Craps Part 1 - Approaching the Table

Mike Shackleford: Hello, I'm Mike Shackleford from Wnternetradiomercedes.com, joining me are the wonderful Angela Wyman and our dealer, Dan Lubin. Today, we'll dive into the game of Craps and discuss its rules in detail. Do you have any initial questions for me?

Angela Wyman: Yes, I'm really looking forward to this discussion. Every time I pass by a Craps table, it seems so exciting, yet I feel overwhelmed. I have no idea how to get started or how to approach the table.

Mike: That's a great question. The first step is to get your cash ready. You can approach the table at any moment, but it's essential to wait until the dice are in the center of the table before you can buy chips. Dan will clarify that for you a bit more.

Dan Lubin: When you arrive at the table, look for an empty space and stand there. If the dice are at the center, you can place your money in the 'come' section of the table layout and ask for change by saying, \"Change, please.\" If the dice are not in the center, the dealer will inform you to wait until after the roll before making a change.

A key aspect of Craps etiquette is when the dice are not centered; it's important to keep your hands away from the inside of the tub area. You definitely don’t want the dice to strike you, especially if a seven-out occurs, which can lead to losses for many players. Additionally, you shouldn't attempt to place late bets while the dice are out, as dealers are unable to handle bets in that situation. Waiting for the dice to return to the center is crucial for making changes or bets. Once the dice are out of the center, keep your hands away and just observe the dice while you anticipate the result.

Mike: Okay. Change please.

Dan: Alright. Only change is allowed. The base dealer will bring the money into the center where the boxman will tally it. If the boxman isn't present, the dealer will count it. For example, if there is $100, the dealer will announce \"Change 100\" or sometimes say \"one small\" if you're buying in with twenties. In exchange for a hundred dollars, they would typically bring out a stack of $5 chips known as 'nickels,' take four chips away, and also present you with a stack of single dollar bills for making prop bets and tipping the cocktail waitresses. This amount will then be handed over to you.

It’s crucial to ensure that the money you've received should not be left on the edge of the layout. Instead, it should be stored in the chip rack, and any bets you wish to place can be made using the designated areas like the pass line, field, or come.

Areas marked with numbers signify the 'box numbers.' Players are not allowed to reach into this section known as the cash register, which is strictly managed by the dealers. If you wish to place a bet on a four, five, or nine—any number you think will show up—you would need to put money into the come area and clearly say, \"I want to place the five for $10 or $15,\" and the dealer will assist you.

Mike: So, my chips should only be up here on the table, while items like drinks or cigarettes should go on the lower ledge, correct?

Dan: Precisely! The only items a player should have at the Craps table are their chips and money. Things like cigarettes, mobile phones, and drinks should be placed on the ledge beneath the chip rack. If you need to access them, you can just reach underneath. Everything on top of the table should solely consist of chips.

Mike: I think now we can start discussing the rules of the game. The most basic bet in Craps is the pass line bet, which nearly every player at the table will make. To place this bet, it's important to wait for a 'come out roll.' Dan, how can players identify when it's a 'come out roll'?

Dan: On a Craps table, there is a puck marker that indicates whether a point has been set or if the shooter is seeking to establish one. If the puck is on the off side—specifically the black side—and is situated next to the box numbers in the don't come area, it signals that it is the come out roll. The goal is to roll a number from the range of four to ten, and once that number is achieved, the dealer will mark it, indicating the winning point number for the pass line.

For the pass line, you are entitled to place a bet during the come out roll. It’s also permissible to make a pass line bet once a number has been established. However, once you place this bet, it must remain in position; it cannot be withdrawn or removed as it is a binding bet.

Mike: Let's put this into practice. Since the puck says 'off,' Angela, please make your bet and place it on the pass line.

Dan: If she's the shooter, the stick-man will pass the dice to her. If the last round ended in a seven-out, five dice will be handed to the shooter, and the proper etiquette is for the new shooter to pick two dice from the five provided, while the stick-man retrieves the remaining three to place back in the dice bowl. At all times, you should utilize only one hand when handling the dice and keep them within the tub area. Using two hands or removing the dice from the tabletop isn’t allowed; they must stay within the tub while you roll them.

Question 1

Angela: Is there a specific technique I should follow when rolling? Should I toss them gently into the air or flick them towards the back wall?

Mike: Both methods are acceptable. Personally, I prefer to toss them lightly because it's seen as bad luck if the dice collide with chips during the journey. Although that’s just a superstition, I try to avoid upsetting anyone, so I opt to aim for a spot with minimal chips on the table as I lob the dice.

Dan: Additionally, for a roll to be considered valid, the dice need to hit the back wall, which is usually lined with rubber material.

Mike: It looks like we're ready to begin playing. There are many betting options available, and we will discuss them one by one. To start, let's focus on the pass line bet.

Written by: Michael Shackleford