Craps and Superstition

By Silas Twist

One of the interesting elements of craps is the superstitions that surround the game. These crazy beliefs are not just coming from the players but also the casino personnel that run the game.

Let's start by talking about what players believe is true, even though it goes against any rational thought.

• If the dice roll off the table the shooter should always ask for "same dice;" if the shooter uses new dice his next roll will be a seven out.
  
• If the stickman pushes the dice back to the shooter with a seven showing this will cause the shooter to "seven out" on the next toss.
  
• If the table is "hot" (passes or lots of points being made) and a bettor bets on the don't-pass line it will ruin the streak.
  

Now let's look at the casino side. If the table is hot the box-man or pit boss will use different gimmicks to stop the rolling streak. One is the delay tactic; the box-man will call the dice to the center to check them for any damage, or the pit boss needs to do a check-count to make sure the bank is correct. 

The purpose of the delay is that the casino believes they can break the rhythm of the game with the result of a seven-out. Of course, the dice have no memory so this tactic is ridiculous. Another popular ploy the casinos like to use is changing the stickman, thinking a personnel change may help break the streak, basically blaming the stickman for the hot table. Sometimes as a last resort the box-man will change the dice (not popular with the players).

 

These are just a few of the superstitions found at a crap game. Even though none of these beliefs (from the players or employees) have the least effect on the dice roll, they are used quite frequently at the dice table.