Craps Table Layout: Understanding Every Section & Bet

A craps table can be very confusing to players new to the game. There are numerous numbers, bets, and words that point players toward certain wagers, but those new to the game may not understand what all these actually are.

Having a general understanding of the craps table layout goes a long way toward understanding the game and how to make wagers at the table. Understanding the craps table layout and structure is essential for playing the game effectively.

Keep reading to learn all about the different sections of the craps table and the types of bets that can be placed in each area of this dice game.

Craps Table Layout Explained: Key Features & Bets

There are usually two sides to the craps table. The proposition bets and singler-roll wagers are generally found in the center of the table and these bets are often managed by the stickman, the dealer with a stick curved at the end to help place chips on these betting areas.

A standard craps board consists of various betting sections, each serving a unique purpose in the game. Longer tables generally feature two main betting areas on either side of these center wagers. This is where players will find some of the more popular bets like the Pass Line, Come Bar, Odds, Place Bets, Field, Big 6 and Big 8, and Don’t Come and Don’t Pass.

Players gather around the table and make bets on these wagering areas as the action plays out. Take a look at the casino craps table layout below to familiarize yourself with the various bets available to players and where they are located.

Craps Table Sections: What You Need to Know

Now that you have a general idea of the bets available on the craps layout, here’s a look at some of the different sections of the craps table, including:

Pass Line – This section runs around the outside edge of the table. The player is betting with the shooter and this is one of the more favorable bets at the table , with a house edge as low as less than 1% when taking odds.
Come Line or Come Bar – This area is located between the Field and point numbers. The Come Bar is found in the center of the layout on either side of the prop bets. This bet is like a Pass Line bet, but can be made in the middle of a roll after the point number has already been established. This also has a house edge as low as less than 1% when taking odds.
Don’t Pass – This is a smaller section located just above the Pass Line and often written in black. The player is betting against the shooter with this bet, which is the opposite of the Pass Line.
Don’t Come – This is the opposite of the Come Bar and has the player betting against the shooter. This section is situated adjacent to the point numbers at the top of the table toward the outside edge on either side of the layout and is usually written in black
Place Bets – These are placed on the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 at the top of the craps layout. The player lets the dealer know which numbers to place and puts his chips on that number. This area is also where Come Bets are placed after a point number for those wagers is set.
Proposition Bets – These bets are located in the center of the table in their own section. Players will find wagers like Any Craps, Any Seven, and others.

Pass Line and Come Line Bets

These are some of the most popular craps bets and players can simply place chips on these areas to make these bets. Players can win on 7 or 11 on the come-out roll or lose on 2, 3, or 12. A 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 become the point number and the shooter is trying to roll that number again before rolling a 7.

A Come Bet is virtually the same as a Pass Line Bet, but can be made at any time even after a point number for the Pass Line has already been placed. Additionally, players can add “odds bets” behind those Pass Line and Come Bets that pay out the true odds of rolling that number. The odds bet is one of the best bets in the casino because there is no house edge.

Proposition Bets and Field Bets

These are other betting options available to players on the craps board. The Field bet includes 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Many casinos pay double on 2 and 12, and the player can make these bets himself simply by placing some chips on this area.

The proposition bets involved dropping a few chips on the table and asking the dealer to make the wager. The stickman may then slide your chips on to the corresponding betting area. These are one-roll wagers or bets on certain dice combinations, such as the hardways (2-2, 3-3, 4-4, etc.).

Betting on these is a simple process, but may look like a bit of pandemonium at first. When in doubt, ask the dealer about how to place your bet.

Craps Table Dimensions: How Size Affects Gameplay

Craps table size varies from 6 to 14 feet long. The longer the table, the more players the craps layout can accommodate. Some smaller casinos occasionally have half-tables that basically have half of a full-size craps table, and require fewer dealers to manage. Some casino fans may even have smaller versions or portable craps layouts to play in home games.

A felt craps layout covers the table with various bets located around the layout. The felt is usually green, but may also be other colors as well. The craps table corners are rounded with padding also located on the inside of the table to make the dice bounce back on the table.

How to Place Bets on a Craps Table

Making those bets on the craps table is simple. Many of the more popular and traditional bets, such as Pass Line, Come Bar, and Field, can be placed by players themselves. Simply put a chip on that area to make the wager. Pass Line bettors can also place their own odds behind the bet when the point number is established.

Come bettors may have to drop a few chips for the dealer to place those odds. To make Place Bets, simply drop some chips and ask the dealer to make the bet for you.

Those looking for prop bet action can drop or toss a few chips and instruct the dealer of the bet they’d like to make. The stickman will usually then move these chips to the correct betting area. Communicating with the dealer is key and simply tossing chips across the table randomly isn’t considered great etiquette. It’s also proper etiquette to keep your hands above the table when the shooter is set to roll.

Conclusion

The craps table layout may seem complicated, but once you learn about the varying bets, making those wagers is simple. There are two main sections of the table – the proposition bets located in the center of the table and identical areas for the more popular and common bets located on either side of this.

Placing a bet on the table is easy. Many bets, such as the Pass Line, Come, and Field, allow players to easily put down chips to make these bets. Other wagers, such as the proposition and Place bets, may require players to instruct the dealer on the bet. The dealer will then put these in place for you. When in doubt about how to make a bet, ask the dealer.

Checking out the craps tables at Lucky Block Casino is a great way to practice at recognizing the different parts of the craps table layout and how to make wagers. Getting the action takes just a few minutes and you’ll soon be watching those tumbling dice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main sections of a craps table?

There is the proposition bet area in the center of the table and the more traditional betting areas like the Pass Line located on either side of this area.

How do I place a bet on the Pass Line in craps?

Players can simply put a chip on the Pass Line to make this wager. They can also back up their own bets with odds as well.

What is the difference between the Pass Line and the Come Line bets?

A Come Bet is basically the same as a Pass Line bet, but can be made at any time after a point number has already been established. A Come Bet wins on 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 is rolled, the Come Bet will be moved to the corresponding number at the top of the table. You can make odds bets on these like with a Pass Line bet, but you will need to drop the chips for the dealer to put these next to the Come Bet.