Craps Tables (Editor's Pick)

Picking your craps table Don't walk up to an empty game to play, because although the odds are no different at an empty table than at a full table, you won't get the flavor of the game without at least a few players. But in contrast, don't try to get into a game that is jam-packed with players, with a lot of hootin' and hollerin' because no on will want a novice who might slow up the rolls of the "hot" dice. Pick a calm craps tables with a few players and plenty of room to spread out. Tell the dealer you're just getting started. Most dealers who aren't too busy will take the time to walk the novice through the game, explain the different bets and the procedures. They understand that their livelihood as craps personnel depends on developing the new players. Craps Tables employ three dealers at a time: two stand behind the table to accept bets and to either pay off winners or take down losers. On the other side, in the middle of the table, is the stickman, who handles the dice with a "stick" and controls the speed of the game. Sitting down opposite the stickman is the boxman, who acts like a supervisor in roulette, approving all buy-ins and large payoffs. Here's the secret of the simplicity of craps. On the first roll of the dice-the "come out roll"-the stickman will slide five dice to a player-the "shooter"-who will then select two dice. He'll throw the dice to the opposite end of the table. The dice must hit the wall of the table to be considered a legal roll. The shooter tries to establish a number-four, five, six, eight, nine or ten. The dealers will then take a "puck" that says "off" on one side and "on" on the other side, and place it on the number rolled, "on" side up-it is always "off" on the come-out roll. The shooter will then attempt to roll that number again before he rolls a seven. And that's the entire objective of craps.