The craps table is the centerpiece of one of casino gaming's most exciting dice games. Understanding its layout, betting areas, and flow is essential for both beginners and experienced players looking to maximize their enjoyment and strategic play.
The craps table layout can appear intimidating to newcomers, with its numerous betting areas, specialized terminology, and fast-paced action. However, once you understand the fundamental structure and betting zones, the table becomes remarkably logical and accessible. This comprehensive guide breaks down every aspect of the craps table, from its physical design to the strategic implications of each betting area.
A craps table is divided into three main sections: two identical end sections and a center section. The end sections contain the primary betting areas where most players focus their action, including the pass line, don't pass line, come, don't come, field, and place bet areas. The center section, controlled by the stickman, houses proposition bets and hardway bets that typically carry higher house edges.
The table's design serves multiple purposes beyond aesthetics. The raised padded rail provides a comfortable resting place for chips and drinks, while the angled mirror allows dealers to monitor all betting activity. The diamond-patterned rubber pyramids lining the inner walls ensure random dice bounces, maintaining game integrity. Understanding this physical layout helps players navigate the table confidently and position themselves strategically.
The most important betting zones for beginners are located along the outer edges of each end section. These areas offer the best odds and form the foundation of sound craps strategy.
The pass line runs along the entire outer edge of the table layout and represents the most fundamental craps bet. Players betting the pass line win on the come-out roll if the shooter rolls 7 or 11, and lose if 2, 3, or 12 appears. Any other number establishes the point, and the pass line bet wins if that point repeats before a 7 rolls.
The don't pass line sits directly above the pass line and offers the opposite proposition. Don't pass bettors win on 2 or 3, push on 12, and lose on 7 or 11 during the come-out roll. After a point is established, don't pass wins if 7 appears before the point number. While mathematically superior with a house edge of just 1.36 percent compared to 1.41 percent for pass line, don't pass betting means wagering against the shooter, which some players find less socially engaging.
The come box occupies a prominent position in the layout's center-lower area. Come bets function identically to pass line bets but can be placed after a point is established. When you place a come bet, the next roll becomes your personal come-out roll. A 7 or 11 wins immediately, 2, 3, or 12 loses, and any other number becomes your come point.
The don't come area works as the opposite of come bets, following the same logic as don't pass relative to pass line. These bets allow players to establish multiple points simultaneously, creating action on every roll while maintaining favorable house edges when combined with odds bets.
The field occupies a large rectangular area displaying the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. This single-roll bet wins if any of these numbers appears on the next roll and loses on 5, 6, 7, or 8. Most casinos pay even money on field wins except for 2 and 12, which typically pay double or triple. Despite its prominent placement and simple appeal, the field carries a house edge of approximately 2.78 percent, making it less favorable than line bets with odds.
Across the top of each end section, you'll find six rectangular boxes numbered 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. These boxes serve multiple functions in craps gameplay.
Place bets allow players to wager that a specific number will roll before a 7 appears. Unlike pass line bets that require a come-out roll, place bets can be made at any time and can be removed or reduced at will. The payouts vary by number based on true odds: 6 and 8 pay 7 to 6, 5 and 9 pay 7 to 5, and 4 and 10 pay 9 to 5.
Place bets on 6 and 8 offer the best value among place bets with a house edge of just 1.52 percent, making them popular choices for players seeking consistent action. Place bets on 4 and 10 carry the highest house edge at 6.67 percent and should generally be avoided unless buying the bet, which involves paying a commission for true odds.
The numbered boxes also serve as landing spots for point pucks, large disc-shaped markers that indicate the current game phase. When the puck shows black side up with OFF displayed, the game is in the come-out phase and no point is established. When white side up showing ON, the puck rests on the current point number, clearly communicating to all players which number the shooter is trying to repeat.
Casino craps tables follow standardized designs that accommodate multiple players while maintaining clear sightlines for dealers and pit supervisors. The typical table measures 12 to 14 feet in length and features mirrored betting layouts on each side, allowing up to 20 players to participate simultaneously. The felt surface displays all available betting options in a color-coded format.
Professional craps tables are staffed by a crew of four: the boxman who supervises the game and handles cash transactions, the stickman who controls the dice and calls the game, and two base dealers who manage bets on their respective sides. This structure ensures smooth gameplay and accurate payouts even during high-volume periods.
The center section of the craps table, positioned between the two end sections, contains various proposition bets controlled by the stickman. These bets generally carry significantly higher house edges but offer larger payouts and appeal to players seeking excitement over mathematical optimization.
Hardway bets wager that the shooter will roll a specific even number as doubles before rolling that number any other way or before rolling a 7. For example, hard 8 wins if two 4s appear before any other 8 combination or before a 7. Hardways are available for 4, 6, 8, and 10, with house edges ranging from 9.09 percent to 11.11 percent.
Any seven is a single-roll bet that wins if the next roll totals 7, paying 4 to 1 with a house edge of 16.67 percent. Any craps wins if 2, 3, or 12 appears on the next roll, paying 7 to 1 with an 11.11 percent house edge. These bets offer quick action but represent poor long-term value.
Horn bets combine four separate wagers on 2, 3, 11, and 12 in equal amounts. If any of these numbers hits, that portion wins while the other three portions lose. The world bet adds any seven to the horn combination. These complex bets appeal to experienced players but carry house edges exceeding 12 percent.
Behind the pass line and don't pass line lies an unmarked area where players place odds bets, the only wagers in the casino that pay true mathematical odds with zero house edge. After a point is established, players can back their line bets with odds bets up to the casino's maximum, typically 3x, 4x, 5x, or higher.
Odds bets pay based on the true probability of the point repeating before a 7: 2 to 1 on points 4 and 10, 3 to 2 on points 5 and 9, and 6 to 5 on points 6 and 8. Taking maximum odds reduces the combined house edge on your total wager to as low as 0.374 percent with 3-4-5x odds, making this the most important strategic element in craps.
Come bet odds work identically but are placed in the numbered boxes behind your come bet after the dealer moves it to the appropriate point number. Don't pass and don't come odds are laid rather than taken, meaning you're betting more to win less, reflecting the mathematical advantage these bets hold after a point is established.
Understanding where to stand and how to interact with the table crew enhances your craps experience significantly.
The shooter is the player currently rolling the dice. This role rotates clockwise around the table, and players may decline to shoot if they prefer. The shooter must have a pass line or don't pass bet to roll and should throw the dice so they bounce off the far wall, ensuring randomness.
The positions immediately adjacent to the stickman are called stick left and stick right. These spots offer the best view of the dice and direct access to proposition bets but can feel crowded during busy sessions. Many experienced players prefer these positions for their proximity to the action.
Standing near the base dealers at either end of the table provides easy access for placing bets and collecting payouts. These positions work well for players focusing on pass line, come bets, and place bets, as the dealers can quickly process your wagers without requiring you to reach across the table.
Observing proper table etiquette ensures a positive experience for everyone and keeps the game flowing smoothly.
Always keep your hands above the table when the dice are in motion to avoid interfering with the roll. Place your bets during appropriate times, never while the dice are being thrown. Use proper chip denominations when making place bets to facilitate correct payouts: place bets on 6 and 8 should be made in multiples of six dollars, while 5 and 9 require multiples of five dollars.
Avoid using the word seven at the table, as superstitious players believe it brings bad luck. Instead, refer to it as big red or simply the number we don't mention. Tip the dealers periodically by placing a bet for them on the pass line or making a two-way bet that pays both you and the dealers if it wins.
Never hand money directly to dealers; instead, place cash on the table and announce change only so dealers convert it to chips. Keep your drinks in the designated holders away from the playing surface, and avoid excessive celebration or criticism of other players' betting choices.
Optimal craps strategy centers on minimizing the house edge through disciplined bet selection. Focus your action on pass line or don't pass bets backed with maximum odds. Add come bets with odds to create multiple points, generating action on every roll while maintaining the lowest possible house advantage.
Place bets on 6 and 8 offer acceptable house edges and can supplement your line bet strategy when you want additional numbers working. Avoid field bets, proposition bets, and hardways except for occasional entertainment value, as their high house edges erode your bankroll quickly.
Establish a session bankroll and bet sizing strategy before approaching the table. A conservative approach suggests having at least 20 times your base bet plus odds to weather normal variance. More aggressive players might prefer 30 to 50 times their total action to ensure staying power during cold streaks.
The craps table layout, while initially complex, follows a logical structure designed to accommodate diverse betting preferences and playing styles. By focusing on the primary betting areas along the outer edges and understanding how odds bets work, players can enjoy this exciting game while maintaining favorable mathematical expectations. The key to success lies not in mastering every exotic bet in the center section but in disciplined execution of fundamental strategies that leverage the game's best odds. Whether you're drawn to craps for its social atmosphere, strategic depth, or pure excitement, understanding the table layout empowers you to participate confidently and make informed decisions that enhance both your enjoyment and your long-term results.
The best position depends on your playing style. Positions near the base dealers offer easy access for pass line and place bets, while stick positions provide the best view of the dice action. Choose a spot where you can comfortably reach your betting areas and communicate with dealers.
Yes, most bets can be placed at any time except during the brief moment when dice are in the air. Come bets, place bets, and proposition bets are all available after a point is established. Only pass line and don't pass bets must be placed before the come-out roll.
The mirrored layout allows players on both sides of the table to access the same betting options without reaching across the table. This design accommodates more players and keeps the game moving efficiently with two base dealers managing their respective sides.
The puck indicates the current game phase. When showing OFF on its black side, no point is established and the next roll is a come-out roll. When showing ON on its white side and placed on a number, that number is the current point the shooter is trying to repeat.
Yes, odds bets pay true mathematical odds with no house advantage. However, you must first make a pass line, don't pass, come, or don't come bet to access odds bets. The combined house edge of your line bet plus odds is lower than the line bet alone.
Start with table minimum bets on the pass line and take single or double odds until you're comfortable with the game flow. A bankroll of 20 to 30 times your total bet including odds provides adequate cushion for a typical session.
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