Craps Strategy Tips: How to Throw the Dice in Craps Like a Pro

If You Wish to Look Like a Pro in Craps, Here’s How to Achieve That

There’s a Way to Do It

Casino games, in addition to having rules, also have etiquette that dictates how to carry yourself at the table. Craps is a perfect example. You can’t just walk up, grab the dice, and fling them across the felt however you want. 

There’s a way to do it, and learning that difference between casual rolling and rolling like you belong there can completely change your experience.

So if you’ve ever wondered how to throw the dice in craps or what the rules of craps are beyond the basics, let’s break it down.

How to Play Craps at the Casino

Shooter Responsibilities

When you’re the shooter in a craps dice game, you’re not only rolling for yourself—you’re rolling for everyone at the table. That makes your role more important than it looks at first glance.

The Right Force

The golden rule: the dice must hit the back wall of the table. Toss them too softly, and they’ll stall halfway. The dealer will make you roll again, and in some cases, might even pass the dice to another shooter. 

Throw them like you’re trying to punch through the wall, and you’ll bounce them off the table, which is just as bad. The trick is to find that middle ground—firm but controlled, so the dice land smoothly, touch the wall, and settle without drama.

Keeping the Grip Clean

Always keep your grip neat and visible. Don’t fiddle with the dice under the rail or make hand movements that suggest anything suspicious. Dealers want to see them at all times. The standard move is to cradle them gently, give them a light shake, and then roll. No tricks, no theatrics.

Rules for Non-Shooters

Even if you’re not rolling, you still have responsibilities at the craps table.

When to Enter and Exit

Joining mid-roll is one of the biggest faux pas you can commit. If a point has already been set, wait until the round finishes before buying in. Many players consider interrupting bad form—some even see it as bad luck. Similarly, if you’re cashing out, pick a natural pause, like when a shooter has “sevened out.”

Hands Off the Table

One of the simplest yet most overlooked rules: keep your hands clear when the dice are in motion. Reaching across to point at a chip or place a last-second bet while the dice are flying is a big no-no. If a dice bounces your way, don’t grab it—let it roll. The game’s flow matters more than your reflexes.

Betting Etiquette

Every craps dice game has a rhythm. Once the stickman pushes the dice to the shooter, that round is locked in. Trying to throw chips on the felt at that moment won’t just annoy the dealer; it slows down the game and puts you on the wrong side of table etiquette.

Know the House Rules

Casinos sometimes add their own tweaks. Some may ask that dice never be thrown above eye level so dealers can track both dice and chips at once. Others enforce specific betting cutoffs. It pays to ask before you start—knowing the house style is part of knowing how to play craps at casino tables like a pro.

Rolling Dice Like a Pro

Now, let’s get into the small details that separate someone casually tossing dice from someone who looks like they’ve been doing this for years.

Point Number on Top

Seasoned players often line up the dice with the point number facing upward. It’s a subtle setup that helps with a smoother throw and slightly reduces the odds of rolling a seven too soon.

The Two-Finger Grip

Place the dice side by side, pinch them with two fingers, and support them with your thumb underneath. It keeps everything visible and gives you control over your release. It’s simple, effective, and far less awkward than overcomplicating your grip.

Find Your Angle

Many experienced shooters swear by a consistent 45-degree angle when they release. Stick to the same angle, and you’ll find your rolls become more predictable—not in outcome, but in style. Consistency is everything in casino dice games.

Practice at Home

You don’t need a full-size craps table to practice. Just grab a pair of dice and work on your grip, your angle, and your release. The more natural the motion feels in your hand, the smoother you’ll look when you’re under the lights of a casino floor.

So next time you hit the craps table, remember the basics: throw with the right force, respect the flow of bets, keep your hands clear, and above all, enjoy the ride. Once you master those little details, you won’t just know what are the rules of craps—you’ll play with the confidence and ease of someone who belongs at the table.