Learn to Play Craps - Tips and Strategies: Take an Open Spot
By: WILLIAM ENSLEN JR

You see a table with several open positions. Which spot should you take? That's a matter of personal preference. Is there a gorgeous man or woman playing alone at one end of the table? Which players are smoking? Which look bored? Which appear drunk or obnoxious? Pick a spot where you'll feel the most comfortable.

I like playing on the end, immediately next to the dealer. On the end, I don't have to worry about players on both sides of me. I don't like playing next to the stickman because I always seem to be in the way of him reaching for the dice or maneuvering the stick. One time, the guy accidentally bopped me on my head with his stick. Of course, he was very apologetic, but that didn't make my head feel any better.

After playing for a while, you'll get a feel for your favorite position. You don't have a choice when it's crowded. If you get a lousy spot (e.g., an obnoxious guy is next to you), simply move to another open spot. If the table is full, wait until someone leaves and take their position. Be aware of a player "coloring up," which is a sign that she's leaving, and tell the dealer that you want to move into her position. The dealer will then hold that spot and not allow a new player to quickly step in. The dealer will politely ask the new player to move to the spot that you vacate. Obviously, when you change positions, don't forget to take your chips.

People next to you can affect your mood and entire playing experience. They can make it fun or miserable. You might get stuck next to a chain-smoking fat guy with wicked body odor, or it might be a group of heavily drinking babes spilling out of their halter tops. So, choose your spot wisely.

Now you know!

Bill Enslen is a reliability engineer who routinely works with statistics. Having played and analyzed craps for more than 25 years, he has compiled his winning secrets in a new eBook, The Secret to Craps: The Right Way to Play. He doesn't offer false hope or prey on your blazing desire to beat the house. Instead, he explains the reality of the game and how to optimize your fun without losing your shirt. Without fully understanding the game and the truth behind the numbers, you're vulnerable to believing bizarre claims that you can consistently beat the casino. The plain truth is that you can't and won't. Don't be a sucker. Be smart, play smart, and learn craps the right way. For more information, and to read a sample chapter about the silliness of dice setting, visit his site at http://www.learnthesecrettocraps.com/

How to Play Craps

How to play craps or shoot dice is rather easy to learn and then progress to more sophisticated methods of play. Craps is all about the number seven which on a pair of dice is made up of 3-4 or 2-5 or 1-6. The shooter or the roller of the dice makes what is called the come out roll. If the dice come up seven or eleven on that first roll, the shooter and all who bet on the pass line will win. It the roll is a 2 or a 3 or a 12, the pass line bets lose. If the roll comes up any other number . . .

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