As a beginner, we advise that you practice shooting at home before heading to the casino. You should practice 1 to 2 hours a day for at least 6 months before you truly go out there to risk your money.
You should find a position (distance from where you stand to the backwall) that is comfortable for you and practice from that distance at home because you have to get set in 1 place to hone in your precision. Many books and experts always recommend that the best spot to shoot from is from the stick, either left or right (next to the stick person), because it’s easier to control at a shorter distance. Our bodies and comfort levels are different, so it’s essential to do what works for you. Your natural release may work for you to land where you target more easily when you are in position 2 or 3 from the stick.
To practice, you can use a couch, a bed, a piece of wood, or a cardboard box—anything to get used to shooting the dice into a landing spot from the spot you’d want to get used to shooting from. Try different grips and releases. Notice how your dice travel. Are they spinning or floating? Are they landing violently? Are they tumbling to their destination? Are they splitting or traveling closely together? Is one die ahead of the other?
Eventually, you’d want to invest in a rig that would more closely mimic the casino’s craps tables. But in the beginning, you want to get familiar with the motion, the purpose, and the basic mechanics of how much power it would take to shoot the dice and understand the differences in the grip of the dice and how they play into the power of release. By practicing the basics, you’ll develop a sense of understanding of how you may need to adjust when you play on various tables.
It’s essential to practice, but we don’t think you need to pay for a coach. You should hone in your skill, understanding, and adjust accordingly. Save your money from getting lessons. Stay within yourself and your brain and muscle memory should build with practice. We have seen and met people who have spent a lot of money on getting coaching and lessons, but haven’t heard or seen them go on a long run. While we practice continuous and share insights a group, we’ve gotten better and better.
It already requires a fair bankroll to play the game of craps. You’d want to conserve that bankroll to make it grow at the casino, not at lessons. Most craps players who have been playing and shooting for a period, they’re willing to share tips and insights with you for free. Most craps players want the players to get better so it increases the chance for long runs and make money. The incentive is clear. There is no point of having selfishness, and not helping each other out. We go to the casino to risk money for it to grow.