Understanding the Craps Table Layout

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ByLucas Portela

Learn the basics of the craps table layout. We explain the rail, the bank, the puck, and betting areas in this simple guide.

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Stepping up to a craps table for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. All those numbers and betting boxes look like a completely different language. But if you break the table down into distinct sections, it all makes perfect sense.

This guide is one part of our complete Craps Hub, where you’ll find every rule, bet and strategy for the game in one place.

Key Takeaways: Table Layout

  • The Rail: The wooden outer groove where each player safely stores and organises their casino chips (cheques) whilst playing.
  • The Bank: The massive stack of casino chips in the centre, guarded by the Boxperson and used to pay out winning bets.
  • The Puck: A double-sided plastic disc flipped to ‘OFF’ or ‘ON’ by the dealer to indicate the current stage of the game.
  • The Layout: The mirrored green felt surface where all betting action takes place, ensuring players on both ends can reach the wagers.

Here are the four main areas you need to know before you start placing bets:

The Rail

This is the wooden groove running around the outer edge of the table. When you buy in, this is where you keep your casino chips (usually called ‘cheques’ at the craps table). Everyone gets their own dedicated spot on the rail to keep their money safe and sorted whilst they play.

The Bank

Right in the middle of the table, you will see a massive, neat stack of chips. This is the casino’s money, and it is used to pay out all the winning bets. A casino boss called the Boxperson sits directly behind it to guard the bankroll and keep a close eye on the game.

The Puck

This little plastic disc tells you exactly what is going on. One side is black and says ‘OFF’, whilst the other is white and says ‘ON’. The dealers move and flip this puck to show all the players exactly what stage the game is at.

The Layout

This is the printed green (or purplish-brown) felt surface where the actual betting happens. The layout is mirrored, meaning both ends of the table are completely identical so players on either side can easily reach to place their bets. The centre section is kept separate, reserved for high-risk, high-reward wagers called Proposition bets.

A detailed maroon craps table layout showing betting areas including Pass Line, Come, Field, Hardways, and One Roll bets with.
A complete breakdown of the craps table layout, highlighting the main betting sections, the ON puck, and the centre proposition wagers.

Now that you know your way around the felt, understand how the round actually flows in our guide to the Craps Game Stages.

❓ Craps Table Layout FAQ

Where do players keep their chips at the craps table?

When you buy into the game, you store your casino chips in the wooden groove running around the edge of the table. Every player gets their own dedicated section on the rail to keep their money safe and sorted whilst they play.

What is the purpose of the ON/OFF puck?

The puck is a double-sided plastic disc used by the dealers to track the flow of the round. They flip it to the black ‘OFF’ side or the white ‘ON’ side to show players exactly which stage of the game is currently happening.

Why are both ends of the craps betting layout exactly the same?

The betting area is mirrored so that the game runs smoothly for everyone. Having identical layouts on the left and right allows players standing at either end of the table to easily reach and place all their standard wagers.

Author:

Lucas Portela

Lucas Portela

Owner, BoldGambler • Avanhandava/SP

Oddsmaker, affiliate and content creator in the iGaming industry.

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