For a first time craps player, the proposition and hardway bets may look intimidating. These bets are in the center of the craps table and they are quite easy to play. However, there are always positive and negative sides to anything, even in betting in craps.

Proposition bets:
A particular area at the center of the craps table is marked for the proposition bets. Whatever number a player says will come out after the roll of the dice is a proposition bet. For instance a player makes a proposition bet on a ten, and the result of the rolled dice is ten, he wins.

Proposition bets have high pay outs than any bet on the craps table. If a player makes a proposition bet on an eleven or a three, the pay out is at 15-1, a twelve or two has a pay out of 30-1. Any craps proposition bet pays out at 7-1.

High pay outs are quite a tease to anyone. But bear in mind that in craps; any tempting bet is a worst bet. High pay outs mean low odds, and that gives a large house edge too. For proposition bet, the house edge is at 11.1% to 16.67%.

As a tip to craps players, minimize you proposition bets because this will drain your bankroll away. Play smartly.

Hardway bets:
Hardway bets are positioned above the proposition bets. Single dice roll is also used in getting the results of a hardway bet. A hardway bet is done by rolling a hard number before the equivalent soft number or a seven is rolled. For instance, the roll of a double three is a hard six, and a soft number is the result of a different roll. A soft six could be a combination or the following numbers rolled: 2 and 4 or 5 and 1.

Chips are placed on the marked area for the hardway bet, and the results obtainable for hardway bet are 4, 6, 8 and 10. A double 1 or double 6 are considered craps. Hardway bets are done after the come out roll. If the bet is lost, that is the only time the chips will be moved or a seven could be rolled.

A hardway bet also gives a high pay out but the odds are also low and the house edge is quite large; very similar to a proposition bet. If possible, a player should not make a hardway bet. If he cannot resist it, he should keep it at a minimal to save his bankroll.