Craps with confidence

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by Mark Pilarski

Bellying up to a crap table and joining the euphoria of this fast-paced game need not be intimidating. Armed with my past columns and these additional pointers, you are going to step up to the table with the self-assurance necessary to play this game. Granted, I am limited in allotted space, but I'm more than happy to touch on some terrific craps tips. In thirty seconds I can teach anyone how to play a simplified game of craps with confidence. How? Check out the first tip.

• Just make these two outstanding craps wagers. Nothing more. Learn how to make a Pass Line bet or how to Place the 6 or 8. Both of these wagers have house advantage of less than 1.5 percent, making them one of the best bets in the casino.
  
  
• Stay away from all those proposition bets in the center of the layout. The dealer who is barking their performance is doing nothing more than inducing play on wagers that are all "house bets", carrying a casino advantage as high as 16%.
  
  
• Once you learn how the Odds wager works (another column, another day), never make a Line or Come bet that you are not willing to back up with full odds.
  
  
• If the table minimum is way over your head, you shouldn't be on that game. Bet with your head, not over it.
  
  
• If you need help, ask a dealer. Most will be willing and able to help you.
  
  
• You are responsible to pick up your winnings. As they say, "they lay, they play."
  
  
• A Pass Line bet with two Come bets is plenty of action on this energetic game. Don't get so caught up in the game and start throwing money at the dealer for his "requested (high house percentage) bets."
  
  
• Do not try to hand cash to the dealer to make change. The dealer is not allowed to take any cash or chips directly from the customer. You need to place your money on the layout, before the shooter gets the dice, and ask the dealer for "change only."
  
  
• Some wagers like Pass/Don't Pass bets, Odds, Come wagers, the Big 6/8 or Field bets can be made by you. On the other wagers, place you money on the layout and ask the dealer to make those bets for you.
  
  
• Keep your hands off the table and out of the way of the dice being thrown. You do not want to disrupt the game by altering the toss with your hands.
  
  
• Tables have rails all the way around for storing your gaming chips. Use them. Also, underneath, there is shelving for your drinks.
  
  
• If you are the shooter, give the dice a good toss across the table. Never try to slide dice across the layout thinking you can control the outcome. The first time the boxman will call out, "No roll." The second time, possibly some token punishment like a slapped wrist. The third-adios Sally.
  
  
• If you are a Don't Pass bettor, don't scream out, "Come on, seven!" Betting against the majority of players is bad enough, but rooting against them and gloating after a win is awful form.

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