Mastering the Craps Table: A Comprehensive Layout Guide
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A recent survey found that 7 out of 10 craps players get confused by the table layout, causing them to lose money. But guess what? Knowing the craps table layout is key to winning. Our expert guide is here to clear up the confusion and help you play better. After all, intelligent betting isn’t just about luck—it’s about really getting the game. Let’s help you play smarter and win more!
- Decoding the Craps Table: What You Need to Know
- The numbers talk: Craps Table Betting Odds
- Behind the Game: Staff Member Roles At the Craps Table
- Step-by-Step: Navigating a Casino Craps Game
- Final Throw – Reflecting on the World of Craps
Decoding the Craps Table: What You Need to Know
The size and finish of a casino craps table depend on the type of game you are playing. Still, the standard features are very much the same.
Important
Online craps casinos in our experts’ selection provide two main types of craps in their gaming catalogues: classic and live.
The classic versions are based on Random Number Generators, while the live craps games share the same layout with their land-based casino.
One of the scariest things for any player is the dice layout’s complex appearance. Still, don’t let that put you off.
It is easier to learn the craps layout if you break it down into smaller pieces.
Key betting tip to remember
Your starting point when analysing the board is its centre. All proposition bets are found there.
Some UK players may swear by their payout potential.
However, we need to remind you that such bets have a high house edge, meaning that your odds are poorer and that the casino wins those bets more often, on average.
Your best craps betting options
Your best bet choices are the Free Odds and Pass Line because not only is the house advantage lower, but losses are typically less frequent with this type of bet.
Important reminder
Check the casino’s game list if you choose a no deposit bonus from our top-notch selection. Some online casinos may not have your preferred craps version.
Visual Guide: Anatomy of a Craps Table
How wide is a craps table layout?
A dice layout is about 3,5 to 4,5 feet wide.
Other elements of a craps table explained
- Padded rail: This rail runs at the top edge. It is padded so that players may lean on it.
- Chip rack: This is next to the rail, where the players store their chips. They are separated into different sections, so every player has their own rack.
- Drink rail: This runs around the board’s perimeter and is where players can put their drinks so they don’t spill onto the board.
What is the standard length of a casino craps table?
The standard length of a dice layout is around 11ft and 10 inches.
Create a land-based casino in your home
Suppose you want more realistic dice gameplay. In that case, you should use our experts’ listing and find a new or used dice table for sale. Options vary, but you’ll indeed find one that fits your budget!
The numbers talk: Craps Table Betting Odds
| Bet Type | Payout |
|---|---|
| Pass or Come Line Bet | 1:1 |
| Don’t Pass / Don’t Come Line Bet | 1:1 |
| Numbers 4 or 10 | 2:1 |
| Numbers 5 or 9 | 3:2 |
| Numbers 6 or 8 | 6:5 |
| 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11 | 1:1 |
| 2 or 12 | 30:1 |
| 3 or 11 | 15:1 |
| Any 7 | 4:1 |
| Any craps (2, 3 or 12) | 7:1 |
| Hard Hop | 30:1 |
| Easy Hop | 15:1 |
Pass/Don’t Pass bets
Here, you wager on the shooter to pass (or not) by rolling out a natural (7 or 11) or winning the point.
Come bets
You win if you roll a natural (7 or 11).
Don’t Come bets
You win if the dice outcome is 2, 3 or 12.
Did you know that, in street dice slang, a roll of 2 is called ‘snake eyes’?
Props Bets
These are one-roll bets that you can place on any roll. You can bet on the shooter rolling a:
- 7
- Craps
- Ace Deuce (3)
- Aces (2)
- Boxcars (12)
- Horn (2, 3, 11 or 12)
Place Bets
Bet on any number. Suppose you roll that number before a 7. In that case, you win.
Field Bets
You lose on any 5, 6, 7 or 8 rolls.
Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
You bet on the shooter rolling a 6 or 8 before a 7.
Deepen your odds knowledge
If you want a deeper understanding of your odds, our street craps rules guide will hit close to home!
You’ll improve gambling results if you update your craps vocabulary and understand the game’s origin.
Behind the Game: Staff Member Roles At the Craps Table
There are several different dealers involved in a game of craps, four in total:
- The floorman
- The boxman
- The stickman
- The two dealers
Meet the Floorman: The Game’s Watchful Guardian
The Floorman is the game’s manager. In some casinos, he’s responsible for supervising more than one table at once.
He can approve credit for players and observe the players’ overall conduct.
The Boxman’s Role: Ensuring Fair Play and Resolving Disputes
He sits and watches the action unfold at one particular table. His role is to follow the other dealers and observe how and how much each player wagers.
As well as observing, he is in charge of exchanging chips for money.
If a dispute arises, his job is to mediate and settle the issue.
The Stickman: Controlling the Dice and the Game’s Pace
He is called the stickman because his role is to move the dice around the table with his long specific stick. He very much controls a dice round’s pace.
At the start of the game, the stickman moves three sets of dice to the shooter and asks them to pick one.
After each throw, the stickman returns the dice to the shooter. He also calls out the numbers and effects of some of the bets. The stickman is also in charge of organising the centre bets.
Duo at Work: The Dealers’ Crucial Roles
There are another two dealers, and their role is to communicate with the players and collect and pay off the bets made on each side of the board.
They keep bets well organised, collect any losing bets and pay out winning bets.
Step-by-Step: Navigating a Casino Craps Game
- Players must request casino credit, usually by throwing cash at the board.
- In UK live casinos, this step is equivalent to making a deposit and claiming a bonus, then accessing the relevant live craps room.
- The player will then be given the appropriate value of chips by the boxman, who counts out the funds from the casino bankroll.
- In online settings, your funds are credited automatically.
- The chips are given to the dealer, who then hands them to the player.
- You can easily see how the online casino industry can do without all these intermediaries in the interest of more straightforward gameplay.
- The game’s first roll is the come-out roll, with three possible outcomes: a natural, craps or point.
Advice
New UK players should read our in-depth player guides to get familiar with the online casino environment and its rules.
Remember!
A natural is when you roll a 7 or 11. If this happens, you win and get to roll again.
Crapping out is when you roll a 2, 3 or 12. You lose, but the round isn’t over yet, and you roll again.
If you roll any number between 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, it’s called a point.
In a live casino, the dealer marks your point (the rolled number) on the table.
You must then roll the dice again and hope for the same number.
It doesn’t have to be the same dice combination. If you get the same number, you win the round.
We know this information may seem complicated at first.
For this reason, it may be easier if you first learn Craps odds and payouts before you start betting at a Craps table.
Did we cover everything?
Your feedback is crucial to us responding to all your questions, which is why we prioritise it. Leave us your queries and impressions in the comment section below!
Final Throw – Reflecting on the World of Craps
Craps is more than just rolling dice; it’s a game of strategy, luck, and understanding the nuances of the table. While the layout and roles might seem complex at first, with time and practice, it becomes second nature. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. So, take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy the thrill of the game. With the right knowledge and a bit of patience, you’ll soon find yourself playing with confidence and, hopefully, winning more often!
