This article is for information purposes. We shall look at the history of shooting dice and talk about the popular game of street craps and casino craps that involves two dice. We shall explain the different types of bets like pass bets and side bets. We shall also explain why this dice game has remained so popular throughout the ages.
Legend has it that Roman soldiers invented the game of craps (the earliest form of street craps) using the knuckle-bones of pigs as dice and their shields as a table. Other people believe craps originated from an Arabic dice game (Al Dar means “dice” in Arabic). History tells us that merchants brought the dice game to Europe as far back as the 12th century.
However, the favourite version is the game invented by SirWilliam of Tyre in 1125 during the Crusades and named after a castle called “Asart” or “Hazarth” (later called “Hazard”)
Table of Contents
The Similarities and Differences Between Shooting Craps and Shooting Dice
Street dice, street craps or shooting dice are all the same games that have similarities to casino craps. It’s a relatively simple gambling game, with the main difference between craps and shooting dice is that you can shoot dice outside (in the street) without using a craps table.
The name “Shooting Dice” originated in the 1900s and played on the streets and sidewalks. The street version is a faster game than casino craps and only requires a good surface, a back wall, and two dice to get started. The goal of street craps is for players to guess the outcome after they roll (shoot) the dice. Participants in the game bet on what the shooter rolls (a specific number), and there can be an unlimited number of participants betting on the outcome.
In casino craps, there is a craps table, including a back wall and betting layouts. The shooter is encouraged to hit the back wall on their first and next roll to ensure that dice will land randomly.
Shooting Dice and Shooting Craps Lingo
Learning the lingo if you are going to play craps or shoot dice will stop you from bothering other players.
- The first roll in the game = Come Out.
- Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 in the Come-Out = Crap Out.
- Rolling a 7 or 11 in the Come Out = Pass.
- Rolling a 7 before rolling the point value = Seven Out.
- Rolling any number between 4 and 10 in the Come Out = Point Value.
- The Person who rolls the dice = Shooter
- There must be a barrier like a back wall that allows the dice to bounce before stopping = Bounce.
- There must not be any part of the body, like fingers, in the shooting area = Fingers.
- Additional bets made at the beginning of the round = Side Bets.
What is The Point Value?
If the shooter doesn’t pass or crap out on the first roll, that rolled number becomes a point. All the dice numbers become irrelevant except 7, and the point value. At this stage, the shooter has to keep rolling the dice until it reaches either number. Pass bets are based on whether the shooter will roll the point value again before rolling a 7. Don’t Pass bets are the direct opposite.
The game ends once the shooter rolls a 7, or the point value.
Know the Meaning of Dice Control
If you are or want to be the shooter, you need to understand dice control. When learning how to shoot dice, most people will start with the number 3 on top of both dice. It is not compulsory but more, an unwritten code among shooters so nobody thinks you are controlling the dice.
You should hold the dice between your thumb and forefinger. Your arm should then swing in a pendulum motion before releasing the dice. The dice are shot into an arc with as few rotations as possible. Both dice should be close together, hit the back wall, bouncing once and then stopping.
Understanding the Different Bets When Shooting Dice or Shooting Craps
The Pass line and don’t pass line are the two main bets. Both are even money bets. You can place your bet before the “come out” roll (the first roll) made by the shooter.
- If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, the Pass line wins on the come-out. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 the bet is lost.
- Any other combination of the dice creates a “point value”. You need the shooter to roll the point before a 7 for the pass line wins
- A don’t pass line wins on the come-out if you roll a 2, 3, 7, or 11 causes you to lose the don’t pass line, 12 results in a push
- All other numbers establish a point value. If this happens, you want the shooter to roll a 7 before the point for you to have a win.
Other popular bets are the come and don’t come bets which are similar to pass line and don’t pass line bets. These bets are available after a point value is determined.
The Come Bet When Shooting Dice or Craps
- Pays 1:1
- Wins on the come-out with a 7 or 11
- Loses on the come-out with 2, 3, or 12
- Establishes a point value with 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10
- A Point Value (number) must be rolled before a 7 to win
The Don’t Come Bets When Shooting Dice or Craps
- Pays 1:1
- Wins on the com-out with 2 or 3
- Loses on the come-out with 7 or 11
- Pushes on the come out with 12
In Conclusion
Even if the craps table is confusing at first glance, don’t be put off playing casino craps. Once you have understood the basics of the game, you can shoot dice with the best of them, either playing online or at a land-based casino. It’s an exciting and sometimes noisy game with other players encouraging each other to beat the dealer. Well worth a little time to learn when you consider all the fun involved.
