Table Markers: Reading the “Puck”
In the fast-moving environment of 2026 craps, the Marker Puck is your primary navigation tool. It is a large, double-sided disc—usually black on one side and white on the other—that tells you exactly what stage the game is in.
Because craps is a game of two distinct phases (the Come-Out and the Point), missing the status of the puck can lead to misplaced bets or awkward social interactions at the table.
The Two Faces of the Puck
The puck acts as a visual status bar for the entire table. You will always find it in the “Point Boxes” at the top of the layout or resting in the corner near the dealer.
Puck is OFF (Black Side Up)
When the puck is black and says OFF, the table is in the Come-Out phase. This is the “reset” period of the game.
- Game Status: No point has been established yet. A new shooter is about to throw, or the current shooter is starting a fresh round.
- What it means for you: This is the only time you can place a new Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet.
- Betting Note: Most “Place Bets” (like betting on a 6 or 8) and “Hardway” bets are considered OFF by default during this phase. If a 7 rolls, these bets are safe and won’t be collected by the house.
Puck is ON (White Side Up)
When the puck is flipped to the white side and says ON, a Point has been established. The dealer will place the puck inside the specific number box (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) that was rolled during the Come-Out.
- Game Status: The shooter is now “chasing” that number. The round will continue until they hit that number again or roll a 7.
- What it means for you: The “window” for Pass Line bets is closed. However, you can now “Take the Odds” by placing more chips behind your original line bet.
- Betting Note: All Place bets and Hardway bets are now LIVE. If a 7 rolls, the house clears the table.
Other Common Markers in 2026
While the puck is the most famous, modern tables use a few other markers to keep the game organized:
- Lammers (Buttons): These are smaller plastic coins used by dealers to track specific instructions. You might see a lammer that says “ON” or “OFF” placed on top of an individual player’s bet if they want their Place bets to work during the Come-Out roll.
- “Buy” and “Lay” Buttons: If you are making a “Buy” bet (paying a 5% commission for better odds), the dealer will place a small “BUY” marker on your chips to distinguish them from standard Place bets.
- Fire Bet / Bonus Markers: In 2026, many tables feature side-car jackpots. Dealers use small colored markers to track how many unique points a shooter has made during their “hand.”
2026 Etiquette: Respect the Puck
In the world of craps, the puck is law. Following these simple etiquette rules will help you blend in like a pro:
- Don’t Buy In when the Puck is ON: It is considered bad luck (and poor manners) to throw money onto the felt while a shooter is mid-roll chasing a point. Wait until the puck is OFF to change your cash for chips.
- Hands Clear: When the dealer is moving the puck to a new number, keep your hands away from the layout. Let them finish “marking the point” before you reach in to place your Odds or Come bets.
- The Dealer’s Tool: Never touch the puck yourself. It is the exclusive tool of the dealers. If you think the puck is on the wrong number (very rare in 2026 with digital tracking), politely ask the dealer to verify.
