Mastering the Art of Dice: A Comprehensive Guide to Shooting Dice Like a Pro

Shooting dice, or craps, is a thrilling and dynamic game of chance enjoyed in casinos and casual settings alike. While it may seem intimidating at first glance with its array of betting options and fast-paced action, understanding the fundamentals of shooting dice is surprisingly straightforward. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the game, from the basic rules and betting options to advanced strategies and etiquette, empowering you to step up to the craps table with confidence and play like a seasoned pro.

## Understanding the Basics: Dice, Table, and Terminology

Before diving into the gameplay, let’s familiarize ourselves with the essential components:

* **The Dice:** Craps uses two standard six-sided dice. Each die is numbered from 1 to 6, and the sum of the two dice determines the outcome of each roll.

* **The Craps Table:** The craps table is a rectangular table with a complex layout of betting areas. It is typically surrounded by players and staffed by casino employees (dealers) who manage the game.

* **Terminology:** Several key terms are used in craps. Understanding these terms is crucial for following the game’s flow.
* **Shooter:** The player who rolls the dice.
* **Pass Line:** A common bet that wins if the come-out roll is 7 or 11 and loses if it’s 2, 3, or 12.
* **Don’t Pass Line:** The opposite of the Pass Line bet, winning on 2 or 3, losing on 7 or 11, and pushing (tie) on 12 on the come-out roll.
* **Come-Out Roll:** The first roll of the dice in a new round.
* **Point:** If the come-out roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point.” The shooter must then roll the point number again before rolling a 7 to win.
* **Seven Out:** Rolling a 7 after a point has been established, resulting in a loss for Pass Line bettors.
* **Hardways:** Bets that a specific pair of numbers (4, 6, 8, or 10) will be rolled before a 7 or an “easy” version of the same number (e.g., 4 rolled as 1 and 3, not 2 and 2).
* **Proposition Bets:** One-roll bets placed in the center of the table with high payouts and high house edges.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Shooting Dice:

Now, let’s break down the gameplay into easy-to-follow steps:

**1. Joining the Game and Placing Your Bets:**

* **Find an Open Spot:** Locate a craps table with available space. You can usually tell if a table is active by the presence of players and the dealers.
* **Buy Chips:** Exchange your cash for casino chips. Place your money on the table and tell the dealer how you’d like your chips denominated (e.g., “Give me 20 dollars in $1 chips”).
* **The Come-Out Roll:** If you are the first shooter of a new round, the game begins with the “come-out roll.” Place your initial bet. The most common initial bets are the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line. Let’s examine these in more detail:

* **The Pass Line Bet:** This is the most popular bet in craps. To place a Pass Line bet, put your chips in the designated area on the table before the come-out roll.

* **Winning:** You win if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11. This is called a “natural.” The payout is typically 1:1 (even money).
* **Losing:** You lose if the come-out roll is a 2, 3, or 12. This is called “craps.”
* **Establishing a Point:** If the come-out roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point.” A marker (a plastic disc) is placed on the corresponding number on the table to indicate the point. The game then progresses to the next phase.
* **The Don’t Pass Line Bet:** This bet is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. To place a Don’t Pass Line bet, place your chips in the designated area before the come-out roll.
* **Winning:** You win if the come-out roll is a 2 or 3.
* **Losing:** You lose if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11.
* **Pushing (Tie):** If the come-out roll is a 12, the bet is a push, meaning you neither win nor lose. Your chips are returned to you.
* **Establishing a Point:** If the come-out roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the “point.” The game then progresses to the next phase.

**2. Rolling the Dice:**

* **Selecting the Dice:** The shooter selects two dice from a set of five offered by the stickman (the dealer who manages the center of the table).
* **The Roll:** The shooter must throw the dice so that they hit the back wall of the table. This ensures a random roll.
* **Come-Out Roll Outcomes:** As mentioned above, the come-out roll determines the initial outcome of the round.

**3. The Point Phase:**

* **Establishing the Point:** If the come-out roll establishes a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), the shooter continues to roll the dice. The goal is to roll the point number again before rolling a 7.
* **Rolling the Point:** If the shooter rolls the point number before rolling a 7, the Pass Line bet wins, and the shooter keeps the dice for another round.
* **Seven Out:** If the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point number, this is called a “seven out.” The Pass Line bet loses, and the dice are passed to the next player in a clockwise direction.

**4. Other Betting Options:**

While the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets are fundamental, craps offers a wide array of other betting options, each with its own odds and payouts. Here are some of the most common:

* **Come Bet:** This bet is similar to the Pass Line bet, but it’s placed *after* a point has already been established. The next roll after placing a Come bet is treated as the “come-out roll” for that bet. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, the Come bet wins. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the Come bet loses. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “come point” for that bet, and the Come bet wins if that number is rolled again before a 7.
* **Don’t Come Bet:** This bet is similar to the Don’t Pass Line bet, but it’s placed *after* a point has already been established. The next roll after placing a Don’t Come bet is treated as the “come-out roll” for that bet. If a 2 or 3 is rolled, the Don’t Come bet wins. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, the Don’t Come bet loses. If a 12 is rolled, it’s a push. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “come point” for that bet, and the Don’t Come bet wins if a 7 is rolled before that number.
* **Place Bets (To Win):** These bets are placed on individual numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) after a point has been established. You are betting that the specific number will be rolled before a 7. The payouts vary depending on the number.
* 4 or 10: Pays 9:5
* 5 or 9: Pays 7:5
* 6 or 8: Pays 7:6
* **Place Bets (To Lose/Lay Bets):** These bets are the opposite of Place Bets to Win. You are betting that a 7 will be rolled before the specific number. These bets typically require laying commission (vig) to the house, usually 5% of the potential win.
* 4 or 10: Pays 5:11 (meaning you need to bet $11 to win $5)
* 5 or 9: Pays 5:8 (meaning you need to bet $8 to win $5)
* 6 or 8: Pays 4:7 (meaning you need to bet $7 to win $4)
* **Hardways:** These bets are placed on specific pairs of numbers (4, 6, 8, or 10) being rolled as doubles (e.g., 2+2 for Hard 4, 3+3 for Hard 6) *before* a 7 or an “easy” version of the same number (e.g., 1+3 for an easy 4). The payouts are higher than Place Bets, but the house edge is also higher.
* Hard 4 or Hard 10: Pays 7:1
* Hard 6 or Hard 8: Pays 9:1
* **Proposition Bets:** These are one-roll bets located in the center of the table. They offer high payouts but have very high house edges, making them generally unfavorable for players. Examples include betting on a specific number being rolled on the next roll (e.g., betting on a 2 or 12, which pays 30:1 or betting on any 7 being rolled which pays 4:1).
* **Field Bet:** A one-roll bet that wins if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Payouts vary depending on the number rolled (typically 2:1 for 2 and 12, and 1:1 for all other numbers). Numbers not listed lose.

**5. Dice Etiquette and Important Considerations:**

* **Respect the Game:** Craps is a social game. Be courteous to other players and the dealers.
* **Handle the Dice Carefully:** When you are the shooter, handle the dice with respect. Don’t throw them wildly or try to manipulate them.
* **Keep Bets Visible:** Make sure your bets are clearly visible to the dealers.
* **Know the Rules:** Familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the casino you are playing in. Some casinos may have slight variations in their rules.
* **Manage Your Bankroll:** Set a budget for your craps session and stick to it. Don’t chase losses.
* **Tip the Dealers:** Tipping the dealers is customary in casinos. You can tip them by placing a bet for them or giving them a portion of your winnings.
* **Avoid Proposition Bets (Mostly):** While tempting, the high house edge on proposition bets makes them a poor long-term strategy.
* **Understand the House Edge:** Every bet in craps has a house edge, which represents the casino’s advantage over the player. Be aware of the house edge for each bet you make.

## Basic Craps Strategy:

While craps is ultimately a game of chance, employing a basic strategy can help you manage your bankroll and improve your odds of winning. Here’s a simple strategy for beginners:

1. **Stick to the Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line:** These bets offer the lowest house edge in craps.
2. **Consider Taking Odds:** After a point is established on a Pass Line bet, you can “take odds.” This is an additional bet that the point number will be rolled before a 7. Taking odds significantly reduces the house edge on the Pass Line bet. The amount of odds you can take varies from casino to casino.
3. **Be Conservative:** Avoid making too many bets at once. Focus on a few key bets and manage your bankroll carefully.
4. **Learn Basic Odds and Payouts:** Understanding the payouts for different bets will help you make informed decisions.

## Advanced Strategies (For Experienced Players):

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can explore more advanced strategies, such as:

* **Come and Don’t Come Betting:** This strategy involves placing Come and Don’t Come bets after a point has been established to create multiple betting opportunities.
* **Place Betting:** Strategically placing bets on specific numbers can be profitable if you understand the odds and payouts.
* **Hedging Bets:** This involves placing multiple bets that cover different outcomes to reduce your risk.
* **Dice Setting:** Some players believe that they can influence the outcome of the dice by setting them in a specific way before rolling. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, some experienced players swear by it.

## Conclusion:

Shooting dice can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. By understanding the rules, betting options, and basic strategies, you can approach the craps table with confidence and increase your chances of winning. Remember to manage your bankroll, practice good etiquette, and most importantly, have fun! Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a curious beginner, mastering the art of shooting dice is a journey worth taking. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!