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-
- CRAPS PRIMER
- BY ALLEN DEROSIE
- UID# 74521,2714
-
- Your pulse is increasing. Your heart starts pounding until you
- can hear it in your ears. Are you about to faint? No, you are
- stepping up to the crap table for the first time and are about to
- plunk your money down.
-
- Craps, Las Vegas style, is one of the fastest moving most
- exciting games that can be played. Fortunes have been won and
- lost in just matters of minutes. Small bankrolls have turned
- into large ones...and large ones have been turned into small ones
- in the same time.
-
- The intention of this primer is to teach you the game basics,
- terms and what you need to know to at least be an intelligent
- player of craps. The rest is up to you. The last chapter of
- this tutorial will include some basic money management play for
- the beginner (and maybe even the seasoned "pro"). I suggest that
- you print this file out so that you may refer back easily to
- areas that might be a little confusing. If you have either a
- craps game on computer or a picture of a crap table layout, that
- would greatly assist you along the way. Are we ready to start?
-
- The following is an outline of what I hope to cover.
-
- Table Layout - What all those funny boxes mean
-
- Terminology - Definitions of words and terms used at the
- crap table.
-
- Basic Play - What you do to get started and the object
- of the game
-
- Money Management - How to keep what you win or lose less
-
-
- If you have questions or comments I can generally be reached
- through the Travel Forum on Compuserve. The title of this article
- includes my UID#. Hopefully, by the time you read this we will
- have a Las Vegas forum. Otherwise, I can be reached under
- "United States" in the Travel forum (GO TRAVSIG). Good luck and
- enjoy. Do not be afraid, in fact I recommend, that you reread
- the information. It is going to better prepare you for your
- adventure. The game should not be as intimidating if you are
- well informed.
-
- TABLE LAYOUT
-
- The basic craps table is designed with three sections that are
- easily distinguished. The left section and the right section are
- identical. They are merely in two parts to allow players to play
- at both ends of the table while making their bets. The middle
- section is where the "proposition" bets are made, which we will
- explain in detail later.
-
-
- BASIC PLAYING AREA
-
- This is where the bulk of the betting is done. The first thing
- you will need is chips. When you are at the table proper
- etiquette is that you drop the cash in front of you on the green
- felt immediately in front of the chip rail, as you say to the
- dealer, "change only, please." He will not take it directly from
- your hand as this is against the house's policy.
-
- The first area you will see is an area about three inches wide
- that runs from the top corner of the table completely around the
- table to the man holding the stick in his hand. He is
- appropriately called "the stickman". This area will have the
- words "pass line" printed on the felt. The other two people
- which pay the bets, take your money and make change are called
- "dealers". The gentleman or lady sitting down is from the "pit".
- Often they will be one of the pit crew. Their job is to
- supervise the play making sure all bets are made and paid
- correctly as well as generally overseeing the game to be sure the
- rules are adhered to properly.
-
- The PASS LINE is where most of the bets are placed. Unless you
- wish to play the "don't pass" line, which is the area immediately
- above the "pass line". If you are betting "with" the shooter
- than your first bet will be placed on the "pass line". If you
- are betting "against" the shooter then you will place your bet on
- the "don't pass" line. Let's talk about the object of the game
- at this point and go from there.
-
- The shooter, the one with the dice, is going to try and make his
- "point". When you first get to the table you will notice a
- plastic "puck". This "puck" is white on one side and black on
- the other. The black side says "off" and the white side says
- "on". This is to indicate what the shooter's "point" currently
- is. If the white "on" side is placed on one of the numbered
- boxes (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) near the top of the table, then that is
- the number the shooter must roll to win. To win, the shooter
- must roll the numbered marked before he rolls a 7.
-
- First a shooter must establish what his point is going to be.
- This is called the "come out" roll. You will here the dealer
- often saying, "The shooter is coming out." That means he is
- getting ready to start the next point or find out what is point
- is going to be. The shooter (or you) places a bet on the pass
- line (we will assume for all examples right now that you are
- going to bet with the shooter.) The dice are then rolled towards
- the other end of the table. You are required to hit the end of
- the table with the dice. If you repeatedly make a "short roll",
- which means you did not hit the other end of the table, you will
- be asked to please hit the other end of the table or they may
- declare it a "no roll". That means that it will be voided, and
- you will have to throw the dice again. So let's see what we get
- on the first roll of the dice. There are eleven possibilities
- from the number 2 up to the number 12.
-
- If you roll a 2, 3, or 12 that is called a craps. If it is the
- "first" role then you will lose instantly the bet placed on the
- "pass line". If you roll 7 or 11 on the first roll then you will
- win instantly an amount equal to the bet you placed on the "pass
- line". The "odds" are more likely you will roll a 7 more than
- any other combination of the dice because there are more
- combinations of 7 then any other number. Let's see what numbers
- are left, okay? The numbers left are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
- Remember the boxes at the table we talked about before? One of
- the dealers at each end of the table will take the "puck" and
- place it on the number you roll. That will mark and tell you
- what your "point" is. You must now roll or "repeat" that number
- in order to win. If you roll the same number again BEFORE you
- roll a 7, then you win. If you roll a 7 BEFORE you roll your
- "point" again then you lose your pass line bet. This is an "even
- money" bet which means you will be paid an amount equal to your
- "pass line" bet if you win.
-
-
- ODDS
-
- There is another bet you will see on the table. This bet appears
- to be placed behind the "pass line" bet in an area that has no
- specific markings. This is called "odds". All of the "point"
- numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) have a certain probability of being
- repeated. This is true odds. Once the "point" number has been
- determined you may make an additional (optional) bet for an
- amount up to twice your original "pass line" bet. This bet is
- totally optional. You will be paid the "true odds" on this
- "backline" bet. So, what are the true odds? For the numbers 4
- and 10, the "true odds" are 2 to 1. If you had bet $5 on the
- "pass line", then a point of 4 or 10 was determined then you
- could have placed up to another $10 behind your original
- "pass line" bet. If you lose by rolling a 7, then you lose both
- bets. If you role the "point" and win, then you will be paid $5
- for your "pass line" bet and another $20 (2 to 1 odds) for the
- $10 you bet as "odds". The total won will be $25. Are you still
- with me?
-
- The other number's "odds" are as follows: 5 or 9 pays 3 to 2
- "odds". For every $2 increment you bet as odds behind your "pass
- line" you will be paid $3. For the numbers 6 and 8 the payoff is
- 6 to 5. You will be paid $6 for every $5 "odds" bet. Don't be
- too confused at this point. The dealers will be more than glad
- to help you place your "odds" bet and inform you of how
- much you can bet. This is the BEST BET in the casino from one
- standpoint. The house gets no percentage from this bet and pays
- you the true odds of the event happening. Of course, it is only
- a good bet if you win! If your bankroll is not large, then I do
- not recommend making this bet until you are a little ahead. Or,
- at least make a smaller "odds" bet, possibly equal to your "pass
- line" bet rather than the "limit" of two times your "pass line"
- bet.
-
- You can also bet the "don't pass" line. Then you are betting
- that the shooter will lose. It is quite acceptable and no one is
- going to hang you for betting "against" the shooter. I might
- inject at this point that while it is quite appropriate to yell
- and cheer when betting with the shooter (pass line) and you win,
- it is not proper etiquette to cheer if you are betting "against"
- the shooter (don't pass line) and you win. All the above
- examples of how to win playing the pass line, basically work in
- REVERSE when playing the "don't pass" line. The only exception
- is the number 12. If you are betting the "don't pass" line and a
- 12 is rolled on the first role, the "come out", the you neither
- win or lose. The pass line loses but you are "barred" from a
- win. This is the house's way of evening the play for both sides.
- This is known as "bar 12" which you will see printed on the
- "don't pass" line" also indicated by a picture of two dice, each
- with a six on it, totaling 12.
-
- When using odds with a "don't pass" line bet you must now "lay
- the odds". This means you must put down more to win less. Does
- that sound like a bad bet? It is not. Once a point has been
- established then the "don't pass" bet is the favorite to win
- depending on which number is the point. So, you must now "lay"
- the odds for a number such as the 9. The odds that you will
- win are 3 to 2 in YOUR favor. So, you must lay $3 for every $2
- you wish to win. Dealers will be glad to explain the maximum
- amount you can bet. I will give you one example for
- illustration. You bet $10 on the "don't pass" line. The point is
- established as a 9. For you to win the shooter must roll a 7,
- called "sevening out". You may now "lay the odds" behind your
- original don't pass bet. Again, you are allowed to lay an amount
- that will allow you to win twice the original bet of $10. You may
- now lay enough to win $20 (2 times your $10 bet). Since the
- point is 9 and the odds of you winning are 3 to 2, you must lay
- $30 to win $20. So, your bets would look like this. $10 on the
- "don't pass" line and a bet placed behind it for $30. If the
- shooter misses his point (sevens out), you will win $10 for the
- front bet and $20 for the back bet for a total of $30.
-
- There are some slight variations in some cities other than Las
- Vegas (such as Reno) where they "bar 2" instead of the 12 on
- the beginning roll when trying to establish the point. It is
- doubtful you will run into any of these exceptions. It makes no
- difference to the actual game or odds, so do not be concerned.
-
-
- THE FIELD
-
- Above the "pass line" and the "don't pass" line is an area called
- the "field". It will have many numbers located in it.
- Generally, they will be 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. If you place
- a bet in this it is known as a one-roll bet. That means that the
- next roll of the dice will determine whether you win or lose any
- money placed in this area. If any of the numbers shown are
- rolled next, you win. If any other number is rolled, you lose.
- If the 2 or 12 is rolled you will note that the table printing
- say, "double". You will be paid double your bet placed on the
- "field" if the 2 or 12 is the next number only. On the surface
- this appears to be a great bet. "Oh, look Harriet, I get ALL
- those numbers and only one has to come up for me to win!" Do not
- be deceived. The house has computed this out. The likelihood is
- in their favor. While this is not a horrid bet, it is not
- generally recommend by those in the know.
-
-
- BIG 6 AND BIG 8
-
- Unless you like giving your money away DO NOT MAKE THIS BET.
- Where is it located you say? Very conveniently on both corners
- of the table. It even says, "Big 6" and "Big 8". It should say
- "Big Sucker Bet". There is another way of making the same bet
- which is better and will pay you $7 for every $6 you bet. If you
- bet the "Big 6/Big8" you only get even money. Why not get paid
- correctly? I will discuss the alternative in the next section.
-
-
- PLACE BETS
-
- Let's go back to the big boxes that were used you mark your
- "point" with the "puck". You have probably noticed while
- standing by the craps table, bunches of chips stacked in this
- area. They even seem to have a pattern to the way they are
- place. This area is used for two different types of bets. They
- are "place" bets and "come" bets. We will first discuss "place"
- bets. You may specifically place a bet (that's why they call it
- a "place bet') on a number of your choice. You merely tell the
- dealer that you want a "place bet" on whatever number that is
- your choosing. Or, you can bet on more than one if you wish.
- You will be paid "odds" according to the number you choose as see
- some examples.
-
- If you place a bet on numbers 4 or 10 you will be paid at a rate
- of $9 for every $5 you bet. This bet stays there until you
- decide to take if off, or until a 7 is rolled and you lose the
- bet. You can remove the bet, or rather ask the dealer (never
- reach for chips on the table) to remove the bet whenever you
- like. Every time the number is rolled you will be paid another
- $9. If the number 7 is rolled, you lose your bet. For the other
- numbers, a 5 or 9 with a place bet will pay $7 for every $5 bet
- on them. A 6 or 8 will return $7 for every $6 bet. All other
- numbers rolled, other than the one(s) you have "placed" or the
- number 7, which makes you lose, have no bearing on this bet. This
- is not quite the true odds but it is not a bad bet as far as you
- are concerned as a player. As far as the "arrangement" of the
- chips that I spoke about before, they chips are arranged in a
- pattern similar to the way the players are standing around table
- in order that the dealer can keep tract of who belongs to which
- bets. Next is the other chips that are put into these boxes.
-
-
- LAY BETS (DO SIDE)
-
- Another form of the place bet is called the "lay" bet. Instead
- of placing the odds mentioned above, you may "lay" the true odds
- and pay the house 5% for that privilege. Since the house's
- percentage is less than 5% on all numbers other than 4 and 10,
- you should only "lay" the 4 and 10. You would "lay" $10 for
- every $20 you wish to win (2 to 1 odds).
-
-
- LAY BETS (DON'T SIDE)
-
- You can also bet that the shooter will NOT roll a certain number
- before they roll a 7. This is the reverse of the place bet. You
- are a favorite that this will happen, at least mathematically.
- So, you must "lay" the proper odds. We discussed earlier the
- true odds of a number being rolled. A 4 or 10 is 2 to 1 odds. A
- 5 or 9 is 3 to 2 odds. A 6 or 8 is 6 to 5 odds. You must bet
- accordingly to the number you wish. For example, if you thought
- the shooter would throw a 7 before they will throw a 9, you would
- tell the dealer, "No 9" and give him $3 for every $2 you wish to
- win. Since these are the true odds the house has to have some
- profit in it for them, right? They "charge" you 5% for making
- that bet. The 5% is based on how much you can win, not how much
- you have to bet. The minimum charge is usually $1. Example. I
- give the dealer $15 and say, "no 9". I am trying to win $10 (3 to
- 2 odds, remember). Since 5% of $10 is only $ .50, I have to give
- him the minimum $1 which he will not actually put on the bet
- itself. That is merely the houses percentage, known as "the
- vig", which stands for vigorish. These bets are also placed in
- the big boxes near the top of the table, usually in the uppermost
- area where there is a smaller blank box primarily used for the
- don't bets.
-
-
- COME BETS
-
- Finally, there is a large area in the middle of the left or
- right third we have been talking about. It will have the word
- "come" in big bright red letters printed on it. This can, but
- should not, be a confusing bet to describe. It is handled and
- represents exactly the same kind of bet as the pass line bet. If
- you come to a table in the middle of someone shooting, there has
- to be a way for you to join the action immediately if you wish
- to do so. Since the shooter could (in theory) roll the dice
- forever and never 7 out or make his point. This is what the
- "come" bet was designed for.
-
- When you put a bet in the "come" area then your are "pretending"
- that you are beginning from this point to establish a new point.
- It is sort of a game within the regular game. All "pass line"
- rules now apply to the "come" bet you have just made. If the
- shooter rolls a 7 or 11 the next roll, you win. If he throws a
- 2, 3 or 12 the next roll you lose. Any other number rolled (4,
- 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) will become YOUR point for that bet only! You
- can keep making come bets after each roll. This will have the
- effect of having several games going on within the roll of a
- shooter. If any of the "other" numbers or points are rolled,
- your "come" bet will be put in the appropriate box for that
- number. This is the same box that hold the place bets and that
- holds the "puck" or marker. Yes, that box can get pretty crowded
- with chips as you might have seen before.
-
- Anyway, because the "come" bet is similar to the "pass line" bet
- you may now include an odds bet once the number or "point" has
- been established for your come bet. Instead of putting your odds
- bet behind your come bet, you will notice the dealer "stacks"
- your odds bet on top of your come bet, slightly offsetting them
- so that both you and he can tell the difference between your
- regular come bet and the odds you have put with it. This way he
- will be able to pay you the correct amount.
-
-
- DON'T COME BETS
-
- There is also a smaller box marked "don't come bar 12" in the
- upper corner of the table on each end. On the right end of the
- table, it will be right next to the box with a 10 in it. On the
- left end of the table, it will be right next to the box with a 4
- in it. This is the same as making a "don't pass" bet, but you
- now have an option similar to what was described above for the
- "come" bet. This is also a way to "join the game" in progress
- from the don't side.
-
- This more or less concludes the first part of the primer on craps
- as far as the basics of the game and the layout on the right and
- left thirds of the table. It does not include every possible bet
- or combination, but does include 99 and 44/100% of them. Are you
- ready to move on to the "proposition" bets that is the big area
- in the middle of the table in front of the stickman? Ready or
- not, here we go.
-
-
- PROPOSITION BETS
-
- First, I will offer an opinion of proposition bets. The house
- takes a much bigger "cut", meaning they pay less than the true
- odds, on these bets. They are not bad bets, just less
- profitable. They are often used as "hunch" bets or when you are
- running hot and like to push things a little. Enough said. Let
- describe them in detail.
-
- Hardways: Hard ways are any combination of the dice
- which are pairs. That is where both dice are
- the same number. A "hard" 8 is two 4's. A
- "hard" 6 is two 3's. A "hard" 10 is two 5's.
- A "hard" 4 is two 2's. These are indicated by
- white dice that simulate the numbers. The odds
- that the will pay for this bet are located
- below the individual dice. For the hard 6 and
- hard 8 it will say "10 for 1". This mean that
- they will pay you $10 for every $1 that you
- bet. That INCLUDES your $1. So you actually
- receive $9 profit. For the hard 4 and 10 it
- is "8 for 1". This bet stays until the
- hardway is rolled, you win; or another "soft"
- way is rolled. A "soft" way would be any
- combination that adds up to the number you
- have bet but is NOT a pair. A "soft" 8 would
- be 6 and 2, 5 and 3. You lose your bet if a
- soft way comes before your "hard" way. This
- bet also loses if the shooter rolls a 7 before
- a "hard" way is rolled. This is also called a
- "working" bet. "Working" means that if no
- decision has been reached on this bet and the
- shooter makes his point, it will play on the
- next "come out" roll that the shooter makes.
- You will USUALLY be asked by the stickman
- "Hardways 'work' unless called off, okay?" If
- you think the shooter is going to start with a
- 7, you may "declare the bet off". You will
- see him put a marker that says "off" on your
- bets until a point has been established. Your
- bet will then be automatically back "on".
-
- 7 or "big red": This is a "one roll" bet. It means that if,
- on the next roll only, the shooter rolls a 7,
- you win. Any other number, you lose. This
- bet pays 5 for 1. Again, this means $5 for
- every $1 you bet. A profit of $4.
-
- 11: This is a "one roll" bet. If the next number
- rolled is an 11, you win. Any other number,
- you lose. It pays 15 for 1, or $14 profit.
-
- 2: This is a "one roll" bet. It pays 30 for 1 or
- $29 profit.
-
- 12: This is a "one roll" bet. It pays 30 for 1 or
- $29 profit.
-
- 3: This is a "one roll" bet. It pays 15 for 1 or
- a $14 profit.
-
-
- OTHER PROPOSITION BETS
-
- There are several other bets that you will either see marked in
- the center, or that you may hear players yell out to the
- stickman. The most commonly used bet you will hear players yell
- is "C & E a dollar each". You will notice a series of circles
- about 2 inches in diameter on both sides of the center
- proposition area. One circle will have "C" and the other will
- have an "E". The "C" stands for craps. The "E" stands for
- eleven. So, the above bet means they want $1 on the craps and $1
- on the eleven. The circles are merely for the convenience of the
- stickman because the bet is so popular. I will include a few
- others below for your information.
-
- Any craps: This is a "one roll" bet. You are betting that
- the next number rolled will be a 2, 3, or 12. Any
- other number and you lose. It pays 8 for 1 or $7
- profit. You will often see pass line betters
- make this bet as the shooter is about to roll the
- dice for the first time. It is "sort" of
- insurance against losing their pass line bet
- since the "craps" numbers would be a loss for the
- pass line.
-
- Horn bet: You are betting that the next number is 2, 3, 11,
- or 12. The term horn was merely coined because
- it is the "outside" numbers. It is usually bet
- in increments of $4 so that the resulting payoff
- will be according to the number rolled and it's
- odds. See above for the specific payoffs for
- each number indicated.
-
- 3-way crap: Instead of betting "any craps" which pays 8 for 1
- if 2, 3 or 12 are rolled next, you can bet in
- increments of $3 ($1 for each of the numbers) and
- will be paid the correct odds for the actual
- number (2, 3, 12) that comes up. If you are
- betting more than $3 on the "any craps" bet, you
- should switch to this bet for a better pay off.
-
- Hi/Low: This is also a "one roll" bet. You are betting
- that the next number will be a 2 or 12. It pays
- 30 for 1(Remember though, if you only bet $1 on
- this bet you are actually betting $0.50 on each
- number) so it is best to bet in increments of $2.
-
-
- CRAPS TERMINOLOGY
-
- There are many other "phrases" that you will hear around the crap
- tables. (some of them cannot even be repeated around children).
- I will try and list some of them here so you will feel more "in
- the know" when you are playing at the table. This is not a
- complete list. It is just some of the more colorful and popular
- ones that are used in the heat of "battle" while at the table.
- Feel free, as some do, to make up your own as you learn the game
- and progress along. After this section will be a small
- discussion of money management.
-
- PHRASE DEFINITION
-
- Box cars Two 6's
-
- Little joe Two 2's
-
- Square pair Two 4's
-
- Snake eyes Two 1's
-
- Nina The number 9
-
- Yo Eleven (or someone has just stepped on your
- toes)
-
- Fever The number 5
-
- For the boys When you make a bet or "tip" for the dealers
- you announce it as such.
-
- Change only When throwing cash on the table this
- indicates that it is NOT a bet. If you
- don't this, it could be considered a bet.
- Dealers will usually say this to clarify if
- they are not accepting it as a bet.
-
- Money plays If you put cash down and it all plays for a
- certain bet that you have declared or is
- obvious by where you placed it.
-
- Color change Exchanging your chips for smaller or larger
- denominations. Usually only done when you
- are leaving the table. You set your
- winnings (hopefully) down on the table in
- front of you and announce "color change
- only"
-
- Marker Credit extended by the casino to a player.
-
- Pass the dice This means a player does not wish to shoot
- the dice. Pass them to the next one.
-
- No roll Indicates that the roll is void and does not
- count for any bets.
-
- Same dice If one of the dice goes off the table the
- stick man will usually not return the one(s)
- that went off the table. They must first be
- examined by the pit to be sure no one has
- "done" anything like switch dice. If you
- make this request you will be given back
- the same dice after examination.
-
- All bets off This means you want all your bets "off" or
- removed. This only applies to bets that are
- "allowed" to be removed. Place bets,
- hardways, odds, proposition bets field bets
- and "don't" bets. You cannot remove pass
- line or come bets since the house is the
- favorite to win once they are established.
-
- Odds off This means you want all your odds bets off.
- You may indicate "one roll only".
-
-
- ETIQUETTE
-
- Even at a craps table there are certain rules of etiquette hat
- are usually observed. If violated you are not arrested or thrown
- out of the casino, but you may find that you have irritated other
- players at the table. These are not "hard and fast" rules, they
- are just guidelines that I recommend.
-
- Don't side players do not cheer or root out loud when the shooter
- loses and the don't side wins. A simple "Yes!" quietly murmured
- under you breath is acceptable.
-
- Never, that is to say NEVER use the word "seven" when the shooter
- is trying to make a point. It is considered very superstitious.
- If you say it and the shooter misses, all eyes will be on you!
- Feeling that you have "brought" about the rolling of a 7 by
- saying the word. It ain't so, but why anger people, right?
-
- Make your bets early. Dealers and players hate it when people
- are constantly making last minute bets and throwing chips across
- the table. Everyone make a late bet occasionally. Just don't
- make it a habit.
-
- When in doubt ask a dealer, not another player, about the correct
- way to make a bet. They will always be honest with you and give
- you the CORRECT answer. Even I make mistakes. If you are not
- sure about the correct odds that will give you the best return,
- just ask the dealers.
-
- When it is your turn to throw the dice, always be sure you hit
- the other end of the table. Always pay more attention so that
- you are not busy talking with friends while the rest of the table
- is waiting for you to pick up the dice. Only use ONE hand to
- touch the dice. Don't put them in both hands and rub them
- together. Blowing on the dice for "luck" is frowned upon by the
- casino. Always keep the dice in plain view of the dealers. If
- you take them below the table or out of sight, they become very
- suspicious.
-
- If you are a smoker (like me) be very courteous to other players
- as it can get very crowded at the craps tables and it is a small
- thing to be courteous.
-
- Do not let your hands hang over the edge of the table and do not
- reach down to move chips or make bets once the dice are rolling.
- Players are very superstitious about dice "hitting" another
- players hands. They feel that it is bad luck.
-
- Therse are only guidelines to make your play more fun and not
- aggravate other players unknowingly.
-
-
- MONEY MANAGEMENT
-
- This is an area into which I step very cautiously since it is my
- opinion. Although, most of what I am about to say is accepted by
- most gamblers having any knowledge of craps. You will hear of
- many "systems" that people use and claim to always win. First,
- there is NO system that can turn negative percentages into
- positive ones. You can, of course, stay ahead of the casinos for
- many trips, possibly even many years if you have a money
- management plan. How you bet is your decision. Whether or not
- you choose to bet with or against the shooter, pass or don't
- pass, is your personal decision. I merely offer a few hints to
- get the most of what you win or lose the least when things are
- not going to well.
-
- It has been an accepted rule that your bankroll should be equal
- to 20 times your bet. Or, in reverse, you should not bet more
- than 1/20 of your total money that is brought to the table. If
- you have $100 to play with, your bets should be around $5. For a
- $500 bankroll, your bets should be around $25. You will be the
- best judge of what is comfortable for you.
-
- All money management "systems" end up the same in the long run.
- You can progress when you are winning or progress your bets when
- you are losing. I generally speaking, advise you to increase
- your bets when you are winning. That way, you are using the
- "houses" money to take a chance. If you are losing, lower your
- bets until things start improving. It is not bad to have a
- predetermined goal of what you would like to win. When you reach
- it, walk away. The dice DO NOT HAVE A MEMORY. So, just because
- they have been hot for an hours does not mean they cannot turn to
- ice with the next throw of the dice. Remember, a bird in the
- hand is worth two in the bush when it comes to gambling.
-
- A good method I use for "knowing" when to leave a winning streak
- is also known in the investment community as a "stop loss". You
- may have heard this phrase from the stock market. Here is how it
- works. You make an arbitrary amount of what you are willing to
- "lose back" once you get ahead. And, you must stick to it
- religiously. Let's say for example you have been playing craps
- for 30 minutes and are $100 ahead. You started with $200 and now
- have $300. You say to yourself, "Self! I will not lose back more
- than $40 of this profit before quitting." If you lose $40 back,
- then quit and save your $60 profit for the next session. If you
- keep winning then you keep only $40 in front of you in the rack.
- Put your winnings in the back section of the rack and only play
- with the $40. The first time you lose the $40 "front money",
- then quit.
-
- This will allow you to take full advantage of any "hot" streak
- that you are on, but will preserve some of your profits. Money
- moves fast in the game of craps. You can get caught up in the
- action. When you have a lot of chips in front of you it is too
- easy to just keep putting them out. Pretty soon you have gone
- through all your profit and are now back into your own money.
-
- One final note. Getting even. I almost hate that phrase. It
- has been the ruination of many a gambler who would otherwise be
- successful. Getting even once you are behind is not a matter of
- exact dollars. If you are losing $100 at some point and then you
- win back $90, don't be afraid to take a $10 loss and come back
- later if you want to play more. I have seen players trying to
- "get even exactly" and it cost them all the rest of their money
- trying to win that last $10. You are NOT almost even when you
- have just won $90! You actually lost $100 first. Now, you have
- just won $90. You will feel better if you look at it this way.
-
- You are just about ready for the real thing. Reread any parts
- you are not sure that you fully understand. Have a diagram in
- front of you when reading this primer. In closing, if you have
- any questions feel free to contact me through email or posting on
- the Travel forum (GO TRAVSIG). I will be glad to answer the same
- questions 10 times if you are unsure. I want to see all of you
- understand how to play the game of craps before you risk actual
- money. Good luck and good gambling.
-
- Allen De Rosie
-
-
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION
-
- This is to protect me from angry wives/husbands, the FBI, CIS,
- the Sysops, local state authorities and anyone else that might be
- inclined to take offense.
-
- This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It
- is not meant to be an incentive to gambler. It is not to be used
- in any city, state or territory where gambling is illegal. It is
- not under any approval, implied or otherwise of Compuserve or any
- of its employees. Any one using the above information is
- responsible for their own results. There is no guarantee as to
- the accuracy of any subjects discussed, although precautions have
- been taken to insure the material is as accurate as can be.
-
- Gambling entails certain risks and should not be done with funds
- or moneys other than what would be considered expendable without
- damaging your personal financial well being.
-
-