Craps Table

Being one of the biggest tables on the casino floor, the craps table brings a unique elegance to the game. However, the craps table can also be one of the most confusing areas in the house and many people fail at giving it a fair shot. With so many games to choose from, individuals take the liberty of selecting those with the least amount of rules and the simplest layouts possible; but, most people don't know how straightforward craps really is. So, before you turn your nose up at the game, at least take a look at what I have to say. Maybe one day you'll be enjoying all the fun craps has to offer.

If you haven't noticed, the craps table has identical layouts on both ends of the table with a distinct middle area, which holds what are known as the centre bets, or proposition bets. These include the harways, any craps, any seven, and the horn bets. Every bet that has been explained on the rules page has its own place on the table, with the exception of placing odds. This is done by placing the chips just outside of the area you want to back up, the pass, don't pass, come or don't come, whichever the case may be. You only set your odds bet yourself if it's a pass line bet, otherwise the dealer will do it for you.

There are three jobs positions to be filled by the casino employees around the craps table: the boxman, the stickman, and the dealer. First off, there is only one boxman at a table who might circulate between a couple of tables throughout the night; he acts as the craps table supervisor, making sure that the game goes smoothly and settles any arguments that might arise, while keeping an eye on the supply of chips that is always present. The stickman, who always has to be present at the table, is the individual who calls out the dice rolls and returns the dice to the shooter. He is easily identifiable with the long, curved stick that is being used throughout the game. You'll also find the stickman to be responsible for placing and paying the centre bets, which can sometimes be hard to get to. And finally there is the dealer. Usually, there are only two dealers present at the table, one on each side. However, you can have as many as four (with one on break) in the midst of a busy crowd. The dealers are responsible for any bets made on their half of the table. Bets such as place, free odds, or lay should be given to the dealer to make for you; that way any possible confusion or a potential mistake can be avoided.