CRAPS TIPS

Did you know that in craps it’s supposedly bad luck to throw the dice in the air before shooting? This is just one of many craps tips or craps secrets that you should be familiar with before trying your hand at any real or online craps table. Read more of PlayingExpert.com’s craps tips below.

Craps Tips: Find free odds.

Free odds are the best bets in craps. Because free odds are played at actual odds, they have no house edge. Play craps smart by finding these bets and sticking to them to maximize your craps payouts.

Craps Tips: Tip the dealer.

It’s customary to tip 5% on wins, but on larger craps payouts that percentage actually goes down. You may also place a bet for the dealer alongside yours, or ask him where he wants his bet. You can also give a craps tip directly by placing a few chips next to the dealer but off of the betting layout. Dealers will often help you if you’re a new player, and tipping gets them more excited about your wins. So show your appreciation, and get the casino working for you!

Craps Tips: Roll the dice right.

The dice must hit the opposing wall of the table and bounce off for the roll to be considered fair. This ensures that the shooter can’t control them. If you undershoot the dice you just look goofy, and the dealer may make you roll again. If you overshoot and the dice roll off the table, the dealer then has to go look for them and check to see that nobody switched them out for loaded dice. You may be allowed to roll with the same dice if they’re ”hot,” but that’s entirely up to the dealer. Thankfully shooting correctly isn't a problem when you play craps online.

Craps Tips: Keep a level head.

It’s easy for new players to become overwhelmed. Sit back and watch some games to get the rhythm and lingo down. Also, be sure to practice before getting in on the action. Also, learn a couple safe bets and stick to them. You can read about the best bets on our craps strategy page. If you play craps online, then test your knowledge at a few free games before you head to the cash tables.

Craps Tips: Increase your bets when you’re winning, and decrease them when you’re losing.

Streaks are common, so this is a good way to cut your losses and maximize your craps payouts.

Craps Tips: Play craps with people you want to stand alongside.

Find the experienced players (they're easy to recognize), and bet with them. The opposite goes for the inexperienced players; bet against them. A good way to tell who’s who is to watch their dice rolls. If they demonstrate good control, then they probably know what they’re doing. Check out the number of chips each player has and watch what those with the big piles do. It’s common practice to bet along with the shooter because it makes craps more of a team game. Betting on the pass line is even called a “right bet,” while betting on the don’t pass is called a “wrong bet.” It’s up to you though, so you can go against the grain if you really want to. When you play craps online, at least you can't see anyone glaring at you.

Craps Tips: Know the Do’s and Don’t of Craps Table Etiquette

There are many craps secrets, unspoken craps rules and special taboos surrounding the table, and the last thing you want to do is find yourself on everyone’s bad side. It’s supposedly bad luck, for instance, to throw the dice in the air before shooting, but if you throw one up you’ll look like a seasoned veteran. It’s also supposed to be good luck to throw a penny under the table. These craps secrets may seem silly, and they are. They really do nothing for your odds of winning, but think of them as courtesies to your fellow players.

As for other craps faux-pas, don’t do anything that could be unlucky such as mentioning a losing number, and always let people make their own bets, however unlikely they may be. It’s common to have favorite bets, even if they are long shots. Respect these and the other craps players, even if they seem ridiculous, and you’ll ensure a pleasant experience for yourself and those around you.