Dice setting and control
What dice setters try, the rules every throw must follow, and what the numbers say about controlled throws.
What dice setters try
- Set: turn the dice by hand so chosen faces point up, for example the same number on both dice (the "hardway set").
- Grip: hold both dice together lightly with the fingertips.
- Soft throw: toss in a low, gentle arc so the dice land and tumble together.
- Goal: see the 7 less often after a point is set.
Keep your set short, because a long set slows the game and the table can ask you to throw.
Table rules for every throw
- Pick up and throw the dice with one hand.
- Both dice must hit the back wall of the table.
- The dice must land on the table. A die that flies off is checked or replaced before play goes on.
- Keep the dice in view of the dealers at all times.
If your dice keep falling short of the back wall, the table crew will ask you to throw harder.
Why there is no proof it beats the house
On a fair roll the 7 comes up in 6 of the thirty-six combinations, a 16.67% chance per roll. To beat the pass line edge of 1.41%, a thrower would have to lower that rate and show it over many thousands of recorded rolls.
There is no reliable public evidence of anyone doing this under casino rules. The back wall is covered with rubber pyramids that make the dice bounce at random.
What a fair roll looks like
Over many rolls the totals tend to match the chart: 7 most often, 2 and 12 least often. Short streaks are normal and say nothing about the next roll – see the gambler's fallacy.
Roll in the free craps simulator and compare your results with the dice probability page.
Questions
Does dice control work in craps?
There is no reliable public evidence that any thrower can change the results under casino rules. On a fair roll the pass line keeps its house edge of 1.41%, and setting the dice has not been shown to change that.
How do you throw dice in craps?
Pick up the dice with one hand and toss them down the table so both dice hit the back wall. The dice must land on the table for the roll to count.
Can you set the dice before you throw?
Many tables let you turn the dice to the faces you like if you do it quickly with one hand. Setting does not change the 16.67% chance of a 7 on a fair roll.
Why must the dice hit the back wall in craps?
The rubber pyramids on the back wall make the dice bounce at random. This keeps every roll fair for all players at the table.