The craps table, with its complex betting options and lively atmosphere, can be intimidating for newcomers. Beyond understanding the various wagers, mastering the proper dice handling etiquette is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience, both for yourself and your fellow players. Adhering to these rules ensures fair play, prevents accusations of cheating, and maintains the flow of the game. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the dice handling rules at the craps table, covering everything from the initial selection to the final throw.
Dice Handling Rules at the Craps Table
| Topic | Description | Consequences of Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Dice Selection | The stickman presents the shooter with five dice, and the shooter selects two. | Delay of game; potential suspicion of using loaded dice. |
| One-Handed Throw | The dice must be thrown with one hand, never two. | Invalid roll; potential warning from the boxman or pit boss. |
| Dice Visibility | The dice must be visible to all players and the dealers throughout the throw. | Invalid roll; potential suspicion of cheating. |
| Hitting the Back Wall | Both dice must hit the back wall of the craps table. | Invalid roll; the dice will be re-rolled. |
| Staying Within the Table | The dice must remain within the confines of the craps table. | Invalid roll; the dice will be re-rolled. |
| No Switching Dice During a Roll | The shooter cannot switch dice mid-roll or between rolls during their turn. | Immediate cessation of shooting privileges; potential ban from the casino. |
| Avoiding Obstructions | The dice must not hit anything before hitting the back wall (e.g., chips, hands). | Invalid roll; the dice will be re-rolled. |
| Calling the Roll | While not strictly mandatory, calling out the desired outcome of the roll is a common practice and adds to the excitement. | None. This is purely optional. |
| Dealer Instructions | Always follow the instructions of the dealers. They are there to ensure the game runs smoothly and fairly. | Potential warning; possible removal from the table if instructions are repeatedly ignored. |
| Injured Dice | If a die is damaged, the boxman will replace it. | Game stoppage until the die is replaced. |
| Dice Leaving the Table | If a die leaves the table, the boxman will inspect it and use it if approved. | Game stoppage until the die is approved and returned. |
| Proper Hand Placement | Keep your free hand away from the dice throwing hand. | Prevents accidental interference with the throw; avoids suspicion of cheating. |
| Resting Dice | When not actively shooting, rest the dice in front of you, within the designated area. | Prevents accidental throws; keeps the game flowing. |
| Dealing with Disputes | If there’s a disagreement about the outcome of a roll, defer to the dealer’s judgment. | Maintains order and fairness at the table. |
| End of Turn | When you "seven out" (roll a 7 after establishing a point), pass the dice clockwise to the next shooter. | Maintains the order of play. |
| Respectful Conduct | Maintain respectful and courteous behavior towards dealers and other players. | Ensures a pleasant and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone. |
| House Rules | Be aware of any specific house rules regarding dice handling at the particular casino you’re playing in. | Avoids misunderstandings and potential penalties. |
Detailed Explanations
Dice Selection: The stickman, using a hooked stick, pushes five dice towards the shooter. The shooter must choose two dice to use for their roll. This selection process helps ensure that the dice are not manipulated or loaded.
One-Handed Throw: The dice must be thrown with one hand. Using two hands is strictly prohibited as it could be perceived as an attempt to control the outcome of the roll. This rule maintains the randomness and fairness of the game.
Dice Visibility: Throughout the throw, the dice must be visible to all players and the dealers. This prevents any suspicion of sleight of hand or manipulation. Keeping the dice in plain sight ensures transparency and trust.
Hitting the Back Wall: Both dice must hit the back wall of the craps table on every throw. This is crucial for ensuring a random roll and preventing the shooter from controlling the dice’s trajectory. If the dice don’t hit the back wall, the roll is considered invalid.
Staying Within the Table: The dice must remain within the confines of the craps table after being thrown. If a die flies off the table, it disrupts the game and requires the boxman to retrieve and inspect it.
No Switching Dice During a Roll: The shooter is not allowed to switch dice mid-roll or between rolls during their turn. Once the shooter has selected their dice, they must use those dice until they "seven out" or relinquish the dice. This prevents any possibility of using weighted or altered dice.
Avoiding Obstructions: The dice must not hit anything before hitting the back wall, such as chips, hands, or other objects on the table. Any obstruction can affect the dice’s trajectory and compromise the fairness of the roll.
Calling the Roll: While not mandatory, it is common practice for the shooter to call out the desired outcome of the roll before throwing the dice. This adds to the excitement and camaraderie of the game. For example, the shooter might call out "Yo-leven!" (for 11) or "Hard Six!" (for a 3 and a 3).
Dealer Instructions: Always pay attention to and follow the instructions of the dealers. They are responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the game runs smoothly and fairly. They will guide you on proper procedures and resolve any disputes that may arise.
Injured Dice: If a die is damaged or chipped, it is considered "injured" and must be replaced. The boxman will replace the damaged die with a new, undamaged die to ensure fair play.
Dice Leaving the Table: If a die accidentally leaves the table during a roll, the boxman will inspect it before allowing it to be used again. This is to ensure that the die hasn’t been tampered with or switched. If the boxman deems the die acceptable, it will be returned to the game.
Proper Hand Placement: Keep your free hand away from the dice throwing hand during the roll. This prevents any accidental interference with the throw and avoids any suspicion of cheating.
Resting Dice: When you’re not actively shooting, rest the dice in front of you, within the designated area on the table. This prevents accidental throws and keeps the game flowing smoothly.
Dealing with Disputes: If there’s a disagreement about the outcome of a roll, defer to the dealer’s judgment. The dealers are trained to interpret the dice correctly and resolve any conflicts that may arise.
End of Turn: When you "seven out" (roll a 7 after establishing a point), your turn is over. Pass the dice clockwise to the next shooter. This ensures that everyone at the table has a chance to shoot.
Respectful Conduct: Maintain respectful and courteous behavior towards dealers and other players. Craps is a social game, and a positive attitude contributes to a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
House Rules: Be aware of any specific house rules regarding dice handling at the particular casino you’re playing in. These rules may vary slightly from casino to casino, so it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with them before you start playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the dice don’t hit the back wall?
The roll is invalid, and the dice will be re-rolled.
Can I use two hands to throw the dice?
No, you must throw the dice with one hand only.
What if a die falls off the table?
The boxman will retrieve and inspect the die before it’s used again.
Am I required to call out the roll before throwing the dice?
No, calling the roll is optional, but it adds to the fun.
What should I do if I’m unsure about a dice handling rule?
Ask the dealer for clarification; they are there to help.
What happens if I accidentally hit chips on the table with the dice?
The roll is invalid, and the dice will be re-rolled.
Can I switch dice during my turn as the shooter?
No, once you’ve selected your dice, you must use them until you "seven out."
What should I do if a die is chipped or damaged?
Inform the boxman, and they will replace the damaged die.
How do I know who the next shooter is?
The dice are typically passed clockwise around the table.
Is it okay to touch the dice when it’s not my turn?
No, only the current shooter should handle the dice.
Conclusion
Understanding and adhering to the dice handling rules at the craps table is essential for fair play and an enjoyable gaming experience. By following these guidelines, you contribute to a smooth and respectful environment for all players involved. Always remember to observe the game, ask questions if you’re unsure, and respect the instructions of the dealers.