Craps Dice Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules of the Table

Craps is a game defined by its energy, but that energy is maintained through a strict set of unwritten rules and formal protocols. For a newcomer, the technical side of the game is easy enough to learn, but “dice etiquette” is what truly separates a novice from a seasoned player. In a high-stakes environment, following proper etiquette isn’t just about being polite—it’s about ensuring the integrity of the game and keeping the pace moving for everyone at the table. At Winner Online, we’ve compiled the essential “do’s and don’ts” for handling the dice to help you feel like a pro from your very first roll.

The Role of the Shooter

When it is your turn to roll, you become the “shooter.” This is a position of both excitement and responsibility. The dice will be pushed to you by the Stickman using a long wooden wand. You will usually be offered a choice of five dice; you must pick two and only two. Once you have selected your pair, the remaining three are pulled back.

Handling the Dice: The Golden Rules

The most important rules of Craps etiquette involve how you physically handle the dice. Because the game relies on the random outcome of a toss, the casino and your fellow players are very sensitive to how the dice are treated.

Use One Hand Only

This is the number one rule of dice etiquette. Once you pick up the dice, you must handle them with only one hand. Switching the dice from one hand to the other or using both hands to “cup” them is strictly forbidden. This rule exists to prevent “cheating” or “switching” the dice with a hidden pair. If you use two hands, the boxman will immediately call a “no roll” and may even inspect the dice.

Keep the Dice Over the Table

From the moment you pick the dice up until they leave your hand, they must remain over the green felt of the table. Never pull the dice back past the edge of the table or hold them over the floor. If the dice leave the sight of the dealers or the cameras, they are considered “dead,” and the Stickman will have to inspect them before they can be used again.

Don’t Shake Them Like a Cocktail

While movies often show players shaking dice vigorously in their closed fists for a long time, in a real gaming environment, this is frowned upon. Prolonged shaking delays the game. A quick shake or simply setting your “set” (the way the numbers face up) and throwing is the preferred method.

The Throw: Hitting the Back Wall

When you throw the dice, they must travel the full length of the table and hit the opposite back wall. The back wall is usually lined with a rubberized “pyramid” or “egg crate” pattern designed to ensure the dice bounce randomly.

• The “Short” Roll: If the dice don’t hit the back wall, the boxman might give you a warning. If it happens repeatedly, the roll may be invalidated.
• The Height of the Toss: Try to keep the dice at a reasonable height. A toss that is too high (into the lights) or too low (sliding across the felt) may be questioned. Aim for a gentle arc that allows the dice to tumble off the back wall.

When the Dice Leave the Table

It happens to everyone—a toss is a bit too enthusiastic, and the dice fly off the table and onto the floor.

1. Do not try to catch them: If the dice are heading for the floor, let them go.
2. Wait for the “Dice Down”: The Stickman will call “Dice Down” or “No Roll.”
3. The Inspection: A member of the crew will retrieve the dice. The Boxman will inspect them to ensure they haven’t been tampered with or chipped before putting them back into play.
4. The “Same Dice” Request: Some superstitious players will ask for the “Same Dice” instead of picking from the bowl again. While allowed, it can slow down the game, so use this request sparingly.

Respecting the “Seven” Taboo

One of the most famous pieces of Craps etiquette has nothing to do with physics and everything to do with tradition. Never say the word “Seven” at a Craps table once a point has been established.

To “Right Bettors” (those betting with the shooter), the number 7 is the ultimate “bad omen.” If you need to refer to it, players often call it “Big Red” or “The Other Number.” While the dice don’t actually care what you say, shouting “Seven!” is a quick way to lose the respect of the other players at the table.

Interaction with the Crew

The Stickman is the “MC” of the Craps table. They are responsible for the pace of the game.

• Wait for the Dice: Don’t grab the dice until the Stickman pushes them to you.
• Tipping (The “Toke”): It is common etiquette to tip the dealers, especially during a winning streak. You can do this by handing them a chip or by placing a “Two-Way” bet where you place a wager for yourself and a smaller one for the “boys” (the dealers).

Conclusion

Mastering dice etiquette is about more than just following rules; it’s about respecting the flow and the traditions of the game. By using one hand, hitting the back wall, and keeping the dice over the table, you ensure a fair and fast-paced game for everyone involved. For Canadian players looking to dive into the world of Craps, following these simple protocols will make you a welcome addition to any table. Stay tuned to Winner Online for more insights into the culture and strategy of the world’s most exciting table games.