Crapy Manual

 

   

   Don't let "them" have all the fun!
(What planet did these guys come from?)                                     

This "Crapy" Manual will get you in the Action! 

                                               

    There are no losing numbers in the game of CRAPS! Your challenge will be to become good enough to match your betting patterns to the numbers thrown.

    Winning is Fun, but you must learn to Win! However, if you think your goal is just to Win, you are wrong! Anybody can get "lucky" and win. But anybody that depends on luck to win will use the excuse that they were "unlucky" when they lose. Most of these people will end up in an endless frustrating cycle of winning and losing. When they lose they will lose big because they "know" their luck has to change! When they win, they won’t risk as much as they should because they "know" their luck has to change! No it’s not good enough just to Win. Your Ultimate Challenge will be to know why you won! This is because "Knowing Why Wins" are Repeatable Wins! If you decide to reach for that level of play, you will go beyond luck. Does this mean that you will have the ability to Win all the time? No, No, I say a thousand times No! However, if you take your time to learn the basic language and rules of Craps followed by the proper use of basic and advanced strategy, you will have the ability to put yourself in a position to Maximize your gain and Minimize your loss. That my friend is a winning combination!

    AhCraps.com wants you to get the most out of this "Crapy" Manual. Do not try to absorb all the wealth of information that is available during your first reading. When you think you are reaching overload, shut this site down. This will give your mind a chance to make sense of what you have learned. Remember that this "Crapy" site is just AhCraps.com "Enter" away at any time! Each time you visit this site you will learn something new and reinforce what you have already learned. With this simple approach, you will prevent yourself from becoming overwhelmed. Building confidence takes time. Learning to play Craps may not be the most exciting thing you will ever do, but I assure you that once you learn to Play, Being in the Action, will be Exciting!

    Helping you to get the most out of this manual meant constructing a manual that is unique, interesting, and thought provoking. What makes this site unique is that you do not have to learn craps alone. If you get confused, send me your question. At the end of each section click on my name. You will be taken to a comments page. Fill in the information, ask your question and as soon as possible I will get back with you to help clear things up. Your success is important to me - but it will be far more important to You! 

A story that will make sense out of what you Learn!

    Before you even get to the manual, you will be witness to all the action that goes on during a Craps Game. As you read the following story about a Craps Game involving Mr. T. P., I want you to think of yourself as a bystander trying to figure out what planet these guys came from! Unless you already play Craps, you will not understand what in the world they are talking about or doing. Don’t worry, that’s the way it is suppose to be! The fun part of this whole learning process will be for you to figure out what they were doing! All the Bold type in the story will correspond to the Bold type in the manual. As an attempt to make this site "User Friendly" I have provided a link at the end of each section back to the beginning of the story and links at the end of the story back to each section. The Manual will give you the meaning and the Story will put the words and rules in context.

    The question is - Do you have the winning attitude necessary to meet this Challenge?

"Mr. T. P. is Ready to Play Craps"

    It was a wonderful "Crapy" day that Mr. T. P. decided to go to the casino. He could hear an unusual amount of excitement coming from the center of the large room. He headed for the action! As T. P. squeezed in-between two Players at the Craps Table, he could see chips scattered around the Lay-Out. He noticed that the Puck was On positioned on the Place Number 6. He pulled out his Bankroll and tossed it on the Lay-Out near the Field Bet Location just in front of him. The Dealer picked up the money and said, "Change only, no action," and gave it to the Boxman
    As the Boxman was counting the money, the Dice came flying across the Table rolling to a stop. "Easy 8, time to set up the Hard Way," the Stickman said while gathering up the Dice and moving them to the Shooter. The Player next to T. P. tossed two chips to the Stickman and said, "$2 Hard 8." He then put a $5 chip in the Come Box. An elderly woman told the Dealer to Put her $5 Flat Bet, plus Full Odds, on the number 10. Now that the Table was Clear, the Dealer slid T. P.’s Buy-in Chips from the Come Location, where he had stacked them, across the Table and stopped just in front of T. P. near the Don’t Pass Line. T. P. picked up his chips and arranged them in the tray in front of him. 
    An explosion of noise occurred when the Stickman announced, "Winner Hard 6, pay the Do’s, take the Don’ts. Before the Dealer made any Payoffs, he moved the $5 chip from the Come to the Independent Point. He asked the Player that made the bet if he wanted any Free Odds. The Player tossed the Dealer $10. One Player was excited when he said that this was the sixth Pass, and that it was about time that the Table was Hot! It seems that the Table had just gotten over a Cold, and sometimes Choppy spell, just before Mr. T. P. arrived. The Dealer now has the Puck Off in the Don’t Come Box. The Player next to T. P. put the Minimum Bet on the Pass Line
    Determined to get in on the action, T. P. tosses the Stickmen $7 and sets $41 on the Lay-Out, just above the Field, and tells the Dealer, "$5 Big Red, $2 C/E and $41 No 4." You got the action," said the Dealer. The Stickmen moves the dice to the Shooter and announces, "Dice Coming Out, last chance for the Horn." There were no takers, but one Player told the Dealer that he wanted his Hard 6 Working. The instruction was acknowledged and the appropriate Button was put in place. 
    The Shooter tosses the Dice. "Winner 7, pay the Pass and the Lay, take the Don’ts," said the Stickman. T. P. tells the Dealer to take all his Standing Bets Down, as he was satisfied picking up a $37 profit. Before the next Continuing Come-Out the Player next to T. P. tosses the Stickman $5 and announces that he wants a $5 World. Another Player also tossed $5 in the direction of the Stickman and said that he wanted Horn High Yo. All the bets were acknowledged just before the Dice came bouncing off the sidewall rolling to a stop. They added up to the number 8. The Dealer turned the Puck On and placed it on the new Point
    A Player put $82 on the Lay-Out and said that she wanted an Outside Spread, knowing that she was Buying the 4 & 10. T. P. set down $22, wanting an Inside Spread including the point, and tossed $2 as he said "High – Low". The next series of rolls went like this with T. P. giving instructions in-between: #12 "Parlay" #6 "Same Bet" #6 "Press It" #4 * #5 "Give me the Odds and Move to #4" #6 "Make the #6 Look Like $6 and bring the #9 Up $5" #3 "Place $5 on #10" #11 " Turn all bets Off!" 7-Out "Take all bets Down," said T. P. with a smile on his face. T. P. gathered up his chips knowing he is going home a Winner!

(Tip: Do not try to understand " Why" these Players made certain bets. The meaning to "Why" involves strategy that was unique to that particular Table, at that given time, involving individual style. This manual was designed to inform you about the Language and Rules of Craps without the confusion of Strategy. As you continue toward your stated goal, your focus must remain on understanding the meaning of the words that seem strange to you now. Once you feel comfortable with the Language and Rules of Craps, learning strategy will be the exciting part of your learning curve.)

Return to Section:               Section 2             Section 3           Section 4       Winding things up

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A 

"CRAPY" MANUAL

FOR THE BEGINNER!

Copyright Ó 2000 by Larry Freiwald

SECTION 1

A "CRAPY" Language DECODED

 

                    Dealer                                     Boxman                                       Dealer

  

                  Players                                      Stickman                                    Players

 

1. LAY-OUT: This is the green play area on the Table showing the different betting areas. Different Casinos may have Tables with slight variations to this mostly standard Lay-Out. These variations will be pointed out as the need arises. You will notice that the Lay-Out has a right side area, a center area, and a left side area. The right and left side of the Lay-Out are exactly the same. However, the center area is unique unto itself. The following is a list of the eight main Betting Areas on the Lay-Out.  This list is just an orientation of location. The meaning and rules for each area will be covered in detail as you continue. 

  • Pass Line: This is the first betting area represented as a long line just in front of the Players.
  • Don't Pass Bar 12:This long line runs parallel to, and just in front of, the Pass Line. 
  • Field Numbers Location: The individual numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, & 12 are located in front of the Don't Pass Line. This large box is simply labeled Field.
  • Come Box: This is a Large "Box" area in front of the Field, simply labeled Come.
  • Place Numbers Location: The individual numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, & 10 are large numbers in individual boxes located in the back, Dealer side, of the table. 
  • Don't Come Box: This is a small Box located next to the Place Number 4 in the Place Numbers Location.
  • Horn Numbers Location: The individual numbers 2, 3, 11, & 12 are located in a large box in front of the Stickman. Any 7 and Any Craps have their own box in this area. The C and E running down each side will be explained in full in the Section called Proposition Bets. Some Casinos will have a larger "Horn Area" that includes individual Combination One Roll Bets.
  • Hard Way Numbers Location: The individual numbers 4, 10, 6, & 8 are located on the upper edge of the Horn Location.

2. CASINO EMPLOYEES THAT WORK A CRAPS TABLE:

a) Dealer: Dealer is a misleading name. A Dealer in Black Jack actually "Deals" cards. Dealers in Craps do not "Deal" anything but they do make "Deals" when they say, "You got Action!" There are two Dealers per Table located standing in the back of the Table. One is in control of the right side the other is in control of the left side. The Dealer issues buy-in chips, acknowledges all bets or tells you when a bet is not in action, makes payoffs on all bets won, and Clears (removes chips) the sector of the Table he is responsible for when bets are lost (A Table is also considered Clear just after a Shooter has thrown the dice and before the Stickman moves the dice back to the Shooter). Basically, you and the Dealer will be the only ones involved in a "Crapy" conversation! The Dealer is there to help you. Feel free to ask him (or her) questions of things you do not understand.

b) Stickman: The Stickman is easy to spot. He has a long stick that is curved at one end to facilitate moving the dice from Player to Player. He is located standing in a notched area along the front edge of the Table with the Players standing on each side. The Stickman controls the pace of action on the Table. Using his stick, he will pass the dice to the next Player in line to throw the dice. He calls the number on the dice thrown and instructs the Dealers what bets to pay and what bets to take. He controls the betting area in front of him located on the Lay-Out.

c) Boxman: The Boxman sits at the center back edge of the Table between the Dealers and straight across from the Stickman. He controls the Casino’s Table Bankroll. This is the money that is represented as different denominations of chips that are stacked in rows in front of him on the Lay-Out. The Boxman is the Referee of this game. From time-to-time a Dealer will make a mistake. This could be by misplacing your bet, or short changing your payoff. If a mistake is left unchallenged, it could cost you money. You have the right to challenge a mistake by explaining your situation to the Boxman. Good manners are appropriate in this situation! He will make a ruling. If you are not satisfied with the results, and you know that you are right, you have the right to take your case to the next person on this list.

d) Pit Manager: The Pit Manager controls all the Table games in that "Pit" area of the Casino. He almost has the final say in any dispute in his area. I say almost because if you are absolutely sure that you are right and the Pit Manager gives you no satisfaction, you have the right to request a replay of the security videotapes for that Table. Though that extreme is rarely necessary, just know that you have that right.

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3. Right and Wrong Players: You may also hear the expression "Right Players play against the House" or "Wrong Players play with the House". Both labels and expressions are total nonsense! There is no Right Way to Play Craps and there is no Wrong Way to Play Craps. There is only the Smart Way to Play Craps, which depends on the situation of the random rolls! As you will find out, the House or Casino does not Play Craps – they facilitate the game! If a Player is referred to as "Right" or "Wrong" it simply means: Right Players make Pass line, Come, and Place Number Bets. Wrong Players make Don’t Pass Line, Don’t Come, and Lay Bets. All to be explained in Section 2.

4. Dice: These are the six sided, dot-studded cubes that are the focus of this game. Each "Die" has a different number of dots located on each of the six sides ranging from 1-6. The game is played with two "Die" or as the pair referred to as "Dice". The whole range of emotions that embody a Craps Table is directly related to the corresponding number of dots that randomly show after a roll. All Casinos are very protective of their Dice! The Boxman is responsible for the dice remaining in plain view at all times and that all rolls are as random as possible. As a result of this protective nature, the All Casinos have very strict rules concerning the handling of the dice.

  • It may seem "cool" to cup the dice in both hands and blow on them for Luck before you throw them – Don’t! If you do this no-no, do not be surprised if the Boxman stops the game and request the dice for his inspection. At that time, you will be reminded that the dice are to be handled with one hand only!
  • Do not rub the dice on the Lay-Out. If too many shooters do this no-no, the corners of the dice will get worn and be out of balance.
  • Always attempt to throw the dice the length of the table so that they bounce off the textured side as they roll to a stop on the Lay-Out. If you throw them too high or too short, expect to be cautioned.
  • If a Shooter bounces a Die in your tray, the Stickman will say,  "No roll, Die High." You simply pick the Die up and toss it on the Lay-Out. However, if the Die ends up on the floor, you Must hand it to the Dealer. The Dealer will pass it to the Boxman so that he can identify a code embedded in each Die.
  • If you are the Shooter and a Die ends up on the floor, you may request the "Same Dice". If nothing is said, the Stickman will give you additional Die to choose from.
  • Besides winning money, throwing the Dice can be the most exciting part of this game. Just respect these simple rules and enjoy yourself!

5. Shooter: This is the Player throwing the dice. All Players are eligible to throw the dice, however, all Casinos Require a Player to make a Pass Line Bet or a Don’t Pass Line Bet (these Bets will be explained when you get to the Section on Betting) when it is his or her time to "Shoot" the Dice. At any time you can refuse to "Shoot" the dice by simply waving off the dice to the person to your left.

         6. Buying-In: This is simply exchanging your money (Bankroll) for chips.

Tip: NEVER try to hand your money to the Dealer! Simply place your money on the Lay-Out in front of you. In Casinos that have a "No Cash" betting rule the Dealer will pick your money up and say, "Change Only, No Action." He will pass your money to the Boxman who will count it and instruct the Dealer how many chips to give you. In Casinos where you are allowed to make a Cash Bet you will be able to make a bet as soon as you walk up to the table and have your money on the Lay-Out. He will acknowledge your bet and the bet that is lost or won will be subtracted from or added to the total chips returned to you. You must ask the individual Casino if they have a No Cash or Cash Betting Rule.

7. Cashing In: This is the time you decide to leave that Table. If you have too many chips, tell the Dealer that you want to Cash In and place the chips on the Lay-Out in front of you. The Dealer will say, "Color Coming In" and will move them to the Boxman. The Boxman will count the chips and instruct the Dealer to give you the same amount of chips in larger denominations.

8. INDIVIDUAL NUMBERS that have their own NAME: ("Natural" #’s 7 & 11) ("Big Red" #7) ("Yo" #11) ("Craps" #’s 2, 3 & 12) ("Ace-Duce" #3
("Snake Eyes", "Low" or "Duce" #2) ("Box Cars" or "High" #12)

9. Place Numbers: These are the Betting #’s 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, & 10.

10. Horn Numbers: These are the Betting #’s 3, 11, 2, 12, & 7.

11. Hard Way Numbers: When both Die have the same number that when added together is a Place Number, it is considered a Hard Way combination (2 & 2 = #4), (3 & 3 = #6), (4 & 4 = #8) (5 & 5 = #10).

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12. Odds: Odds are involved in all forms of Gaming. Odds are based on the Chance a number has to show during a random roll of the dice. The more chances a number has to show, the lower the risk. The fewer the chances a number has to show, the higher the risk. They are the measure used by the Casino to payoff a set amount of Profit on a winning Bet with the original Bet still in place. You will see Odds expressed as "X" amount To "Y" amount or "X" amount For "Y" amount. The difference between the To and For will be explained when you get to Section 3, titled, "Proposition Bets". The first number, "X," will always be the Payoff amount. The second number, "Y," will always represent the amount of the Bet. The Odds that are paid by the Casino can be lower, the same, or higher than the original Bet. This will depend on the risk, (Chances of showing in one roll compared to 36 total Chances) involved. The higher the risk the higher the Odds that will be paid on a winning Bet. The lower the risk, the lower the Odds that will be paid on a winning Bet. The absolute truth you must understand is that Odds are only valid in the Long-Term. This is important because your bets will be made in the Short-Term. Do not make a major mistake of making Bets based on the "Odds" of a number showing! The reason will be explained in full as we continue. There are two types of Odds used in Gaming. They are True Odds and House Odds.

· True Odds: Because Odds are figured by using mathematical ratios, you must be motivated to stick with me as I explain where they come from. If you are, a mystery will be solved! True Odds for All Betting Numbers, (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,  8, 9, 10, 11, & 12), in Craps are figured by first taking the number of combinations a Betting Number has showing out of a possible 36 combination on a pair of dice. The Picture below shows the different combinations that dice can be thrown that will add up to the number on the far left. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The two charts below will show this chart using real numbers instead of dice. 

    Chart 1 shows how many of the six numbers on Die 1, (1 – 6), are involved composing each Betting Number that when combined with like composing numbers from Die 2, (1 – 6), will add up to that Betting Number on each line. For example, on the second line you will see the Betting # 3. Under Die 1, (all red), you will see the #’s 1, 2. Under Die 2, (all blue), you will see the like composing #’s 2,1. If you take the first # (1) on Die 1 and add it to the first # (2) on Die 2, they will add up to 3.You will get the same results if you add the second #'s 2 and 1. Note that no individual Die will include the Bet #. This is because Both Die must be used to make a Bet #. Chart 2 will combine the two die to show the total number of combinations a Betting Numbers has a chance to be rolled on a pair of Dice out of a possible 36 combinations.

 Die 1             Chart 1              Die 2

Bet #2: 1     (1# ea. Die) Bet #2: 1
Bet #3: 1, 2    (2#'s ea. Die) Bet #3: 1, 2
Bet #4: 1, 2, 3    (3#'s ea. Die) Bet #4: 1, 2, 3
Bet #5: 1, 2, 3, 4    (4#'s ea. Die) Bet #5: 1, 2, 3, 4
Bet #6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5    (5#'s ea. Die) Bet #6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Bet #7: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6    (6#'s ea. Die) Bet #7: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Bet #8: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6    (5#'s ea. Die) Bet #8: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Bet #9: 3, 4, 5, 6    (4#'s ea. Die) Bet #9: 3, 4, 5, 6
Bet #10: 4, 5, 6    (3#'s ea. Die) Bet #10: 4, 5, 6
Bet #11:  5, 6    (2#'s ea. Die) Bet #11: 5, 6
Bet #12: 6     (1# ea. Die) Bet #12: 6

The following Chart 2 shows the number of combinations a Betting Number can have when the composing numbers on both Die are added together. This total number of combinations represents the total Chances a Betting Number has showing in an average of 36 rolls. The 1st Red # in each combination will represent Die 1. The 2nd Blue # will be Die 2 as shown in Chart 1 above.

Chart 2

  #2 (1, 1) #2 has 1 chance showing in 36 rolls 
  #3 (1, 2) (2, 1) #3 has 2 chances out of 36 rolls 
  #4 (1, 3) (3, 1) (2, 2) #4 has 3 chances out of 36 rolls 
  #5 (1, 4) (4, 1) (2, 3) (3, 2) #5 has 4 chances out of 36 rolls 
  #6 (1, 5) (5, 1) (2, 3) (3, 2) (3, 3) #6 has 5 chances out of 36 rolls 
  #7 (1, 6) (6, 1) (2, 5) (5, 2) (3, 4) (4, 3)#7 has 6 chances in 36rolls
  #8 (2, 6) (6, 2) (3, 5) (5, 3) (4, 4) #8 has 5 chances out of 36 rolls 
  #9 (3, 6) (6, 3) (4, 5) (5, 4) #9 has 4 chances out of 36 rolls 
#10 (4, 6) (6, 4) (5, 5) #10 has 3 chances out of 36 rolls
#11 (5, 6) (6, 5) #11 has 2 chances out of 36 rolls 
#12 (6, 6) #12 has 1 chance out of 36 roll

Note: The total number of Combinations = 36!

1) The True Odds for all Place #’s (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, & 10) are figured by taking the total combinations per individual Place # and comparing that # in the form of a ratio relative to the 6 combinations the #7 has an opportunity of showing up. For example, the Place #4 has 3 possible combinations (1, 3), (3, 1), & (2, 2) of showing in any given roll of the dice. If you compare that number relative to the 6 combinations (1, 6), (6, 1), (2, 5), (5, 2), (3, 4), & (4, 3) for the #7, you get 6/3 or 2/1, expressed as 2 to 1 True Odds. Because the #7, in the long run, will show up twice as many times as the #4, the True Odds that should be paid if you had a bet on a winning Place Number 4 is a $2 profit to every $1 bet.

2) The True Odds for all the Hardway #’s (H4, H10, H6, & H8) are first figured by the fact that a Hardway combination has only One way of showing in any given random roll, (H4 - 2 & 2), (H10 - 5 & 5), (H6 - 3 & 3), (H8 - 4 & 4). All Hardway #’s are multiple roll bets. There are only two ways your bet on a Hardway # can lose. Any Hardway Bet will lose if any one of the 6 combinations of the #7 is rolled. Any bet on the H4 or H10 will also lose if any of the 2 Easyway combinations for that respective number is rolled, #4 (1 , 3) or (3 , 1), #10 (2 , 3) or (3 , 2). The H4 and H10 each have 8 ways to lose and 1 way to win, with a ratio of 8/1 or 8 to 1 True Odds. Any bet on the H6 or H8 will also lose if any of the 4 Easyway combination for that respective number is rolled, #6 (2 , 4), (4 , 2), (1 , 5), or (5 , 1), and for #8 (2 , 6), (6 , 2), (3 , 5), or (5, 3). The H6 and H8 each have 10 ways to lose and 1 way to win, with a ratio of 10/1 or 10 to 1 True Odds.

3) The True Odds for all Horn #’s (2, 3, 11, 12, & 7) are based relative to the non-producing combinations to producing combination for that number out of a possible 36 combinations on a pair of dice. Since the #2 has only 1 combination (1,1) and all other numbers total 35 combinations, you create a ratio of 35/1, or 35 to 1 True Odds. You would expect to be paid a profit of $35 for every $1 bet on the #2, if it should be rolled. NOT! The Casino will only pay you a $30 profit for every $1 bet! This "Short" payoff is the Long-Term advantage that Casinos have over All Players as a Group because they use House Odds instead of True Odds to payoff a winning number.

· House Odds: This is the name given to the Odds the Casino is willing to pay you after a win, which is less than the True Odds. These Odds are set by the Casino and may have slight variations from Casino to Casino. But for the most part they will be the same. The difference between the True Odds Payoff and House Odds Payoff is the guaranteed Profit a Casino will "hold back" as they payoff a win. This percentage of expected House Profit compared to the initial Bet is called the House "Edge".




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13. House Edge:
The "Edge", or you may hear the term "Vig," is always expressed as a percentage. For example, the "Edge" or "Vig" for the Place numbers are as follows: 4 or 10 is 6.67%,  5 or 9 is 4.0%, and  the 6 or 8 is1.52%. Going crossways to most Experts, I am not going to waste your time giving you the percentages for the House "Vig" for the rest of the numbers. This information only has value to the Casino because they use it to figure expected Profit. However, there is a real dollar amount of profit they will make on each Bet that does not reflect their internal cost. This is how it works. The Casino will use True Odds to Collect $35 for all the losing Bets on The Betting #2, but they will only Pay $30 on a winning #2 using House Odds. The $5 difference will be their Profit each time The Betting #2 averages out to Perfect Odds. The House Profit is simply figured by first taking the True Odds of  a number and subtracting the House Odds                 

    The House Edge could be considered a cost to the Player for the privilege to gamble. However, you should not get too upset with the Casino. People that do not understand the relationship between Long-Term, Short-Term as they relate to Odds will tell you why the Casino always has the advantage and this is why you can never " Beat the Boat." But this is simply Not true in the Short-Term! The only advantage the Casino has over All Players as a Group is that the "House" participates in every roll of the dice and they use House Odds to payoff a Win. The key word is Win. You must Win for the Casino to hold that advantage! It is true that in the Long-Term, after hundreds of thousands of payoffs, the Casino will Save millions of dollars that will go directly in their pocket. But so what if they only pay you using House Odds a total of $9 on a $5 winning #4 Bet instead of paying you the True Odds of $10? Think about it, you got your $5 back plus made a $9 Profit!

    If you remember nothing else remember this: The Statistical accuracy of Odds is only valid in the Long-Term! Say you intend to go head to head with the Casino for the Long-Term, and your method of consistent play was to bet $5 on the Place #4 for every roll of the Dice. If you played at the same Craps Table for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month, 12 months a year (you got the idea) playing with House Odds, You will Lose! Oh, you will have up and down periods. This is because of an unexplained phenomenon in random chance known as Short-Term Trends where numbers will bunch up or stretch out, but rarely act as probability predicts. As a result, there will be times when you will have more money than you started with, and there will be times that you will have less money than you started with. (This last bit of information is significant!) But I guarantee that no matter how much money you start with, you will Lose if you use one method of Play, on one Table, over a   "v e r y l o n g" – extended - period of "Craping". The reason is simple and it has nothing to do with Luck!

    Another equal term for True Odds is an Honest Handicap. True Odds are given to equalize the random throw of numbers. The Best you could depend on in the Long-Term with True Odds is to break even! Just think of it, you played for Years with no sleep and all that you would have to show for it is, at some point, going home with the same amount of money that you started with! That would be stupid! However, the Casino is in it for the Long-Term and they are not stupid! Because the real world payoff involves using House Odds, that $1 they "Held Back" on a winning #4 represents their Profit and your Loss. At some point, you would have to run out of money!

    Now if this sounds like I am talking out of two sides of my mouth, then you have forgotten the two Key Terms - Long-Term versus Short-Term. The Casino is in this business of gambling for the Long-Term. They have employees working the Tables 24 hours a day. Their profit is not based on your losing $200 in the Short-Term because they will end up giving your loss, minus the difference between the True Odds payoff and the House Odds payoff (their guaranteed Profit!), to the guy who walks out of the Casino a winner! In short, the Casino could care less if you win or if you lose, they just care that you Play! This is the reason they spend so much money on promotions. This is also the reason they will raise the betting limit when the Casino is crowded. The more money they collect on losing bets, the more money they will make when they payoff a win. Understand that the Casino will make money on the Short Payoffs of all the Players that gamble over  Long-Term. (This is the Big Picture) The Casino facilitates the exchange of the money between Short-Term individual winners and losers.

    Your Individual Short-Term gambling in a Casino is just a minuscule speck in the Big Picture! I hope that I did not shatter your self-image. You may be surprised when you discover that there is Power in your being a minuscule speck in the Big Picture! This Power will come in the form of being able to control your Betting Patterns based on your knowledge and study of the Flow of Short-Term Trends. Understand that the Casino holds No advantage over the throw of the dice. They do not control or make any bets. The fact is that the Casino does not Play Craps; they facilitate the game. You do not play against or with the Casino. You Play against the Dice! You cannot control the numbers that show on a pair of dice, but neither can the Casino. Master this game and you will understand the Power you hold as a Gambler. I said Power as a Decision-Making Gambler, not Power over the Dice. All Gamblers are subject to the unexpected anomaly (The tornado that hits your house and not your neighbors, or the 100 year flood * Five Point 7s in a row or the 2 hour Hot Roll!). Your Power will come in the form of knowing the most productive betting patterns for a certain situation combined with discipline as you accept the occasional anomaly be it in your favor or against. Knowledge is Power! A firm foundation of the Basics will make you a smart Player.

Hold on to this truth:

All Casinos hold the advantage over All Gamblers as a Group in the Long-Term because of the Long-Term predictable nature of Probability combined with House Odds.

All Individual Gamblers hold the advantage over All Casinos in the Short-Term because of the Short-Term unexplained nature of Trends combined with the knowledge and discipline to take advantage of the Opportunities they Provide!

    I want you to understand that your Enemy will not be ‘’Bad Luck." Nor will your Enemy be the Casino. Your biggest Enemy will be Your Lack of Knowledge and Misplaced Superstition! The Power of Knowledge will turn your biggest Enemy into your biggest Ally!  

 

I know this part can be rough! When I had a question, I just asked my Boss. So Can You: Larry Freiwald 

 

 

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14. Puck:
This "Hockey Puck" size round disk has two different sides. One side is colored White with the word On. The other side is colored Black with the word Off. The Dealer handles the Puck. The color, word and location will tell you the progress of the game. (See Come-Out Roll and Point)

15. Button: This is a small round disk used to indicate if you want a bet to remain in action (on) during a "Come-Out" (to be explained later) or not in action (off) but left on the Lay-Out. Buttons are also used to indicate Lay and Buy Bets.

16. Come-Out Roll: This is the beginning of a new game after a 7-Out. The Puck is on the Black – Off side located in the Don’t Come Box.

17. Continuing Come-Out Roll: This is a term that is not used in conversation, but is simply used to describe the continuation of a game in which the same Shooter is involved in another Come-Out Roll. (See how it is used in the story.)

18. Point: This is one of the six Place Numbers thrown during the Come-Out. The Puck is White – On placed on the number thrown.

19. Pass: This means that the Point Number was thrown before 7–Out. The same Shooter is involved in a Continuing Come-Out, and the game continues.

20. No Pass: The #7 was rolled before the Point Number. That game is over and the dice are given to another Player.

21. 7-Out: This is the same as No Pass. The game ends when any combination of dots on the dice adds up to 7 while the Puck is on the White – On side, located on a Point. The dice are passed to the next Shooter.

22. Minimum and Maximum Bet: There is a sign located by the Dealer that will indicate the Minimum and Maximum Bet. If you are not sure, ask! The bets located in the center of the Table, which are controlled by the Stickman, usually have a smaller Minimum Bet than the rest of the bets. Because individual Casinos and different Tables in the same Casino have different Minimum and Maximum Bets it’s always smart to ask before you start to play.

23. Standing Bet: These are all bets that are left in place after the dice have been thrown – no matter what the outcome.

24. Flat Bet: This term is used to refer to all Pass Line and Don’t Pass line Bets and all Come and Don’t Come Bets. The maximum "Free Odds Bet" that you can make behind these Bets will be a multiple of this "Flat Bet". The Flat Bet always pays even Odds – Hence Flat Bet! (All these Bets will be covered in detail in the next section.)

25. No Call Bets: This is written on the Lay-Out to remind Players that you must have enough chips, or in some cash Casinos, enough money in sight to cover your bet and the Dealer must acknowledge all Bets. By having this rule the Casino protects itself from a Player walking up to a Table and just Calling out a bet, only to lose and vanish!

          26. TERMS for the FLOW or TREND of the Table:

Hot: This condition is easy to spot just by the overwhelming excitement coming from that Table. Many Passes will be made. Many Place Numbers and Horn Numbers are thrown. Remember this, the longer the time the Shooter holds the dice without throwing a 7–Out, the Hotter the Table is!

Cold: You will notice a Cold Table because most of the Players will not be too happy. The dice will be given to many Shooters because they have failed to make a Pass before the 7–Out shows. The shorter the time the Shooter holds the dice, the Colder the Table is!

Choppy: This Table will have a series of Hot and Cold Shooters.

To put what you have learn in context, the story is just a click away:
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SECTION 2

Ok, how do I Win, how do I Lose?

Because this section will have a tendency to get "wordy", I want to start you off by showing you the Game of Craps in its simplest terms in graphic illustration.

   

    I want you to follow me as I take you around this Circle of Craps. Starting off by looking at the far left, you will see the Come-Out, where the Puck is Off. This is always the start of a new game or the continuation of the same game after a point has been made. From here, there is only One of Three things that can happen as the dice are thrown:

1) If any Natural number is thrown (7 or 11), your bet on the Pass Line will win even money. Bets located on the Don’t Pass Line will be lost. The arrow indicates that Naturals can be thrown as many times in a row as possible without changing the status of the Come-Out.

2) If a Craps number is thrown (2, 3 or 12), all Pass Line Bets are lost. All bets on the Don’t Pass Line will win even money. The #12 is a Push. Once again, the arrow indicates that Craps can be thrown as many times in a row as possible without changing the status of the Come-Out. Let it be known that any combination of Naturals or Craps thrown in a row will not change the status of the Come-Out.

3) If any one of the Place Numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) is thrown, what is known as the Point will have been established.

    This moves us to the bottom of the "Circle" where the Puck is On located on any one of the Place Numbers that was just thrown. The circle is broken to indicate a new game, or the continuation of the same game is in progress. Once again, from here, there is only One of Three things that can happen for each throw of the dice:

1) All Numbers, except the #7 and Point Number that was established, can be thrown in a row and the game will continue. As each number is thrown the initial Bet will remain in place, plus, House Odds Profit will be paid respective to that number. At this time, the $ amount of the initial bet can stay the same, be lowered, raised, or removed. (Except special Contract Bets on the Pass Line and Come Bets that will be covered in detail as you continue.) 

2) When the Point Number is thrown, what is known as a Pass will have been made. All Pass Line bets will win even money and any Free Odds Bets will be paid. All Don’t Pass Line Bets will be lost. At this time the circle will turn solid with the arrow indicating that the Puck will be "Turned Off" and another Come-Out will occur. However, in this case, it will be known as a Continuing Come-Out because the same Shooter will keep the dice. All bets will remain in position, but will automatically be turned off until the next Point has been established. If this Circle happens often enough, it is considered a Hot Table!

3) If a 7 in any combination is thrown (7-Out), the game is Over and all Pass Line Bets and Place Number Bets are lost. Bets on the Don’t Pass Line win even money and the Free Odds Bet will be paid. The Circle will turn solid with the arrow indicating that the Puck will be "Turned Off" as the next Come-Out will be set up as the Table is Cleared. That Shooter will give up the dice and the Stickman will move them to the next Player to his left. If this circle happens often enough in a row with few Place and Horn #’s being thrown, it is considered Cold.

Go around the "Crapy" Circle a few times so you can get a feel for how this game is structured. Once you feel comfortable with how you win and how you lose, please continue. You will discover what all the bets mean and the rules associated with each bet that you will be able to make.
Take me back to the "Crapy" Story!

Hey, knowing how you win and lose is basic. Did my Boss make everything Clear? If not, ask him your questions: Larry Freiwald 

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So Ya Wanna Make a Bet?

You can’t Win unless you know the rules for Betting!

       

1. Contract Bets: These are bets that, once made, can only be added to, but never removed after the point has been established. The only two (and variations of) contract bets are:

  • Pass Line Bet during a Come-Out: When it becomes your turn to throw the dice, this is one option of two bets you must make to be the Shooter. This is the only time it is required to make this bet. If you do not want to throw the dice or make a Pass Line Bet, you can simply wave the dice to the Player to your left or just tell the Stickman to "pass the dice." One of three things will happen as a result of this Come-Out Roll: 
    1) If a Natural #7 or #11 is rolled in any combination, you will win even money for your Pass Line Bet, (also known as a Flat Bet), and another Come-Out will ensue. This is the only "Right Side Bet" where you can win on back-to-back 7’s
    2) If any of the Craps Numbers 2, 3, or 12 are rolled, you will lose your Pass Line Bet. At that time you will have an opportunity set up another Pass Line Bet. 
    3) A Place Number is thrown. You are betting that after a point has been established, the Point Number will be thrown before the #7. You can make a Free Odds Bet behind this bet (see Free Odds Bet).
  • Pass Line Bet after a Come-Out: At any time once a Point has been established you can set up a Pass Line Bet with Odds. Just understand that once you make any Pass Line Bet, it is "under contract" and cannot be removed. You can remove the Odds at any time. This is a little used bet because most Players want to take advantage of the #7 showing on the Come-Out for a win.
  • Come Bet: This bet is only made after a point has been established. You make this bet by putting your chips in the large Come Box Location. In this location your bet will be the same as if you placed a bet on the Pass Line during a Come-Out. One of the same three things will happen as a result of the next roll of the dice: 
    1) If a Natural is thrown, you win. 
    2) If any Craps is thrown, you lose.  
    3) However, if the next number thrown is a Place Number, that Number will establish another "Independent" Point. When this happens, the Dealer will move your bet to that Place Number thrown (now acting as an "Independent" Point). He will ask you if you want to make a Free Odds Bet. At any time if that Place Number shows before a 7-Out, you will win even money on the Come Bet, (also known as a Flat Bet), with the Odds Profit for any Free Odds Bet that you made. At this time your original Come Bet and Odds Bet will be returned. However, if a Continuing Come-Out Roll occurs because the Pass Line Point was thrown, your Come Bet will remain in action, but if you have a Free Odds Bet, it will not be in action. If the Come-Out is a #7, you will lose your Come Bet, but your Free Odds Bet will be returned. If the number the Come Bet is on is thrown, you will win even money on your Come Bet. At that time your Come Bet and the Free Odds Bet will be returned to you. If any other Place Number is thrown, both your Come Bet and Free Odds will be in action.
  • Put Bet: This is the same as a Come Bet. However you do not go through the Come Box. To make this Bet stack the amount of chips you want as the "Contract" Bet, or Flat Bet, with any Free Odds on the Lay-Out and tell the Dealer to "Put" this Bet on "X" Place Number. By saying, "Put" you distinguish this Bet from a Place Bet. (Place Bet is covered when you get to #6.)

2. Don’t Pass Line Bet: This is the other option you have if you want to shoot the dice. This bet is exactly set up the same way as the Pass Line Bet with Free Odds and all. However, there are three exceptions:
1) You may remove this bet anytime after the Point has been established.
2) You are betting that the #7 will show before the Point.
3) You Can Not make this Bet after a Come-Out.
Remember that in order for you to shoot the dice, you must make a Pass Line Bet or a Don’t Pass Line Bet!

3. Don’t Come Bet: This bet is made only after a Point has been established and you must go through the Don’t Come Box! To make this bet you would place your chips inside the Don’t Come Box, located next to the #4 in the upper left and right corners of the Lay-Out. One of three things will happen after the next roll of the dice:
1) If a Natural 7 or 11 is thrown, you will lose this bet.
2) If a Craps Number 2, or 3 is thrown, you will win even money for your bet. The Number 12 is a Push.
3) If a Place Number is thrown, the Dealer will place your Bet in the Lay position just above the Number that was thrown. At this time you will be asked if you want to Lay a Free Odds bet. This bet can be removed at any time. If you leave it in place, you will be betting that the #7 shows before that Place Number. If at any time a Continuing Come Out occurs because the established Point was thrown, your bet will remain in action. However, unlike the Come Bet, your Free Odds Bet will remain in action unless you say "Odds Off."

4. Free Odds Bet: These are optional bets that the Casino will allow you to make behind the Pass Line Bet or Don’t Pass Line Bet after a Come-Out. You can also make this Bet behind the Come Bet and or the Don’t Come Bet after the Bet has been moved from the "Box" to another "independent" Point. The Maximum amount of this bet will vary from Casino to Casino and is based on a determined multiple amount of your Line or Flat Bet. For example, a Casino that offers 2 Times Odds will allow you to make a Free Odds Bet in the amount of 2 times the amount of your Flat Bet. Taking Full Odds means that you want to take full advantage of the maximum multiple of your Flat Bet. If you are not sure how much you can bet, just ask. Free Odds Bets are the only Bets the Casino will make a payoff using True Odds without charging you – hence, Free Odds! But don’t be deceived! There is nothing Free in this World. This bet can only be made in conjunction with Pass and Don’t Pass Line and Come and Don’t Come Bets – all only paying Even Odds. You may make more Profit on the Free Odds but you will make less Profit with its Partner Flat Bet because it only pays even odds!

The Free Odds for the Pass Line and Come Bets are (4 & 10 = 2 to 1 odds, or a $5 bet will make $10) (5 & 9 = 3 to 2 odds, with these odds it is best to make a min. of a $6 bet that will make $9) (6 & 8 = 6 to 5 odds, or a $5 bet will make $6). This assumes you are playing on a $5 Table.

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5. Place Number Bet: You will make a Bet on one or all (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) Place #’s. You can make this Bet any time, but to be in action during a Come-Out, you must "Turn it on". If a Number that you have bet on is rolled before the #7, your bet will remain in place and you will win House Odds profit. The House Odds for the six Place Numbers are (4 & 10 = 9 to 5, or a $5 bet will make $9) (5 & 9 = 7 to 5, or a $5 bet will make $7) and (6 & 8 = 7 to 6, you must make a minimum $6 bet to make $7). This assumes you are playing on a $5 Table and making a minimum bet. Your bets will automatically be turned "Off" during a Continuing Come-Out. However, you can request that any of these bets be left in action. An On Button on said bets honors your request.

6. Buy Bet: This is an optional Place Number Bet. If you are betting $20 or more on a Place Number the Casino gives you the option to Buy that number for a fee of 5% of the total bet. In return the Casino will pay True Odds on a win. The #4 and #10 are the only bets that are worth Buying. This is how it works. If you bet the min. of $20 on the #4, and, or #10, you tell the Dealer, "I want to Buy the #4 or #10." You will place $21 on the Lay-Out. He will say, "You got action." He will put $20 on the number and keep the $1 as a Buy Fee. At the same time he will place a Button that has the word "Buy" on top of your chips. House Odds for the #4 and #10 are $9 for every $5 bet. For a $20 win using House Odds you would receive $36 with the $20 still in place. If you Buy that same Bet for an extra $1 you would receive $40 with the $20 still in place. Your gain is an extra $3. ($40 for the 2 to 1 True Odds - $1 Buy Fee = $39) If you leave the $20 in play for the next roll you just toss $1 chip to the Dealer and the "Buy" Bet will be set up again. This Fee is returned if you remove that Bet before a result. Note that if you Buy both the #4 & #10 most Casinos will add the total of both bets to determine the 5% Buy Fee and they will always round off to the highest dollar amount!

7. Lay Bet / can be expressed as "No" (whatever place #): Like the Buy Bets, these Bets are only made using Place Numbers. The small area above each Place Number is where your chips will be located to indicate this Bet. The Dealer will put a small Button that is labeled Lay on top of your chips.

To make this Bet you must pay a Lay Fee of 5% of the payoff for Bets large enough to receive a payoff of at least $20. For example, to Lay a #4 on a $5 Table you must put $41 in play to win $20. ($20 win for $40 bet at 1 to 2 Lay Odds + $1 Lay Fee) Your net profit will be $19. ($20 + $40 - $1 = $59 - $40 = $19 Profit)

Remember that for all Lay bets the True Odds are reversed. The reason for this is that the #7 is working for you. You are betting that the #7 will show before the number you have chosen to "Lay" shows. (This is a small example of how wacky "crapy" this language is!) Because of the 5 to 6 Lay Odds for the Place Numbers 6 & 8, you only have to Lay $25 to win the same $19 profit. ($20 win for $24 bet + $1 Lay Fee will net $19) ($20 + $24 - $1 = $43 - $24 = $19) The Lay Fee is returned if the Bet is removed before a result. Lay Odds for (4 & 10 = 1 to 2), (5 & 9 = 2 to 3), (6 & 8 = 5 to 6)

8. Field Bet: Placing your chips in the large Field Bet Location that is simply labeled Field makes this Bet. This is a One-Roll Bet that can be made at any time. You win if any of the following numbers show on the next roll: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The numbers 3, 4, 9, 10, & 11 will always pay even odds. The numbers 2 & 12 will pay double odds. Some Casinos will pay triple odds on the 12.

9. Big 6 & Big 8 Bet: This is one of the slight variations that occur on a mostly standard Lay-Out. Some Casinos offer this bet located on the far corners of the pass line. This is simply a bad bet and should never be made! The reason is that this bet is exactly the same as the Place 6 & 8 bet with one big exception. If after a Come-Out a 6 or 8 shows before a 7-Out, the Big 6 & 8 pays Even Odds. ($5 win for $5 bet on a $5 Table) However, the Place 6 or 8 will pay a Profit using House Odds of $7 for every $6 bet. Yes, they make you bet an extra $1 for the Place Bet, but on a win you will get that extra $1 back plus you make an extra $1 profit that you would not make with even odds! The Casino knows it and so should you!

10. Bets you can make on your own by placing your chips in the proper location: Pass and Don’t Line * Free Odds for Pass and Don’t Line * Come and Don’t Come Box * Field * Big 6 & 8.

11. Bets you make by placing your chips on the Lay-0ut or tossing them to the Stickman and telling the Dealer what Bets you want in action. He will place your bet or bets in their proper location: All Place Bets * Free Odds for Come and Don’t Come after the move * All Lay and Buy Bets * Put Bets * All Proposition Bets. (Proposition bets are covered in full in the next section.)

To put what you have just learned in context, the story is just a click away:

Take me back to the "Crapy" Story!  

Well, have you got a grip on the different Bets? If not, just ask my Boss. That's his job!  Larry Freiwald 

 

  

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SECTION 3
Let's Take a look at "The Horn".

A group of bets called Proposition Bets

 

    The next group of bets is technically called Proposition Bets. However, I am going to take this opportunity to introduce you to an Unofficial AhCraps.com "Crapy" name for this group of bets. I want to use it so that you will have no trouble locating these bets. They will be Unofficially known as Stickman Bets. (Does that give you a good idea of where these bets are located?) If your answer is in the center of the Lay-Out in front of the Stickman, you are already a winner! These bets include all the Hard Way Bets, Any 7 (also known as Big Red Bet), Any Craps, the individual numbers 2, 3, 11, & 12 (best known as the group Horn Bet), and the individual or combination C/E Bet. Some Casinos will include all 36 combinations as one-roll bets (known as a Hop Bet).

    Before I go on to explore each of these bets, I believe it is important for me to talk about one of those slight variations on the mostly standard Lay-Out. This variation from Casino to Casino has to do with the posted odds located above individual bets in this area. I am going to use the Craps number 12 for this discussion, but the principle will apply to all these bets. You may go into one Casino and notice the odds posted above the 12 will be 31 for 1. In a different Casino you may notice that the odds posted above the 12 will be 30 to 1. Believe it or not these are two ways of saying the same thing! The first Casino using the word for will give you a $30 profit and return your $1 bet for a total of $31 in your hand. If you want this bet in action for the next roll, you have to tell the Dealer, "Same bet on the 12." The Dealer will say, "You got action." He will give you $30 and tell the Stickman to set the 12 up again. What is important about this situation is that You decided to make this bet again!

    The next Casino, using the word to, will give you your $30 profit. However, they will quietly leave your $1 bet in action without asking you if you wanted to make this bet! If you did not know that You Can Remove that bet (now having the same $31 in hand), then You have allowed the Casino to make that bet for you! This may seem insignificant for such a small amount of money, but I assure you that it is not insignificant to the Casinos that use this strategy to increase their profit. (Remember the Casino needs your money in action for them to make their "House Odds Profit". In the Long-Term "Big Picture" the Casino collects $35 and pays someone $30 in 36 overall attempts to win. (35 losing numbers for every winning number at 35 to 1 True Odds. That translates to a $5 Profit for every true odds cycle just on that one number! They have collected $35 in losing bets but only had to pay out $30 on the win!) Please do not get me wrong, the issue is not if the bet is made or not; the issue is Who is in Control of Your Money? To survive in this game, You must remain in Control!

    For illustration I am going to assume a $1 min. bet for this area of betting. But if you ever have a question, always check with the Dealer. Make a mental note that with the exception of the Hard Way Bets, all other bets in this section are One-Roll Bets. (Some Casinos may offer an "All Day High Low" explained below). If you want to make any of these Bets, just toss the amount of money in chips to the Stickman and tell the Dealer the name of the Bet and how much money on each one. You can make any of these Bets at anytime.

Hard Way Bets: You are betting that from one to all of the following four Place Numbers, 6, 8, 4, & 10 will come up in pair numbers that equal that number. They are: (3 + 3= 6), (4 + 4= 8),      (2 + 2= 4) and (5 + 5= 10). These individual bets remain in action until a  "7- Out." In this case all Hard Way Bets will be lost. You will lose any individual Bet if the Easy Way combination of that individual number that you have bet on is thrown. Here is an example of an Easy Way combination for each of the four numbers: (1 + 5 = 6), (2 + 6 = 8), (3 + 1 = 4) and (4 + 6 = 10). You must ask the Dealer if these bets stay in action during a Continuing Come-Out. Odds on the H4 & H10 = 7 to 1. Odds on the H8 & H6 = 9 to 1.

Big Red Bet: This bet is located where it says Any 7. You would make this Bet if you believe the #7 will show on the next roll. House Odds on Big Red = 4 to 1.

Horn Bet: Making a Horn Bet is a short way of telling the Dealer that you want to make four individual one-roll bets. Instead of saying that you want to bet the #11, #2, #3, & #12 individually on the next roll you tell the Dealer that you want $"X" Horn. For an even amount of dollars on each bet, make sure that you make your bet in multiples of four. For example, if you want $1 on each number, just toss $4 to the Stickman and say you want a $4 Horn. (If you only have $5 chips, don’t worry they will make change!) The Stickman knows that you want $1 on each of the four numbers and will place the Bet in the Horn Location. However, you are allowed to put a higher amount of money on one or more of the numbers by calling out that number or numbers in conjunction with saying Horn. The most common example of this is when you see a Player toss a $5 chip to the Stickman and shouts, "Horn High Yo." The Stickman will know to put $1 on each the #2, #3, #12 and $2 on the #11. If one of the four numbers is thrown on the next roll, you will get paid House Odds for that number and lose the money on the other three bets. The Casino that uses X to X Odds will subtract the money lost on the other three numbers from your winnings and leave the entire Horn Bet up for the next roll. Just understand that you can remove your bet if you desire; just make sure it’s your call! Odds on #2 & #12 = 30 to 1. Odds on #3 & #11 = 15 to 1.

Individual Horn Bet: If you just wanted to make a one number, two number or three number bet in the horn location, just toss the Stickman at least the minimum for each bet you want and call out the number or numbers. 
1) To make a one number Bet you can use its name or say the individual number. (Boxcars, or High for #12) (Duce, Low, or Snake Eyes for #2) (Ace-Duce for #3) (Yo for #11). 
2) A common two Number bet is the combination #12 and #2. You may hear, "$2 High-Low," High being the #12 and Low being the #2
3) A common three Number bet is a "3 Way Craps". It takes a minimum of $3 because you will be making 3 individual $1 bets on the #2, #3, & #12. This is different than the "C" Bet or "Any Craps" that is made with a common expression "Craps Check" (talked about below) where you can make a minimum $1 bet that covers all 3 numbers.

All Day High or Low Bet: Some Casinos will offer this Bet in a small Box labeled "All Day". This bet will stay up until a 7-Out. The Payoff is much less, 7 to 1 if a #2 or #12 shows before a 7-Out.

Hop Bet: Casinos offering this Bet will have small boxes with individual combinations of Numbers in this "Horn Area". It is a One Roll Bet. This Bet gets its name because you are betting that a specific combination of a number will show on the "Hop" of the next roll! This unique group of Bets is like playing Roulette on a Craps Table!

World Bet: This Bet is simply combining the Horn and Big Red Bets. When a Player tosses a $5 chip to the Stickman and says, "$5 World," he is instructing the Dealer to make sure the Stickman puts $1 on Any 7 and the other $4 on the Horn.

C/E Bet: This Bet is located running down both outer sides of the Horn Location. You will see pairs of circles with the letters C and E with a line or arrow connecting each pair. The lines give a general direction of the Player making this Bet. The "C" stands for Any Craps. This Bet covers the numbers 2, 3, & 12 as a group. If any one of these numbers show on the next roll, you win at House Odds of 7 to 1.The "E" stands for the number Eleven affectionately known as "Yo". Yo is such a popular Individual Horn Bet that it has been given this special location. This Bet pays the same House Odds of 15 to 1 as the 11 in the Horn. You can Bet the C/E together or individually. By betting them together you are able to Bet all the Horn Numbers (except the #7 and Hardways) with a $2 Bet. You would toss two $1 chips to the Stickman and say, "Two dollar C/E." The Dealer will acknowledge your bet and the Stickman will put the chips in the Circles roughly pointing in your direction. You can also make these Bets individually. You can say, "$1 Yo" and the Stickman will place your chip in the E circle. Or you can say, "$1 Any Craps (you may hear the expression, Craps Check)," and he will put the chip in the C circle or the Dealer may chose to put your Bet in the narrow box (usually at the bottom on the Horn) that is labeled Any Craps.

To put what you have just learned in context, the story is just a click away:

Take me back to the "Crapy" Story!

 

OK! Not one word!  (except if you have to ask a question):

                             Larry Freiwald 

 

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SECTION 4

Spread Bets

1) Inside Spread: You will make a minimum or larger bet on four of the six Place Numbers, 4 (5, 6, 8, 9) 10. If you want to make a minimum Inside Spread on a $5 Table you would put $22 on the Lay-Out and tell the Dealer that you want an Inside Spread. He will put $5 on the #5 and #9 and $6 on the #6 and #8. If you are not playing the Pass or No Pass Line, just tell the Dealer to include the Point if the Point is one of the inside numbers. Or you may simply put the Point Bet behind the Pass Line in front of you. If you are playing the Pass or No Pass Line, it would be better to make a Free Odds Bet on the inside Point Number.

2) Outside Spread: You will make a minimum or larger bet on four of the six Place Numbers, (4, 5) 6, 8, (9, 10). If you want to make a minimum Outside Spread on a $5 Table you would put $20 on the Lay-Out and tell the Dealer that you want an Outside Spread. He will put $5 on the #4, #5, and #9, #10 that make up the four Outside Numbers. Use the same idea concerning the Pass Line option as in the Inside Spread.

3) Across Spread: You will make a minimum or larger bet on all six of the Place Numbers, (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) If you want to make a $5 minimum Across Spread just put $32 on the Lay-Out and tell the Dealer, "$32 Across." He will put the appropriate bet on each of the six numbers. Use the same idea concerning the Pass Line option as in the Inside Spread.

Terms used to Control your Bets

Same Bet: You will take your winnings and leave the original bet in play. If you remain silent and the Dealer does not ask, this Same Bet option is assumed.

Off: If you want to leave your Bets on the Lay-Out but do not want them in action, just tell the Dealer the individual or all Bets that you want "turned" Off. Make sure that he acknowledges your request. If he did, he will place a small Button labeled Off on top of the requested Bets. These Bets will not be in action until you give additional instructions. You can turn a Bet Off at any time except the Pass Line and Come Bets that are under "Contract". Make a mental note that if the Point was made, all your Standing Bets will automatically be turned Off during the following Continuing Come-Out. The exception is all Lay Bets (you must take a Lay Bet completely Down to turn it Off) and established Come and Don’t Come Bets. You must ask the individual Casino if the Hard Way Bets are left in action during a Continuing Come-Out.

On or Working: You can request a bet to be On or Working at any time. This can range from individual bets to all your bets. This rule is useful during the times that bets are automatically turned Off as in the case of a Continuing Come-Out. If you want a Bet that is Off to be in Play on the next roll just tell the Dealer, " ‘X’ bet "Working" or turn "X" Bet "On". The Dealer will say, "You got action." He will place an On Button on top of your chips.

Press: The term Press indicates that you want a Bet doubled after a win. (This direction is given primarily for Place Number Bets. This is because the House Odds Profit on a win will exceed the initial Bet.) The Dealer will take your winnings (House Odds Profit) and increase your Bet the amount equal to your Bet (now being doubled) and return the difference.

Up: At any time you can increase your bet by any amount by telling the Dealer, "Bring ‘X’ bet Up $ ‘X’ amount."

Parlay: (Same as saying "Press All the Way". You are instructing the Dealer to increase your Bet by the Total amount of your winnings. Some Place Bets cannot be "Parlayed" due to the uneven increase of your initial bet because of the House Odds Profit on a win. You may be asked to add the difference or the difference will be returned. All Horn Bets can be "Parlayed" because of the normal $1 minimum!

Down: If at any time you want to remove a portion or all of your bets, except Contract Bets, just tell the Dealer how much you want to remove by saying, "Take ‘X’ bet Down $ ‘X’ amount."

"Make it Look Like": This direction can be used to replace the directions "Press," "Up," "Parlay," and "Down." After a win, you can alter any Place or Horn Bet by simply saying, "Make ‘X’ Bet Look Like $ ‘X’ amount."

Move: At any time you can tell the Dealer to Move "X" Bet to "X" Location. However you cannot move Contract Bets.

To put what you have just learned in context, the story is just a click away:

Take me back to the "Crapy" Story! 

Well that's all the Basics I can think of!

What do you think? Please let him know! Did he leave something out, or make a mistake? (That would be a gas!) I guess you can let him know if he was a help.  Larry Freiwald 

 

       Now Take a Deep Breath Before you Continue!

    If you have gotten this far, be proud of the fact that you want to learn this game from the Basics Up! Only you will know when it is time to take the next important step on you way to successfully meeting your Challenge to become a knowledgeable winner. However, your first indication will be when you can fully understand the Story at the beginning of this "Crapy" Manual. Your next indication will be when you can go to a Casino and understand by observing (not playing) the live action of a Craps Table. See if you could feel comfortable standing at the rail by imagining yourself making different bets. This may seem to be silly, but it’s a cheap way to gain experience!

    By observing other Players it will not take long before you find out that there are literally hundreds of combinations of bets that can be made in this game. How and when you use these combinations is called Strategy. This Manual was set up for the sole purpose for you to understand the Basics involving the Language and Rules of Craps. But you had to start somewhere! The next stage of your being able to play Craps with some sense of consistency will be to learn as much as you can about Strategy. I recommend that you learn to play Situational Craps or Sit-Craps for short. I also recommend observing other Players (concentrate on the successful ones!), going to the bookstore to find as much information on the subject of Craps as you can and experiment with different methods (combinations of bets) on your own. What you must understand is that flexibility is going to be the key to your success. It will be easy for you to fall into the trap of only betting one way no matter what happens. The major problem with this method of Play is that the Trends will take a little and give a little leaving you with the false belief that luck is in control - not you. Just remember that Luck does not force you to make a bet! – You do! You may be right or wrong but your satisfaction must be that it was your decision based on your knowledge of Betting Patterns and Trends! 

Knowledge is Power!

Put everything you have learned into action!

    It will be important for you to incorporate a strong fundamental Money Management Strategy during your "Craping" Experience. I invite you to learn my "Pay 4-it First" Basic Money Management Strategy. (Money Management does not mean keeping track of the Chips in your Tray! But has everything to do with how you Manage your Betting Patterns!) It is designed to put you in the position to maximize your profit on a Hot roll while at the same time minimize your loss on a Choppy Table. Sorry, you will still get hammered on an extended Cold Table. However, I give some sound advice on how to avoid that situation! If fact, I will show you a way you will be able to use the most underused bet on the lay-out to make money in a cold situation! The strategy is called Big Red = Big Buck$. For a small investment, you will learn to put all that you have learned into action! Click Hear for more information about The Sit-Craps Training Room.

   

Just remember in your search for the right method of play that there is  
No Magic Bullet! In other words you will never find one method of Play that will 
work for every Situation that the random roll of dice will throw at you! Situation is the
 key word in that warning. I hope that you are convinced that a Winner’s Approach  
is an Informed Approach to this Game!

 

If you take the time to develop this type of approach,

You will be able to Play Craps instead of Craps Playing You!

 

Tell a Friend!


As you continue your study of this great game of Craps, I want you to fix in your mind  this thought provoking definition of LUCK that will help you in all your gaming endeavors. GOOD LUCK is: "Having the ability and awareness to place yourself in a favorable position to take advantage of a random occurrence that results in a positive income! $$"  

If you understand this definition then I boldly say, "Good Luck!"

Larry Freiwald

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