Explaining the Craps Table For Beginners

It might look like just a roll of the dice, but learning how to play at the craps table can be one of the most intimidating things for beginners at the casino. Don’t sweat it, though. 

If you want to shoot dice with the best of them, we’ve got you covered with this full rundown of the craps table and what it all means. This guide will give you a better sense of the rules and how to execute basic strategies.

Craps Table: Understanding the Basics

The first thing to learn in Craps 101 is that the game is based around simply betting on the outcome of the roll of two dice, but there are lots of ways the dice can fall. Each bet has specific odds, which explains why the craps table has so many different betting fields.

You'll notice staffers around the table at a physical casino. The boxman is essentially the game supervisor and cash handler. Standing opposite the boxman is the stickman, who pushes the dice, announces the results, and determines how quickly a game plays out.

There can be as many as eight players at the craps table, and each player can bet on every roll. Each player gets a chance at rolling the dice (known as the shooter). A player’s first roll at the table is known as the come-out roll. 

This initial roll has three possible outcomes:

Natural Numbers

A come-out roll that lands a 7 or 11 is a winner and is known as a natural. Any bets that were placed on the “pass line” for this roll will win, and any on the “don’t pass line” will lose. Whenever a natural is rolled, you’ll get another chance at shooting the dice.

Craps Numbers

When players get a 2, 3, or 12 during a come-out roll, any bets placed on the pass line will lose. Bets on the don’t pass line will win, though the 12 or 2 may be a push depending on the casino’s craps table rules. 

The upside of shooting craps is that you’ll get another shot at rolling the dice.

Point Numbers

When your initial roll is one of the "place numbers" (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the dealer sets it as a point on the table. 

You’ll then have to roll that number before a 7 for any pass bets to win and bets on the don’t pass line to lose, plus you’ll get to roll again. 

Rolling a 7 before the point will have the opposite effect.

What Bets Can You Make in Craps?

There are various ways to bet on each roll of the dice. Here’s a full breakdown of the different bets available at the craps table:

• Pass Line: A bet on the shooter’s roll to win. These are the simplest to make; you’re betting on the dice to roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out or on the shooter to successfully hit an established point. If a craps number is rolled, your bet loses.
• Come: A bet on whether any of the point numbers will be rolled. However, if a seven is rolled once a point has been established, the come bet will lose.
• Place: Bets on a roll of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 before a 7 is rolled. Pick one or more place numbers to bet on and get paid every time each number is rolled. There isn’t even a pass line bet necessary.
• Don’t: These bets are the opposite of bets on the pass line and come line. They aren’t contract bets, though, and can be taken back at any time.
• Propositions: Between the stickman and the boxman is where Proposition Bets can be made. These are bets on a specific roll of the dice and can be placed for any player’s roll. This is where you can make “Hard Ways,” or bets on rolling a number with doubles (4, 6, 8, and 10).
• Field: This section displays a set of numbers, including 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, and 12. You bet on one of those numbers to be rolled before the point. Be careful here; statistically, numbers such as 5, 6, 7, and 8 are actually more likely to come up.
• Big Six and Big Eight: Where you can make a place bet on the 6 or 8 coming up before a 7 is rolled. These place numbers have a better chance of landing than the others.

Don’t get nervous; these wagers are easier than you think. Place your bets on the table, and let the shooter and stickman do the rest.

18 Craps Terms You’ll Hear at the Table

Although not actually part of the rules, the language of craps has a long history. If you want to fit in at the craps table, you’ll have to pick it up. 

• Boxman: Table supervisor who sits between the dealers and opposite the stickman.
• Box Numbers: These are the place bet numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
• Come-out roll: A shooter’s first roll of the dice in the game of craps.
• Crap Numbers: Rolls of 2, 3, and 12.
• Hard Way: A bet on 4, 6, 8, or 10 that wins only if the dice roll as pairs (2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5).
• Hi-Lo: A one-roll bet on 2 & 12.
• Hi-Lo-Yo: A one-roll bet on 2, 12 & 11.
• Inside Numbers: Place bets on the numbers 5-6 and 8-9.
• Marker: The plastic disc used to mark the point. One side is printed “on” and the other “off.”
• Mark the Point: When the dealer puts a Marker on the layout to indicate the point number.
• Off and On: Refers to the way that dealers pay off come bets when a new come bet is the same number as one already established.
• Outside Numbers: Place bets on the 4-10 or 5-9.
• Point: The number established by the come-out roll.
• Right Bettor: Players betting on the pass line.
• Shooter: The player who’s rolling the dice.
• Snake Eyes: Slang for a 2. Each die rolled shows a single dot. Also called "aces."
• Stickman: The member of the staff handling the stick that runs the game, pushing the dice to shooters, deciding the rolls, and which player, if any, gets paid.
• Wrong Bettor: Player betting against the shooter.

Whether you’re at the casino or playing craps online, it helps to pick up the terminology used around the table to get a better understanding of the game.

Where to Play Craps Online

We recommend bookmarking this page in case you need a refresher after visiting a top online casino in your state.