craps table

craps table explained

Craps is a thrilling and fast-paced casino game that attracts both seasoned gamblers and newcomers alike. The game is played on a specifically designed table, which can seem intimidating at first glance. However, understanding the layout and the rules of the game can make your experience much more enjoyable. This article will break down the craps table, explaining its components and how they function in the game.

Table Layout

The craps table is typically green and features a variety of sections and markings that indicate different types of bets. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas:

1. The Pass Line

• This is the most basic and common bet in craps.
• Players bet that the shooter will win (i.e., roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or make their point before rolling a 7).

2. The Don’t Pass Line

• This is the opposite of the Pass Line.
• Players bet that the shooter will lose (i.e., roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, or roll a 7 before making their point).

3. The Come Area

• Similar to the Pass Line, but can be bet after the point has been established.
• Players bet that the next roll will be a 7 or 11 (win) or a 2, 3, or 12 (lose).

4. The Don’t Come Area

• The opposite of the Come Area.
• Players bet that the next roll will be a 2 or 3 (win), 7 (lose), or 12 (push).

5. The Field

• A one-roll bet.
• Players bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Different casinos may offer different payouts for certain numbers (e.g., 2 or 12 may pay double).

6. The Place Bets

• Players bet on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7.
• Payouts vary depending on the number chosen.

7. The Big 6 and Big 8

• Simple bets that the shooter will roll a 6 or 8 before a 7.
• Pay even money.

8. The Proposition Bets

• These are one-roll bets placed in the center of the table.
• Examples include Any Craps (2, 3, or 12), Any 7, Horn Bets (2, 3, 11, or 12), and more.
• These bets typically have higher payouts but are riskier.

How to Play Craps

Now that you understand the layout, here’s a quick guide on how to play:

1. Place Your Bets: Before the shooter rolls the dice, place your chips on the desired betting areas.
2. Come-Out Roll: The shooter’s first roll is called the come-out roll. Depending on the outcome, the game will either continue or a new round will start.
3. Establishing the Point: If the come-out roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point.” The shooter must roll the point again before rolling a 7 to win.
4. Subsequent Rolls: The shooter continues to roll until they either make their point or roll a 7 (crap out).
5. New Shooter: If the shooter craps out, the dice are passed to the next player, who becomes the new shooter.

Tips for Beginners

• Start Simple: Focus on the Pass Line and Come bets, which have the best odds.
• Avoid Proposition Bets: These bets have high payouts but are statistically less likely to win.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it. Craps can be fast-paced, and it’s easy to get carried away.
• Observe and Learn: Watch a few rounds before jumping in. This will help you understand the flow of the game.

Craps is a game of chance that offers excitement and the potential for big wins. By understanding the layout of the table and the rules of the game, you can confidently join the action and enjoy this classic casino game. Remember, the key to enjoying craps is to play responsibly and have fun!

how to play craps: a comprehensive guide for beginners

Craps is a thrilling and fast-paced casino game that can be intimidating for beginners. However, once you understand the basics, it becomes an exciting game of chance that can be both fun and rewarding. This guide will walk you through the essentials of playing craps, from the layout of the table to the various bets you can make.

Understanding the Craps Table

The craps table is designed to accommodate multiple players, with each player taking turns rolling the dice. The table layout is divided into two main sections: the “Pass Line” and the “Don’t Pass Line,” which are the primary areas where players place their bets.

Key Sections of the Table:

• Pass Line: The most basic bet in craps, where players bet that the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will win.
• Don’t Pass Line: The opposite of the Pass Line, where players bet that the shooter will lose.
• Come and Don’t Come Bets: Similar to the Pass and Don’t Pass bets but can be made after the initial roll.
• Field Bets: A one-roll bet on the outcome of the next roll.
• Place Bets: Bets on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) that will be rolled before a 7.
• Odds Bets: Additional bets that can be placed after a point is established, offering better odds.

The Basics of a Craps Roll

The Come-Out Roll

The game begins with the “come-out roll,” where the shooter rolls the dice for the first time. The outcome of this roll determines the game’s direction:

• Natural (7 or 11): The shooter wins, and the Pass Line bettors win.
• Craps (2, 3, or 12): The shooter loses, and the Don’t Pass Line bettors win.
• Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10): The number rolled becomes the “point,” and the shooter must roll this number again before rolling a 7 to win.

The Point Roll

Once a point is established, the shooter continues to roll the dice until they either roll the point number again (winning) or roll a 7 (losing).

Types of Bets in Craps

Pass Line Bet

• Win: On a come-out roll, if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11.
• Lose: On a come-out roll, if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12.
• Continue: If a point is established, the shooter must roll the point number again before rolling a 7.

Don’t Pass Line Bet

• Win: On a come-out roll, if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3.
• Push: On a come-out roll, if the shooter rolls a 12.
• Lose: On a come-out roll, if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11.
• Continue: If a point is established, the shooter must roll a 7 before rolling the point number.

Come Bet

• Similar to the Pass Line bet but can be made after a point is established.
• Win: If the next roll is a 7 or 11.
• Lose: If the next roll is a 2, 3, or 12.
• Continue: If a point is established, the shooter must roll the point number again before rolling a 7.

Don’t Come Bet

• Similar to the Don’t Pass Line bet but can be made after a point is established.
• Win: If the next roll is a 2 or 3.
• Push: If the next roll is a 12.
• Lose: If the next roll is a 7 or 11.
• Continue: If a point is established, the shooter must roll a 7 before rolling the point number.

Field Bet

• A one-roll bet on the outcome of the next roll.
• Win: If the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
• Lose: If the next roll is 5, 6, 7, or 8.

Place Bets

• Bets on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) that will be rolled before a 7.
• Win: If the chosen number is rolled before a 7.
• Lose: If a 7 is rolled before the chosen number.

Odds Bet

• Additional bets that can be placed after a point is established.
• Win: If the point number is rolled before a 7.
• Lose: If a 7 is rolled before the point number.

Tips for Beginners

• Start Simple: Begin with the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line bets, which are the easiest to understand.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses.
• Observe and Learn: Watch experienced players to understand the flow of the game and the different betting strategies.
• Take Advantage of Odds Bets: Odds bets offer better odds and are a good way to increase your potential winnings.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to join the excitement of a craps table with confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try your hand at this thrilling game!