The game of craps is a dynamic and exhilarating dice game commonly played in casinos worldwide. Central to the game is the craps table layout, a specialized surface designed to accommodate various betting options and facilitate smooth gameplay. This guide delves into the intricacies of the craps table layout, providing a clear and informative overview for both beginners and seasoned players.
Overview of the Craps Table
A standard craps table is typically 12 feet long and 4 feet wide, featuring a distinctive U-shape. This design allows for multiple players to engage simultaneously, with each side mirroring the other to ensure fairness and accessibility. The table is divided into several key areas:
- Wings: These are the elongated sides where players place their bets.
- Center Section: Located at the center of the table, this area is dedicated to proposition bets and is accessible to all players.
- Dealer Positions: The table is staffed by a team consisting of:
- Stickman: Manages the dice and oversees the center section.
- Boxman: Supervises the overall game and handles the chip bank.
- Dealers: Assist players with bets and payouts on the wings.
Main Betting Areas
The craps table layout includes several primary betting areas, each serving a specific purpose:
- Pass Line
- Location: Runs along the edge of the table.
- Description: A foundational bet where players wager that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or establish a point and subsequently roll that point number again before rolling a 7.
- Don’t Pass Line
- Location: Opposite the Pass Line.
- Description: A bet against the shooter, where players wager that the shooter will roll a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll, or establish a point and then roll a 7 before repeating the point number.
- Come
- Location: Positioned after the come-out roll.
- Description: Functions similarly to the Pass Line bet but is placed after a point has been established. Players win if a 7 or 11 is rolled immediately after placing the bet.
- Don’t Come
- Location: Opposite the Come area.
- Description: The counterpart to the Come bet, placed after a point is established. Players win if a 2 or 3 is rolled immediately after placing the bet.
- Field
- Location: Center of the table.
- Description: A one-roll bet where players wager that the next roll will result in a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
- Place Bets
- Location: Near the center of the table.
- Description: Players bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. These bets can be placed at any time during the game.
- Big 6 and Big 8
- Location: Often found in the bend or hook of the table.
- Description: Bets that the shooter will roll a 6 or 8 before a 7. Betting is generally discouraged because of its higher house edge.
Proposition Bets (Center Section)
The center section of the craps table is dedicated to proposition bets, which are one-roll wagers with higher payouts but also higher risks. These bets include:
- Hardways: Betting that a specific pair (e.g., two 4s to make 8) will be rolled before a 7 or the easy way (e.g., 6 or 2).
- Any Craps: A wager that a 2, 3, or 12 will appear on the following roll.
- Any 7: A bet that the next roll will be a 7.
- Horn Bet: A combination bet covering 2, 3, 11, and 12.
Players place these bets by tossing chips into the center section and announcing their desired wager. The stickman then positions the chips in the appropriate betting square, ensuring accurate tracking and payouts.
Dealer Responsibilities and Player Etiquette
The efficient operation of a craps table relies on the cooperation between players and dealers:
- Dealers: Handle bets and payouts on the wings, assist players with placing and removing bets, and ensure the game proceeds smoothly.
- Players: Should place bets in the designated areas, avoid reaching over other players’ bets, and promptly settle any disputes with the boxman.
Proper etiquette enhances the gaming experience and maintains the integrity of the game.
Strategic Considerations
Understanding the craps table layout is crucial for making informed betting decisions:
- Low House Edge Bets: Focus on bets like the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come, which offer a lower house edge and better odds for players.
- Avoid Proposition Bets: While enticing due to their high payouts, proposition bets generally have a higher house edge and should be approached with caution.
- Odds Bets: Once a point is established, players can place odds bets, which have no house edge and pay true odds.
Strategic betting, combined with a solid understanding of the table layout, can enhance a player’s chances of success.
Conclusion
The craps table layout is a thoughtfully designed surface that accommodates a variety of betting options, facilitating an engaging and dynamic gaming experience. By familiarizing oneself with the layout and understanding the purpose of each betting area, players can navigate the game with confidence and make informed decisions that align with their strategic goals.
FAQ’s About Craps Table Layout
- What is a craps table layout?
A craps table layout is the printed surface showing all betting areas used in a game of craps, including Pass Line, Come, and Proposition bets. - Why does the craps table layout have two sides?
It has mirrored sides so players on both ends can easily place bets and follow the game without crowding. - What are proposition bets in the craps table layout?
Proposition bets are high-risk, one-roll wagers located at the center of the craps table layout. - Are Big 6 and Big 8 good bets on the craps table layout?
No, they have a higher house edge; better alternatives exist like Place bets on 6 or 8. - How do I read the craps table layout as a beginner?
Start by learning the Pass Line and Field areas, then move on to more advanced sections like Place and Come bets.