TUCoPS :: Scams :: craprimr.txt

Craps Primer


                              CRAPS PRIMER
                              BY ALLEN DEROSIE
                              UID# 74521,2714

     Your pulse is increasing.  Your heart starts pounding until you
     can hear it in your ears.  Are you about to faint?  No, you are
     stepping up to the crap table for the first time and are about to
     plunk your money down.

     Craps, Las Vegas style, is one of the fastest moving most
     exciting games that can be played.  Fortunes have been won and
     lost in just matters of minutes.  Small bankrolls have turned
     into large ones...and large ones have been turned into small ones
     in the same time.

     The intention of this primer is to teach you the game basics,
     terms and what you need to know to at least be an intelligent
     player of craps.  The rest is up to you.  The last chapter of
     this tutorial will include some basic money management play for
     the beginner (and maybe even the seasoned "pro").  I suggest that
     you print this file out so that you may refer back easily to
     areas that might be a little confusing.  If you have either a
     craps game on computer or a picture of a crap table layout, that
     would greatly assist you along the way.  Are we ready to start?

     The following is an outline of what I hope to cover.

        Table Layout     -  What all those funny boxes mean

        Terminology      -  Definitions of words and terms used at the
                            crap table.

        Basic Play       -  What you do to get started and the object
                            of the game

        Money Management -  How to keep what you win or lose less


     If you have questions or comments I can generally be reached
     through the Travel Forum on Compuserve. The title of this article
     includes my UID#.  Hopefully, by the time you read this we will
     have a Las Vegas forum.  Otherwise, I can be reached under
     "United States" in the Travel forum (GO TRAVSIG).  Good luck and
     enjoy.  Do not be afraid, in fact I recommend, that you reread
     the information.  It is going to better prepare you for your
     adventure.  The game should not be as intimidating if you are
     well informed.

                                 TABLE LAYOUT

     The basic craps table is designed with three sections that are
     easily distinguished.  The left section and the right section are
     identical.  They are merely in two parts to allow players to play
     at both ends of the table while making their bets.  The middle
     section is where the "proposition" bets are made, which we will
     explain in detail later.


                               BASIC PLAYING AREA

     This is where the bulk of the betting is done.  The first thing
     you will need is chips.  When you are at the table proper
     etiquette is that you drop the cash in front of you on the green
     felt immediately in front of the chip rail, as you say to the
     dealer, "change only, please."  He will not take it directly from
     your hand as this is against the house's policy.

     The first area you will see is an area about three inches wide
     that runs from the top corner of the table completely around the
     table to the man holding the stick in his hand.  He is
     appropriately called "the stickman".  This area will have the
     words "pass line" printed on the felt.  The other two people
     which pay the bets, take your money and make change are called
     "dealers".  The gentleman or lady sitting down is from the "pit".
     Often they will be one of the pit crew.  Their job is to
     supervise the play making sure all bets are made and paid
     correctly as well as generally overseeing the game to be sure the
     rules are adhered to properly.

     The PASS LINE is where most of the bets are placed.  Unless you
     wish to play the "don't pass" line, which is the area immediately
     above the "pass line".  If you are betting "with" the shooter
     than your first bet will be placed on the "pass line".  If you
     are betting "against" the shooter then you will place your bet on
     the "don't pass" line.  Let's talk about the object of the game
     at this point and go from there.

     The shooter, the one with the dice, is going to try and make his
     "point".  When you first get to the table you will notice a
     plastic "puck".  This  "puck" is white on one side and black on
     the other.  The black side says  "off" and the white side says
     "on".  This is to indicate what the shooter's  "point" currently
     is.  If the white "on" side is placed on one of the numbered
     boxes (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) near the top of the table, then that is
     the number the shooter must roll to win.  To win, the shooter
     must roll the numbered marked before he rolls a 7.

     First a shooter must establish what his point is going to be.
     This is called the "come out" roll.  You will here the dealer
     often saying, "The shooter is coming out."  That means he is
     getting ready to start the next point or find out what is point
     is going to be. The shooter (or you) places a bet on the pass
     line (we will assume for all examples right now that you are
     going to bet with the shooter.) The dice are then rolled towards
     the other end of the table.  You are required to hit the end of
     the table with the dice.  If you repeatedly make a "short roll",
     which means you did not hit the other end of the table, you will
     be asked to please hit the other end of the table or they may
     declare it a "no roll".  That means that it will be voided, and
     you will have to throw the dice again.  So let's see what we get
     on the first roll of the dice. There are eleven possibilities
     from the number 2 up to the number 12.

     If you roll a 2, 3, or 12 that is called a craps.  If it is the
     "first" role then you will lose instantly the bet placed on the
     "pass line".  If you roll 7 or 11 on the first roll then you will
     win instantly an amount equal to the bet you placed on the "pass
     line".  The "odds" are more likely you will roll a 7 more than
     any other combination of the dice because there are more
     combinations of 7 then any other number.  Let's see what numbers
     are left, okay?  The numbers left are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
     Remember the boxes at the table we talked about before?  One of
     the dealers at each end of the table will take the "puck" and
     place it on the number you roll.  That will mark and tell you
     what your "point" is.  You must now roll or "repeat" that number
     in order to win.  If you roll the same number again BEFORE you
     roll a 7, then you win.  If you roll a 7 BEFORE you roll your
     "point" again then you lose your pass line bet.  This is an "even
     money" bet which means you will be paid an amount equal to your
     "pass line" bet if you win.


                                   ODDS

     There is another bet you will see on the table.  This bet appears
     to be placed behind the "pass line" bet in an area that has no
     specific markings.  This is called "odds".  All of the "point"
     numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) have a certain probability of being
     repeated. This is true odds.  Once the "point" number has been
     determined you may make an additional (optional) bet for an
     amount up to twice your original "pass line" bet.  This bet is
     totally optional.  You will be paid the "true odds" on this
     "backline" bet.  So, what are the true odds? For the numbers 4
     and 10, the "true odds" are 2 to 1.  If you had bet $5 on the
     "pass line", then a point of 4 or 10 was determined then you
     could have placed up to another $10 behind your original
     "pass line" bet.  If you lose by rolling a 7, then you lose both
     bets.  If you role the "point" and win, then you will be paid $5
     for your "pass line" bet and another $20 (2 to 1 odds) for the
     $10 you bet as "odds".  The total won will be $25.  Are you still
     with me?

     The other number's "odds" are as follows:  5 or 9 pays 3 to 2
     "odds".  For every $2 increment you bet as odds behind your "pass
     line" you will be paid $3.  For the numbers 6 and 8 the payoff is
     6 to 5.  You will be paid $6 for every $5 "odds" bet.  Don't be
     too confused at this point.  The dealers will be more than glad
     to help you place your "odds" bet and inform you of how
     much you can bet.  This is the BEST BET in the casino from one
     standpoint.  The house gets no percentage from this bet and pays
     you the true odds of the event happening.  Of course, it is only
     a good bet if you win!  If your bankroll is not large, then I do
     not recommend making this bet until you are a little ahead.  Or,
     at least make a smaller "odds" bet, possibly equal to your "pass
     line" bet rather than the "limit" of two times your "pass line"
     bet.

     You can also bet the "don't pass" line.  Then you are betting
     that the shooter will lose.  It is quite acceptable and no one is
     going to hang you for betting "against" the shooter.  I might
     inject at this point that while it is quite appropriate to yell
     and cheer when betting with the shooter (pass line) and you win,
     it is not proper etiquette to cheer if you are betting "against"
     the shooter (don't pass line) and you win.  All the above
     examples of how to win playing the pass line, basically work in
     REVERSE when playing the "don't pass" line.  The only exception
     is the number 12. If you are betting the "don't pass" line and a
     12 is rolled on the first role, the "come out", the you neither
     win or lose.  The pass line loses but you are "barred" from a
     win. This is the house's way of evening the play for both sides.
     This is known as "bar 12" which you will see printed on the
     "don't pass" line" also indicated by a picture of two dice, each
     with a six on it, totaling 12.

     When using odds with a "don't pass" line bet you must now "lay
     the odds".  This means you must put down more to win less.  Does
     that sound like a bad bet?  It is not.  Once a point has been
     established then the "don't pass" bet is the favorite to win
     depending on which number is the point.  So, you must now "lay"
     the odds for a number such as the 9.  The odds that you will
     win are 3 to 2 in YOUR favor.  So, you must lay $3 for every $2
     you wish to win.  Dealers will be glad to explain the maximum
     amount you can bet.  I will give you one example for
     illustration.  You bet $10 on the "don't pass" line. The point is
     established as a 9.  For you to win the shooter must roll a 7,
     called "sevening out".  You may now "lay the odds" behind your
     original don't pass bet. Again, you are allowed to lay an amount
     that will allow you to win twice the original bet of $10. You may
     now lay enough to win $20 (2 times your $10 bet).  Since the
     point is 9 and the odds of you winning are 3 to 2, you must lay
     $30 to win $20.  So, your bets would look like this.  $10 on the
     "don't pass" line and a bet placed behind it for $30.  If the
     shooter misses his point (sevens out), you will win $10 for the
     front bet and $20 for the back bet for a total of $30.

     There are some slight variations in some cities other than Las
     Vegas (such as Reno) where they "bar 2" instead of the 12 on
     the beginning roll when trying to establish the point.  It is
     doubtful you will run into any of these exceptions.  It makes no
     difference to the actual game or odds, so do not be concerned.


                                 THE FIELD

     Above the "pass line" and the "don't pass" line is an area called
     the "field".  It will have many numbers located in it.
     Generally, they will be 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12.  If you place
     a bet in this it is known as a one-roll bet.  That means that the
     next roll of the dice will determine whether you win or lose any
     money placed in this area.  If any of the numbers shown are
     rolled next, you win.  If any other number is rolled, you lose.
     If the 2 or 12 is rolled you will note that the table printing
     say, "double".  You will be paid double your bet placed on the
     "field" if the 2 or 12 is the next number only.  On the surface
     this appears to be a great bet.  "Oh, look Harriet, I get ALL
     those numbers and only one has to come up for me to win!"  Do not
     be deceived.  The house has computed this out.  The likelihood is
     in their favor.  While this is not a horrid bet, it is not
     generally recommend by those in the know.


                              BIG 6 AND BIG 8

     Unless you like giving your money away DO NOT MAKE THIS BET.
     Where is it located you say?  Very conveniently on both corners
     of the table.  It even says, "Big 6" and "Big 8".  It should say
     "Big Sucker Bet".  There is another way of making the same bet
     which is better and will pay you $7 for every $6 you bet.  If you
     bet the "Big 6/Big8" you only get even money.  Why not get paid
     correctly?  I will discuss the alternative in the next section.


                                 PLACE BETS

     Let's go back to the big boxes that were used you mark your
     "point" with the "puck".  You have probably noticed while
     standing by the craps table, bunches of chips stacked in this
     area.  They even seem to have a pattern to the way they are
     place.  This area is used for two different types of bets.  They
     are "place" bets and "come" bets.  We will first discuss "place"
     bets.  You may specifically place a bet (that's why they call it
     a "place bet') on a number of your choice.  You merely tell the
     dealer that you want a "place bet" on whatever number that is
     your choosing.  Or, you can bet on more than one if you wish.
     You will be paid "odds" according to the number you choose as see
     some examples.

     If you place a bet on numbers 4 or 10 you will be paid at a rate
     of $9 for every $5 you bet.  This bet stays there until you
     decide to take if off, or until a 7 is rolled and you lose the
     bet.  You can remove the bet, or rather ask the dealer (never
     reach for chips on the table) to remove the bet whenever you
     like.  Every time the number is rolled you will be paid another
     $9.  If the number 7 is rolled, you lose your bet.  For the other
     numbers, a 5 or 9 with a place bet will pay $7 for every $5 bet
     on them.  A 6 or 8 will return $7 for every $6 bet.  All other
     numbers rolled, other than the one(s) you have "placed" or the
     number 7, which makes you lose, have no bearing on this bet. This
     is not quite the true odds but it is not a bad bet as far as you
     are concerned as a player.  As far as the "arrangement" of the
     chips that I spoke about before, they chips are arranged in a
     pattern similar to the way the players are standing around table
     in order that the dealer can keep tract of who belongs to which
     bets.  Next is the other chips that are put into these boxes.


                              LAY BETS (DO SIDE)

     Another form of the place bet is called the "lay" bet.  Instead
     of placing the odds mentioned above, you may "lay" the true odds
     and pay the house 5% for that privilege.  Since the house's
     percentage is less than 5% on all numbers other than 4 and 10,
     you should only "lay" the 4 and 10.  You would "lay" $10 for
     every $20 you wish to win (2 to 1 odds).


                              LAY BETS (DON'T SIDE)

     You can also bet that the shooter will NOT roll a certain number
     before they roll a 7.  This is the reverse of the place bet.  You
     are a favorite that this will happen, at least mathematically.
     So, you must "lay" the proper odds.  We discussed earlier the
     true odds of a number being rolled.  A 4 or 10 is 2 to 1 odds.  A
     5 or 9 is 3 to 2 odds.  A 6 or 8 is 6 to 5 odds.  You must bet
     accordingly to the number you wish.  For example, if you thought
     the shooter would throw a 7 before they will throw a 9, you would
     tell the dealer, "No 9" and give him $3 for every $2 you wish to
     win.  Since these are the true odds the house has to have some
     profit in it for them, right?  They "charge" you 5% for making
     that bet.  The 5% is based on how much you can win, not how much
     you have to bet.  The minimum charge is usually $1. Example.  I
     give the dealer $15 and say, "no 9". I am trying to win $10 (3 to
     2 odds, remember). Since 5% of $10 is only $ .50, I have to give
     him the minimum $1 which he will not actually put on the bet
     itself.  That is merely the houses percentage, known as "the
     vig", which stands for vigorish.  These bets are also placed in
     the big boxes near the top of the table, usually in the uppermost
     area where there is a smaller blank box primarily used for the
     don't bets.


                                 COME BETS

     Finally, there is a large area in the middle of  the left or
     right third we have been talking about.  It will have the word
     "come" in big bright red letters printed on it.  This can, but
     should not, be a confusing bet to describe.  It is handled and
     represents exactly the same kind of bet as the pass line bet.  If
     you come to a table in the middle of someone shooting, there has
     to be a way for you  to join the action immediately if you wish
     to do so.  Since the shooter could (in theory) roll the dice
     forever and never 7 out or make his point.  This is what the
     "come" bet was designed for.

     When you put a bet in the "come" area then your are "pretending"
     that you are beginning from this point to establish a new point.
     It is sort of a game within the regular game.  All "pass line"
     rules now apply to the "come" bet you have just made.  If the
     shooter rolls a 7 or 11 the next roll, you win.  If he throws a
     2, 3 or 12 the next roll you lose.  Any other number rolled (4,
     5, 6, 8, 9, 10) will become YOUR point for that bet only!  You
     can keep making come bets after each roll.  This will have the
     effect of having several games going on within the roll of a
     shooter.  If any of the "other" numbers or points are rolled,
     your "come" bet will be put in the appropriate box for that
     number.  This is the same box that hold the place bets and that
     holds the "puck" or marker.  Yes, that box can get pretty crowded
     with chips as you might have seen before.

     Anyway, because the "come" bet is similar to the "pass line" bet
     you may now include an odds bet once the number or "point" has
     been established for your come bet.  Instead of putting your odds
     bet behind your come bet, you will notice the dealer "stacks"
     your odds bet on top of your come bet, slightly offsetting them
     so that both you and he can tell the difference between your
     regular come bet and the odds you have put with it.  This way he
     will be able to pay you the correct amount.


                                DON'T COME BETS

     There is also a smaller box marked "don't come bar 12" in the
     upper corner of the table on each end.  On the right end of the
     table, it will be right next to the box with a 10 in it.  On the
     left end of the table, it will be right next to the box with a 4
     in it.  This is the same as making a "don't pass" bet, but you
     now have an option similar to what was described above for the
     "come" bet.  This is also a way to "join the game" in progress
     from the don't side.

     This more or less concludes the first part of the primer on craps
     as far as the basics of the game and the layout on the right and
     left thirds of the table.  It does not include every possible bet
     or combination, but does include 99 and 44/100% of them.  Are you
     ready to move on to the "proposition" bets that is the big area
     in the middle of the table in front of the stickman?  Ready or
     not, here we go.


                             PROPOSITION BETS

     First, I will offer an opinion of proposition bets.  The house
     takes a much bigger "cut", meaning they pay less than the true
     odds, on these bets.  They are not bad bets, just less
     profitable.  They are often used as "hunch" bets or when you are
     running hot and like to push things a little. Enough said.  Let
     describe them in detail.

        Hardways:       Hard ways are any combination of the dice
                        which are pairs.  That is where both dice are
                        the same number.  A "hard" 8 is two 4's.  A
                        "hard" 6 is two 3's.  A "hard" 10 is two 5's.
                        A "hard" 4 is two 2's.  These are indicated by
                        white dice that simulate the numbers.  The odds
                        that the will pay for this bet are located
                        below the individual dice.  For the hard 6 and
                        hard 8 it will say "10 for 1".  This mean that
                        they will pay you $10 for every $1 that you
                        bet.  That INCLUDES your $1.  So you actually
                        receive $9 profit.  For the hard 4 and 10 it
                        is "8 for 1".  This bet stays until the
                        hardway is rolled, you win; or another "soft"
                        way is rolled.  A "soft" way would be any
                        combination that adds up to the number you
                        have bet but is NOT a pair.  A "soft" 8 would
                        be 6 and 2, 5 and 3.  You lose your bet if a
                        soft way comes before your "hard" way.  This
                        bet also loses if the shooter rolls a 7 before
                        a "hard" way is rolled.  This is also called a
                        "working" bet.  "Working" means that if no
                        decision has been reached on this bet and the
                        shooter makes his point, it will play on the
                        next "come out" roll that the shooter makes.
                        You will USUALLY be asked by the stickman
                        "Hardways 'work' unless called off, okay?"  If
                        you think the shooter is going to start with a
                        7, you may "declare the bet off".  You will
                        see him put a marker that says "off" on your
                        bets until a point has been established.  Your
                        bet will then be automatically back "on".

        7 or "big red": This is a "one roll" bet.  It means that if,
                        on the next roll only, the shooter rolls a 7,
                        you win.  Any other number, you lose.  This
                        bet pays 5 for 1.  Again, this means $5 for
                        every $1 you bet.  A profit of $4.

        11:             This is a "one roll" bet.  If the next number
                        rolled is an 11, you win.  Any other number,
                        you lose.  It pays 15 for 1, or $14 profit.

        2:              This is a "one roll" bet.  It pays 30 for 1 or
                        $29 profit.

        12:             This is a "one roll" bet.  It pays 30 for 1 or
                        $29 profit.

        3:              This is a "one roll" bet.  It pays 15 for 1 or
                        a $14 profit.


                           OTHER PROPOSITION BETS

     There are several other bets that you will either see marked in
     the center, or that you may hear players yell out to the
     stickman.  The most commonly used bet you will hear players yell
     is "C & E a dollar each".  You will notice a series of circles
     about 2 inches in diameter on both sides of the center
     proposition area.  One circle will have "C" and the other will
     have an "E".  The "C" stands for craps.  The "E" stands for
     eleven.  So, the above bet means they want $1 on the craps and $1
     on the eleven.  The circles are merely for the convenience of the
     stickman because the bet is so popular.  I will include a few
     others below for your information.

        Any craps:   This is a "one roll" bet.  You are betting that
                     the next number rolled will be a 2, 3, or 12. Any
                     other number and you lose.  It pays 8 for 1 or $7
                     profit.  You will often see pass line betters
                     make this bet as the shooter is about to roll the
                     dice for the first time.  It is "sort" of
                     insurance against losing their pass line bet
                     since the "craps" numbers would be a loss for the
                     pass line.

        Horn bet:    You are betting that the next number is 2, 3, 11,
                     or 12.  The term horn was merely coined because
                     it is the "outside" numbers.  It is usually bet
                     in increments of $4 so that the resulting payoff
                     will be according to the number rolled and it's
                     odds.  See above for the specific payoffs for
                     each number indicated.

        3-way crap:  Instead of betting "any craps" which pays 8 for 1
                     if 2, 3 or 12 are rolled next, you can bet in
                     increments of $3 ($1 for each of the numbers) and
                     will be paid the correct odds for the actual
                     number (2, 3, 12) that comes up.  If you are
                     betting more than $3 on the "any craps" bet, you
                     should switch to this bet for a better pay off.

        Hi/Low:      This is also a "one roll" bet.  You are betting
                     that the next number will be a 2 or 12.  It pays
                     30 for 1(Remember though, if you only bet $1 on
                     this bet you are actually betting $0.50 on each
                     number) so it is best to bet in increments of $2.


                               CRAPS TERMINOLOGY

     There are many other "phrases" that you will hear around the crap
     tables. (some of them cannot even be repeated around children).
     I will try and list some of them here so you will feel more "in
     the know" when you are playing at the table.  This is not a
     complete list.  It is just some of the more colorful and popular
     ones that are used in the heat of "battle" while at the table.
     Feel free, as some do, to make up your own as you learn the game
     and progress along.  After this section will be a small
     discussion of money management.

     PHRASE               DEFINITION

     Box cars             Two 6's

     Little joe           Two 2's

     Square pair          Two 4's

     Snake eyes           Two 1's

     Nina                 The number 9

     Yo                   Eleven (or someone has just stepped on your
                          toes)

     Fever                The number 5

     For the boys         When you make a bet or "tip" for the dealers
                          you announce it as such.

     Change only          When throwing cash on the table this
                          indicates that it is NOT a bet.  If you
                          don't this, it could be considered a bet.
                          Dealers will usually say this to clarify if
                          they are not accepting it as a bet.

     Money plays          If you put cash down and it all plays for a
                          certain bet that you have declared or is
                          obvious by where you placed it.

     Color change         Exchanging your chips for smaller or larger
                          denominations.  Usually only done when you
                          are leaving the table.  You set your
                          winnings (hopefully) down on the table in
                          front of you and announce "color change
                          only"

     Marker               Credit extended by the casino to a player.

     Pass the dice        This means a player does not wish to shoot
                          the dice.  Pass them to the next one.

     No roll              Indicates that the roll is void and does not
                          count for any bets.

     Same dice            If one of the dice goes off the table the
                          stick man will usually not return the one(s)
                          that went off the table.  They must first be
                          examined by the pit to be sure no one has
                          "done" anything like switch dice.  If you
                          make this request you will be given back
                          the same dice after examination.

     All bets off         This means you want all your bets "off" or
                          removed.  This only applies to bets that are
                          "allowed" to be removed. Place bets,
                          hardways, odds, proposition bets field bets
                          and "don't" bets.  You cannot remove pass
                          line or come bets since the house is the
                          favorite to win once they are established.

     Odds off             This means you want all your odds bets off.
                          You may indicate "one roll only".


                                   ETIQUETTE

     Even at a craps table there are certain rules of etiquette hat
     are usually observed.  If violated you are not arrested or thrown
     out of the casino, but you may find that you have irritated other
     players at the table.  These are not "hard and fast" rules, they
     are just guidelines that I recommend.

     Don't side players do not cheer or root out loud when the shooter
     loses and the don't side wins.  A simple "Yes!" quietly murmured
     under you breath is acceptable.

     Never, that is to say NEVER use the word "seven" when the shooter
     is trying to make a point.  It is considered very superstitious.
     If you say it and the shooter misses, all eyes will be on you!
     Feeling that you have "brought" about the rolling of a 7 by
     saying the word.  It ain't so, but why anger people, right?

     Make your bets early.  Dealers and players hate it when people
     are constantly making last minute bets and throwing chips across
     the table.  Everyone make a late bet occasionally.  Just don't
     make it a habit.

     When in doubt ask a dealer, not another player, about the correct
     way to make a bet.  They will always be honest with you and give
     you the CORRECT answer.  Even I make mistakes.  If you are not
     sure about the correct odds that will give you the best return,
     just ask the dealers.

     When it is your turn to throw the dice, always be sure you hit
     the other end of the table.  Always pay more attention so that
     you are not busy talking with friends while the rest of the table
     is waiting for you to pick up the dice. Only use ONE hand to
     touch the dice.  Don't put them in both hands and rub them
     together.  Blowing on the dice for "luck" is frowned upon by the
     casino.  Always keep the dice in plain view of the dealers.  If
     you take them below the table or out of sight, they become very
     suspicious.

     If you are a smoker (like me) be very courteous to other players
     as it can get very crowded at the craps tables and it is a small
     thing to be courteous.

     Do not let your hands hang over the edge of the table and do not
     reach down to move chips or make bets once the dice are rolling.
     Players are very superstitious about dice "hitting" another
     players hands.  They feel that it is bad luck.

     Therse are only guidelines to make your play more fun and not
     aggravate other players unknowingly.


                             MONEY MANAGEMENT

     This is an area into which I step very cautiously since it is my
     opinion.  Although, most of what I am about to say is accepted by
     most gamblers having any knowledge of craps.  You will hear of
     many "systems" that people use and claim to always win.   First,
     there is NO system that can turn negative percentages into
     positive ones.  You can, of course, stay ahead of the casinos for
     many trips, possibly even many years if you have a money
     management plan.  How you bet is your decision.  Whether or not
     you choose to bet with or against the shooter, pass or don't
     pass, is your personal decision.  I merely offer a few hints to
     get the most of what you win or lose the least when things are
      not going to well.

     It has been an accepted rule that your bankroll should be equal
     to 20 times your bet.  Or, in reverse, you should not bet more
     than 1/20 of your total money that is brought to the table.  If
     you have $100 to play with, your bets should be around $5.  For a
     $500 bankroll, your bets should be around $25.  You will be the
     best judge of what is comfortable for you.

     All money management "systems" end up the same in the long run.
     You can progress when you are winning or progress your bets when
     you are losing.  I generally speaking, advise you to increase
     your bets when you are winning.  That way, you are using the
     "houses" money to take a chance.  If you are losing, lower your
     bets until things start improving.  It is not bad to have a
     predetermined goal of what you would like to win.  When you reach
     it, walk away.  The dice DO NOT HAVE A MEMORY.  So, just because
     they have been hot for an hours does not mean they cannot turn to
     ice with the next throw of the dice.  Remember, a bird in the
     hand is worth two in the bush when it comes to gambling.

     A good method I use for "knowing" when to leave a winning streak
     is also known in the investment community as a "stop loss".  You
     may have heard this phrase from the stock market.  Here is how it
     works.  You make an arbitrary amount of what you are willing to
     "lose back" once you get ahead.  And, you must stick to it
     religiously.  Let's say for example you have been playing craps
     for 30 minutes and are $100 ahead.  You started with $200 and now
     have $300.  You say to yourself, "Self! I will not lose back more
     than $40 of this profit before quitting."  If you lose $40 back,
     then quit and save your $60 profit for the next session.  If you
     keep winning then you keep only $40 in front of you in the rack.
     Put your winnings in the back section of the rack and only play
     with the $40.  The first time you lose the $40 "front money",
     then quit.

     This will allow you to take full advantage of any "hot" streak
     that you are on, but will preserve some of your profits.  Money
     moves fast in the game of craps.  You can get caught up in the
     action.  When you have a lot of chips in front of you it is too
     easy to just keep putting them out.  Pretty soon you have gone
     through all your profit and are now back into your own money.

     One final note.  Getting even.  I almost hate that phrase.  It
     has been the ruination of many a gambler who would otherwise be
     successful.  Getting even once you are behind is not a matter of
     exact dollars.  If you are losing $100 at some point and then you
     win back $90, don't be afraid to take a $10 loss and come back
     later if you want to play more.  I have seen players trying to
     "get even exactly" and it cost them all the rest of their money
     trying to win that last $10.  You are NOT almost even when you
     have just won $90!  You actually lost $100 first.  Now, you have
     just won $90.  You will feel better if you look at it this way.

     You are just about ready for the real thing.  Reread any parts
     you are not sure that you fully understand.   Have a diagram in
     front of you when reading this primer.  In closing, if you have
     any questions feel free to contact me through email or posting on
     the Travel forum (GO TRAVSIG).  I will be glad to answer the same
     questions 10 times if you are unsure.  I want to see all of you
     understand how to play the game of craps before you risk actual
     money.  Good luck and good gambling.

                        Allen De Rosie


                           IMPORTANT INFORMATION

     This is to protect me from angry wives/husbands, the FBI, CIS,
     the Sysops, local state authorities and anyone else that might be
     inclined to take offense.

     This information is provided purely for educational purposes.  It
     is not meant to be an incentive to gambler.  It is not to be used
     in any city, state or territory where gambling is illegal.  It is
     not under any approval, implied or otherwise of Compuserve or any
     of its employees.  Any one using the above information is
     responsible for their own results.  There is no guarantee as to
     the accuracy of any subjects discussed, although precautions have
     been taken to insure the material is as accurate as can be.

     Gambling entails certain risks and should not be done with funds
     or moneys other than what would be considered expendable without
     damaging your personal financial well being.


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