Craps Table Layout
| Updated: How to Understand the Table Layout of Craps
Every new player who is interested in craps should have a good understanding of the game and the rules it follows. One of the first things you need to learn about this classic casino game is the table layout. Although it may look a bit confusing at first glance, there is actually nothing particularly complex about the table used in craps. In fact, understanding the different sections of the table will help you get used to the rules of the game and the betting options you have. We therefore encourage you to continue reading, as our comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about the craps table layout.
Once you get used to the table layout of craps, you will be able to play the game everywhere. This is because the game looks the same in every brick-and-mortar casino. The only difference you may encounter is in Las Vegas, where tables feature the Big 6 and Big 8 bets. These options, however, are not included in Atlantic City gambling facilities.
In order to have an easier time deciphering the craps table layout, you will also have to learn the terminology you will notice on the table felt. This way you will be able to understand the game and place the bets that best suit you.
In addition to being the name of the game, “craps” is also used to refer to the numbers 2, 3, and 12. The Pass Line is where you place your chips if you want to bet that the dice will pass, i.e., that the shooter will win. The Don’t Pass Bar is where players bet on the dice rolling a seven before the point is repeated. You will also notice a box with the word “COME”, where you can place your bets if you think that the dice will pass. This type of bet is placed after the come-out roll of the dice. Betting on the opposite result is done on the Don’t Come Bar section of the table.
In the Field area of the craps table layout, you can place your wagers on the number you believe will be rolled—2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Some craps tables will also include another type of bet called Big 6 and Big 8. By placing your chips there, you are betting on either a 6 or an 8 being rolled.
Place Bets allow players to put their money on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 rolling before a 7. If you are making a bet in the Hardway area of the table, you are wagering on the dice rolling 4, 6, 8, or 10 as a pair before they are rolled as a non-pair. In addition to the pair preceding the non-pair, you are also betting on the paired number rolling before a 7.
On the craps table, players can also place their chips on the so-called One Roll Bets. These are made only for the upcoming roll of the dice, and players are paid if they correctly guess the result of that throw. Under the One Roll Bets section, you will also find the Any Seven area. There, you can place your money on a 7 being rolled on the next throw of the dice. If you place your chips on Any Craps, you are wagering that the next roll of the dice will be either 2, 3, or 12.
Table Layout on Craps
Although the craps table may look a bit intimidating when you first see it, there is actually nothing complex about its layout. In fact, all of the sections of the table are there to help players place the bets they would like to make. There are two identical sides to the table, allowing as many players as possible to join the game.
Whether you are playing at a land-based casino or you have chosen an online one, you will notice several sections on the craps table. You may be drawn right away to the section in the center of the table; however, you should keep in mind that these bets usually carry the highest house edge, and there are definitely less-risky options on which to place your money.
As mentioned earlier, there are two identical sides to the craps table, representing the side sections of the layout. In addition to them, there is also a center section, which displays a few additional betting options. Depending on which side of the table you are on, you will be able to place your bets only on the respective side section. Players on both sides of the table, however, are allowed to make wagers on the center betting section.
Side and Center Sections of the Craps Table
Each of the side sections on the craps table has two different areas. One is designated for players, while the other is for dealers. Players can place their own bets on the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Field, Come, and Don’t Come areas of the side section. As mentioned before, some tables also include the Big 6 and Big 8 bets, which are positioned in the players’ area of the side betting section.
The reason you will not find the Big 6 and Big 8 bets on many craps tables is due to the high house edge of these options. Since not many players delve into these risky bets, many casinos do not incorporate them on their craps tables.
These types of wagers are also known as self-service bets because players make them without the help of dealers. If you want to bet on any of these areas, you simply place your chips on the corresponding section. If you win a Pass, Don’t Pass, or Field bet, the dealer will place your winnings next to your initial bet, and you must take your chips off the table. If you do not remove your chips, the dealer will interpret that as raising your original stake by adding your winnings. If this is not your intention, you must keep track of the game’s fast tempo and remove your chips from the table.
The dealer’s area of the side sections includes six squares where the numbers from 4 to 10, excluding 7, are positioned. These are the so-called point boxes, where the dealer places a puck with the white side facing upward whenever a point is established. This section of boxes is also used by the dealer to place chips in accordance with bet requests made by players.
The wagering options that you may ask to make in this section of the table include Buy, Lay, Place bets, and odds bets on Come/Don’t Come. It is true that Come and Don’t Come are self-service bets, but the odds for them are managed by dealers. Whenever you place your chips in the Come/Don’t Come area of the table and a point is established for this bet, the dealer will move your chips to the corresponding point box.
You will notice two thin rectangles on the top and bottom sides of every point box, as well as an additional wider rectangle on the top part. The thinner ones are where the dealer puts the chips for the Place bet, while the wider one is for the Lay and Don’t Come stakes. Inside the point boxes is where the dealer places the Come and Buy bets. Unlike in the self-service area, where players need to be quick to remove their winning chips, players are not allowed to touch the chips in the dealer’s section; only dealers can place or remove chips.
The center section of the craps table is where the “proposition” bets are positioned. You should not touch any part of this area, as it is strictly handled by the stickman, whose role we will explain later in this article. Whenever you wish to make a bet in the center of the table, get the stickman’s attention and lightly toss your chip onto the table layout, trying to avoid the chips of other players.
If the stickman is busy with other players and you do not feel like waiting, you can place your chips on the apron and tell the dealer which proposition bet you wish to make. The dealer will either place your chips in the correct section or wait for the stickman and tell him where to place your bet. If you win a proposition bet, the stickman will tell the dealer how much to pay you, and the dealer will place the chips on the apron in front of you.
Dealers
There are three different dealers who run the craps table. Two of them assist players with bets in the dealer’s area of each side section, while the third, called the stickman, manages all the proposition bets in the center of the table.
The stickman’s job is to call the game, pass the dice to each shooter, and handle every proposition bet in the center. As mentioned earlier, sometimes other dealers can also place chips in the center of the table; however, they often choose to hand the chips to the stickman. When you win a proposition bet, the stickman will announce the amount you win, and the dealer on your side of the table will place your chips on the apron.
Good dealers can always keep an eye on every player’s bet and accurately pay off each winner. Since it is the two side dealers’ duty to place bets and give players their winnings, this job carries great responsibility. While most dealers at craps tables are professionals, it is possible that they might be distracted and not pay you the proper amount you have won. This is why you should always be alert and check the chips you are handed.
When you approach the craps table at a casino, you will have to place your money in a special betting box marked “COME”. Then an employee known as the boxman will count your cash and prepare your chips, which will then be handed to you by the dealer on your side of the table.
Floor Staff
In addition to the three dealers, there are also floor people who help manage and monitor the action at a craps table. You will notice that in the center, between the two dealers who manage the players’ bets, there is an employee called either a Boxman or a Boxwoman.
The job of this floor staff member includes making sure that players receive the right amount of chips for their money, that they are paid exactly what they have won, and that the odds are in accordance with the Pass and Don’t Pass stakes.
You will probably notice that at brick-and-mortar casinos there is more than one craps table in the same area. This section of the gambling facility is called the craps pit, and there is a floorman who is usually responsible for several tables in the pit. The floorman must always watch all of the games that are played and must intervene when there is an issue that cannot be resolved by the Boxman.
Even if there is a dispute, you can be sure that, in most cases, the floorman will take the player’s side, as this will improve the casino’s image. In addition to handling patrons’ requests, the floor people are also the employees who deal with high-rollers.
At land-based casinos, we also have pit bosses. They handle all of the tables in the craps pit. The floor staff reports to the pit boss, and he or she has the final say on any issue that needs resolution.
Proper Way to Act at the Craps Table
Simply learning the sections of the craps table is not enough to enjoy the game and have fun. Before you approach the craps pit, you are advised to learn about the proper etiquette one must follow.
When you join the game, do not be conceited and do not tell other players what they should or should not do. That being said, if someone asks for advice, be polite and give your opinion without imposing on their gameplay.
Another very important thing to keep in mind is to be respectful to the dealers. Do not forget to say “please” when you request to make a bet, and thank them when they give you your winnings.
You should also know how to properly start betting when you approach a table. Place your money in the “COME” box and tell the dealer what you would like to bet on. However, make sure you do this while the dice are not in motion on the table. When you hear the stickman announcing “Dice are out” do not make any wagers and wait for the next betting session.
As with many other games, many craps players are quite superstitious. This is why the word “seven” should not even be muttered, as most people tend to put their money on the Pass Line. If anyone hears you saying “seven” and the dice indeed roll this number, be prepared to be stared at by numerous superstitious—and angry—players. If you want to refer to the number, you can replace it with the phrase “S word”. This rule may be simple superstition, but it is part of craps etiquette.
Another thing you should consider when joining the game is taking a good look to see who the next shooter will be. When you spot the player who will throw the dice, make sure you do not stand too close to him or her. As mentioned earlier, craps players are quite superstitious, which is why you should do everything possible to give the shooter enough space to move freely. This way you cannot be blamed for any unfortunate result caused by interfering with the person throwing the dice.
When it is your turn to roll the dice, you will be presented with several dice. Pick two and hold them in the hand you will use to throw them. Do not switch the dice to your other hand, and make sure to always hold them above the table. This is done so that dealers can be certain you are not using a different pair of dice. When you throw them, make sure to do it hard enough for the dice to hit the other side of the table and bounce back.
If you are new to the game, do not worry too much. After all, gambling is all about the entertainment of players. Let the dealers know that you are not very experienced, and they will be happy to help you with anything you are unsure of.