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Table Games Looking for a few Craps tips

Discussion in 'Table Games' started by ncoday, Feb 28, 2014.

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  1. ncoday

    ncoday Tourist

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    Hey everyone, I will be in Vegas March 4-11, and want to try playing Craps for the first time. I read the Wizard of Odds website, and the simple (awesome) instructions that BenJammin put together years ago. I used to walk past the table, look at all the different betting options, give myself a headache thinking about it, and finally walk away more confused than when I started.

    I think I have figured out how to play the pass/odds and come bets, and think that is about all I need to know to start, but have a few questions.

    Is taking the casino's class a good idea?
    I have a bankroll of about $1200 a day, if I want to get about 4 hours of play out of that, what level can I bet at (I understand variance can affect the answer greatly)?
    Is there a SIMPLE strategy to use to maximize my bets (emphasis on simple:poke:)?
    How do I place bets to tip the dealers or is it better to tip directly?
    Which bets do I place, and which ones does the dealer place for me?

    I probably will stay away from the dark side, and betting any hardways.
    Are there any other basic things I need to know?

    Thanks for your help.
     
  2. hillwood24

    hillwood24 High-Roller

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    The casino class can definitely be a good idea so that you can actually get some hands-on time without worrying about messing up. I highly recommend it and the dealers are usually very helpful and seem to enjoy teaching the class.

    $1200 a day is a great bankroll and you can easily afford to play at a $10 table with one or two come bets and max odds (3x4x5). That should have you lasting at least 4 hours each day.

    The most common bets for the dealers are the hard way bets. Usually you play with the dealers so if you want to play the hard six you'd toss two chips (usually $1 each) towards the stick man and say "two-way hard six." The two-way means that one of the chips is bet for you and the other is a bet for them." If you win, they pay you and then pay themselves. Another way to tip is to place them on the pass line next to your bet. You can put down your pass line bet and then also put a chip or two next to your bet and say "this is for the boys."
    If the pass line wins, they will collect their winnings. A third way is to simply toss chips onto the table and say "this is for the boys." They'll collect these chips and put them directly in the tip pile.

    Hope this helps and good luck!
     
  3. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    The nice thing about craps is that you can very easily "scale" your bets up or down. There's no law saying how many odds you must bet (nor do you have to make come bets or place any numbers). If your bankroll is holding up nicely, max those odds. If you're taking it on the chin, ignore them altogether.

    So, with your daily bankroll, you could probably survive a $25 table if you had to. Though, a $5 table would make a lot more sense. (If you're on the strip, you'll probably have to settle for $10 more often than not...but if you're smart about how you bet, your bankroll will be able to handle $10 tables okay.)

    For a simple strategy, I'd start with the pass line bet. At a $5 table, I'd probably take 2-3X odds to start - raise or lower the odds depending on how well your buy-in is holding up. For a $10 table, I'd probably take single or double odds at the beginning (adjusting as necessary). As you get a feel for the game, you'll get an idea of how many come bets/odds/place bets you can comfortably "afford".


    There are many ways you can bet for the dealers. My favorite is to put them on the pass line with me. To do that, just place a bet right next to yours. They'll know what's up. And you can take odds for them as well (just place their odds right behind their pass line bet - right next to your odds). And don't worry about table minimums. As long as your bet satisfies the minimums, you can bet less for the dealers. (In your case, I'd probably bet $1 pass with full odds - or however many odds you're taking for yourself.)

    You can also tip on bets that the dealers take care of (hardways etc) - just call out "two way" as you give them the chips ("two way hard eight", for example). This lets them know that part of the bet is for you and part for them...but unless you give them $2, be prepared to tell them how much is for you and how much for them. I don't like to do this though, because those are sucker bets. And since the dealers - unlike the majority of players - are truly dealing with "the long term", the big payoffs from those bets can't excite any but the densest of dealers...but they're still stuck with the terrible odds. So just stick to the good bets for the boys.


    As far how to bet...it will become quite obvious once you step up to the table. If you can easily reach the "betting area", do it yourself (passline and odds, come, field). If not, the dealer will take care of it - gently toss your chips toward the dealer and call out your bet.


    I would advise playing at a not-so-busy table to start. That way the dealers will have plenty of time to help you out and there won't be people crowded all around you tossing chips everywhere and calling out bets.


    It sounds to me as if you probably know more about what you're doing than most newbies that I see, and certainly more than I knew during my first session. You'll be fine. Just be friendly and tip and the dealers will take good care of you.

    Best of luck! :beer:
     
  4. RiddickBull

    RiddickBull VIP Whale

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    Bet against the guy loosing or bet with the guy winning.....lol

    Carve gave good advice.
     
  5. z4rich

    z4rich Tourist

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    There are two basic, somewhat simple strategies one more conservative than the other:
    Let's assume you make an $800 buy-in. In the conservative method you can be there until you pass out from exhaustion. The aggressive method avoiding awful cold table and having a few decent rolls, you can play for 8 or more hours.

    Conservative (Two Come Bets):
    Make a 'pass line' bet. When the point is established take double odds. So, if you made a $10 pass line bet, you would make a $20 odds bet on that point. Then, make a "come" bet of $10. When/IF that point is established, take double odds on that, and make another "come" bet. No more bets until a bet is collected. Once a bet is collected, make another "come" bet a double odds bet and repeat the process.

    Basically, you are making a pass line with double odds and keeping two come bets with double odds working.

    IF a shooter rolls for 20-30 MINUTES, you can look at collecting about $2-400.

    Aggressive (54/52 Across, Press and Take):
    Make a minimum bet "pass" line and take double odds after the point. So, a $10 pass line, with $20 odds bet.

    Let's say the point rolled is now 4.

    Now make a "$54 across" place bet (you can bet more if you like, $108 across, or $135 across)
    The dealer will take the $54 and put $10 on the 5, 9, 10, and $12 on 6 and 8. (If the initial roll is a 6 or 8, then it is $52 across: $10 on 4,5,9,10 and $12 on 6 OR 8.)

    (This can be tightened up if you eliminate the PLACE bets on the 4 and 10. Just bet the "inside" numbers 5,6,8,and 9.)

    Here come the exciting part: IF the 5,6,8,9 or 10 is rolled you will "press" the bet once, and if that number is rolled again you will "take" a bet.

    EX: The point was established earlier as a 4, you have that covered on the pass line, and all other numbers (5,6,8,9,10) you have a place bet. The next roll is, say, a 6. You will press the $12 you have on the 6 up to $24 and you will collect $2. IF/When the 6 is rolled again, you will "take" the bet. So, $24 on the 6 pays you $28.

    So basically, on your place bets you will "press" the first time the number is rolled, and "take" the next. Then keep pressing and taking until a 7-out is rolled. Remember this: the double odds bet on the pass line number and the place bets you made (5,6,8,9,10) can be picked up at any time. The only bet that is locked in the pass line bet.

    The idea here is to get your initial investment collected as soon as possible. Once you get your money off the table, the house money is working against them. If you can get to a shooter who rolls for 20-30 MINUTES, you can make as much as $4000.


    I know this can sound confusing, but it's really quite simple after you do it a few time.

    Note: avoid the "prop" bets in the center of table (hardways, horn, etc) and the "field". Those have the highest house edge. Everyone around you will making those bets and "believe" they are winning when it hits, but forget how many times they lost when it didn't.

    Tipping the dealers: Most people will tip the dealers on the hardway bets. Dealers don't prefer this, they know the house advantage on that bet. I prefer to made a "place" bet for them, usually just bet the 6 or 8. If the 6 or 8 hits, YOU have the option to press the bet up, or have it collected by the dealers. Dealers seem to like this, they like pressing the bet up.

    If you have any questions, let me know.

    Cheers :beer:
     
  6. Chuck2009x

    Chuck2009x VIP Whale

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    Play a decent length session (at least a couple of hours) doing just pass line and two come bets with no odds, to get a feel for the timing and the swings.

    Find out what your mindset is like when there's a cold streak and you're down a couple of hundred, before you start putting out odds bets.

    Put out a 1 unit dealer bet when you shoot.
     
  7. Hogman

    Hogman VIP Whale

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    I believe that you should look for a $5 table. At a $10 table if you are playing a pass line and 2 come bets with odds you would have anywhere from $120 to $170 in action and that could bite into a $1200 rather quickly.

    If you played a $5 table you have a pass line bet with odds and $27 across the board and have from $47 to $56 in action and your bankroll would last a lot longer(hopefully 3 or 4 hours).
     
  8. ncoday

    ncoday Tourist

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    Thank you for all of the great advice:nworthy:. I think I will start out slow betting just the pass/odds and maybe one come bet...

    My problem is I usually get bored gambling, and decide that I am either going to win some money or (more often than not) walk away broke:thumbsdown:, so I like the more aggressive option of playing all of the numbers if that happens, it seems simple enough for me to remember.

    I will try and do a trip report to let you all know how my first time goes:beer:.
     
  9. jhpa

    jhpa VIP Whale

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    Here is the best piece of advice I ever received.

    Learn how to press your bets.

    I was at a $10 table in Atlantic City early one morning. I was a craps newbe. I was betting $10 on the pass line with single odds. I also placed two other numbers for $10 or $12 each.

    I went on a pretty good roll. I probably made three points and hit a lot of my place bets along the way. After I rolled for about a half an hour, I realized I made a nice win of about $300. I was happy.

    An older gentleman was also at the table. He won almost $1000 at the same time that I won the $300. He said to me "Son, you are a lucky guy....but you need to learn to press your bets." He told me that the first couple of times I win on a shooter, I should collect the winnings. After three wins, I have pretty much recovered the bets that I still have on the table. After that, after each win say "up a unit". This increases the bet on the number that was just rolled by $5 (or$6). That way, you win an increasing amount with each subsequent win. If the table stays hot, pick a third or fourth number to place and do the same thing. You also protect against losing too much with a quick seven out.

    Try this "system". In the 20 years since I was given this tip from that old guy, it has served me very well.
     
  10. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    Seems like you know enough to get started. In the beginning play basic pass/come and observe the table. You will learn the jargon and the betting procedures by watching. Soon you will kick yourself for thinking it was complicated, lol!

    And another minor tip: When tipping say "For the DEALERS" (Some of them are women...):thumbsup:
     
  11. Ben Jammin

    Ben Jammin MIA

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    Did You Want To Try Craps?

    Just check out the sticky thread at the top of this category.

    The trick is to keep it simple the first time out until you get a feel for the game. It really is way easier than it looks. Just stick to a few basic bets and you're on your way.

    I've made many friends in Vegas at the Craps Table. Most of us were betting on the same outcome and so there is a commodity there you just don't get from any other game I know of.

    When your number comes in then it's Christmas in July!


    Have Fun ;)
     
  12. spicole

    spicole No shirt, no shoes... NO DICE!

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    Craps is fast paced and exciting. Even with the simple pass + two come bet strategy, you will have plenty of action on the table.

    While covering the inside numbers is OK, the odds on the 5/9 are not great. The next "aggressiveness" level on top of the pass line + two come bets strategy is placing the 6 & 8 if they aren't already covered.

    Your bankroll and plan definitely both sound reasonable to me. Good luck!
     
  13. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

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    Is taking the casino's class a good idea? Definitely yes!

    How do I place bets to tip the dealers or is it better to tip directly? I like to bet the hardway for the dealers.

    Which bets do I place, and which ones does the dealer place for me? You place Pass/Dont Pass, Come/Don't Come and Field Bets.

    I probably will stay away from the dark side, and betting any hardways. I agree with excluding the dark side, but even betting $1 on the hard 6 and $1 on the hard 8 adds a lot of excitement.


    Are there any other basic things I need to know? I would maybe start with a small bankroll first.
     
  14. RPMCanes

    RPMCanes VIP Whale

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    If you see a woman get the dice and she says, "This is my first time playing craps.":
    LOAD THE F**K UP!!!!
     
  15. Gaylord Focker

    Gaylord Focker Low-Roller

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    Lady Luck!!!!!

    You forgot to add....if she is a pretty little thing and maybe wearing a low cut or revealing top, tip the dealers for a 'short stick.'

    It's an inside joke for those that know what it means, but you'll understand the benefits right away!!!
     
  16. TIMSPEED

    TIMSPEED Money’s on the way, with CashNetUSA

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    I'll tell you the WORST advice I've ever gotten on craps..
    "Learn to play craps, its the best game in the house."
    Believe me, I've always played "smart"(keeping my bets below 2% HE)
    And I shit you not, playing regularly for the past 5 years, on $5 tables, I've lost $100k...
    If craps was so "good" how come the casino has never changed the rules? (6:5 BJ for instance)

    Best advice...
    Be 100% certain you will lose and be OK with it.
     
  17. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    [QUOTE=ncoday;915621
    Is taking the casino's class a good idea?
    QUOTE

    Yes, and no. Yes meaning the dealers will explain the lay-out, the bets and when and how you can make them, and some of the jargon to help you understand this fast paced game.

    No meaning they don't actually teach you which bets are low HA (house advantage) and which ones are really bad bets as far as a players standpoint.
    I say this by sitting in on some classes, particularly the Excaliber and Golden Nugget.

    I still would recommend taking the class because after the instruction they open up the table to let all the first timers play and because you all are new they regulate the pace so as not to overwhelm you.
     
  18. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    Well, Tim, I still feel craps is the best game in the house. Purely subjective, of course, as there are many games that other people feel are the best.

    But my assessment is based on entertainment, fun, social aspect, excitement, and that evil possibility of making a killing sometime...:thumbsup:

    Now if the advice were "craps is the best game in the house to make MONEY," then I would agree with you.:wave:
     
  19. ncoday

    ncoday Tourist

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    If I wanted to make money, I'd go get a second job, I want to have a good time gambling, and the craps table seems like a good place to make that happen. If I'm not having fun, I'll move on to something else.

    I really do appreciate all of the help - including the "short stick" thing, I'll be sure to try that.:beer:
     
  20. Gaylord Focker

    Gaylord Focker Low-Roller

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    The dealers always get a kick out of requests to short stick the female shooters. Worth a couple chips on the hard ways bets for the boys.
     
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