Contents
Craps Basics
Craps Lingo
Craps Etiquette
Types of Bets in Craps
Pass Line
Come Bet
Odds Bet
Wrong Betting
Placing Numbers
Buying and Laying Numbers
The Big 6 and Big 8
The Hardways
Single-Roll Bets
The House Edge in Craps
Craps Strategy
Money Management in Craps
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Craps Etiquette
Craps has a substantial body of unwritten etiquette and procedure rules that you should be familiar with before you step up to a craps table to play. At best, breaking craps etiquette will make you look like an amateur; at worst, it may interfere with the gameplay and result in a reprimand from the crew and the other players.
How to Get Chips at the Craps Table
Though you’re allowed to bet cash at most casinos, it’s more common and more convenient to use chips. To change cash into chips, place your cash on the table near one of the two dealers. The dealer will pick it up, ask you what denominations of chips you want, and then put the requested chips on the table. Never hand cash or chips directly to the dealers—the table itself always serves as the middleman. Once you get your chips, place them on the rack in front of you.
How to Place Bets in Craps
Craps lets you make a variety of different types of bets. No matter what type of bet you’re making, remember the following general guidelines:
- To make one of the bets at the sides of the table: Place your chips on the desired section of the layout.
- To make one of the bets in the center of the table: Place your chips on the table and announce which bet you’d like to make. The stickman will move your chips to the proper area.
When a member of the crew places a bet for you, he will make it clear that the bet belongs to you by its location within the betting area. For example, if you’re sitting at the lower left corner of the table (from your point of view), your bet will be placed in the lower left corner of the appropriate betting area.
How to Remove a Bet in Craps
If you lose a bet, you won’t have to worry about removing your chips—a member of the crew will gladly take care of this for you. If you win a bet, though, make sure you take your winnings off the table as soon as possible. Otherwise, the crew will assume that you want to let your bet ride, or continue into the next betting round, and you may end up wagering more than you intended.
Don’t remove bets that are still pending. Removing such bets prematurely will likely result in a stern reprimand.
How to Roll the Dice in Craps
If you’re going to be the shooter, the stickman will pass five or more dice to you. You choose two of these dice, and the stickman takes back the others. Note that if you’d rather not roll, you have the option to pass the dice to the next player who has made a pass line or don’t pass line bet. To roll the dice:
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Use an overhand grip:
Though an underhand grip (with your palm up) may seem more natural at first, gripping the dice as shown is the best way to get a good, controlled roll.
- Don’t pass the dice from hand to hand: Casinos require you to hold the dice in one just one hand. If you want to switch rolling hands, put the dice down on the table and then pick them up with the other hand.
- Hit the far wall of the craps table with the rolled dice: If you don’t hit the far wall, it’s not the end of the world, but you may be instructed to roll harder on future rolls.
- Don’t roll the dice off the table: Keep your rolls low and close to the felt.
- Avoid hitting chips with the dice: Note where large stacks of chips are and roll away from them.
Dos and Don’ts of Craps Etiquette
Craps players are generally very superstitious—following proper etiquette helps ensure that you won’t cause anyone to think that you’re messing with their luck. The following dos and don’ts will help you learn to behave like a professional at the craps table.
- Don’t ever say “seven,” even if it’s the number that you want to see rolled: Many players consider saying, or even thinking, the number seven to be bad luck.
- Don’t berate the crew, even if you’re losing: The employees have no control over the outcome of the game. If anything, they want you to win since it may make you more likely to tip.
- Don’t touch a player who’s in the middle of a roll: Touching the shooter on the shoulder is considered especially bad.
- Don’t try to place a bet as a player is rolling: Having the dice hit your hands or chips can make you immediately unpopular at the craps table.
- If you’re male, don’t admit that it’s your first time playing: Many players consider inexperienced male shooters to be bad luck. Sexist though it may be, inexperienced female shooters are fine.
- Do speak up if a mistake has been made that costs you money: The boxman will usually correct the error as politely and efficiently as possible. On the other hand, you’re under no obligation to point out errors in your favor.
- Do tip the crew occasionally: The best way to tip is by making a bet for the crew. Do this by saying, “Here’s one for the boys,” or “Make it two ways,” then place an additional bet next to yours. As with most service professionals, craps dealers depend on your tips to survive. Tipping makes for a more pleasant playing experience.
- Do ask questions if you’re unsure about anything: Craps dealers are used to questions and are generally understanding.
- If you’re the shooter, don’t leave the table after a successful come-out roll: Other players consider this to be bad luck.
Keep in mind that craps is supposed to be fun. You should follow the guidelines for craps etiquette, but don’t make a fuss if another player violates decorum—you’ll probably have a better time if you don’t take things too seriously at the table.
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