Quick Answer: What Is The Field Bet In Craps?
A field bet is a one-roll bet that wins if the next roll is:
- 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12
It loses if the next roll is:
- 5, 6, 7, 8
So you’re basically betting the next roll will land on the “field” side of the board.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Field Bet Payouts (The Part That Varies By Casino)
Most field bets pay:
- Even money (1:1) on 3, 4, 9, 10, 11
- Extra on 2 and 12
But the exact payout on 2 and 12 depends on the table.
Common versions are:
Version A (Most Common)
- 2 pays 2:1
- 12 pays 2:1
Version B (Better For Players)
- 2 pays 2:1
- 12 pays 3:1
Version C (Less Common)
- 2 pays 3:1
- 12 pays 2:1
That’s why the first thing you should do before playing the field is glance at the felt. The payout rule is usually printed right there.
Why The Field Bet Feels So Good
It hits often enough to keep you entertained.
Look at the winning numbers:
- 2, 3, 4
- 9, 10, 11, 12
That’s 7 totals that win, and it can feel like “more ways to win than lose.”
But the trap is this:
Not all totals are equally likely.
The Real Risk: The Field Includes 7 Losing Totals But They’re Not Equal
Field loses on:
- 5, 6, 7, 8
And those include the most common total of all: 7.
So the field bet is fighting the highest-frequency number on the board.
If you want the math behind that, read The Probability Of Rolling Each Number On Two Dice.
Field Bet Probability (Simple Breakdown)
Let’s count combinations out of 36.
Field Winners
- 2 (1)
- 3 (2)
- 4 (3)
- 9 (4)
- 10 (3)
- 11 (2)
- 12 (1)
Total winning combinations:
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 16
So the field wins 16/36 of the time.
Field Losers
- 5 (4)
- 6 (5)
- 7 (6)
- 8 (5)
Total losing combinations:
4 + 5 + 6 + 5 = 20
So the field loses 20/36 of the time.
That’s why field is not a “safe” bet, even if it feels like it covers a lot.
How The 2 And 12 Payout Changes Everything
Because the field loses more often than it wins, the extra payout on 2 and 12 is what keeps it playable.
Here’s the simple idea:
- 2 and 12 are rare (1/36 each)
- casinos pay extra on them to make the bet feel exciting
- but if the payout is weaker, the field becomes worse for you
So Version B (12 pays 3:1) is generally more player-friendly than Version A.
A Smart Way To Use The Field Bet
If you want to play the field without turning it into a bankroll drain, treat it like:
a small, controlled side bet.
Here’s a clean approach:
- use 1 small unit
- cap it to 3–5 rolls max
- stop even if you’re up
- don’t re-bet automatically for 20 minutes
The problem with the field is repetition. One hit feels good, so people keep firing.
When The Field Bet Actually Makes Sense
It can make sense when:
You Want Short, One-Roll Action
Maybe you’re waiting for a shooter change or a new point.
You Have A Strict “Fun Budget”
A tiny amount you’re willing to spend on entertainment.
The Table Has The Better Payout Rule
If 12 pays 3:1, the field is generally less costly than a flat 2:1/2:1 table.
Even then, it’s not a “main plan” bet. It’s a side snack.
When You Should Avoid The Field Bet
Avoid it if:
- you’re trying to play low-volatility
- you’re already exposed on multiple place bets
- you’re chasing losses
- you notice you keep re-betting it out of habit
Field can turn into an autopilot bet fast.
Common Field Bet Mistakes
Mistake 1: Treating It Like A Strategy
A one-roll bet isn’t a strategy. It’s a moment.
Mistake 2: Forgetting 7 Is The Most Common Number
Field loses on 7, and 7 is the king of the dice.
Mistake 3: Stacking Field With Too Many Other Bets
If you’re already on 6 and 8 and a line bet, the field just increases exposure.
Mistake 4: Not Checking The 2 And 12 Payout Rule
This is the easiest fix. Always check the felt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Numbers Win A Field Bet In Craps?
2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 win. 5, 6, 7, and 8 lose.
Does The Field Bet Pay Even Money?
Most winning numbers pay even money. 2 and 12 usually pay extra.
Is The Field Bet A Good Bet?
It’s not usually a “good main bet.” It’s better treated as a small, controlled one-roll side bet.
Which Field Bet Payout Is Best?
A common “better” version is when 12 pays 3:1 (and 2 pays 2:1). Always check the table rule.
Should Beginners Use The Field Bet?
Only if they understand it’s a high-action, higher-risk bet and keep it small.
Where To Go Next
You now understand the field bet: what wins, what loses, how payouts vary, and why it’s riskier than it looks because it fights the most common totals.
Next, we’ll cover hardways bets, which are another popular “special” bet type, and the math behind why they’re tough to hit.
Continue with The Math Behind Hardways Bets.
