There can be little doubt that craps is one of the most consistently entertaining games you will find in just about any casino on Earth (or in cyberspace, for that matter). Theres just something undeniably thrilling about watching those dice bounce all over the felt, clatter against the rail and come tumbling to a stop. It doesnt matter if youre actually the shooter at any given moment. Hell, you dont even have to be actively involved in the game in any real capacity. Even being a spectator standing around a lively craps table is a lot of fun.

But when it comes to shooting craps, there are quite a few characteristics that separate the pros from the amateurs. Naturally, you might suspect a big pile of chips and a strong winning average to be chief among these, but you would be wrong. While it certainly helps your standing in the craps community to win more often than not, there are other features that are even more illustrative about what kind of a player you are. If these intangibles had to be grouped together under one umbrella, it would be called etiquette.

Thats right. Anyone can get hot with the dice from time to time when the ever-capricious Lady Luck decides to pay a visit. But the true craps player of distinction is notable for the manner in which he or she plays the game. You could say its a matter of style, but in fact it goes deeper than that. So whether you have been playing craps for decades or are just introducing yourself to the pleasures of the game, its a good idea to brush up on some fundamentals of craps etiquette.

First of all, players are not supposed to handle the dice with more than one hand, pass them directly from hand to hand, or take the dice past the edge of the table. The only way to change hands when throwing dice, if permitted at all, is to set the dice on the table, let go, then grab them with the other hand.

When throwing the dice, you are expected to hit the farthest wall at the opposite end of the table. Be sure to toss the dice and not slide them, but keep the toss no higher than the eye level of the dealer. Also, you should always tip your dealer appropriately. This is especially important if you are winning.

After the come-out roll, never allow the word seven to pass from your lips as that is considered bad luck. Its also a surefire way to offend other players. On the subject of bad luck, you should also refrain from changing dice in the middle of a roll. It is also considered rude to late bet, or make wagers while the dice are no longer in the middle of the table. While permissible, excessive late betting will generally garner a warning.

Finally, keep any food, drinks, cigarettes and other personal items off the chip rail at all times. Because you dont want to look like a slob no matter how well the dice are rolling.