Craps Etiquette is a matter of common sence.
Common sense etiquette by the dice influencer will gain you respect from the table crew and suits. You’re first appearance at the craps table will usually set the tone for that session. The first thing you should take into consideration is who has the dice and is he into a hot hand. You don’t want to buy in during his roll especially if he is a random roller. That’s one random roller you won’t have to bet on.
If the box or dealer tell you to drop your buy-in on the table between tosses, tell him that’s OK, you will wait till the shooter completes his hand and you don’t want to jinx him. That’s Rule number 1; Don’t buy in till the shooter sevens-out.
When you buy chips, buy in for your allotted amount for that session. Don’t piece meal you buy-in like $100 at a time. If your bankroll for that session is $300, buy in for $300. Additional buy-ins only slows down play. The larger your buy-in, the higher you’re rating will be. The pit critters might miss your additional chip buys. Rule number 2; Don’t slow down play by constantly buying small amounts of chips.
When you’re not shooting, keep you hands outside the rail and not hanging over the chip rack in the playing area. If you are leaning on the rail with your elbows, watch your head or you might be wearing the dice as glasses. That is Rule number 3; Watch your hands.
Late betting is the main cause for hands getting hit by the dice. Make sure you bet early enough to avoid getting hit by the dice. Throwing proposition bets on the table at the last second should be avoided. Plan in advance what bets you want in play. Tossing out a last second bet when the shooter has the dice can ruin his concentration especially if he or she is a DI. That’s Rule number 4; Don't make late bets.
Always give consideration the Shooter no matter who he is. When the shooter is next to you and ready to throw, step back and give him plenty of room to do his thing. It’s also courteous to show him some encouragement by making a pass-line bet and not playing the DP. Rule number 5; Shooting courtesy.
Keep unnecessary chatter to a minimum, especially when the shooter has the dice. Don’t talk dice control at the table. Above all don’t refer to anybody by their web site handles. Rule number 6; Table chatter.
A little friendliness towards the suits at the beginning of a session could pay dividends later on. When the suit or box person gives you back your player’s card and wishes you good luck, you might remark that you like his tie. This usually gets things off on a good note. When the suit throws your card across the table and it almost takes your finger off, beware. He is usually a lazy type and not too interested in being friendly. If he walks around the table and comes out of the pit to return your card, he’s a friendly type. Rule number 7; Be nice to the Suits.
When to tip can be done in several ways. Playing a hard way or other prop bets is one way to tip the dealers. Some will tip when they leave the table. Others tip here and there when they feel like it. I like to tip when it’s beneficial to me and the crew will notice. I only tip when I have the dice. I will put a white chip along side my PL bet. I make this bet for the crew every time I come out. If you throw some sevens and make a few points, the crew loves you and you will never hear a peep about the back wall. It doesn’t make sense to tip when leaving the table. What good does it do you then. You’re gone. Rule number 8; Tip when you will be recognized for it.
Avoid any arguments with the crew or suits or anybody else at the table. Rather than ague, color up and get out of Dodge, Rule number 9; Avoid all consternations.
When coloring up, be sure to wait for a proper opening in play before placing all your chips in front of you on the table. Announce color coming in and wait for the crew to direct you. There is nothing worse that three or four people coloring up at one time and you have the dice. Keep cool and try to avoid all the land mines. Rule number 10; Be patient when coloring up.
There you have it. The ten commandments of Craps Etiquette!
Some additional thoughts on etiquette during casino play.
When playing straight out, keep you’re PL and odds bet away from the shooter’s landing area. Discreetly ask others at your end to do the same. If you are the shooter, don’t yell down the table for someone to move his or her chips. That would only bring more attention to you. If there is no one to help you out, just try to avoid the land mines as best as you can.
Charlie009
