Field Bet Craps Calculator: The One-Roll Proposition

The field bet in craps wins on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12—all in one roll. It looks attractive with seven winning numbers, but our calculator reveals the true 2.78-5.56% house edge hidden behind the bonus payouts on 2 and 12.

What Is the Field Bet?

The field bet is a one-roll wager in craps where you win if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. You lose on 5, 6, 7, or 8. The numbers 2 and 12 typically pay bonus amounts (2:1 or 3:1), while other winning numbers pay even money.

Quick Answer: Field bet = one-roll bet on 2,3,4,9,10,11,12. Loses on 5,6,7,8. Even money on most wins. 2 pays 2:1, 12 pays 2:1 or 3:1. House edge: 5.56% (double) or 2.78% (triple 12). 16 ways to win, 20 ways to lose. Simple but costly.

How to Use Our Calculator

Use the Field Bet Calculator →

Calculate field bet probabilities and expected value.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select Pay Table: Double or triple 12

2. View Probabilities: Win vs lose odds

3. Calculate House Edge: True cost

4. Compare Payouts: Impact of bonuses

5. Understand Math: Behind the bet

Input Fields Explained

Field	Description	Example
2 Payout	Double or triple	2:1
12 Payout	Double or triple	3:1
Win Probability	Field numbers	44.44%
Lose Probability	5,6,7,8	55.56%
House Edge	True cost	2.78%
EV per $100	Expected loss	-$2.78

How the Field Works

Winning Numbers

Field wins on these totals:

2: 1 way (1-1)
3: 2 ways (1-2, 2-1)
4: 3 ways (1-3, 2-2, 3-1)
9: 4 ways (3-6, 4-5, 5-4, 6-3)
10: 3 ways (4-6, 5-5, 6-4)
11: 2 ways (5-6, 6-5)
12: 1 way (6-6)

Total: 16 ways to win

Losing Numbers

Field loses on these totals:

5: 4 ways (1-4, 2-3, 3-2, 4-1)
6: 5 ways (1-5, 2-4, 3-3, 4-2, 5-1)
7: 6 ways (1-6, 2-5, 3-4, 4-3, 5-2, 6-1)
8: 5 ways (2-6, 3-5, 4-4, 5-3, 6-2)

Total: 20 ways to lose

The Deceptive Count

Why field looks good:

7 winning numbers
4 losing numbers

But ways matter, not numbers:
16 ways to win
20 ways to lose

5, 6, 7, 8 are most common
Field loses more often

Payout Variations

Double Field (5.56% Edge)

Standard payout:

2: Pays 2:1
3-4, 9-11: Pays 1:1
12: Pays 2:1

EV calculation:
(1/36 × 2) + (14/36 × 1) + (1/36 × 2) - (20/36)
= 0.056 + 0.389 + 0.056 - 0.556
= -0.056 = -5.56%

Older, worse pay table

Triple 12 Field (2.78% Edge)

Better payout:

2: Pays 2:1
3-4, 9-11: Pays 1:1
12: Pays 3:1

EV calculation:
(1/36 × 2) + (14/36 × 1) + (1/36 × 3) - (20/36)
= 0.056 + 0.389 + 0.083 - 0.556
= -0.028 = -2.78%

Modern, better table
Look for this version

Triple 2 and 12 (0% Edge)

Rare promotional:

2: Pays 3:1
12: Pays 3:1
Others: 1:1

EV = 0 (break even)

Very rare to find
Usually temporary promotion

Probability Analysis

Roll Distribution

36 possible dice combinations:

Most common: 7 (6 ways = 16.67%)
Least common: 2, 12 (1 way each = 2.78%)

Field losing numbers:
5: 11.11%
6: 13.89%
7: 16.67%
8: 13.89%
Total: 55.56%

Field winning numbers:
All others: 44.44%

Why You Lose More

The math reality:

16 winning combinations
20 losing combinations

Even with bonuses:
2 and 12 are rare (2.78% each)
Bonuses don't offset
20 > 16 every time

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Standard Win

Even money result:

Bet: $10 on field
Roll: 9

Result: WIN

Payout: $10

Common outcome
~11.11% of rolls

Example 2: Bonus Win

Double payout:

Bet: $10 on field
Roll: 2

Result: WIN (bonus)

Payout: $20 (2:1)

Rare bonus
~2.78% of rolls

Example 3: Triple 12 Win

Maximum payout:

Bet: $10 on field
Roll: 12

Result: WIN (triple)

Payout: $30 (3:1)

Best outcome
~2.78% of rolls
Only at triple-12 tables

Example 4: Typical Loss

Most common result:

Bet: $10 on field
Roll: 7

Result: LOSE

Lose: $10

7 is most common roll
~16.67% of rolls

Strategy Considerations

When Players Bet Field

Common situations:

After shooter makes point
During "cold" table streaks
Following multiple 7s

None of these matter!
Each roll is independent
Past doesn't predict future

Field vs Pass Line

Comparison:

Field bet: 2.78-5.56% edge
Pass line: 1.41% edge

Pass line is better
But requires multiple rolls
Field resolves immediately

Bankroll Impact

100 rolls at $10:

Triple 12 field:
Expected loss: $27.80

Double field:
Expected loss: $55.60

Pass line comparison:
Expected loss: $14.10

Field costs 2-4× more

Common Mistakes

1. Counting Numbers Not Ways

Mistake: "7 numbers win, 4 lose" Problem: Ways matter, not numbers Fix: 16 ways win, 20 ways lose

2. Playing Double Tables

Mistake: Assuming all fields equal Problem: 5.56% vs 2.78% edge Fix: Find triple 12 tables

3. Streak Chasing

Mistake: Betting after 7s Problem: Independent rolls Fix: Each roll is fresh

4. Large Field Bets

Mistake: Using field as main bet Problem: 2-4× pass line edge Fix: Pass/don't pass for main bets

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the field bet house edge?

2.78% with triple 12 payout, 5.56% with double 12. Always look for triple 12 tables.

How often does field win?

44.44% of rolls (16 out of 36 combinations). Looks close but loses more than wins.

Is field a good bet?

Moderate. Better than proposition bets but worse than pass/don't pass. Acceptable for variety.

Why do 2 and 12 pay more?

They're the rarest rolls (2.78% each). Bonuses make field more attractive but don't eliminate edge.

Does field work in hot/cold streaks?

No. Each roll is independent. Past rolls don't affect future. No streaks to exploit.

Should I ever bet the field?

For variety/entertainment with small bets at triple 12 tables. Not as your primary craps strategy.

Pro Tips

• Find triple 12: 2.78% beats 5.56%

• 16 vs 20 ways: You lose more often

• One-roll bet: Resolves immediately

• Pass line better: 1.41% vs 2.78%+

• Entertainment bet: Not primary strategy

Related Calculators

• Craps Odds Calculator - Main game
• Pass Line Calculator - Better bet
• Proposition Bets Calculator - Compare
• House Edge Calculator - Compare games
• Expected Value Calculator - Bet analysis

Conclusion

The field bet in craps offers instant action on seven numbers—but our calculator reveals the 16 vs 20 ways reality behind that 2.78-5.56% house edge. Triple 12 tables cut the edge in half, making field acceptable for entertainment if not optimal strategy.

Calculate Field Bet Odds Now →

Seven winning numbers sounds great until you count the ways: 16 wins vs 20 losses. Our calculator shows why finding triple 12 payouts is essential for field bettors.