Craps Etiquette and Rules

In a casino full of superstitious people, craps players are the most superstitious of the lot. Not only do you want to be polite, but you don't want to incur the wrath of these superstitious mobs. They will eat you alive. Well, not really, but there are certain unwritten rules you'll want to observe to keep the games light-hearted and fun for everyone. Some craps etiquette rules are observed out of politeness, others are used for casino security and the rest are based on superstition.

Here are a number of important craps etiquette rules:

Use only one hand to handle the dice at all times

Don't ever use two hands to hold the dice and don't ever take the dice out of view. If you must switch hands, place the dice on the table with one hand and then use your other hand to pick them up again. If you break this rule, it slows the game down as the boxman has to inspect the die carefully before letting them back into play.

Don't block the shooter

This isn't basketball. You goal is not to reach across the table, intercept the dice midair and bitch-slap them into infinity. Pay attention to the shooter and keep your hands out of the way when he rolls the die. Touching a live dice is a big no-no. This is also why you don't place let bets. People often mess up the roll when trying to make last minute bets.

Know the rules and the names of your bets

It's completely understandable to get confused at the craps table - it can be a complex game. But at the very least, study up on the general flow of the game and know the names of the bets you want to place. New players can get in on the game pretty easily with simple pass line bets.

The craps table is loud and the players like to keep the game moving quickly. Don't be the slow, confused guy dropping chips everywhere, trying to explain to the dealer what kind of bet he's trying to place. That slows the game down and ruins the fun for the whole table.

Don't throw your chips at the dealer

Set your chips down quickly and neatly on the table and clearly state your wager. First of all, it's just rude to throw chips at the dealer. Second, it slows the game down for everyone when the dealer has to chase all your chips down.

Aim for the far wall

Ideally, every throw of the dice hits the far wall. If you come up short, some casinos will still count the roll, others won't. If you come up way too short, you'll have to roll again. And it's generally requested that you don't throw the dice higher than eye level.

Don't throw the dice with your full might

If you're chucking the dice and slamming them around, it will annoy everyone when the dice go careening away from the table. It's also annoying when your fastball sends chips flying or lands in the boxman's bank or the stickman's bowl.

Don't try to force your way in to a full table

If the table is completely packed, it's not going to make anyone happier when you come sloshing through the crowd to get a front row seat. If you absolutely must squeeze in, make sure you don't squeeze in in front of the shooter.

Don't take forever with the dice

If you're the shooter and have a weird lucky dance, don't make it take forever. If you need to shake the dice in your hand, do it quickly. Speed and efficiency are highly valued in craps.

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Keep food, drinks and cigarettes off the chip rail

Imagine how happy the table would be if you spilled your Big Gulp 80 oz Grape Soda all over the playing area. Even if you are an expert at not spilling food or drink, it's annoying having someone's smelly Happy Meal in the way. It's also polite to keep your cigarettes off to the side so the non-smokers can enjoy the game too.

Use common courtesy - especially with the dealer

I shouldn't even have to mention this rule but enough people violate it that it deserves a spot on this list. Words like "please" "thank you" and "excuse me" will take you a long ways with the dealers. If you show yourself to be a generally courteous person, just about any other etiquette offense can be forgiven.

Related craps pages:

Internet Craps
Craps Strategy