Craps is known for its fast-paced action and wide variety of betting options. However, if you’re a beginner, the craps table layout can look a bit overwhelming at first. With its numerous sections and bets, it might seem confusing, but don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the craps table layout, explain the different sections, and help you understand where to place your bets.
Whether you’re playing in a land-based setting or at a live online casino, understanding the craps table layout is crucial for getting comfortable with the game and making the most of your time at the table. Let’s dive into the details and explore what you need to know.
The Basics of a Craps Table
A craps table is typically long and oval-shaped, divided into several sections that correspond to different types of bets. Each section is carefully designed to help you place your bets and understand the action happening on the table. Understanding these sections will help you navigate the game with ease.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the craps table layout:
- The Shooter’s Area: The section where the shooter (the person rolling the dice) stands. This area is usually marked with a circle or a small section to the left or right of the table.
- The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line: These are the primary betting areas for beginners. The pass line is where players place their bets if they believe the shooter will win. The don’t pass line is for those betting that the shooter will lose.
- The Come and Don’t Come Areas: These sections are similar to the pass line and don’t pass line but are used after the come-out roll. These areas allow players to bet on the outcome of a roll after the initial point has been established.
- The Field Area: Located towards the centre of the table, the field is a one-roll bet area that covers various outcomes such as the 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 numbers. If any of these numbers roll, the field bet wins.
- The Odds Area: After a point is established, players can place additional bets in this section. The odds bets have no house edge, which makes them a popular choice among experienced players.
- The Place and Buy Bets: This area allows players to bet on the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, which can be placed before or after the come-out roll.
- The Hardways Area: Hardways are specific bets that predict a pair of dice will land in a particular combination (for example, two 4s). These bets are riskier but have a higher payout.
Understanding the Sections of the Craps Table Layout
To make your experience at the craps table more enjoyable, let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the craps table layout.
1. The Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line
These are the two most important areas on the craps table, where most players start. These two lines represent the outcome of the come-out roll—the initial roll of the dice.
- Pass Line Bet: If you place your chips on the pass line, you are betting that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, it’s a “craps” and you lose. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) establishes a point, and the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win.
- Don’t Pass Line Bet: This is the opposite bet. You are betting that the shooter will roll a 2 or 3, or that the shooter will roll a 7 before their point is established. A roll of 12 is a push (no win or loss). Many seasoned players prefer the don’t pass line because of the lower house edge.
2. The Come and Don’t Come Areas
Once the point has been established on the pass line, players can place bets in the come and don’t come areas. These bets work in the same way as the pass and don’t pass lines but are made after the come-out roll.
- Come Bet: You place a bet in the come area when you want to bet on the outcome of the next roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win. A 2, 3, or 12 is a loss. Any other number establishes a “come point,” and the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win.
- Don’t Come Bet: The don’t come bet is the opposite. You are betting that the shooter will roll a 2 or 3, or that they will roll a 7 before hitting their come point. A roll of 12 is a push.
3. The Field Bet Area
The field area is one of the easiest bets to place. Here, you are betting that the next roll of the dice will land on a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. If the shooter rolls any of these numbers, you win. If any other number appears, you lose.
The field bet is a one-roll bet, which means it’s resolved with the next roll of the dice. This makes it a quick and simple option for new players who want to try their luck.
4. The Odds Area
Once a point has been established, you can place additional bets in the odds area. The odds bet is a type of wager where the house has no edge, meaning it pays true odds. This makes the odds bet one of the most advantageous bets in craps. The odds are determined by the point number:
- 4 or 10: Pays 2:1
- 5 or 9: Pays 3:2
- 6 or 8: Pays 6:5
You can place your odds bet in this area after placing a pass line or come bet, and it increases your potential payout.
5. The Place and Buy Bets
The place and buy bets are another way to wager on the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. These bets can be made at any time during the game.
- Place Bet: You place your chips in the place area to bet on specific numbers. If the shooter rolls your number before a 7, you win. The payout varies depending on the number.
- Buy Bet: Similar to place bets, but buy bets are made in the buy area. The difference is that buy bets pay at true odds, but you must pay a 5% commission to the casino. Despite the commission, buy bets can be a more advantageous bet for certain numbers.
6. The Hardways Area
Hardways are wagers that are made on the possibility that a shooter will roll a specific pair of numbers (for example, a pair of 4s). These bets are riskier but offer higher payouts. If the shooter rolls the hardway combination before a 7 or any other combination of the same numbers, you win.
- Hard 4 (two 2s): Pays 7:1
- Hard 6 (two 3s): Pays 9:1
- Hard 8 (two 4s): Pays 9:1
- Hard 10 (two 5s): Pays 7:1
Tips for Beginners on the Craps Table Layout
Now that you have a solid understanding of the craps table layout, here are a few tips for beginners:
- Start with Simple Bets: As a beginner, focus on placing pass line and don’t pass line bets. These bets are the foundation of the game and are easy to understand.
- Take Advantage of the Odds Bet: After placing your initial bet, take advantage of the odds bet, which has no house edge. This can increase your chances of winning.
- Observe Other Players: Take the time to watch other players and how they place their bets. Learning from experienced players can help you understand the game better.
- Don’t Get Overwhelmed: The craps table layout can seem overwhelming at first, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Start by focusing on a few areas of the table and expand your knowledge as you go.
If you’re looking for something different but still enjoy live casino games, you can also explore a variety of other live casino games on the online casino 7bet, offering unique gameplay experiences alongside traditional table games like craps and roulette.
Conclusion
Understanding the craps table layout is essential for beginners looking to get into the game. By familiarising yourself with the various sections and types of bets, you’ll feel more confident as you place your bets and interact with the dealer. Whether you’re playing in a live casino or online UK casino, the craps table can provide a dynamic experience once you understand the rules and layout.
Remember to start with simple bets, like the pass line, and work your way up to more complex bets as you gain experience.
FAQs About the Craps Table Layout
What is the most popular bet on the craps table?
The pass line bet is one of the most popular and easiest bets to place in craps. It offers a good chance of winning and is great for beginners.
What is the field bet in craps?
The field bet is a one-roll wager that covers several numbers (2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12). If any of these numbers roll, you win.
How do I place a bet in the odds area?
After a point is established, you can place your odds bet in the odds area. This bet has no house edge and pays true odds, depending on the point number.
What is a hardways bet?
A hardways bet is a wager that a specific pair of numbers will be rolled before a 7 or any other combination of those numbers. These bets offer high payouts but are riskier.
Can I place multiple bets on the craps table?
Yes, you can place multiple bets at once, such as a pass line bet, a field bet, and an odds bet, all in the same round.
Betting is only available to participants aged 18 years and over. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org