Beyond the Bets: A Guide to Craps Table Etiquette and Smart Play

Craps is a fast-paced game with an energy unlike any other in the casino. While understanding the bets is essential for winning, knowing the unwritten rules and proper table etiquette is key to feeling comfortable and being respected by other players and the staff.

This guide will walk you through the social side of craps, from understanding the roles at the table to practicing smart, responsible habits.

Master the Game: Discover the Etiquette and Strategies of Craps for a Winning Experience.

The People at the Table

Before you place your first bet, it helps to know who's who at the craps table. Each person has a specific role to keep the game running smoothly.

The Shooter: The player who has the dice and is rolling them. The dice rotate around the table, so everyone gets a chance to be the shooter.

The Boxman: The supervisor who sits in the middle of the table, directly across from the stickman. They oversee the game, watch for disputes, and handle the chips.

The Stickman: Named for the long stick they hold, the stickman's job is to manage the dice. They push the dice to the shooter, retrieve them after each roll, and call out the results of the roll.

The Base Dealers: These dealers stand on either side of the boxman. They are responsible for placing player bets, paying out winning wagers, and collecting losing ones.

Craps Table Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules

Craps has a few quirky traditions and rules of etiquette that are important to follow to ensure a good experience for everyone.

• Don't Touch the Dice After They're Thrown: Once the shooter has the dice, don't touch them. Wait until the stickman has pushed the dice to you.

• Use One Hand to Handle the Dice: When you have the dice to shoot, use one hand to pick them up and toss them. This is a rule enforced by the casino.

• Don't Hand Cash to a Dealer: When buying in, place your cash on the table, not in the dealer's hand. The dealer will take it and give you chips in return. This is a security measure.

• Toss the Dice to Hit the Back Wall: When you throw the dice, make sure they hit the pyramid-covered back wall of the table. If they don't, the roll is invalid and you'll have to re roll.

• Keep Your Hands off the Table During a Roll: Once the shooter is ready to roll, keep your hands and chips away from the playing area to avoid interfering with the game.

• Don't Say the Word "Seven" Out Loud: This is a superstitious tradition. In the middle of a Point roll, players believe that saying the number seven will cause the shooter to seven out.

Online Craps: What Changes?

If you choose to play craps online, many of the rules above won't apply. Online craps is a great way to learn the game and get comfortable with the bets without the social pressures of a live table.

• No Dealers or Staff: The roles of the stickman, boxman, and dealers are handled by the computer software. This means the game moves much faster.

• No Etiquette Rules: The superstitions and unwritten rules of the live game are not a factor. You don't have to worry about hitting the back wall or touching the dice with one hand.

• Practice with Ease: Online craps tables are perfect for practicing. Many sites offer free-to-play versions, allowing you to master your strategy without risking any money.

Tipping the Dealers

Like with many table games, it is customary to tip the dealers in a live craps game. You can do this by placing a wager on the dealer’s behalf (usually a Pass Line bet) or by placing a tip bet in front of them. It is a sign of appreciation for a good crew that is running the game well.

Playing Smart: Bankroll and Mindset

Beyond etiquette, a true mark of a smart player is their approach to the game. How you manage your money and your emotions is just as important as knowing the rules.

• Master Your Bankroll: Set a Budget. Before you even approach the table, decide how much money you are willing to lose and stick to that number. It is a form of entertainment, not an investment.

• Mindset is Key: Stay Calm. Craps is a game of highs and lows. The best players remain calm, avoiding emotional bets. Don't chase losses; if you are down, it is often a good time to walk away.

• Understand that Luck Plays a Role. Even with the lowest house edge bets, the casino still has an advantage. Know that you can do everything right and still lose. That's the nature of a game of chance.

Conclusion

By understanding the key roles at the table, following proper etiquette, and approaching the game with a smart, responsible mindset, you will not only be more comfortable but also more respected at the craps table. This is the final step to becoming a truly well rounded player.