Shooting Craps

So, you fancy shooting some craps but not sure what to do? Luckily we can help with that.

The dice are the main element of the game.  As such, most of the rules surround their use. In general, craps dice rules are easy to grasp and mainly focus on matters of etiquette. In land-based casinos the dice are checked to make sure they are fair (i.e. not loaded), and shooters are closely observed while throwing the dice, in order to prevent any form of fraud.

Basic Dice Etiquette

Some basic etiquette you should keep in mind when playing craps includes the following:

  • Craps is a high speed game. Holding onto the dice may annoy people. Everyone likes to shake the dice, but make it a quick shake so not to slow down the game.
  • Don’t throw the dice, rather toss them. High speed players who slam the dice and bounce them off the table will not be looked upon favorably by the dealer. This kind of play slows down the game in the long run, and is seen as offensive behaviour by many superstitious players.
  • Try to keep the dice on the table and make sure they bounce off the back wall when you throw them. As stated above, throwing them elsewhere is problematic, and slows down the game.
  • The dice should be handled with one hand only.
  • Don’t conceal the dice or hold them below the table’s edge. If another player or the boxman notices you concealing the dice in any way they will request an inspection and issue new dice.

Who Can Handle the Dice

Anyone that makes a don’t pass or pass line bet is allowed to make a come out roll, and then continue rolling, until that round is over. In some casino’s you can have someone else (i.e. a lucky “mascot”) throw the dice for you, but this isn’t always allowed. It is best to clarify these rules with the casino before handing over the dice. Most casinos will be relaxed and simply ask you to cease from such behavior, but some may ask you to leave the game if you make an “illegal” move.

ARGH - The Craps Dice Flew off the Table!

So the dice flew off the table or landed in the chip pot. Apart from the initial embarrassment there’s no need to worry.  You won’t be extracted from the casino, so just keep calm and leave the dice where they landed. The stickman will exchange the dice and call a no roll, which means that no bets are exchanged and you will receive new dice. This is done so that people don’t try to switch the dice for weighted or otherwise rigged dice.  Although not many people will risk cheating in a large casino, in smaller venues you may get the odd wise guy who thinks he can get away with it.

Kissing and Blowing on the Dice

When you play craps always be respectful of the other players around you. While you may have a lucky charm that you consider perfectly normal, it could be seen as disruptive by other players. For example, although it’s not against the written rules, you may get funny looks when blowing on, or kissing the dice. If you need to send some positive energy towards the dice, you may want to do it telepathically instead.