Etiquette when playing - Including Handling the Dice and Valid Throws
Observing good etiquette in Craps comes down to two pieces of advice:
First, don’t affect the people around you in a negative manner. It’s the golden rule of Craps (and life as well). Most rules are common sense and can be figured out by watching the players around the Craps table if you’re not sure. If you don’t bump, interrupt, or disrupt you’ll be fine.
Second, just because you’ve seen something on television or in a movie doesn’t mean its ok to do. Don’t be the guy in the lime green tuxedo spilling drinks on the table (and people) while blowing on the dice for twenty seconds (trust us – all it does is make the dice sloppy.)
Since Craps is a fast paced game, avoid anything that will slow down the action. Don’t make bets when the shooter has the dice. Some dealers will accept late bets but you chance slowing down the entire table. Also, place chips on your bets – don’t throw them.
People do try to cheat at Craps, so certain actions are forbidden because they’re similar to actions a cheater would take. Do you know that sleight of hand artists cup hands together to switch dice? You know you’re honest, but the staff doesn’t know that so the game will stop. Use one hand to shake the dice. Adding chips to winning bets is another scam, so keep hands out of the table when dice are in play. Always try to shoot dice quickly so you aren’t suspected of being a “Precision shooter” (people who can toss the dice in a manner to increase favorable rolls). While not illegal, anyone taking a long time to shoot or rearranging the dice in hand will be asked to leave. Also, we don’t want slow games, keep the dice kissing and blowing to a minimum. Save the long kissing for your honey and the short quick kisses for the dice.
Dice should always hit the back wall. It’s the boxman’s discretion to accept the roll but if you roll a winner for other people and it’s a ‘no roll’, you’re going to have some angry glares. Since players are hoping for different numbers be careful about calling out your number. Yelling, “Come on Seven” and shrieking with delight as you win will infuriate the people who lost while hoping for 6.
Mom usually cleans up after you but she might be playing blackjack, so don’t make a mess at the Craps table. Cigarettes can fall and damage expensive felt surfaces. Use the ashtrays and drink holders to keep things clean.
Now you know the basics of etiquette, you’re ready to go place a bet! Good luck!
