Craps is an exciting and social casino game that offers players a chance to win big while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow gamblers. However, to make the most of your Craps experience, it’s essential to follow proper etiquette. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Craps etiquette, including tips on betting, handling chips, and interacting with other players and the dealer.
1. Understanding the Basics of Craps
Before diving into the etiquette, let’s briefly review the fundamentals of Craps. The game revolves around the roll of two dice, with players betting on the outcome of the rolls. The main bets in Craps are the Pass Line and Come bets, as well as certain Place bets (6 or 8). Most winning players avoid bets like the Field, Proposition, Big 6, and Big 8, as these bets are more likely to favor the casino. For understanding the probabilities of certain combinations and successful mastering the game, we recommend using Dice Probability calculator.
2. Essential Craps Terms and Phrases You Need to Know
Understanding the key terms and phrases of craps helps the game flow smoothly and keeps everyone on the same page, from players to dealers. Knowing the language makes gameplay quicker, easier, and more enjoyable for all. Here are some essential terms:
- Shooter: The player rolling the dice.
- Comeout Roll: The initial roll that starts a new round.
- Odds: A secondary bet behind the passline to increase your wager.
- Pressing: Increasing a bet, like saying, “press my 8.”
- Unit: The base bet amount, which can also mean increasing by increments.
- Two-Way Bet: A bet for both you and the dealers.
- Going Off: Bets are inactive; signaled by an “off” disc on your chips.
- Coming Down: Removing bets from the table.
- Hard Six is Down: This indicates a loss of your hard-six bet.
- Make it Look Like: A way to tell the dealer to adjust a bet, like “make my 6 look like $30.”
- Fix a Bet: Adding chips to ensure correct payout, like adjusting a place-6 bet to $30.
- Parlay: Reinvesting winnings to increase the original bet.
- Throw it In: Giving the dealer chips for a new or replaced bet.
3. Entering the Game
Joining a game at the table is as much about timing as it is about the buy-in. When approaching a table, it’s recommended to observe the action without immediately purchasing chips, especially if a shooter is already in the middle of a roll. Interrupting a roll by buying in is often considered bad etiquette and may be seen as a sign of bad luck by other players. The best time to buy in is after a “seven-out” has been rolled, which naturally shifts the dice to a new shooter, creating a break in the action. If you can’t wait for this, another appropriate moment is right after a pass, though caution is advised if the shooter is on a hot streak. Avoid placing money on the table or making “call bets” during active play, as this can disrupt the game and irritate other players. Instead, wait for a lull, ensuring a smoother, respectful entry into the game.
4. Betting Etiquette
- Wait for the right time: Place your bets only after the dealer has cleared the table and before the shooter has thrown the dice. Avoid placing bets while the dice are in the air or after they have landed.
- Respect other players’ bets: Do not touch or move other players’ chips or bets. If you want to adjust your bets, wait for the dealer to pay out any winnings and then move your chips accordingly.
- Be mindful of your bet size: Avoid betting amounts that are significantly different from the general table minimum or maximum. This can disrupt the flow of the game and may cause frustration among other players.
- Know when to take odds: Odds bets can be placed only after the shooter has established a point. Do not place odds bets before the come-out roll, as this is considered poor etiquette.
5. Chip Handling Etiquette
- Handle your chips properly: When handling your chips, avoid splashing them onto the table or throwing them at the dealer. Instead, gently place them in the appropriate betting areas.
- Keep your chips on the table: Do not hold your chips in your hand or pocket while the game is in progress. Always keep your chips on the table and in clear view of the dealer.
- Tipping the dealer: Tipping the dealer is a common practice in Craps. To tip, simply place a chip or two in the designated tip area on the table or directly in front of the dealer.
6. Interacting with Other Players and the Dealer
- Be respectful: Treat other players and the dealer with respect and courtesy. Avoid using foul language, making rude gestures, or being overly aggressive.
- Avoid giving unsolicited advice: While it’s natural to want to help fellow players, avoid giving unsolicited advice or criticizing their play. This can be perceived as rude and may create tension at the table.
- Communicate clearly: If you have a question or need assistance, address the dealer or other players politely and clearly. This will help ensure that your needs are met without causing confusion or disruption.
- Be patient: Craps is a fast-paced game, and it may take some time for new players to become familiar with the rules and betting options. Be patient and understanding with new players, as everyone starts as a beginner.
7. Dice Etiquette
- Wait for the dealer’s instructions: Do not touch the dice until the dealer has instructed you to do so. The dealer will give the shooter a new set of dice to roll.
- Roll the dice properly: When rolling the dice, ensure that they bounce off the far wall of the table. Avoid rolling them too hard, as this can disrupt the game and may cause the dice to be thrown off the table.
- Keep the dice on the table: After rolling the dice, leave them on the table until the dealer has paid out any winnings and cleared the losing bets.
8. Exiting the Craps Table
Leaving a craps game requires etiquette similar to joining, where timing and courtesy matter to avoid disrupting the game flow. The ideal time to exit is when the shooter “sevens-out,” marking the end of a round. At this moment, players can let the base dealer know they wish to “color up” their chips, which allows them to trade smaller denominations for larger chips, making it easier to carry and cash out at the casino cage. It’s essential not to leave or color up during a shooter’s turn, as this can be seen as impolite. Players who want to pause their involvement without fully leaving can “call off” their bets by informing the dealer, who will mark the chips “off” until the player is ready to leave during a natural pause in the game.
Conclusion
Craps etiquette is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can contribute to a positive and exciting atmosphere at the Craps table. Remember to be respectful, patient, and mindful of others while playing, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and considerate Craps player.
FAQ
Once the dice have been rolled, it is generally considered bad etiquette to change your bet. It is best to wait for the next round if you wish to make a different bet.
If you’re unsure about the rules or the different types of bets, don’t hesitate to ask the dealer or a more experienced player for clarification. They will be happy to help you understand the game better.
While tipping the dealer is appreciated, it is not mandatory. It is customary to tip the dealer when you have a winning bet, but the amount is up to your discretion.