Tricks To Playing Craps
Craps is a wonderful game played with dice and if you love dice games then you should select craps to play at casinos. Most players specially the ones who are new gamers always look for easy method to win the game and therefore search for cheats and hacks. But the truth is you end up behind bars if you are caught up cheating at games when playing at land casinos so better understand the game and practice for free first at online casinos and then jump to play with real dollars.
Here we bring to you three tricks to cheat at the game of craps most commonly used by players. Our intention is not lure you to cheat but to gain information on such hacks at the craps game table so that you know if other player cheats and save yourself. Like popular cheat for any table game going at real land casinos is that other players might try to steal your chips while you’re involved in the game and not looking. Craps can be such a high action game that players often forget to keep an eye on their rail chips. Other cheats will try to collect your bets off the table. Since you are responsible for collecting your own winnings you must be sure to keep track of where your money lies on the craps table. Some players may also try to cheat the house by placing their bet after the decision has been made. This doesn’t hurt you directly but it’s not the kind of play you want to see at your craps table.
Also there are many players who cheat with the dice. Some players will attempt to slip a pair of altered dice into the game. The alterations maybe in the form of a loaded die which can weight down on one side to increase the odds of a certain number being rolled. Or it can be crooked dice that will have certain sides rounded out and others left flat, again to increase the odds of a certain number. There are many ways to catch such altered dice. Just hold the sides of the two dice together in and turn them in a very methodical order. You will find that rounded sides will not match up correctly causing the dice to wobble. Also to check for loaded dice try holding each die by the corners between two fingers with little pressure applied you will find that weighted sides will rollover repeatedly.
#1 Cheat by Dice Control
Dice control is a way used by cheats to shoot otherwise legal dice in a manner that controls the roll of the dice. If done correctly, dice control causes some numbers to appear more often than others. To do so, you have to set the dice in your hand before the roll. Setting the dice means certain desirable numbers are arranged as you hold the two dice. But this is difficult, because casinos have rules against holding dice with two hands. You would have to learn the various dice control methods before getting an accurate idea of whether dice control works.
- Create your own game by placing a bet on the Come Line. The same rules of the Pass Line apply, only you will be playing outside of the main Pass Line game. If you are the one rolling the dice, make sure the roll is hard enough that it hits the back wall.
- The house edge for this bet is at 1.52%. This house edge is what makes this bet option popular amongst craps players. The odds are at 7:6. Tips for Playing Craps: Conclusion. The game of Craps is one of the fascinating games, and there are endless tips and tricks that you have written out throughout the years.
How to win at craps continues with preserving your bankroll during play On passing you the chips, the temptation to throw money all around the craps table is huge. Playing craps needs a certain mindset. If you feel it's ok to lose $100 because you have another $900 in your pocket - you're doomed to lose. It's never ok to lose money recklessly.
The most difficult method of cheating is the “whip shot”. The whip shot is a throw that sends both dice spinning on a vertical axis all the way down the table without tumbling over. Most craps supervisors are trained to recognize this throw and modern dice rarely maintain a vertical axis on craps tables equipped with speed bumps and rubber bumpers. An attempt to roll a whip shot will usually result in the box man calling “no roll”.
#2 Cheat by Making Late Bets
Making late bets can be effective in craps, though a cheater has to be quick with sleight of hands. By making late bets after the result of the roll is known, you take all the guesswork out of dice shooting. In our previous posts we have talked about this kind of cheat called “past posting” in the game of roulette and is an effective way to cheat, if the cheater and the croupier are colluding. Remember as craps tables has four dealers, making late bets is less effective. It is much less likely you could get 4 dealers to collude, because of the risk and the need to share winnings 5 ways instead of 2 ways. Even if you did, the chance one of the dealers would rat you out is much higher. Making late bets on your own without dealer help means you have to fool 4 sets of eyes, or 5 if you count the pit boss.
#3 Cheating at Craps with Fixed Dice
There are various methods used by players to fix dice. The risk of using loaded dice is great in legal casinos and private dice games alike. Remember that a craps cheat has to switch their loaded dice with the official dice at the craps table.
One of the ways is weighted dice where the players change the center of mass in the dice, so one side is favored when rolled. If you weight the die to the 6-side, then it will be more likely to come up the number on the other side. The common materials used to weight a die are lead, platinum, and gold. These are heavier, so you don’t need as much metal to weight the die.
Most casino cheats weight dice by drilling a hole in one of the dots and placing metal inside. Then they replace the hole in the pip and do their best to assure the die looks natural. A gaming inspector with an expert eye can usually spot an inconsistency, such as a dot that’s deeper than the rest of the dots.
The other way is tappers which are weighted in a more sophisticated manner, and makes them harder to spot. Tappers have a shape inside them which looks like a dumbbell, with the dumbbell arranged in such a way that one end is in the middle of the dice and another end is toward one side. This dumbbell is filled with mercury, a weighted medal that is liquid at room temperature.
If the mercury is in the center of the die, then it will seem normally weighted to an expert. Once the game begins, the cheater can “tap” the die to cause the mercury to flow to the side. Some tappers have a tiny ratchet mechanism inside, so the tap manipulates the mechanism. If this method is used, then the tapper needs rubber inside, to keep the die from making noises.
Then there is a way called floaters or “floats” which are dice with hollow insides. Because they weigh slightly less, they float on one end of the dice. This is the opposite of the weighted die, except with the opposite effect. Instead of one number being favored because it’s opposite is heavier from metal inserts, one number is favored because that side is hollowed-out and thus weighs less.
One of the method also used is Mis-spotted dice which do not have the normal number of spots. Most dice have three sets of opposite sides: 1-6, 2-5, and 3-4. On a mis-spotted die, one or more of the numbers is missing, while one or more of the numbers is doubly-represented. Some of the common names given to Mis-spotted dice in the craps cheat are “horses and tees”, “mis-spots”, “tops and bottoms”, and “tops”.
Dice with duplicated numbers generally are easy to spot, but some unobservant dealers might miss them at a casual glance. Mis-spotted dice are an old dice shooter’s trick. In April 2018, Norwegian archaeologists excavated a part of Bergen, Norway and found a set of mis-spotted dice later determined to be from the 15th century.
Often used are shaped dice that do not have an even side on all six sides but are shaped to have a slight curve or parabola, which affects the die roll. If the side is convex or curved like a hill, then that number is not likely to appear, because the dice keeps rolling. If the side is concave or indented like a valley, then the dice is likely to land on that number, meaning it’s opposite number is likelier to appear. To make shaped dice, cheaters heat them and shape them.
Similarly there are Beveled dice that are made to have one or more convex sides. These raised side keep the die rolling, so other numbers are more likely to appear on the roll. This is a sub-type of shaped dice.
Suction dice are another kind of shaped dice with a concave or valley in them and are the opposite of beveled dice. Due to the suction effect created, the die is more likely to land on the number that is concave.
Raised Spots is another way to affect the roll, much like beveled dice. In this case, the numbers or pips are raised from the surface of the die, instead of sunken. Because this side of the die has protrusions, it is more likely to keep rolling on the side with the raised spots. This is also easy to spot, either visually or by rubbing one’s finger across the die’s side. That’s why dice with raised spots are not used that often to cheat, but instead are used for practice.
Another way players cheat is paint the dice and this is done by a transparent substance that makes one or more sides sticky. To make the painted die stickier, the cheater has to get the painted side slightly wet, either from moisture from one’s drink, spittle, or palm sweat. This is a dangerous way to cheat at dice, because if the painted dice are too sticky, they might stick to the table, pick up detritus on the table, or stick to another player’s hand.
One way also to use this method is a slick die that has a substance on one side which makes it slicker than normal. This assures the dice will not land on the slick side, changing the craps odds. Slick dice are a safer way to cheat at craps, because older dice wear a bit and become more polished and slicker. When the slick side is noticed, dealers might well believe they simply need to replace old dice.
Some players in history have sticked a filament of some sort in one of the die’s numbers, so that it protrudes and causes the die to slow down when it rolls over that side. Naturally, this eventually will cause the die to come to a stop on the bristled side. Bristled dice sometimes simply are called “bristles”.
Many players create capped dice by shaving off one side and replacing it with a material that looks the same but has different properties. It might be because the new material is heavier, so the die lands on that side more or the new material made that side of the die bouncier, so the die lands on that side less.
Capped dice are effective and hard to spot, except when it gets worn down with use at which point it is easy to spot. Dealers who handle the die might apply pressure to capped dice and learn that one side pushes down more.
So basically it is the dice that players use to cheat often in the game of Craps. Remember again that it is better not to cheat in the game but play for free first to learn the game and play different bets to get the best out of it.
When playing at the land or real casinos keep an eye on your bets and on your chips specially when you win.
Beginning gamblers often shy away from the craps table because the game looks complicated. It’s actually easy to play craps because the math keeps everyone honest. A rule of thumb to live by in any casino game is “the more they pay the less likely you are to win the bet”. Hence, there is no shame and a lot of wisdom in playing a conservative craps strategy. Here is a look at 12 secrets every craps player should learn to improve their game.
1. Why are Casino Dice Special?
Casinos use transparent dice because they hide no flaws. Opaque dice can be manufactured to varying standards and can hide balancing flaws. Unbalanced dice do not roll randomly.
And casinos replace their dice often. Casino dice have machine-tooled straight edges. These edges eventually wear down, accumulating imperfections. Imperfections add bias to rolls.
Casino dice are larger and straighter than board gaming dice because players must throw the dice so far on a craps table. The felt top and lining help the dice bounce more randomly than a smooth table top does.
So while you may be practicing your die throws at home, you’re not going to get the same action as at a casino, especially if you never replace your practice dice.
2. How the 5-Count System Works
Since 1994 craps players have debated whether the Captain’s 5-Count system is legit. This system tells you when to bet on a shooter other than yourself. Here are the 5 counts:
- Any point on the Come Out roll roll.
- Any good roll after the 1st Count roll.
- Any good roll after the 2nd Count roll.
- Any good roll after the 3rd Count roll.
- The first point rolled after the 4th Count roll.
You begin placing low bets on the shooter after he hits his 5th Count roll. If he never gets there then you never bet on that shooter. Never bet big on another shooter.
The 5-Count method reduces the number and size of bets you place on other shooters, thus reducing your overall risk. The downside of using the 5-Count method is that you watch more than play, but betting on a drunk guy to throw dice the way you want is a pretty risky bet.
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3. You Can Stop the Game for a Dispute
Sometimes the dice roll funny, or maybe you’re not sure you were paid correctly. Before the dice are thrown again, if you are certain something is wrong, you can stop the game. You can ask the dealers to recount or reconsider or, if you disagree with their decisions, ask to speak to the pit boss. This is an option of last resort when you are sure you are right. Casinos want to keep the table in play and will work to resolve disputes quickly but they’ll also ask troublesome or argumentative players to leave.
Stopping play is a mix of courtesy, privilege, and right. It’s not a gambling strategy, at least not a winning one.
4. The More Bets You Place the Worse Your Chances of Winning
This is true in any table game, but some craps players love to place multiple bets. You’re taking on more risk, not spreading the risk, when you place several bets at the same time.
5. Know the Die Roll Probabilities
In a completely random game the chances of any given number on either die being rolled is 1 in 6. The chance of rolling any combination of numbers on the dice is 1 in 36. This “1 in 36” number can mislead you. There are only 11 possible values (2 through 12) that you can roll.
“7” is the most frequent die roll combination. There are 6 ways to roll a “7”. Some writers say there are three ways to roll a “7”: 1 and 6, 2 and 5, or 3 and 4. However, the math has to account for each die separately; hence, the probability of rolling a “7” in craps is 1 in 6.
In declining order of probability, the possible combinations in craps are:
- 7 (1 in 6)
- 6 or 8 (5 in 36)
- 5 or 9 (4 in 36)
- 4 or 10 (3 in 36)
- 3 or 11 (2 in 36)
- 2 or 12 (1 in 36)
6. The “Pass” Bet is More Likely to Pay on Come Out than the “Don’t Pass” Bet
Both Pass and Don’t Pass pay even money so you can bet either way. Still, when you look at the probability table above, the shooter has 8 chances in 36 of rolling 7 or 11 on the Come Out roll and 3 chances in 36 of rolling a 2 or 3. If you are just hoping to win on the Come Out roll, go with the “Pass” bet.
7. The 6 and 8 Points Pay the Most over Time
The 6:5 odds for the 6 and 8 points are the worst and the 2:1 odds for the 4 and 10 points are the best. But the probabilities are best for the 6 and 8 and worst for the 4 and 10.
The premium on a 6:5 payoff for 6 or 8 is 20% over your bet. The premium on a 3:2 payoff for a 5 or 9 is 50% of your bet. The premium on a 2:1 payoff for a 4 or 10 is 100% of your bet. In a perfect distribution of 36 die rolls your expected total premiums are:
- 5 * 20% = 100% (betting on 6 or 8)
- 4 * 50% = 200% (betting on 5 or 9)
- 3 * 100% = 300% (betting on 4 or 10)
Although the 300% ROI for 4/10 looks great there is a slight edge for 6/8 bettors. Because you are losing all those other bets, you lose the least amount of money with the 6/8 points. Note also that multiplying (bets + premiums) by expected wins across the board results in a 600% return. The distribution with the fewest losses is the way to bet.
8. The More Complicated Your Strategy the More Risk You Take
The more you have to think about where your money goes, the odds and probabilities, and when you can bet, the more likely you will make a mistake. High risk strategies pay off less often than low risk strategies. Most experts agree that the long, slow game works best in craps, especially for non-expert players. Keep your money on the Pass Line until you’re way ahead.
9. Avoid Hedge Bets
Ignore dealer calls for “any craps” bets. Your expected return declines your risk grows when you hedge bets. “Any craps” betting is a bet on a bet. This just adds conditions to your Pass Line bet. The strategic way to gamble is to minimize risk while maximizing potential return on bet. The house will drain your bankroll any way it can and hedge bets are a favored gimmick.
10. Use the Tower of Hanoi Method to Manage Your Betting
The Tower of Hanoi is a math puzzle about moving stacks of disks among three pegs. You can never place a disk on a smaller disk. The Tower of Hanoi rule assumes you are willing to lose everything in your bankroll. To conserve your money and manage risk, begin by making minimum bets. Increase your bets only when your bankroll is above its starting value.
Many craps players only risk 5% of their stakes on any bet. The 5% method works well enough but you’ll eventually run into the table minimum. The Tower of Hanoi method starts with the minimum bet as a floor, not 5%. As long as your bankroll is growing you can increase your bets toward the table maximum.
11. Never Return to Your Starting Stake
Tips For Craps
Let’s say your betting strategies have paid off enough that you have doubled your money. Once you reach that goal you should set a new floor. Walk away from the table if your stake drops to 150% of your original bankroll. This way you walk away a winner.
Tricks To Playing Craps
But there is another reason to do this. If you play any game too long you become tired, especially if you have been drinking. Your decision-making suffers when you are tired. Take “winner’s breaks” as often as possible so that you can give your brain a chance to rest.
Best Strategy For Playing Craps
12. The House Edge is not Determined by the Odds
Some gamblers assume the house loses more money on the basis of the odds on a given bet. It doesn’t work that way. The game is designed to pay about the same over time on any basic bet but to dilute your return with extra bets. In other words, the house edge is determined by the math behind the game. The odds are just what they are willing to pay you to maintain that edge over time.
Conclusion
Craps is a fine game for any gambler who enjoys taking risks, but you do need to understand the game. Fortunately, craps is designed for players of all experience levels. You don’t have to play all the different types of bets. And isn’t it interesting that the best strategies favor beginner-level bets anyway?
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