Shooting dice, also known as playing craps, is a very exciting and rather captivating game. Whether in a casino or with friends, knowing the rules and strategies of the game makes it much more engaging. This is a guide on how to shoot dice, covering all the basics of shooting dice, the rules, strategies, and even etiquette.
Understand the Basics of Craps
Craps is a dice game in which players bet on the result of a roll of two dice. The game might look somewhat complicated, but it gets easy once the player knows the basics.
Equipment
- Dice: Two regular six-sided dice.
- Table: A specific table with marked spaces for placing bets.
- Chips: Used to place the bets on the table.
Common Terminology
- Craps: When the roll on the come-out roll is either 2, 3, or 12.
- Natural: When the roll on the come-out roll is 7 or 11.
- Point: When the number is established on the come-out roll, the number happens to be 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10.
- Seven-Out: This occurs when, after the point has been set, the roller rolls a 7, thus ending the round.
The Basic Rules
The Come-Out Roll
Every round starts with what is called the “come-out roll.”
- Pass Line Bet: A player places his chips on the “Pass Line” before the come-out roll.
Rolling the Dice:
- Win on the Come-Out Roll: Rolling a 7 or an 11.
- Lose on the Come-Out Roll: Rolling a 2, 3, or 12, known as “craps.”
- Establish the Point: Rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, which becomes the “point.”
Rolling for the Point
In case a point is established, the goal is to roll that number again before rolling a 7.
- Rolling the Point: If the shooter rolls the point number again, the Pass Line wagers win.
- Rolling a 7: If the shooter rolls a 7 before the point number, then the Pass Line bets lose. This ends the round.
Strategies for Shooting Dice
Basic Gambling Strategies
- Pass Line Bet: This is the most basic bet. You are betting on the Pass Line during the come-out roll.
- Don't Pass Bet: This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet. You win if the come-out roll is either 2 or 3 and lose if it's 7 or 11. If it's 12, the result is a push.
Advanced Betting Strategies
- Come Bet: This bet is essentially identical to the Pass Line bet, but it is placed after the point has been established.
- Don't Come: This is like the Don't Pass bet but can be made after the point is set.
- Odds Bet: This is another bet that backs up Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, or Don't Come. This bet has no house edge, so it is a great bet.
Shooting Dice Etiquette
Good etiquette is required to keep things friendly for everyone playing.
- Manage the Dice: Always handle the dice with one hand, and when you throw it, the dice must hit the back wall.
- Betting: Place bets quickly and clearly; never change or cancel bets after the dice have been thrown.
- Be Respectful: Extend the same good manners to fellow players and the dealers. Never interrupt or disturb anyone during the game.
Tips for Beginners
Keep it Simple
Start with some basic bets, like the Pass Line and Don't Pass. They are pretty simple, so start with those.
Manage Your Bankroll
Set a budget for your play and stick to it. Never chase losses, and know when to leave the table.
Practice
If you are new to the game, then you must practice at least through online sites or with friends. This gives you more confidence to venture into playing in casinos. Knowing the game gives confidence.
All in all, shooting dice is a fun, exciting game that combines luck with strategy. Knowing the rules of the game, making smart bets, and showing good manners at the table all add up to heighten the fun. No matter if you are in a casino or just shooting dice with friends, the following tips will get you started on how to shoot dice like a pro.
