Craps, a fast-paced and exciting casino game, can seem intimidating to newcomers due to its complex table layout and numerous betting options. However, understanding the craps table layout is crucial for enjoying the game and making informed betting decisions. This article will break down the various sections of the table, explain the different bets available, and provide you with the knowledge you need to confidently approach the craps table.
The Craps Table: A Comprehensive Overview
The craps table, typically rectangular, is designed to accommodate multiple players and casino personnel. The layout might appear daunting at first, but it’s logically organized with mirrored sections on each end, allowing players on either side to easily place their bets. The central area, often referred to as the "Proposition Bet" area, houses riskier, higher-paying wagers.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | A bet made before the come-out roll (the first roll of a new round). Wins if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, loses if it’s a 2, 3, or 12 (called "craps"). If the come-out roll is any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the "point." The shooter must then roll that point again before rolling a 7 to win. | 1:1 |
| Don’t Pass Line | The opposite of the Pass Line. A bet made before the come-out roll. Wins if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, loses if it’s a 7 or 11. A roll of 12 typically results in a push (tie). If a point is established, the shooter must roll a 7 before rolling the point to win. | 1:1 |
| Come Bet | Essentially the same as the Pass Line bet, but made after a point has been established. The next roll becomes the "come-out roll" for this bet. | 1:1 |
| Don’t Come Bet | The opposite of the Come Bet. Made after a point has been established. The next roll becomes the "come-out roll" for this bet. A roll of 12 typically results in a push (tie). | 1:1 |
| Odds Bets (Pass Line) | An additional bet placed behind the Pass Line bet after a point has been established. Pays out at true odds based on the point. | Varies |
| Odds Bets (Don’t Pass Line) | An additional bet placed behind the Don’t Pass Line bet after a point has been established. Pays out at true odds based on the point. | Varies |
| Odds Bets (Come) | An additional bet placed behind the Come bet after a point has been established. Pays out at true odds based on the point. | Varies |
| Odds Bets (Don’t Come) | An additional bet placed behind the Don’t Come bet after a point has been established. Pays out at true odds based on the point. | Varies |
| Place Bets to Win | Bets placed on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) after a point has been established. You win if that number is rolled before a 7. | Varies |
| Place Bets to Lose | Bets placed against specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) after a point has been established. You win if a 7 is rolled before that number. | Varies |
| Buy Bets | Similar to Place Bets to Win, but you pay a 5% commission on the amount of the bet. The advantage is that the payout is at true odds. Usually only worth it on the 4 and 10 depending on the minimum bet. | Varies |
| Lay Bets | Similar to Place Bets to Lose, but you pay a 5% commission on the amount you could win. The advantage is that the payout is at true odds. | Varies |
| Hardways | Bets that a specific number (4, 6, 8, or 10) will be rolled as a pair (e.g., 2+2 for a hard 4) before it is rolled as any other combination or before a 7 is rolled. | Varies |
| One Roll Bets | Bets that are resolved on the very next roll. These include bets on specific numbers (e.g., Ace-Deuce, Yo-Eleven) or combinations (e.g., Any Craps). | Varies |
| Big 6 and Big 8 | Bets that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. These bets are generally not recommended as the Place Bets to Win on 6 and 8 offer better odds. | 1:1 |
| Field Bet | A one-roll bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The payout varies depending on the number rolled. Typically 2:1 on 2 and 3:1 on 12, but this can vary by casino. | Varies |
Detailed Explanations
Pass Line
The Pass Line is the most fundamental bet in craps. It’s placed before the come-out roll. A winning come-out roll is a 7 or 11. A losing come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the shooter must roll that point again before rolling a 7 to win the Pass Line bet.
Don’t Pass Line
The Don’t Pass Line is the opposite of the Pass Line. It’s also placed before the come-out roll. A winning come-out roll is a 2 or 3. A losing come-out roll is a 7 or 11. A roll of 12 typically results in a push (tie). If a point is established, the shooter must roll a 7 before rolling the point to win the Don’t Pass Line bet.
Come Bet
The Come Bet is similar to the Pass Line bet, but it’s placed after a point has been established on the Pass Line. The next roll after placing the Come Bet becomes the "come-out roll" for this bet. The rules for winning and losing are the same as the Pass Line: 7 or 11 wins, 2, 3, or 12 loses. If a new point is established for the Come Bet, that point must be rolled before a 7 to win.
Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Come Bet is the opposite of the Come Bet and is placed after a point has been established on the Pass Line. The next roll after placing the Don’t Come Bet becomes the "come-out roll" for this bet. The rules for winning and losing are the same as the Don’t Pass Line: 2 or 3 wins, 7 or 11 loses, and 12 is typically a push. If a new point is established for the Don’t Come Bet, a 7 must be rolled before that point to win.
Odds Bets (Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, Don’t Come)
Odds bets are additional bets that can be placed in conjunction with the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, Come, and Don’t Come bets after a point has been established. These bets pay out at true odds, meaning the casino has no house edge on this portion of the bet. The amount of odds you are allowed to take varies depending on the casino and the table limits, often expressed as "3-4-5 times odds" (3x on points of 4 and 10, 4x on points of 5 and 9, and 5x on points of 6 and 8).
- Pass Line Odds: Placed behind the Pass Line bet. Wins if the point is rolled before a 7.
- Don’t Pass Line Odds: Placed behind the Don’t Pass Line bet. Wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.
- Come Odds: Placed behind the Come bet. Wins if the come point is rolled before a 7.
- Don’t Come Odds: Placed behind the Don’t Come bet. Wins if a 7 is rolled before the come point.
Place Bets to Win
Place Bets to Win are bets placed on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) after a point has been established. You’re betting that the chosen number will be rolled before a 7. The payout varies depending on the number:
- 4 and 10: 9:5
- 5 and 9: 7:5
- 6 and 8: 7:6
Place Bets to Lose
Place Bets to Lose are bets placed against specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) after a point has been established. You’re betting that a 7 will be rolled before the chosen number. Payouts also vary:
- 4 and 10: 5:11
- 5 and 9: 5:8
- 6 and 8: 4:5
Buy Bets
Buy Bets are similar to Place Bets to Win, but you pay a 5% commission on the amount of the bet. The advantage is that the payout is at true odds:
- 4 and 10: 2:1
- 5 and 9: 3:2
- 6 and 8: 6:5
Typically, the Buy Bet is only advantageous to the player on the 4 and 10, depending on the minimum bet at the table.
Lay Bets
Lay Bets are similar to Place Bets to Lose, but you pay a 5% commission on the amount you could win. The advantage is that the payout is at true odds:
- 4 and 10: 1:2
- 5 and 9: 2:3
- 6 and 8: 5:6
Hardways
Hardways bets are bets that a specific number (4, 6, 8, or 10) will be rolled as a pair (e.g., 2+2 for a hard 4) before it is rolled as any other combination or before a 7 is rolled. The payouts are higher due to the lower probability:
- Hard 4 and Hard 10: 7:1
- Hard 6 and Hard 8: 9:1
One Roll Bets
One-roll bets are bets that are resolved on the very next roll. These bets have a high house edge and are generally not recommended for beginners. Some common one-roll bets include:
- Any Craps (2, 3, or 12): Wins if the next roll is a 2, 3, or 12. Typically pays 7:1.
- Ace-Deuce (3): Wins if the next roll is a 3. Typically pays 15:1.
- Yo-Eleven (11): Wins if the next roll is an 11. Typically pays 15:1.
- Twelve (12): Wins if the next roll is a 12. Typically pays 30:1.
- Any Seven (7): Wins if the next roll is a 7. Typically pays 4:1.
Big 6 and Big 8
Big 6 and Big 8 are bets that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. They pay 1:1. These bets are generally not recommended because the Place Bets to Win on 6 and 8 offer better odds (7:6) for the same outcome.
Field Bet
The Field Bet is a one-roll bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The payout varies depending on the number rolled. Typically, a 2 pays 2:1 and a 12 pays 3:1, but this can vary by casino. All other numbers win at 1:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for beginners?
The Pass Line bet with odds is generally considered the best starting point, as it has a low house edge and is relatively straightforward.
What is the house edge in craps?
The house edge varies depending on the bet. The Pass Line bet has a house edge of 1.41%, while some proposition bets can have a house edges exceeding 16%.
What does "come-out roll" mean?
The come-out roll is the first roll of the dice in a new round of craps, or the first roll after a Come bet is placed.
What happens if the shooter rolls a 7 after a point is established?
If the shooter rolls a 7 after a point is established, the Pass Line bet loses, and the round ends. Don’t Pass bets win.
Can I change my bets during a round?
Some bets, like Place Bets, can be removed or changed during a round. Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets typically cannot be removed once placed. Check with the dealer for specific rules.
Conclusion
Understanding the craps table layout is essential for playing the game effectively and maximizing your chances of winning. By familiarizing yourself with the different betting options and their associated odds, you can approach the craps table with confidence and enjoy the excitement of this classic casino game. Remember to start with simpler bets and gradually explore more complex strategies as you gain experience.