Let's Talk Craps

I've always loved craps. If you play fairly smart the house edge is low and nothing (well almost nothing) beats the excitement of a hot craps table. I love watching newbies when they shoot the dice for the first time. From the timid (who shake the two dice and drop them right in front of them like they're playing Yahtzee) to the ones who trying to put a hole through the other end of the table. I've seen dice jump up and land in womens cleavage's (is that a word, I doubt it). Early in my craps career I was shooting at a $2 table at the Stardust (maybe the 3rd or 4th time I ever held the dice), had a great run, won about $150 (big money for me at the time) and a Japanese businessman at the other end of the table walked over and gave me 5 black chips (I don't know how much he won but apparently it was substantial lol).

I play a basic game of pass line/full odds, place the inside numbers. I know come bets are a little better but I'm too impatient

So if anyone else enjoys craps let's hear it. How do you play, where do you like to play...

The come bets are exciting, but you have to hit a number twice to get paid. I usually pass, with odds and two place bets. Once in a while I will use the come line.

To each their own but I cringe when I see all the chips in the middle. Although when the dice are hot I may throw out some two way hard bets.

I see a guy at the tables at my local casino who always buys in for $1500. Puts $100 each on laying the 4 and 10. Makes a big (don't remember how much) Don't Pass bet and puts money on Yo. Maybe there is something I'm missing but his main thing is no 4 and no 10. He'll only bet maybe once every 10 shooters. Even though he has a nice buyin and big bets he really doesn't give them much action.

I played for first time in Sept. @ Ballys, one of my 3 card dealers told me if I stopped by the next night, find her @ craps and she'd give me a lesson. Don't really have my own strategy yet, but plan to look her up when I go back in 2 weeks for a refresher.

It's always cool when someone takes the time to show you the ropes. Craps can be intimidating at first. All of the superstitions amuse me (gamblers in general seem to be very superstitious and craps players in particular). The dirty looks a shooter gets for a quick seven out as if they did it on purpose. You want to rile up a table? When the dice are hot say "haven't seen a seven for awhile".

And of course every time I take my eyes off the table to follow a hot cocktail waitress I always hear "seven out, line away".

The come line operates exactly the same way that the pass line does. No difference, same odds.

My favorite game in the casino by far. I usually play pass with single odds and place the 6 and 8.

My favorite places to play...Binion's (had an epic roll there one time with a Gilbert Gottfried sound-alike at the table), Plaza (rowdy crowds at the table), Ellis Island (tip the dealers and they make you feel like a swell), and IP/Quad

least favorite.....Westin (feels like gambling at the BMV), California (a-hole dealer really steamed me there, plus they sweat dice setters), Venetian (high minimums, plus a bit too tea-and-crumpetish for my taste)

Good craps dealers definitely make a difference. They'll learn quickly what your usual bets are and your pattern of pressing and remind you if you forget to place a bet you usually make. On the flip side are those that think they are doing you a great personal favor every time you place a bet. I also dislike dealers that have no patience for beginners. Yes newbies should try to play on an uncrowded table but some dealers act so annoyed if a player asks a question or does something incorrect. Everyone was a craps virgin at one time, including the dealers.

Screw that "come bet crap', I would fall a sleep at the friggin table playing that way....I would play it that way "IF" I had to win a small amount or am just trying to get comps but who goes to vegas to win $10 or a $10 buffet?

Any pure or good craps even player wont like this play but.......

My favorite play is to find a $3 craps table (like the Fremont) belly up to it, order a rum and coke, put $3 on the passline, hoping for a 5, 6, or 8 to come out.
If one does (say the 5), then I "place' the 6 & 8 for $6 each, $4 odds on the passline bet and put $3 on the field, essentually owning every single number on the table except the dreaded seven.
Then, on occasion I will also put $20 "no seven' on the 4 or 10, to hedge against the dreaded 7 rearing its ugly head too early.
By betting this way, you win either 3 or 4 dollars every roll until the 7 hits.
Worst case scenario is for a 4/10 to come out and then a 7 right after....yup I have seen that more than once, but that just means that the craps god's hate you that night and you should just play a nice $1 blackjack game for the rest of the night (also at the Fremont)
If I feel it, I will stick with this plan until I seven out, If i dont feel it, I can "pull" all of my bets except the pass line down after 2 or 3 rolls, making a few bucks possibly more if the passline hits.
Its slightly complicated and you need a decent bank roll, but if someone goes on a tear while your doing this!!!! look out!

weggie

I have also gone to casino's and placed $10 on both the pass and dont and then play the odds depending on the number.
say a #10 comes outs out and the tables cold, I would put $20 in odds on the dont pass.
say a #6 comes out and the tables hot, I would put $6 or $12 odds on the passline.

Its not very exciting and most casinos wont comp you playing this way but i usually walk away with a small win.

This is also a great way to practice dice setting at a high limit craps table.

weggie