Craps Table Layout

A live casino craps table is covered in felt, like a pool table, with a printed diagram of the various types of craps bets. The table layout is divided into three areas: two side sections and one center section.

The two side sections are exactly the same and each side section has its own dealer. The center section is a shared area for players at both ends of the table. The stickman works the center section. The blank buffer area between the end of the table and the printed diagram (i.e., the "layout") is called the "apron."

Typically, the felt is green and the diagram is printed in plain block letters. However, modern tables are being custom-built to the casino's specifications. Today, you'll find craps tables with bright colors and unique print, such as Roman numerals instead of plain numbers.

Positioning at the Table

When taking a position at the table, the only areas you care about are the center section and the side section at which you stand. The other side section at the other end of the table doesn't matter to you because it's only for the players at that end of the table.

Each side section has two areas: the self-service (or player's) area, and the dealer's area.

Self-Service Area

The self-service area of the layout includes the following craps bets: Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, Don't Come, Field, and on some tables the Big 6 and Big 8.

This player's area is called the "self-service" area because you make and pick up these bets yourself without the dealer getting involved. You don't need the dealer's help to make self-service bets.

Dealer's Area

The dealer's area includes the six square boxes with the numbers 4 through 10, excluding 7. These numbered boxes are called "point boxes" and the dealer puts several types of your bets in them: Place, Buy, Lay, Come, and Don't Come bets.

The thin rectangles at the top and bottom of each point box are where the dealer puts Place bets. The wider rectangles at the top of each point box are where the dealer puts Lay and Don't Come bets. The dealer puts Buy bets and Come bets inside the square point boxes.

Unlike the self-service area, you're not allowed to put down or pick up any bets in the dealer's area. Later, we'll discuss how you make these bets with the dealer's help.

Center Section

The center section is shared by both sides of the casino craps table and has the proposition bets. The stickman handles all bets in the center section. Therefore, as with the dealer's area on the side sections, don't put down or pick up any bets in the center section.