The Craps Table: Explaining the Layout

Understanding the craps table layout is essential if you want to play with a proper craps strategy and be successful in the long run. But, many craps players unfortunately don’t take the time to study the craps table and understand all of the key areas on it. This is because, at first glance, the craps table has a very complex layout that can be daunting, especially for inexperienced players.

However, if you’re looking to get the craps table explained in simple terms and without any unnecessary fluff, you’ve come to the right place. On this page, we’ll cover every aspect of the craps table that will set you on the right track for success and help you maximally enjoy the game!

Craps Table Side Sections

The standard craps table layout features two matching side sections that cover the same bets. As most craps tables can accommodate up to 20 players, this mirrored design makes it easy for players on both ends of the table to place the same bets without the assistance of the croupier. The bets featured on these side sections are:

Pass/Don’t Pass Line Bets – The pass/don’t pass bets are among the most basic and popular bets in craps. They are wagered immediately before the come out roll and are located on the outer rims of the side sections on the craps table.
Come/Don’t Come Bets – The come/don’t come bets are positioned similarly to the previous two types of bets but a bit on the inside of the side section layout. Unlike the pass/don’t pass bets, the come/don’t come bets are wagered anytime after the come out roll.
Field Bets – These are one-roll bets that numbers totaling 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 will be produced on the next roll. These bets pay 1 to 1 on most numbers, except on 2 and 12, for which payouts can vary and be a higher 2 to 1 or 3 to 1.
Place Bets – You can bet the place bet to win, in which case you wager that numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 are rolled before a seven. You can also wager on the place bet to lose, in which case you’re betting on the 7 to be rolled before these numbers.
Big 6 and Big 8 Bets – Some craps tables will also offer this bet, although these aren’t as common as the above ones. This is because the Big 6 and Big 8 bets have a fairly high house edge, and most players generally avoid them.

Most of these bets are in the “self-service” area. This means the players place their bets on the appropriate field without the croupier’s help. The only part of the side section layout where the croupier places the bets for the players are the six boxes that are directly in front of them and slightly further from the players.

These six boxes are called “point boxes” and include numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. All numbers are numeric, while six and nine are written out in words to avoid confusion between the two.

Craps Table Middle Section

The middle or center section of the craps table is home to the so-called “prop bets”. These bets pay better than the ones in the side sections but have a lower winning probability and a higher house edge. These bets are featured in the middle section of the craps table:

Hardways Bets – All Hardway bets in craps wager that a specific hardway combination will be produced before a 7 is rolled. Hardways 4 and 10 pay 7 to 1, while Hardways 6 and 8 pay 9 to 1.
Any Seven Bets – Paying 4 to 1, the Any Seven bet wins if the shooter rolls any dice combination totaling 7. This is a one-roll bet that only counts for the next roll after it’s placed.
Any Craps Bets – Paying 7 to 1, the Any Craps bet is a wager that wins if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the immediate roll after the bet is placed.
C & E Bets – On each side of this middle area of the craps table, you can also find two lines of letters C and E. These stand for Craps-Eleven and allow players to make a one-roll wager that either 11 or craps will be rolled on the very next roll.

While the craps table layout might seem very difficult to understand initially, with what we’ve outlined above, you will have no issues navigating your way through all of the available bets. Remember what we shared on this page, make sure to practice the game, and always play it responsibly.