Ever been intrigued by the game of Craps? The clatter of dice, the buzz of the crowd, and the thrill of a roll that could make or break a bet?
Well, so have many others, and some even try to bend the rules to tilt the odds in their favor.
Beyond the conventional strategies, craps has more under-the-table methods like dice sliding and controlled shooting. Here’s an in-depth look at both:
Advantage Play in Craps: Key Takeaways
- Dice Sliding is Off Limits: Attempting to slide dice across the craps table to maintain a desired outcome is illegal and against casino rules. Such actions can lead to expulsion from the game or even legal repercussions.
- Teamwork in Cheating Doesn’t Pay Off: The story of Leo Fernandez and Veronica Dabul shows that while teamwork in dice sliding might initially seem profitable ($700,000 in their case), it eventually leads to arrest and legal battles.
- Dice Control’s Legality and Doubtful Efficacy: Unlike dice sliding, controlled shooting is allowed in casinos. However, its effectiveness remains a topic of debate, with a lack of solid evidence to back up its claims of reducing randomness.
- Casinos are One Step Ahead: Modern casinos employ advanced surveillance technology and train their staff extensively to catch any form of cheating, including dice sliding and controlled shooting.
- Hone Your Skills Legitimately: Rather than resorting to underhanded techniques, improving your understanding of the game and honing your strategy are recommended ways to enhance your chances at the craps table.
- Unpredictability is Part of the Charm: The essence of craps lies in its unpredictability. While the allure of controlling the game’s outcome might be tempting, it detracts from the thrill and fairness of the game.
What is Dice Sliding?
In a standard craps roll, players toss dice across the table, making them hit the back wall, ensuring randomness. Dice sliding, however, is a trickier technique where the dice are merely slid, not tossed, across the table.
However, this approach isn’t legally acceptable.
All gambling jurisdictions require the dice to be fairly tossed, ideally making them hit the back wall. While a few slight deviations might be overlooked, persistently sliding the dice can get a player kicked off the table or even face legal consequences.
Notably, successful dice sliders often work in teams.
For instance, Leo Fernandez and Veronica Dabul, two Argentine professional gamblers, managed to swindle over $700,000 through dice sliding in The Wynn in 2011.
Their trick didn’t last, though, leading to their arrest and legal battle.
Pros and Cons of Dice Control
Pros: Effective in generating profits when executed flawlessly; relatively simpler than card counting or ace sequencing.
Cons: Against casino rules and detectable by casino security; timing and perfection are crucial; newer craps tables have features that deter sliding.
What is Dice Control?
This method involves tossing the dice consistently to minimize randomness. It’s rooted in mastering the art of holding the dice a certain way (called setting) and tossing them uniformly. A popular technique is the V-set, used primarily for Place 6 or 8 bets.
Measuring success in controlled shooting involves Sevens: Rolls Ratio (RSR). While an average player has an RSR of 6:1, dice control experts aim to roll 7 less frequently.
Pros & Cons of Controlled Shooting
Pros: Legally acceptable in casinos; doesn’t involve secretive moves, making it a more enjoyable method.
Cons: Lack of empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness; high investment in learning and practice without guaranteed success; major proponents profit more from teaching than playing.
Well-Known Dice Sliding Techniques
Imagine trying to slide a die across a table without letting it turn.
Sounds challenging, right?
Some players have mastered this art using subtle wrist actions and finger placements. But why, you ask? By controlling one die, they increase their odds of getting desired combinations on the other.
The Controversy Surrounding Dice Sliding
While it might sound like a cool trick, dice sliding is frowned upon. It alters the nature of the game, taking away its unpredictability and fairness.
Comparing Dice Sliding to Other Cheating Methods
Dice sliding isn’t the only trick up a cheater’s sleeve. Here are a few other well know cheats:
- Dice Switching: Ever heard the term, “fast hands”? Some players switch the casino’s dice with their own, which are either biased or altered to favor certain outcomes. Crafty, isn’t it?
- Loaded Dice: Remember those action movies where the hero detects a weighted dice? Loaded dice have an added weight to favor one side, making certain numbers appear more often than others.
How Casinos Combat Dice Sliding
You didn’t think casinos would stand by idly, did you?
- Surveillance and Technology: With high-resolution cameras and laser sensors, modern casinos are turning to tech to detect and prevent dice sliding and other cheating methods.
- Casino Staff Training: Dealers and pit bosses undergo rigorous training to identify suspicious behavior and handle potential cheats tactfully.
Enhancing Your Craps Strategy: Legitimate Tips
Instead of resorting to tricks, why not polish your skills? Understand the game, learn the odds, and practice your strategy. With time and experience, you’ll not only enjoy the game more but also boost your chances legitimately.
Dice Control vs. Dice Control: Which Is Superior?
While dice sliding is demonstrably effective (albeit illegal), controlled shooting’s effectiveness remains disputed. The legality of dice sliding varies, but it can result in legal consequences in many jurisdictions.
In contrast, controlled shooting is permitted because casinos aren’t convinced of its success.
Closing Thoughts
Craps is an exhilarating game of chance, strategy, and sometimes, sheer guts. While the allure of dice sliding might be tempting, it’s essential to remember the spirit of fair play.
For those seeking a genuine edge in craps, neither dice sliding nor controlled shooting might be the optimal choice. Dice sliding poses legal risks, while controlled shooting lacks proven efficiency.
After all, the thrill lies in the unpredictability of the roll!
