Learning the Basics of Craps
It is relatively easy to spot a craps table in the casino because of the boisterous crowd surrounding it. Also, it can easily be detected because of the green covering of its table and the four people working in the tables.
The table used in craps is clothed in felt with labels for the kinds of bets. Bets for Hardways and One Roll can be placed in the middle section of the table. Pass Line, Come, Place, Field and other bets can be placed at each ends of the table which are replicas of each other. The usual covering is green with white markings, although some casinos use other colors.
Four casino workers are always present at a craps table. Seated at the middle of the table supervising activities while lots of chips are placed in front of him is the boxperson. He sees to it that disputes are settled, money is counted and ensures that everything runs smoothly. Likewise, he monitors the dealers to be sure that winnings are paid off and losses taken in accurately. In case it gets crowded or large bets are being made, boxpersons may be located at each side of the table.
Each table has three dealers (there is actually a fourth but they follow a rotation scheme so that one is on a break). Located at the back side of the table facing the players are placed a pair of dealers who are "on base," which means that they monitor your bets, payoff your winnings, and collect your chips if you are unlucky. They also place your bets if you plan to make a certain type of bet and puts a "puck" once your "point" has been determined.
The stickperson is the third dealer. He makes use of a stick (also referred as a "mop" or "whip") in handling the dice and moving them from the back wall to the Shooter at the conclusion of each roll. He is referred to as the dealer "on the stick." He does not make direct connections with the players except when the dice is moved towards them. He is also in charge of talking up the game, rallying them to make higher bets or put bets where the casino has a bigger advantage. The table bets can be influenced by the stickperson. There is a great increase in the income of the casino when the dice is talked up when a good roll is being passed.
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