Okay, don’t be afraid. It only looks scary. Since both ends of the craps table are the same, I’ll use only one end for these lessons…
First of all, you must realize that the table layout has nothing to do with how the game is played. It is simply a way to keep track of all the active bets on the table. When you want to place a certain bet, you simply place your check(s) in the appropriate section. If you cannot reach the desired section, you ask the dealer to place the checks for you. Then, you simply wait until the action the bet covers is completed and collect (if you win), or watch the dealer remove your checks and put them in the House pile (if you lose).
A quick note:
- If you place your checks yourself, you may see the dealer shift their position in the section. This is the way the dealer keeps up with who has bet what. He will place your bet inside the section to a place that corresponds to your position at the table. ( on the end, in the front, etc.). This way, he knows who to pay on winning bets.
Also notice that some of the sections (hard ways, one roll bets, others) show the payoff odds. This is to keep players from confusing the payoffs and the actual odds. The House always pays less than the actual odds. This provides their “drop”, or profit. Think of it as a fee for running the game, and will be the same in almost every Las Vegas casino. If you’re ever in a casino that has payoffs smaller than those in the above layout, find another casino.
Next time: we’ll start to examine the individual bets that you can place, and discuss the payouts….
How To Play Craps: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6
