One should learn the foundations of playing Craps before getting on the table. Craps is an exhilarating dice game that offers beginners the perfect blend of strategy, patience, and excitement. Unlike many casino games, craps isn’t just about luck—it’s about making smart decisions and playing with persistence. This will guide you through the fundamentals of playing craps, including the primary objectives and fundamental elements of the game. You will learn about the basic rules, key terminologies, and the various bets you can place. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to navigate the craps table and enhance your gaming experience at the casino.
With multiple ways to win, including placing bets on the pass line, come bets, or even on specific numbers, players can engage in a dynamic and rewarding experience. As you dive into the world of craps, start by mastering the basics of stance, dice shooting style, and dice setting. A proper stance involves standing comfortably with your feet shoulder-width apart, allowing for a stable and controlled throw. The dice shooting style requires a consistent grip and smooth, controlled motion to ensure accuracy and reduce randomness. Dice setting, where you arrange the dice in specific configurations before tossing, can help influence the outcome and improve your odds. By combining these elements, beginners can not only enjoy the thrill of the game but also develop the skills and strategies needed to become proficient and successful craps players.
The objective for the players is to increase your chances of a positive outcome from the money you head to the casino to play with.
The game is played on a specially designed table and uses two six-sided dice. The main objective is to predict the outcome of the dice roll.
The game starts with a “come-out roll.” If the shooter (the person rolling the dice) rolls a 7 or 11, it’s called a “natural,” and they win. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, it’s called “craps,” and they lose. Any other number rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the “point.”
Once the point is established, the shooter continues to roll the dice. The goal now is to roll the point number again before rolling a 7. If the shooter rolls the point number, they win. If they roll a 7 before the point number, they lose, and the game restarts with a new come-out roll.
There are many different types of bets in craps, but the simplest ones are the “Pass Line” and “Don’t Pass” bets. A Pass Line bet wins if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11 and loses if it’s a 2, 3, or 12. Any other number becomes the point, and the Pass Line bet wins if the point is rolled again before a 7. The Don’t Pass bet is essentially the opposite, winning on a roll of 2 or 3 and losing on a 7 or 11.
Understanding these basic rules and bets will help you get started with playing craps. It’s a game of excitement and strategy, and with a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it quickly! For insights on betting options, see Betting Options.
Whether you believe in dice setting or dice influencing or not, there are conditions and considerations one must consider. The stance that this organization takes is that dice-influencing is achievable. Here are the elements that one must acknowledge and mimic during practice:
- The type of the table (length and bounce)
- Preference for shooting position, stance, and style of release
- Dice setting
- Grip
- Target dice drop location
- Release and arch
- Adjustments
Goal of Reducing Variability and Randomness
The primary objective of controlled dice shooting is to minimize variability and randomness. By focusing on consistent grips and straight wrist releases, the dice shooter aims to reduce unpredictable outcomes and achieve more stable, repeatable results. This careful control helps in maintaining the dice trajectory and landing within the desired parameters.
Fundamentals For The Shooter
Study the Table and Players
Before buying into a game, take the time to study the table and the players. Understanding the dynamics at play can give you insight into the environment you are entering. This observation helps in determining whether the table conditions and player behavior are conducive to your playing style.
Avoid Disruptive Players
Playing with disruptive, intoxicated players can significantly hinder your concentration and game strategy. Belligerent drunks who frequently interrupt the game, divert your attention, or build large stacks of chips in your way create a chaotic environment that is not conducive to focused and effective play. Avoiding such tables can help maintain your concentration and improve your chances of success.
Maintain Focus
As the shooter in a game of craps, maintaining focus is crucial to your success. Minimize conversations to stay concentrated on your technique and throw. It’s acceptable to communicate with the dealers regarding your bets, but be vigilant in avoiding other distractions that might disrupt your concentration. This sharp focus ensures you can execute your shooting strategy effectively.
Casinos often employ various tactics to distract you from your game. Servers might offer you drinks, or the pit boss may inquire if you need anything. Casino floor personnel might gather to watch you shoot, adding to the potential distractions. Even if you consistently hit the back wall with both dice, dealers and casino staff might still make comments intended to throw you off your rhythm. Recognizing these tactics can help you stay mentally prepared and maintain your concentration on the game.
Fundamentals For The Players On the Table…
As a player in the game of craps, it’s essential to focus on betting efficiently and avoid slowing the game down.
Stay attentive to your bets and know your next move after the dice results are announced by the stickman. Anticipate your betting strategy ahead of each roll for every bet you have. This approach ensures that when the shooter gets hot and is in rhythm, you won’t slow the game down. Maintaining the shooter’s rhythm is crucial for continued success.
To keep the game flowing smoothly, it’s advisable to avoid hop bets. Hop bets rely on the dealers’ math skills for payout calculations, which can lead to delays. Additionally, if hop bets hit, the game slows down due to the extra payout and setup time required. By avoiding these bets, you help maintain the momentum and rhythm of the game, which is beneficial for everyone at the table.
If your pass line bet interferes with the shooter’s preferred landing spot, consider moving it to provide a clear landing area. Alternatively, you can choose not to play the pass line and place the number as a place bet after the point is established. This adjustment helps ensure the shooter has an unobstructed landing zone, contributing to a smoother game flow.
In craps, your best chance of maximizing your winnings is during a long run by the shooter. When you’ve experienced a table where the shooter goes on an extended streak, the excitement is unparalleled. This thrill is something that words can’t fully capture until you’ve experienced it yourself. Playing with others who understand the nuances of the game enhances the experience, as you’ll be part of a group that knows how to support the shooter and capitalize on the run.
Dice Setting
Dice setting in craps is a technique used by some players to influence the outcome of their rolls by carefully arranging the dice in specific configurations before tossing them. The goal is to minimize the randomness of the roll and increase the chances of achieving favorable outcomes. Players believe that by setting the dice in certain ways and practicing a consistent throwing motion, they can reduce the likelihood of sevening out and enhance their probability of rolling other desired numbers. While this method is controversial and debated among players and experts, it remains a popular practice among those seeking to gain an edge in the game.
3-V Set
The 3-V set is named for the V-shape formed by the threes on the dice. To create this set, place the dice so that the three spots on each die are visible and form a V. This configuration aims to reduce the chances of rolling a seven while increasing the likelihood of rolling fours and tens. Players who use the 3-V set are often trying to hit these numbers as part of their betting strategy. The results from this set can vary, but with proper technique, players aim to roll numbers that advance their position in the game rather than sevening out.
2-V Set
The 2-V set is another popular configuration where the twos on the dice form a V shape. This set is designed to lower the probability of rolling a seven and instead increase the chances of rolling fives and nines. By setting the dice in this manner, players hope to control the roll and produce outcomes that align with their betting strategies. The 2-V set can be effective for those looking to avoid the dreaded seven while focusing on numbers that provide better betting opportunities.
Hardway Set
The Hardway set involves setting the dice so that hardway combinations (pairs of the same number) are facing upward. For example, hard sixes (two threes) and hard eights (two fours) should be visible on the top faces. This set aims to increase the chances of rolling hardway numbers (4, 6, 8, 10) while reducing the likelihood of rolling a seven. Players using the hardway set are typically looking to capitalize on the higher payouts associated with hardway bets. The results from this set can lead to more frequent appearances of these hardway numbers, offering potential rewards for strategic bettors.
Cross-Sixes Set
The Cross Sixes set is created by placing the dice so that sixes are on the top faces, forming a cross pattern. This configuration is intended to maximize the chances of rolling sixes and eights while minimizing the occurrence of sevens. Players who use the Cross Sixes set aim to take advantage of the frequent appearance of these numbers to enhance their betting strategies. The results from this set can help players achieve a series of favorable rolls, thereby extending their gameplay and increasing their chances of winning.
Straight Sixes Set
The Straight Sixes set involves positioning the dice so that the sixes are aligned in a straight line across the top faces. This set aims to boost the probability of rolling sixes and eights, similar to the Cross Sixes set, while attempting to avoid sevens. Players utilizing the Straight Sixes set focus on maintaining a consistent throw to keep the dice aligned and achieve desired outcomes. The results from this set can favor players seeking to roll sixes and eights more frequently, thus supporting their overall betting strategy in the game of craps.
Grip (shooting style)
The technique of each dice grip and release involves maintaining a straight wrist to minimize variations in dice motion. In the stacked dice grip, the dice are held one atop the other between the thumb and middle finger, with the wrist kept straight to ensure a smooth release. The pinch grip involves pinching the dice side by side between the thumb and index finger; keeping the wrist straight prevents any unintended spin. For the 3-finger front grip, the dice are held side by side with the thumb on one side and the index and middle fingers on the other; a straight wrist ensures a knuckleball-like throw. The Yo grip, with the thumb and middle finger securing the dice and the index finger on top, also requires a straight wrist to maintain stability. Lastly, the crossed sixes grip involves holding the dice with their six faces visible on top, and a straight wrist helps to maintain the desired forward spin.
The Stacked Dice Grip
In the stacked dice grip, you hold the dice one on top of the other between your thumb and middle finger, with your index finger providing additional support on the sides. As you prepare to throw, your arm swings gently backward and then forward in a smooth, controlled motion. Upon release, you let go of the dice with minimal spin, aiming for a soft landing on the table. The dice glided through the air and hit the table without much bounce, rolling gently towards the back wall. When they reach the diamond-shaped backstop, they absorb some of the impact and fall softly back onto the table, hopefully staying within your desired outcome.
The Pinch Grip
The pinch grip involves holding the dice side by side between your thumb and index finger, pinched tightly together. During the throw, you pull your arm back slightly and then push it forward with a fluid motion. At the release point, you let the dice go with a light backspin. This subtle spin helps stabilize their trajectory as they travel through the air. Upon landing on the table, the dice make a gentle, controlled bounce and continue to roll towards the back wall. When they strike the diamonds, the backspin helps absorb some of the energy, causing them to drop back onto the table in a relatively stable manner.
The 3-Finger Front Grip
In the 3-finger front grip, you place the dice side by side and hold them with your thumb on one side and your index and middle fingers on the other side. As you prepare to throw, you pull your arm back and then push it forward in a steady motion. When you release the dice, they should have no spin, creating a “knuckleball” effect. This lack of spin makes the dice fly straight and true, reducing randomness. Upon hitting the table, the dice bounce lightly and roll towards the back wall. When they make contact with the diamonds, their straight trajectory is slightly disrupted, but they should still land back on the table without excessive scatter.
The Yo Grip
The Yo grip involves holding the dice side by side, with your thumb and middle finger securing them on the sides and your index finger resting lightly on top. During the throw, you swing your arm back and then forward with a smooth motion, releasing the dice with a slight topspin. This topspin helps the dice maintain a stable flight path. When the dice hit the table, the topspin ensures they bounce predictably and roll towards the back wall. As they strike the diamonds, the topspin helps them deflect gently and settle back on the table, ideally producing a controlled and consistent result.
The Crossed Sixes Grip
For the crossed sixes grip, you hold the dice with their six faces visible on top, gripped between your thumb and the tips of your index and middle fingers. When you throw, you pull your arm back and then push it forward in a deliberate, smooth motion. At the release point, you give the dice a slight forward spin. This spin helps the dice stabilize as they travel through the air. Upon landing, the forward spin ensures a gentle, controlled bounce towards the back wall. When the dice hit the diamonds, the forward spin helps them absorb the impact and fall softly back onto the table, maintaining the desired configuration as much as possible.