Craps Players Have the Most Fun

Ever play slots next to the craps tables? It’s so distracting…..all that noise…..and camaraderie……and fun…….and, hmmmmmm? I think it’s because Craps Players Have the Most Fun. It sounds like a band of warriors – the underdogs beating the champs, the Davids trying to bring down Goliath. But, whatever the result,  the banter, the laughter, the “high 5’s,” and the joy of making that long roll supersedes all losing. So here are 5 Reasons Why Craps Players Have The Most Fun.

Be sure to check out our craps resources below.

5 Reasons Why Craps Players Have the Most Fun

5 Reasons Why Craps Players Have The Most Fun

1) It’s About Beating the House TOGETHER!

The friends you bring or the ones you make are encouraged to be vocally involved. Screaming for each other, supporting the shooter. Even the most pleasant dealers enjoy the fun (or they should!) It’s encouragement personified – throw that point, hit that Fire Bet.

Even during the pandemic and all that plexiglass, craps players made the most noise. And now, it’s almost back to normal – no more virtual “high 5’s” through the plexiglass.

5 Reasons Why Craps Players Have the Most Fun
The Craps table can be confusing for beginners, but it always sounds like the players have the most fun.

2) It’s About Tolerance.  

Yes, there are those nay-sayers that believe in the anti-point. They are the dark side, the “Don’t-Pass” bettors. But, if they behave, even they are allowed to revel in the excitement. And more players are beginning to play the Don’t Pass line. But what game in the casino would tolerate betting opposite the rest of the gang? Certainly not Blackjack.

Don't Pass Bet in Craps

3) It’s About the “Stick Man.”

A craps stickman is the casino staff member who calls out the dice rolls and then returns the dice to the shooter. He’s like the MC of the craps table. It’s like having your color commentator.  

A good stickman adds lively banter to the game to make it fun for the players. After all, the more fun the players have, the better mood they’ll be in, which increases the likelihood that the players will make more bets (good for the casino) and give the dealers more tips (good for the crew). To liven up the game, instead of boringly saying, “No roll,” a good stickman might say in a loud, rhythmic voice, “Die in the wood, roll no good,” or “I can’t read her; she’s in the cedar.” The game is much more fun when the stickman spouts all kinds of craps, jargon, and rhymes.

Over the years, dealers have dreamed up lots of cute slang for the results of a dice roll. The following are the ones I commonly hear when playing. I suspect that there are just as many that I haven’t heard. Listen for them the next time you play. The number 2 (i.e., a one-on-one die and a one on the other) is called “aces.” Aces are more commonly known as “snake eyes.” They are also called “eyeballs.”

Two entertaining articles about “stickman jargon” we recommend are:

Colorful Nicknames for Dice Combinations in Craps – by Scott Roeben at Vital Vegas and

Craps Stick Calls – by Heather Ferris at Vegas Aces

Wouldn’t that be cool to have behind you while playing video poker? (VP commentator “Royal four, time to draw… it’s three to be, no Royal, side out” (……hmmm, maybe not…..)

5 Reasons Why Craps Players Have the Most Fun
Stickman to the left, boxman in the center, and dealer to the right make for a well-oiled machine.

4) It’s About Playing at Different Levels of Proficiency.

For a game that looks so complicated – it isn’t. Asking for advice at other table games usually results in grunts and grumbling from players and dealers alike. However, your new friends are usually more than happy to help you. Have you never played? Go with a buddy who does play craps. “Pass line” – that’s all a craps newbie needs to know to join the fun. All that other stuff on the table? There’s plenty of time to learn about that.

5) It’s about throwing the dice

It’s your turn, and now you control the fate of the table. Star Trek’s Spock once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” But don’t let that added pressure bother you. On no other table game do you have the control – YOU’RE THE ONE TO THROW THE DICE! If you seven out, no problem – everybody else has been there.

But shoot a lengthy roll, and your friends at the table may even throw a tip your way for making them so much money. Roll particular wagers like Fire Bet and All Tall – All Small, and you’ll have friends. Remember, at the craps table, it’s all for one and one for all.

5 Reasons Why Craps Players Have the Most Fun
Shooting the dice, everyone gets the chance.

The roulette dealer never lets me turn the little ball in the wheel. Also, Blackjack dealers don’t even let me touch the cards; never mind, deal! (Yes, I know you hold the cards in single deck BJ, but try finding that game.) So you can make money just by riding along with a good shooter. And making money = fun!

Craps Resources

Want to practice or learn on your computer or smartphone? There are programs and apps galore. Here are some places to start:

Best Craps Books

  1. “Craps: Take the Money and Run” by Henry Tamburin &
  2. “Craps Made Simple” by Tomas B. Gallagher
  3. Winning Casino Craps” by Edwin Silberstang 
  4. So You Want to Be a Gambler” by John Patrick 

Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’…….keep those dice a-rolling……..

And remember, Craps Players Have the Most Fun.

Binbin