Craps Etiquette

OK, so let´s say you have practised craps online, and hopefully even won a bit of money (or at least not lost too much).

You are feeling more confident about the different types of bets, and while you are still not a craps master, you are certainly a grade A student.

What now? Well, part of the fun of craps is the whole atmosphere. This game has got the best buzz at the casino, so while playing online is a perfect way of brushing up your skills and playing in your pyjamas, you also fancy strutting your stuff at a landbased casino.

But how do you behave at the craps table? There´s a certain etiquette that craps players abide to - this is all part of the fun. Take a look at our tips below, and you can either choose to take them on board OR completely ignore them and play like a craps rogue (sometimes this has its advantages).

But be warned- if you drop a bet over the table when the dice are being thrown and someone loses out when the dice rebound off your hands...you are not going to be popular.

When buying in, wait until the dice are in the center of the table and the dealer signals for you to put your money on the table. Wait until the point is made or the shooter 7s-out before buying in.

Place your bet while the dice are in the middle of the table. Once the shooter picks up the dice, leave the betting out until the next round. Thsi si just simple courtesy. you do not want to affect the dice roll in any way shape or form, either by physically hitting the dice or by putting the shooter off by your movements.

Have it clear in your mind what bets you are going to place before you actually make them and know when it is time to make your bet. You won´t be delaying things by muttering "umm, argg" etc. Make pass line and come bets by placing the chips on the pass line or come areas. The dealer makes all of the place bets. Wait until the dealer looks at you or signals you before placing your chips.

Know the order of bet payoffs. First off. losing bets are collected. Then pass line or come bet winners are paid off in a rotation around each half of the table. Then place bets are paid and last but not least any of the centre bets like hard way, horn, and hop bets are paid.

Once you have placed your bets, keep your hands away from the table. Even if your fingers are hanging over the edge, this is considered bad form.

Be polite, not lboorish. Craps is a fun and social game. No one like a loudmouth, and beleive me if you have 5 people around the table all hoping that you will lose, you probably will. On the other hand, if you have 10 people all egging the dice on for you......Who says the power of positive thought doesn´t work?"

Once a point is set , never say "seven." Call it superstitious, but many people beleive that if you say it, the number appears. All codswallop of course, but anyway......
If you bet against the shooter, ie play the don't pass or don't come, keep a low profile!. Most craps players play the pass line and are behind the shooter. it goes without saying that if you place these bets, you are hoping the shooter will lose, so whooping for joy when he or she does is a little galling.
Do tip the dealers. Dealers don´t get paid that much, particularly in the States, - and who knows? Could be good karma all round if you share the spoils out a bit.

Stick to these do´s and don´ts and you should enjoy your visit to the craps table to the max! Play sensibly and enjoy yourself!