How To Build A Casino Craps Table
- How To Build A Casino Craps Table Game
- How To Build A Casino Craps Tables
- How To Build A Casino Craps Table Games
I don’t play craps much anymore, but I do play the game every once in a while, just for a change of pace.
Padded rail for casino tables, dense rubber foam diameter is 2.5 inches and thickness is 5/8 inch 3/4 inch to 1 inch works best of table top, screw or staple the bottom of the padded rail to the table. The top of the padded rail will sit on the upper portion of your table This will allow a comfortable overlap of about 1.5 inches over the edge of your table.
- As a rule, any bet that is prominent on a craps table or a bet that the dealers are trying to sell you, like Hardway bets, are usually good for the casino and bad for the player in terms of the casino edge. The casino edge is defined as the percentage of money that the casino will make on any bet.
- Eventually, craps became popular in its own right among WWII veterans and other players. Ever since, craps has remained one of the most-social games in the casino. It attracts crowds of gamblers, who huddle around the table and often make the same types of bets.
- The craps table kit from Handyman Casino includes everything you need, from curved rail tops to the inner layout (see Resources below). All you supply is the plywood, screws and determination. Consider making a variation to the plans for building the base of the craps table if you decide to go with a regulation-size table.
When I first started playing the game, I remember how terrified I was that I was going to embarrass myself. Considering all of the available bets and throwing the dice, it just seems like there are so many ways to make a mistake.
Of course, none of the mistakes you can make in craps is that big of a deal, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be embarrassing.
Here are five things that you can do to avoid embarrassing yourself when you play craps.
1 – Throwing the Dice
Most new players are concerned about throwing the dice in craps. In fact, most people think the craps table can be quite intimidating if it’s busy because of all of the players and the noise. But the basic game of craps itself is rather simple.
You really don’t have to worry about throwing the dice, because if there’s at least one other player willing to throw them at the table, you don’t have to throw them. You can always pass the dice to the next shooter if you don’t want to throw them.
But I recommend throwing the dice. It can be fun, and it’s not hard to do. The table is fairly large, but you just need to follow a few simple rules.
The main things you need to do are make sure the dice don’t bounce off the table, and you need to make sure the dice hit the back wall. You can hit the back wall on the fly or bounce the dice into it. The only thing the casino doesn’t like is if the dice slide into the back wall.
Some casinos offer craps lessons, usually in the morning before they get busy. This is a great way to learn more about the game and get some practice rolls in.
When it’s your first time to throw the dice in a casino, tell the casino personnel running the table that you’ve never thrown the dice before. They’ll quickly tell you what to do and if you make a mistake, they’re happy to help you. The important thing is to be honest with them and just try to relax.
2 – Understanding Your Wagering Options
The first time I looked at a craps table, I was walking around the casino floor and looking at the games. The craps table didn’t have many players, but they acted like they were having a great time. I walked up to the table to see if it was something I could play, and walked away confused.
I’d heard of craps but didn’t know the rules or how to play. And when I looked at the table and all of the wagers, I had no idea what to do. And other than seeing that a player was throwing dice, I had no idea how to even determine if you won or lost on a roll.
This is exactly how most craps players feel the first time they see a game. And even if you’ve done your research and know the basic rules, it can still be confusing when you play the first time.
Some craps players use all of the wagering options from time to time, but the smartest players only use two wagers. This might seem strange because there are so many wagering options, but almost all of them have a high house edge. You want to avoid making these types of wagers.
Here’s all you need to do to avoid embarrassing yourself at the craps table when it comes to choosing a wager: Wait for a come-out roll. When you get to the table, explain to one of the casino personnel running the game that you’re a new player and to let you know when you can place a wager on a come-out roll.
When you can place a wager, place the table minimum bet amount on either the pass line or the don’t pass line. The don’t pass line wager has a slightly lower edge, but most players use the pass line. You can choose either wager without much difference in your long-term results.
When the bet resolves on the first roll of the dice, place another pass line or don’t pass line wager. When a point is set, place an odds wager. Ask the casino person how to place an odds wager. The odds wager is one of the best wagers in the casino because it has a 0% edge.
These are the only two wagers you should ever place at the craps table.
3 – Playing Live Craps With Other Players
It’s exciting to play craps with other players. Usually, everyone is rooting for each other and winning or losing together. I mentioned that the don’t pass line wager is slightly better than the pass line, yet most craps players make the pass line wager.
Many craps players feel that players who make don’t pass line wagers are rooting or working against the rest of the players. Of course, the way you bet on craps doesn’t have anything to do with the other players, but you need to be aware that if you bet don’t pass, you might be treated differently by the other players at the table.
Also, expect other players to give you unsolicited advice. You should be polite, but any advice you get outside of what you learn on this page is wrong. You should avoid using random people’s advice, because it’s going to cost you money in the long run.
4 – Learning How Much You Need to Risk
For almost every casino game, I recommend risking the smallest amount possible. This is especially true for first-time players and inexperienced gamblers. But craps is unique because of the odds wager that you learned about in the second section.
Here’s the complete betting strategy for craps: Bet the smallest amount the table allows on either the don’t pass line or pass line. When a point is set, follow up the minimum bet amount with a maximum allowed on the odds.
The only thing that you need to make sure of is that you have a big enough bankroll to safely make the maximum odds wager. Even though the odds wager has a 0% house edge, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to break even on it in every craps session.
You’re going to have stretches of time when you lose more than you win on the odds wager. And you’re going to have stretches of time when you win more than you lose on the odds wager. Your craps bankroll needs to be large enough to ride out the ups and downs of short-term volatility.
If you’re making a $10 wager on the pass line and the maximum odds are $100, this means you’re going to be risking $110 at a time. You need a large bankroll to ride the ups and downs of a playing session. I recommend at least $2,000 at these stakes.
And this is just for your bankroll for the playing session. You need a larger overall bankroll to continue playing craps.
5 – Playing Craps Online
Real money online craps is useful for many different reasons. The first reason why online craps is useful is when you have a small bankroll. The minimum wager amounts are much smaller at most online casinos than in land-based casinos.
If you make a minimum bet of $1 and back it with a $10 odds wager, you’re only risking $11. Compare this to the example in the previous section of $110.
The second reason why playing craps online is a good plan is so you can learn how all of the wagering options work and how the game plays. You can play online craps for free to practice and learn. And if you decide to make a deposit and play real money craps, you might be able to get a bonus.
The odds and edge are the same whether you play live craps or online craps. If you’re worried about throwing the dice, you never have to worry about it when you play online. The dice are rolled with a click of a button.
How To Build A Casino Craps Table Game
If you play craps online for real money, there is one thing you need to be aware of. Playing craps in a land-based casino is relatively slow. It takes time for the dice to be gathered and given to the shooter and thrown. Then, the losing wagers are collected and the winning wagers are paid.
But when you play craps online, all of these things are done quickly. This means that you can make 10 or more rolls when you play online in the time it takes to make one roll in a live casino. This is fine if you want to play at a fast pace. But if your goal is to risk less, then you need to slow down when playing craps online.
Conclusion
You don’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself playing craps if you simply follow the five steps on this page. If you don’t want to throw the dice, simply pass when it’s your turn.
Ignore all of the betting options other than the pass line bets and the odds wager. This way, you play with a low edge and you don’t have to track any other wagers.
When you play craps online, you don’t have to worry about rolling the dice or playing with other players. Also, you can play with lower stakes and get a bonus at some top-rated online casinos.
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.How To Build Your Own Practice Table
New & Improved
Upgraded Practice Table With Shooting Station
Looking for Dice Layouts, Chip Rail and Corners for your table find them here.
Before you start your pactice table, maybe refresh your knowlege of the game with Free Craps Lessons?
Practice Table Construction (updated 05/30/02)
Materials: (total cost about $200)
How To Build A Casino Craps Tables
| Birch Plywood | home supply store | 1 | 3/4' | 4' | 8' |
| Birch Plywood | home supply store | 1 | 1/2' | 3' | 5' |
| Plexiglass | home supply store | 1 | 1/8' | 2' | 48' |
| Flat Head Wood Screws | home supply store | 20 | #10 | 1 3/4' | |
| Round Head Wood Screws | home supply store | 2 | #6 | 1' | |
| Wood Glue | home supply store | 1 | 8 oz. | ||
| Household Adhesive (for rubber) | home supply store | 1 | 4 oz. | ||
| 75% wool 25% nylon billiard felt or craps Layout | www.bestbilliard.com or http://www.casino4you.com/ | 1.5 Yards | |||
| Flannel | http://www.casino4you.com/ | 1 Yard | |||
| Diamond dice rubber | http://www.casino4you.com/ | 1 | 9 1/2' | 48' | |
| Banquet table legs | www.woodworker.com # 802-086 | 1 Pair | |||
| Waxed paper |
Tools:
| Handheld Circular Saw (Radial arm saw optional but makes it easy) |
| Handheld Jig Saw |
| Drill |
| Tubing cutter or hack saw |
| Router (optional) |
General Info
The sides and bottom base of the practice table are made from one sheet of 4'x8' 1/2' plywood. It can be any type of any plywood, but birch or oak will make a better looking table and will dice will not dent as easily. The top rail of 1/2' plywood adds strength and helps maintain shape and it can be upholstered if desired. It is important to make the table solid. Making the bottom base a single layer reduces cost but compromises authenticity.
By purchasing the plywood at a Home Depot or Lowe’s they will make some of the cuts for you. Two cuts are free. Have the sheet split lengthwise with one side 24' wide. Split the 24' wide strip in two pieces giving 2 - 24'x47 15/16' pieces (you lose 1/8' for saw blade). Depending on size requirements the bottom base could be trimmed to 47 1/2' as shown in the drawing or left at 47 15/16' width. The other piece would be ripped lengthwise twice to make a 9 1/2' x 96' piece and an 11' x 96' piece.
Bottom Base
Attach the two 24'x47� ' pieces together using six to eight 1�' #10 flathead wood screws from the bottom side only. Be sure that the screw heads are flush. Layout the 14�' radius corners and cut with a hand held jig (saber) saw. A router can be used to smooth the edges with a 3/8' round over bit top and bottom. The routing is not essential but it makes the felting easier. Do not cover base with felt until the sides are constructed. When covering with felt an under layer of flannel (purchased from a fabric store) reduces the hardness and makes the surface more like casino conditions.
The banquet table legs are 28' in length. Cut 3' to 3�” off the bottom using a tubing cutter of hack saw. Mount the legs, with the screws provided, to the base about 6' in from the edge. Make sure that the smooth surface (no screw heads) of the base is up.
Side Boards
Cutting of the kerfs, which allow the side board to bend around the corner, is accomplished by setting the saw to a depth of 1/16' less than the thickness of the plywood. Try a couple of test cuts on some scrap or the ends to make sure the cut does not go completely through the plywood . If the depth becomes equal or greater than the thickness of the plywood it will ruin the project. Layout the kerf lines 1' apart (�' or 3/4' makes a smoother turn but is a lot more work). Use a straight edge guide to cut the kerfs with a hand circular saw or a radial arm saw. The radial arm saw, if you have one, makes the job much easier. Make sure that there is a rigid board under the entire length of the side board when cutting as the side board will break at the kerfs if there is no support. The ends should not be cut to length until the board is wrapped on the bottom base and marked and cut.
There are two side boards. The outside side plywood is wrapped around the bottom base with the kerfs facing inward towards the bottom base and with the edge of the outside side flush with the underside of the base. Placing waxed paper around the edge and on top of the base will keep glue in its place. Wetting the smooth surface of the plywood with a spray bottle, where the kerfs have been cut, helps bending. Clamps or temporary nails hold the outside side plywood in place against the base. Do not drive nails all the way in as they will be removed when the inside side board is glued into position.
Apply wood glue to inside surface (kerf side)of the outer side. Carefully bend the inside plywood side (kerf of inside plywood facing the kerf of the outside plywood) into position. Clamp or screw using 1�” #10 screws, the inside plywood to the outside plywood (from the inside). Allow adequate time to dry.
The excess sides may now be trimmed with a saw even with the bottom base.
An optional 2' high plexiglass fence added to the front of the table will keep the dice confined to the practice table. I have found it keeps the dice from bouncing off the table when your friends toss the dice. A precision shooter would never make a shot with that much rebound. The plexiglass starts just above the base. Drill holes in plexiglass and attach with 2 1' #6 round head screws.
Top Rail
Cut out the top rail from the �' plywood using a jigsaw. Align on top of the sides and attach using 1�” #10 screws. You can upholster the top rail with 1' foam and vinyl if desired.
Chip rails can be purchased at http://www.casino4you.com/
Felt
Place the flannel on the base (make sure screw heads are on the underside) and staple. Apply the felt over the flannel and attach using a stapler. Start with the straight edge and stretch and staple.
Diamond Rubber
Attach the rubber centered between the curved portions. Use a rubber adhesive as it is a silicone flexible adhesive that will not become brittle.
Shooting Station for Practice Table Construction
| Birch Plywood | home supply store | 1 | 3/4' | 4' | 8' |
| Birch Plywood | use extra from practice table | 1 | 1/2' | 4' | 8' |
| Flat Head Wood Screws | home supply store | 20 | #10 | 1 1/4' | |
| Flat Head Wood Screws | home supply store | 5 | #10 | 2' | |
| 75% wool 25% nylon billard felt | use extra from practice table | 1.5 Yards | |||
| Foam For Padding | Fabric Store | 1 | 1' | 8' | 36' |
| Vinyl Upholstery Fabric | Fabric Store | 1 | 12' | 48' | |
| Banquet table legs | www.woodworker.com # 802-086 | 1 Pair |
Tools:
| Handheld Circular Saw |
| Handheld Jig Saw |
| Drill |
| Router (optional) |
The sides and bottom base of the shooting stand table are made from one sheet of 4'x8' 3/4' plywood. The top rail of �' plywood is for the rail padding we lean against so much. Optional chip trays are shown but not described. Email me for details on the chip tray if you want to go to this detail.
By purchasing the plywood at a Home Depot or Lowe’s they will make some of the cuts for you. Two cuts are free. The cutting diagram will help.
Station Bottom Base
Attach the two 24'x36' pieces together using 1�' #10 flathead wood screws from the bottom side only. Be sure that the screw heads are flush to avoid marring any surface you set the table up on. A router can be used to do a 3/8' round over on the top and bottom. Cut 3' to 3�” from each leg of the banquet table legs using a tubing cutter (a hacksaw will work but is a lot more work and the result is not as smooth).
Next attach the banquet table legs. Place them about 6' from the ends of the base and attach with screws provided with the legs.
The base must be covered with felt prior to installing the side. Stretch and staple to the station base.
Side Boards
Sandwich the �' x 36' (9� “ and 11' high) side boards and use 1�' #10 flathead wood screws from the 9�' side to secure the two pieces. Be sure that the screw heads are flush.
Place the sandwiched plywood side board on the felted base and attach with 3 2' #10 wood screws.
Attach the �” plywood, 6�' wide top cap to the side boards using 1�' #10 wood screws. You may add chip rails if you desire. Chip rails are made out of 1' thick mahogany. It takes some woodworking skill to make the chip rails.
The �” x �' x 38' piece must be glued to the �' x 3�' x 38' plywood before the corners are rounded. After this step apply 1' foam over the top and front of the plywood. Staple the vinyl upholstery fabric to the rail for a casino like rail rest.
Happy Shooting
DiceSetter.com
Practice Table on Banquet Table Legs | Practice Shooting Station |
Kerf detail
Supplies:
14’ x 5’ Sheet of 1/2 inch plywood or particle board
12’ x 3’ Sheet of masonite
172” x 48” sheet of felt
1Twin size foam mattress pad (twin size)
1Can of spray paint
1Can of spray adhesive
How To Build A Casino Craps Table Games
Tools:Circular saw
Drill
Hammer
Staple Gun
Time:
Approximately 2 hours.If you spray paint the mattress pad, perhaps do this step the evening before.
Cost:
If you don’t have to buy power tools, this will cost around $29.
Construction:
- Cut foam mattress pad into a 12” x 6 ‘ length.Spray paint to desired color (optional)
- Cut plywood to be 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep for base.
- With left over plywood, cut another piece of plywood 4’ long by 12.5” high for the back wall.
- Cut 2 masonite sheets 15” long by 12.5” high for side walls
- Drape felt over plywood.Cut to size such that there is about 2” extra around the perimeter of the plywood.Staple felt to the edges of plywood, keeping it taught.
- Screw back wall to the base
- Screw side wall masonite pieces to the base.Make sure that they overlap to the back wall plywood. Screw masonite side pieces to back wall as well.
- Place mattress pad on the table, inside the 3 walls.You will be able to make curved corners.Once you have the fit that you like, spray adhesive on the inside of the back and side wall pieces AND on the back of the mattress pad.Secure into place.Let dry.
Here's the practice table Ray built. A beautiful piece of work!
(under construction)
(finished practice table)
Here is a picture of the practice table Big Lou constructed!