Craps: Helpful Hints
by Wilson of Predictem.com
Craps is the type of game that can make people do things that they normally wouldn’t do. You can be the most conservative person in the world, but step up to a craps table and turn into a chip chucking loose cannon! Why? It’s fun man! Ok, I admit, it is fun to throw some chips on the table and yell “$25 on the yo!” However, this kind of behavior on a craps table will eventually empty your pockets, hotel room safe and ultimately your savings and checking accounts! There are a lot of ignorant craps players out there who think the more bets they make the more money they will win. Of course the latter is a ridiculous logic. Here are just a few suggestions on what not to do at the craps table.
Education
First of all, if you plan on playing craps you should learn the basics of the game. I see tons of people walk up to a craps table looking like lost puppies and then they buy in for $100 and lose it in a flash. I like to call these people the wanna-be’s because it’s obvious they want to play and be a part of the excitement and glamour of craps but they haven’t educated themselves. Either way you look at it, gambling is a risk. A person could die financially by being an uneducated gambler. Most casinos offer a free craps lesson daily, usually in the mornings when the tables are not as crowded-take advantage of the free lessons and read as much as you can before you play. No book or article will make you a winner at craps. Self discipline will help make you a winner at craps and it begins by learning the game. Remember, gambling is a risky business, never go in blind; be a student of the game.
Game Plan
I also coach basketball and baseball and the most important part of my job is having a plan. It’s no different when approaching a craps table: you need a plan. Craps is by far the fastest moving table game in a casino, if you don’t have a plan; chances are you will end up making some poor decisions. Why? Betting is contagious. Watch how other players make bets, they usually follow another player who seems to have it all figured out because apparently they are winning. Do not do be a follower on the craps table, be the leader of your own plan. For example, a properly prepared craps player will approach the table knowing what bets to make, how much money bet (bankroll), and when to quit. Also, if you have a solid strategic plan it’s easier to avoid the dealer’s and stickperson’s suggested sucker bets as they are trained to “advertise” the high house advantage bets. If you don’t have a plan you will just be catering to the famous Las Vegas slogan “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” (your money).
Ask for Change
When you start winning on a craps table you will notice that most dealers will begin giving you the highest domination of chips possible. For example, if you are a $5 bettor and you keep winning and pressing your bets up to $15 or $20 the dealers will more than likely give you a $25 chip and take away some of red chips ($5). Why? Casinos know that craps is the fastest table game; they also know that people tend to bet whatever is in front of them rather than ask for a change breakdown. Why? Because we humans have this whole pride thing going on, we don’t want to look like we can’t afford the big bet! Hey, we started with these little red chips and now look; we have graduated to the prestigious green chips ($25) or better yet, the black chips ($100). The casinos are counting on our egos to bet the higher monetary value chips as they know that eventually we will lose them all back to the house. Don’t be an ego-maniac, you can color up (consolidate chips) when you leave the table on your own terms. Say it! “Reds please” or “whites please”; communicate it’s never too late.
Don’t Drink and Dice
Hello, why do you think the casinos offer free drinks to all gamblers? They know that alcohol leads to poor judgments and increases a player’s likelihood to take risk. I realize this may be common sense but if you observe players at a craps table you will see most of them drinking an alcoholic beverage. Why? Well, a lot of people gamble for fun, and drinking is part of the fun (until the next morning). The serious craps players who are out there to win money and harbor the best possible winning strategies never touch the booze as it’s a recipe for disaster. Although they try not to admit it, most casinos do have water, coffee, soda, and juice: order up!
Go with your Gut!
Ok, this may be the most popular saying in regards to gambling, but it’s true for most people. If you don’t feel good about playing at a certain casino or a particular craps table then simply leave or go to another table. Does it really matter? Yes! If you went to a restaurant and the service was bad and the food was less than desirable would you stay or go? It’s the same on craps table or in a casino. I remember one time in Reno, Nevada I walked into a casino and started playing a $5 craps table with three other players. Soon after I bought in I realized that this table was bad. Why? First the dealers and the stickperson never made eye contact with me, and they appeared to be “put out” if I asked for anything. The entire experience was negative. I quickly gathered my chips, cashed out at the casino cage and went to another casino. People can argue that a positive vibe and friendly atmosphere will not change the outcome of a gambling experience, which may be true, but a great piece of prime rib served by a jerk really isn’t as great.
Luck to ya.
Players Only - Your credit card WILL work here!
Win at Craps - We give tips and advice how to keep the house advantage from killing your bankroll.
How to Lay Odds - It's confusing at first but becomes easy once you learn!
Frequently Asked Questions - Answers to questions like "what does same dice mean" and more!