Craps Players' Prejudices

Craps players often develop elaborate theories about the dice, believing certain throws or outcomes are "due" or "not due." For instance, they might believe that after a long streak of "sevens," a "seven out" is less likely to occur, or conversely, that a particular number, like the "hard ten," is "cold" and won't appear for a while. These beliefs can lead players to alter their bets based on perceived patterns rather than actual odds. There's also a strong tendency to attribute human-like qualities to the dice, speaking to them, encouraging them, or even scolding them when they don't produce desired outcomes.

The concept of "hot" and "cold" rollers is deeply ingrained in craps culture and stems from observing streaks of wins or losses. When a player makes several successful passes or hits many points, they are labeled "hot," and other players at the table often flock to bet with them, believing their "luck" is transferable or that the dice are simply "cooperating" with that particular shooter. Conversely, a "cold" roller is someone who repeatedly "sevens out" or fails to make their point, leading to players betting against them or even asking them to pass the dice. This belief largely ignores the independent nature of each roll and instead focuses on a perceived, yet nonexistent, influence of the shooter on the dice's randomness.

Player prejudices significantly impact betting strategies, often leading to deviations from optimal play. For example, a player who believes in a "hot" roller might increase their bets excessively, chasing wins based on the shooter's perceived luck rather than sound probability. Conversely, a player might refuse to bet on certain numbers they deem "cold" or "jinxed," even if those bets offer good odds. There's also the tendency to engage in "parlay" betting after wins, believing the winning streak will continue indefinitely, or to "press" bets aggressively, convinced that a particular number is "due." These strategies are driven by emotional responses and superstitious beliefs rather than a clear understanding of the game's inherent probabilities.

The idea of "setting the dice," where a shooter carefully positions the dice in a specific way before throwing them, is a widely debated prejudice among craps players. Proponents believe that by controlling the initial orientation of the dice and the force of the throw, they can influence the outcome, perhaps making certain numbers more likely to appear or preventing a "seven out." While some individuals claim to have achieved a degree of control, scientific studies and mathematical probabilities consistently show that the outcome of a craps roll is overwhelmingly random. The very nature of the dice hitting the back wall and tumbling unpredictably largely negates any initial "set." Any perceived success is more likely due to chance variations and confirmation bias rather than genuine skill in manipulating the dice.

The strong emotional reactions of craps players to "bad" rolls or perceived "misplays" by others at the table are often rooted in their deep-seated superstitions and the belief that individual actions can affect the group's luck. For instance, if a new player places a "Don't Pass" bet, essentially betting against the shooter, some players might view this as a negative omen, believing it "jinxes" the table. Similarly, if someone bumps the dice or throws them in a way that is deemed "sloppy," it can be met with significant disapproval, as players believe it disrupts the "flow" of the game or leads to undesirable outcomes. These reactions highlight the communal aspect of craps and the shared, often superstitious, beliefs that permeate the game's atmosphere.