Reading the Table: A Guide to Craps Table Markers

To the uninitiated, a Craps table looks like a chaotic sea of felt, chips, and wooden sticks. However, if you look closely, there are specific physical indicators—known as Table Markers—that tell the story of the game in real-time. These markers, including the famous “Puck” and various “Buttons,” act as the visual language of the table. They tell you which phase the game is in, which bets are active, and which numbers are the focus of the current round. At Winner Online, we believe that understanding these markers is the fastest way for Canadian players to gain confidence at the table.

The Most Important Marker: The Dealer Puck

The most prominent marker on any Craps table is a large, double-sided plastic disk known as the Puck (or the “Buck”). This disk is the primary indicator of the game’s status. One side is black with the word OFF in white letters, and the other side is white with the word ON in black letters.

The Puck is OFF

When the puck is lying in the Don’t Pass area or in the center of the table with the “OFF” side facing up, it signifies that the game is in the Come-Out phase. This is the start of a new round. During this time, the shooter is trying to establish a “Point.” If you are looking to join the game and place a Pass Line bet, this is the time to do it.

The Puck is ON

Once the shooter rolls a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the dealer will flip the puck to the “ON” side. They will then place the puck directly inside the numbered box at the top of the layout that corresponds to the point.

• If the shooter rolls an 8 as the point, the puck sits on the “8” box with “ON” facing up.
• This tells every player at the table—and the overhead cameras—exactly what number the shooter needs to roll to win the round.

Specialized Betting Buttons

While the Puck manages the main game, smaller markers called Buttons are used to designate specific conditions for individual player bets. These are usually small, coin-sized plastic disks that the dealer places on top of chip stacks.

The “Buy” and “Lay” Buttons

As discussed in our strategy guides, “Buy” and “Lay” bets involve paying a commission to get true mathematical odds. To distinguish these from standard Place bets, the dealer will place a small button marked BUY or LAY on top of your chips. This ensures the payout is calculated correctly when the number hits.

The “Working” and “Not Working” Buttons

In Craps, certain bets (like Place bets or Hardways) are traditionally considered “OFF” during the Come-Out roll. This means if a 7 rolls, you don’t lose those bets. However, some players prefer to keep their action going at all times.

• If you want your bets active during the Come-Out, you tell the dealer, “Make my bets work.”
• The dealer will place a small ON or WORKING button on your chips.
• Conversely, if you want to temporarily deactivate a bet during the middle of a round, a NOT WORKING button is used.

The “Contract” Marker

You may occasionally see a marker or a specific placement that indicates a “Contract Bet.” The Pass Line bet is a contract bet—once the point is established, you cannot pick up your chips or cancel the bet until the round is resolved. While there isn’t always a physical button for this, the placement of the chips relative to the table’s “apron” acts as a permanent marker of your commitment to the round.

The “Fire Bet” and “Bonus” Markers

Many modern Craps tables in the Canadian market feature side bets, such as the “Fire Bet” or “All-Small/All-Tall.” These have their own dedicated markers.

• Fire Bet Pucks: These are small numbered pucks (1 through 6) that the dealer places on the layout as the shooter successfully hits different unique points.
• Bonus Markers: These track which numbers have been rolled during a single shooter’s “hand.” Once a number is rolled, a small marker is placed on it in the bonus area. If the shooter hits all the required numbers before rolling a 7, the table wins a massive jackpot.

Why Markers Are Essential for Players

Understanding markers isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about protecting your money.

1. Verifying Your Payout: By looking at the “Buy” button, you can ensure the dealer remembers you paid the commission for a higher payout.
2. Timing Your Entry: Never place a Pass Line bet when the puck is “ON” unless you understand that you are entering the game at a mathematical disadvantage.
3. Tracking the “Vig”: Markers help you remember if you owe a commission (the “vig”) on a winning bet or if it was paid upfront.

Table Etiquette Regarding Markers

The markers are the tools of the dealers and the Boxman.

• Never touch the markers: Even if the dealer forgets to move the puck, never reach out to flip it or move it yourself. Simply point it out verbally.
• Watch the dealer’s hands: When a point is made, the dealer will move the puck first, then settle the bets. Watching the movement of the markers helps you stay in sync with the rhythm of the game.

Conclusion

Table markers are the “punctuation marks” of a Craps game. They provide clarity, enforce the rules, and ensure that every player and staff member is on the same page. Whether it’s the large “ON/OFF” puck directing the flow of the round or a small “Buy” button securing your true odds, these visual cues are your best friends at the table. At Winner Online, we encourage you to take a moment when you approach a table to “read the markers” before placing your first chip. Knowing the status of the game is the first step toward a winning session.