait for the roll outcome to see if the bet wins or loses. You’ll win on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12, but lose on any other number.
- Step 3 – Winning bets will be paid out at even money, except for 2 and 12, which usually pay out at 2 to 1 and occasionally even 3 to 1 on either the 2 or 12.
- Step 4 – Players can take down their winnings and make the bet again if they’d like.
So if a player bet $10 on the field and the shooter rolled a 2 or 12, that player would receive winnings of $20 with a 2 to 1 payout as well as the initial $10 wagered.
Craps Field Bet Odds and Payouts
While the Field bet is a simple wager to make, there are some shortcomings. One of those key shortcomings is a hefty house edge compared to other favorable bets on the craps table. Here’s a quick look at the house edge on various Field bets
| Rules | House edge |
| Field pays 2 to 1 on the 2 and 12 | 5.56% |
| Field pays 2 to 1 on the 2 and 3 to 1 on the 12. | 2.78% |
| Field pays 3 to 1 on the 2 and 2 to 1 on the 12. | 2.78% |
By comparison, making a Pass Line wager has a house edge of 1.41% with the ability to also place odds on your bet with no house edge. When considering a craps Field bet odds, it may be important to know the odds of rolling each number. Here are those percentages.
| Number | Odds to roll | Percentage |
| 2 | 1 out of 36 | 2.8% |
| 3 | 2 out of 36 (or 1 out of 18) | 5.6% |
| 4 | 3 out of 36 (or 1 out of 12) | 8.3% |
| 9 | 4 out of 36 (or 1 out of 9) | 11.1% |
| 10 | 3 out of 36 (or 1 out of 12) | 8.3% |
| 11 | 2 out of 36 (or 1 out of 18) | 5.6% |
| 12 | 1 out of 36 | 2.8% |
Notice that the craps Field bet odds of the numbers above are fairly low. The Field involves some of the longer-odds numbers, which is how the casino gets the house edge. By comparison, the 6 and 8 check in at 5 out of 36, or 13.8%.
When to Use the Field Bet
Field bets are often employed by payers who want quick, high-payout opportunities. A player who gets on a streak may rack up some nice winnings, but must realize that there is a heavy house edge, although not as big as some of the proposition bets.
This is also a low-commitment wager. Since it’s not a multi-roll wager, a field bet in craps can be a “one and done” event.
Field Bet Craps Strategies – How to Play
When making a craps field bet, players should definitely look for tables with enhanced payouts for 2 and 12. This offers a chance to lower the house edge as much as possible.
Many players also like to combine Field bets with more favorable bets like the Pass Line for balanced risk. However, players should generally use these wagers sparingly due to the relatively high house edge.
One of the better-known strategies involving the craps Field bet is the Iron Cross. This wagering strategy has players making four bets – one on the Field along with place bets on 5, 6, and 8. This was originally meant as a quick hit-and-run bet and you win on every number except 7. The Iron Cross combination has a house edge of just 1.14%.
Common Mistakes with the Field Bet
Players hitting the craps table and making Field bets should keep a few things in mind. Here are some common mistakes that players may make with these wagers.
- Over-relying on the Field bet due to its high payouts.
- Ignoring the relatively low probability of winning numbers.
- Not realizing the high house edge.
- Not staying within the player’s own bankroll.
Conclusion
The Field bet in craps can be a fun one-roll wager that includes the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The bet pays out at even money, except for 2 and 12, which often pay out at 2 to 1.
Making a Field bet is easy. The Field betting area is located between the Come Bar and Don’t Pass Pass and players simply drop a chip onto this section of the table to make a wager. It’s important to realize that this wager has a high house edge of 5.56%.
Looking to give the Field bet a shot? Head to Lucky Block Casino for some great craps options including live dealer games that give players the real feel of hitting the tables in Las Vegas. Setting up an account and getting started on the platform only takes a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Field Bet in craps?
This is a one-roll wager that covers the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
How much does the Field Bet pay?
The bet pays out even money, except for 2 to 1 payouts on 2 and 12. Some casinos may even offer 3 to 1 payouts on either 2 or 12.
What are the odds of winning a Field Bet?
This is a better bet than some of the proposition bets, but still has a house edge of 5.56%. Players can win, but the house has a hefty advantage.
Is the Field Bet a good choice for beginners?
This can be a good bet for beginners because of the simplicity. However, players may want to play the Field sparingly because of the high house edge, and look for better bets like the Pass Line.
Can the Field Bet be combined with other wagers?
Yes, using Field bets combined with some of the better bets on the craps table can help reduce risk and have bets in place with lower house edges on other parts of the table.
