Mastering Street Craps: A Complete Guide to Shooting Dice
Understanding Street Craps: The Basics
Street Craps is a fast-paced dice game traditionally played on the ground rather than a casino table. It only requires two dice and a flat surface, often against a wall to ensure a fair roll. Unlike Casino Craps, Street Craps pits players directly against each other. There isn’t a casino ‘house’ involved—players cover each other’s bets, making every shoot potentially more personal and competitive. It’s essential to mention that playing Street Craps for money is illegal in all US states.
Street Craps vs. Casino Craps: Key Distinctions
One of the primary differences between Street Craps and its casino counterpart is the banking system. In Casino Craps, the house manages all bets, handles payouts, and maintains the game flow. In contrast, Street Craps is typically banked by the shooter—meaning the player rolling the dice is responsible for covering all bets on their roll. This demands a solid bankroll and nerves of steel from any aspiring shooter.
On some occasions, a designated ‘Banker’ may handle the action, allowing shooters to focus solely on their rolls and related wagers. Rules and organization can shift dramatically between locations, so players should always confirm local customs before joining. Ultimately, all you need to start a Street Craps game is a pair of dice, some cash, and the confidence to back your bets.
The Rules and Structure of Street Craps
There is no formal table or layout in Street Craps; all betting and rolling happen directly on the ground. Players should be familiar with standard Craps bets, as there is no signage or dealer to clarify the process.
If you’re new to Street Craps, it’s highly beneficial to learn the rules of Casino Craps first, as many principles translate directly to the street version.
Determining the Shooter: How the Game Begins
To kick off a game, every participant rolls both dice once to decide who becomes the first shooter. The player with the highest total gains the right to shoot first—the game’s initial action, known as the “Come Out” roll, then begins.
Shooting and Betting: Come Out Roll and Point Establishment
Before the shooter rolls, players place their bets either in favor of (with) or against the shooter. Those backing the shooter typically bet the ‘Pass Line,’ while others may bet on the ‘Don’t Pass.’ The shooter also places a wager, most commonly on their own success.
Once all bets are set, the shooter makes the Come Out roll:
– If the roll is a 7 or 11, Pass Line bettors win immediately.
– If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, Pass Line bets lose.
– For Don’t Pass bets, 2 or 3 wins, 7 or 11 loses, and 12 is a push (no winner).
Any other number rolled becomes the ‘Point.’ The shooter must then roll the point number again before rolling a 7 for Pass Line bets to win. For Don’t Pass bets, a 7 rolled before the point number results in a win.
Remember, there’s no table in Street Craps, so players need to clearly understand common bets, payouts, and ensure there’s mutual agreement on what each wager pays out.
Side Bets and Prop Bets: The Wildcard Element
Street Craps is famously flexible with rules, allowing for a huge range of side and proposition (prop) bets among players. You might hear someone wager that the shooter will “crap out” (lose) on the next roll, with other players accepting or “fading” that bet by covering it with their money. If the shooter loses as predicted, the bettor claims the pot; if not, the faded side wins.
This system means nearly any bet can be created on the spot if players agree. The phrase “It’s a crap-shoot” has its roots in this game’s anything-goes environment—if you’re unsure who the sucker is at the table, chances are it’s you!
Rolling Techniques: Ensuring Fair Play
Shooters are often encouraged to use recognizable dice sets, such as the “3-V” set, for the Come Out roll. Consistent techniques help avoid accusations of loaded or manipulated dice—important in an informal, unregulated setting.
Smart Strategies for Street Craps
If you’re shooting, it’s advantageous to be bold and back your actions with sizable bets. Demonstrating confidence reduces the likelihood you’ll be seen as an easy target or “sucker” by more seasoned players.
Essential Tips for Safe and Successful Play
To make the most out of any Street Craps session, seasoned players recommend the following:
– Avoid excessive proposition bets; focus on bets with the lowest house edge, such as the Pass Line and related odds.
– Ensure you bring enough cash to cover your wagers. Borrowing money in these informal games can escalate into unwanted trouble.
– Learn how to spot loaded dice. In the absence of regulation, unscrupulous players might introduce tampered dice. Check for irregularities by feeling the dice’s corners and tossing them around before accepting them for use.
Street Craps can deliver excitement and camaraderie, but for a safer and more secure experience, consider traditional casino craps, either at a physical venue or online.
The Origins and Legacy of Street Craps
The roots of Street Craps trace back to the early 20th century, when gambling prohibitions swept across the United States. The ease of carrying just two dice made craps an underground staple, with games shifting locations to keep ahead of law enforcement. This gave rise to the “floating crap game”—a term that eventually symbolized fast-moving, mobile wagering among hustlers and gamblers.
The popularity of craps even inspired unique casino promotions, such as the Tropicana Casino in Las Vegas, which once hosted a floating craps table in its pool. The event made global headlines, marking a quirky chapter in gaming history—although the Tropicana itself has since closed to make way for new developments.
Lead image credit: Netfalls Remy Musser/Shutterstock
