At first glance, craps might look like a purely random game, with dice bouncing around the table and numbers decided entirely by chance. But if you’ve ever seen seasoned craps players carefully position their dice before a throw, you’ve already witnessed dice setting in craps. This fascinating technique, sometimes called dice control, is about arranging and tossing the dice in a specific way to influence the outcome.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what dice setting means, explore the most popular dice sets like the Hardway Set and 3-V Set, dive into dice influencing techniques, look at the “perfect roll” theory, and weigh the debate about its effectiveness. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an aspiring dice setter looking to gain an edge, we’ve got the data, strategies, and practice tips to help you play with confidence.
Understanding Dice Setting in Craps
Dice setting is the deliberate arrangement of the two dice before the shooter throws them across the craps table. The idea is that by controlling the starting position, the rotation, and the way the dice stay together in the air, you can reduce the randomness of the throw and potentially favour certain numbers.
In standard craps play, the shooter must toss the dice so they hit the back wall of the table. This wall is lined with small pyramid-shaped bumps designed to cause unpredictable bounces, ensuring a random game. Dice setters, however, aim to minimise the effect of this bounce by using a consistent grip, a controlled throw, and specific dice sets to influence the roll’s outcome.
While dice control can never completely eliminate randomness, there are simply too many variables, it can, in theory, slightly shift the probability towards certain numbers, which might lower the house edge and improve the shooter’s odds over time.
Choosing the Right Dice Set
The “right” set depends on your goal: avoiding sevens, targeting place numbers like 6 and 8, or hitting specific points after the come-out roll.
Each set arranges the two dice so certain numbers appear on the four sides visible to the shooter. This setup influences which combinations are more likely to show when the dice are tossed with minimal off-axis rotation.
Dice Sets Explained
Below are the most well-known dice sets used by craps players, along with their purpose and setup.
Hardway Sets
- Purpose: Avoid sevens and aim for hardway numbers (hard 4, 6, 8, 10).
- Setup: Both dice show the same number on top (e.g., two 6s), with matching numbers on the opposite side. This helps dice stay on the same horizontal axis, reducing the chance of a 7.
Axis Setting
- Purpose: Keep the dice rotating on the same axis to reduce randomness.
- Setup: The numbers are aligned so that the dice roll in unison, ideally keeping the same two sides facing outward.
Crossed Sixes
- Purpose: Minimise the 7s while maintaining good chances for inside numbers.
- Setup: Both dice show a 6 on top but rotated so the one die shows a 1 on the other side and the other die shows the 1 opposite it.
Straight Sixes
- Purpose: Similar to crossed sixes but aligned straight for a smoother release.
- Setup: Both dice show 6s on top and 1s directly opposite.
3-V Dice Set
- Purpose: Boost chances of rolling 6s and 8s.
- Setup: The three pips form a V-shape on top, with the V pointing towards the shooter. This is a popular choice for targeting common place numbers.
2-V Dice Set
- Purpose: Target 4s and 10s while reducing 7s.
- Setup: Two pips form a V on top of each die. Often used when a point is set to 4 or 10.
All 7’s Set
- Purpose: Maximise chances of rolling a 7.
- Setup: All visible faces show combinations that sum to 7. Great for come-out roll sevens or for “don’t pass” bettors.
Number-Specific Sets
- Purpose: Target a single outcome like a hard 10 or hard 8.
- Setup: Adjusted so the desired number appears on both dice’s top faces.
Other Variations
Some dice setters create hybrid arrangements or experiment with new layout ideas to suit their technique and throwing style.
Dice Influencing Techniques
Beyond the setup, the way you throw matters just as much. Skilled shooters work on:
- Grip: Ensuring both dice are held evenly to reduce independent rotation.
- Throw: A smooth, controlled toss that sends the dice gently to the back wall.
- Arc: A soft, consistent arc that reduces bounce.
- Rotation: Keeping dice on a consistent axis so each behaves predictably.
- Position: Standing in a spot at the table that matches your throwing comfort.
The aim is for the two dice to behave as one unit, rather than two independent objects.
What is the “Perfect Roll” in Craps?
The so-called perfect roll is when the dice travel in a controlled arc, stay on the same horizontal axis, touch the back wall softly, and land with minimal bounce. In theory, this limits the number of rotations, allowing the shooter to influence the outcome, though even perfect rolls can’t guarantee a win in a random game.
Effectiveness of Dice Setting
This is where the debate gets heated. Advocates believe that with enough practice, dice influencing can reduce the house edge, giving them a measurable advantage. Some claim to consistently avoid certain numbers like sevens, hitting more inside numbers or placing numbers than the probability predicts.
Sceptics, and most casinos, argue that the variables (bounce, spin, table layout) make true control impossible. Casino rules, like requiring the dice to hit the back wall, exist to protect the random nature of the game.
Studies tracking thousands of rolls show mixed results. While some shooters can demonstrate a slight difference in results over large samples, it’s not guaranteed and requires immense skill and discipline to achieve.
Final Thoughts on Dice Control
Dice setting in craps is as much art as it is science. It blends technique, position, setup, and practice in an attempt to achieve a measurable edge. While it’s unlikely you’ll ever completely overcome the house edge, even small improvements can make a difference, and for many craps players, the challenge is part of the fun.
If you choose to try dice control, remember that money management, knowing when to pass, and understanding the odds are just as important as your throw. Above all, keep the game fun, respectful, and in the spirit of fair play.
FAQ
⭐ What is setting dice in craps?
Setting dice in craps is the practice of arranging the two dice in a specific configuration before the shooter throws them across the craps table. The goal is to influence the outcome by controlling the initial position, rotation, and horizontal axis during the throw. For example, a shooter might choose a dice set that keeps certain numbers facing up or on the four sides to avoid sevens or target place numbers. While the casino requires the dice to hit the back wall to keep the game random, dice setting is legal and used by many skilled craps players.
⭐ What is the best dice set to avoid the 7?
Many experienced dice setters believe the Hardway Set is the most reliable for reducing the appearance of sevens. This setup keeps matching numbers on the top faces of both dice, such as two 6s, with the opposite side showing the corresponding low numbers. By keeping the dice on the same horizontal axis and avoiding excessive bounce from the back wall, the chance of rolling a 7 can be slightly reduced. That said, craps is still a random game, and no set can remove the house edge entirely. Still, with practice, the Hardway Set can favour more inside numbers.
⭐ How to set dice for beginners?
Beginners should start with a simple Hardway Set because it’s easy to learn and helps you focus on developing a smooth, consistent throw. Place both dice so the same number faces upward, such as two 4s, keeping the two sides of each die aligned. Hold them with a gentle but firm grip, making sure the two dice move together during the toss. When you throw, aim for a soft landing near the back wall to reduce bounce. The main idea is to keep the controlled dice on the same horizontal axis, which may influence results over time. Consistency and practice matter most.
⭐ What is the best dice set for craps?
The “best” dice set depends on your goals as a shooter. If you want to avoid sevens, the Hardway Set is a great all-around choice. If you’re targeting 6s and 8s, common place numbers, the 3-V Dice Set is a popular favourite. For points of 4 or 10, the 2-V Set can work well. More aggressive shooters going for quick wins on the come out roll might even choose the All 7’s Set. Regardless of the set, maintaining a consistent tossed motion, controlled rotation, and proper setup at the table are key to making any strategy effective in the game.
⭐ Do casinos allow dice settings?
Most casinos do allow dice setting in craps, as long as players follow the official rules of the game. This means the two dice must be tossed together, hit the back wall, and stay within the layout of the craps table. The stickman may step in if you take too long to set the dice or if your throw doesn’t meet requirements. While dice influencing is permitted in principle, casinos rely on the physical unpredictability of the bounce to protect the house edge. So even though you can set the dice, the outcome is still largely random and unpredictable.