Introduction in the World of Craps

Before you start to learn about the rules of craps and how you play the game you should first know a few basic things about it and what to expect at when you walk to a craps table. This article will teach you everything you need to know to approach any casino craps table in the world, and the online world, with confidence. This will ensure that you don't make any etiquette blunders your first time out at the tables.


When you will sit for the first time at a craps table you may feel overwhelmed by its size, by all those bets and the miniature bets in the middle of the table that you can't even see but have to know the name of ahead of time to bet and by the noisy atmosphere, As well craps players aren't known to be the most patient gamblers in the world. Already sounds so complicated, but in fact it's not.


Casino craps is played on a big felt layout set inside a large table with high rails around the side so you can bounce the dice off 'em and still keep 'em on the table. Up to between 12 and 16 people can play at once, depending on the size of the table. The first thing you'll notice is that you only need a little more than half the table to play. One end of the table is simply a mirror image of the other, except for right in the middle of course, which is shared for both ends. The reason for this split is simply so that the casinos can have players gathered around each end of the craps table, enabling more people to play.


The first and most important thing to understand when playing craps are the basic bets and about that you will learn easily if you read our craps rules and strategy sections.This article should be considered the jumping off point for anyone who wants to learn how to play craps at the table. A sure thing is that before you walk to a craps table and hit the dice you should learn about the game and you must know that a crowded table is not the place where you can learn how to play craps. Usually most casinos offer free training courses during the day. So, instead of doing a reckless thing like trying to learn at a crowded table you should take advantage of those courses or of this kind of sites where you can learn about the game and also practice with free online craps games.


Packed out of superstitions, this is the game of craps. Many players at the craps table are, so you should accommodate yourself with them. If you do something out of custom, the other players may look at you funny, and not want you at their table. Also, craps is notorious for manners, it's more important to be polite and courteous to the players around you at the craps table than at any other table in the casino. So, if you expect good service from your dealers and you don't want to offend the fellows players, especially the superstitious ones, here are some things that you should not do. Also, for you to feel comfortable at a craps table you should get used to some of the common lingo.


One common phrase is "Please hit the back wall!" and that is pretty self explanatory. When you hear this it means you are told to make sure you throw the dice hard enough to bounce off of the 'back wall' of the table. The back wall is usually cut into strange shapes to ensure a random roll.They must hit the wall at the end of the table, for it to be a valid roll. The dice must be handled with one hand and you should toss the dice quick and in a timely manner. Do not blow on, spit on or polish the dice.


Another common phrase heard at the craps table is "Don't aim for the chips" or, "Don't hit the chips". Again, this is not a tough one to figure out. The craps table is a dynamic environment, and often the shooters accidentally hit the chips laid out as bets on the board with the dice. This results in the dealer having to restock the chips in the proper amounts, an annoyance for them, and the other players don't appreciate the slow downs.


Also, if the dice hits someones hand or goes off the table you will offend the superstition players as they say that if the dice hit someones hand the roll will be a seven and when the dice goes off the table the box man will ask the dice for inspection and ask to be issued new dice and with that you will again offend the superstitious fellows, as they say that brings good luck to roll the same dice.


Chips should be set cleanly on the table and not thrown to the dealer, because they do not like to spend their shifts cashing chips all over the table and also you will slow down the game. Never speak to or touch a person who is having a good roll. And be especially careful about barging into a space between the shooter and someone else while he's in the midst of a hot roll. That will definitely result in a seven and many angry glare on the part of the other players. Also, saying the word 'seven' out loud after a come out roll is bad luck.


Usually at a craps table can get pretty crowded, so you should pay attention to your elbows and knees because nobody likes to be crowded too much or to have his view blocked. Be aware of the people around you and make an effort to let new players find a spot.


Playing 'against the dice' or making don't pass and don't come bets is often frowned upon, simply because you can win if a seven comes up, but the shooter and everyone playing 'with the dice' will lose if a seven comes up, so it's not so nice to start yelling for sevens, your presence wont be appreciated for too long.


If you see someone making dumb bets, don't just say, "hey those are really dumb bets" that's not cool. Don't make a deal of it at all, but if you get the chance, try to strike up a conversation about house edge. From there you can determine if they are someone who thinks they are an expert, and so would not take kindly to friendly tips, or if they are someone who really needs some help.


One essential tip is to always tip the dealer. Its standard casino etiquette to tip your dealer if you happen to be doing well, and craps is no exception. To tip the dealer just say 'ten for the house' and hand them some chips (as with learning anything else in the casino, easiest way to catch onto how something is done normally, is to let somebody else do it first and then imitate them). Just like at the blackjack table, you can also play out a bet for the dealer. If you want to place a bet for the dealer (it's like tipping them but they have the chance to win on the tip) stick to the pass line or come bets, as those provide the lowest house edge, and the dealers know this.


And if you've never been to a casino before there's one thing you really, really need to know! A phrase you can hear if you're sitting at any table game all is "Cocktails!?!" or 'Cocktails anyone!?!'


The drinks are free in American casinos (Canadian casinos have to follow a federal law banning the impartment of free alcoholic drinks, just free Pepsi there I'm afraid), European ones I'm not so sure. If you feel like a drink just place an order, in a few minutes the waitress will return and give you your drink without asking for any money. Always tip the waitress.