Explorer of the Seas Craps tables

[darknitecruiser]

How are the craps tables on the explorer of the seas usually. Are they hot (players making money) or are they cold (players losing money)? Do people play at the craps table a lot or are there only a few people playing when the table is open? I'm just asking because when I went on the carnival legend the craps table was hot almost every night.

[IMNiles]

I can't speak to Explorer in particular, but in my experience the craps table action really varies based on the passengers aboard. If the ship is full of "casino-type people" then you've got a fairly good chance of an active table, at least later at night (it's rarely busy early). If the ship is full of groups of non-casino people (I won't get myself in hot water by trying to list them :) ), then the table may be pretty much empty every night. On my last sailing, it was busy on sea days, but not busy on the long port days when everyone was too tired to stay out late. Regardless of the ship, all the craps tables seem to follow the same patterns.

[cruzincurt]

Craps tables are "hot" or "cold" depending on the shooter. Typically, most cruise ship craps players are walk-ups, ie., just toss the dice without trying to set them. Therefore it's often one or two rolls and out. I try to set the dice with some success. Other people are just plain lucky. Last cruise, I watched one guy clean up by just betting the darkside, it was my joy to ruin his bets by making my numbers when it was my turn.

 

I look for the lucky shooters and use their rolls to make money. On a HAL cruise, some nights couldn't get anyone else to play, on Carnival or RCCL, there is usually a good crowd after the second dinner seating gets out.

 

Some people are just lucky, they are the ones I look for. Seemingly "Hot" is often how loud a particular player might be, win or lose.

[dad son team]

I did really well on my Carnival Paradise cruise, but it has been just the opposite on my RCCL cruises. I was on Voyager a couple of years ago out of Bayonne and the table was busy, usually the same people everynight. Last year on the Granduer, nothing was happening at the table and they often closed it.

[Nliedel]

Craps can go either way and tables on cruise ships are no exception. Sometimes they're a hoot and sometimes it looks like everyone is at a funeral.

 

It's also either busy or not depending in large part, who is on the cruise. I've been on cruises where I had to wait in line and others where I was the only one playing. A lot of people are intimidated by craps (silly, imo. Just stick to the easy bets and stay away from the middle) and don't want to learn on a cruise.

[cruzincurt]

I love craps and think it's one of the simplest games in the casino other than pulling a handle or pushing a button. I've talked many people into trying craps including my DW.

 

People are confused and scared of it but once they understand how simple it really is, it can be one of the most fun games in the casino.

[crusingdave]

Another thing that is bad about the craps tables are they are single odds. Generally on one night they have a special with double odds. Most everytime they have been cold and I am an avid craps player. I won't play blackjack because the players are generally horrible (splitting face cards, taking hits when they shouldn't - too many novices).

[darknitecruiser]

Another thing that is bad about the craps tables are they are single odds. Generally on one night they have a special with double odds. Most everytime they have been cold and I am an avid craps player. I won't play blackjack because the players are generally horrible (splitting face cards, taking hits when they shouldn't - too many novices).

 

When you say singled odds (considering that I am new to craps) does that mean when you place 5 dollars (point being 4) on the pass line that you can only put another 5 dollars behind and nothing more. If I'm really off could you help explain what you mean by single odds.

[Nliedel]

When you say singled odds (considering that I am new to craps) does that mean when you place 5 dollars (point being 4) on the pass line that you can only put another 5 dollars behind and nothing more. If I'm really off could you help explain what you mean by single odds.

 

Yep! That's a great way to explain odds. I dig the Casino Royale in Vegas. It ain't fancy, but I love those 100X odds.

[Gonzo70]

How are the craps tables on the explorer of the seas usually. Are they hot (players making money) or are they cold (players losing money)?

 

If the players were usually making money, the casino would get rid of the craps table.

[crusingdave]

That's exactly it. You can only place the same amount of money behind your bet on the pass or don't pass line. For example if you bet $5.00 you can place $5.00 behind your bet on if a 6 or 8 is the point and receive $6.00 if you win, on a 5 or 9 you can put $6.00 if you win you receive $9.00, and on a 4 or a 10 you can put $5.00 behind and win $10.00 if the point is rolled before the shooter 7 - outs. Most casinos allow at least double odd - example $5.00 bet - $10.00 behind and quite a few in Atlantic City allow 5 times odds $5.00 dollars you can put $25.00 behind. If you need any more details please let me know. The odds bet is the best bet in the casino, the house has no advantage over the player.

 

Dave

[crusingdave]

Yep! That's a great way to explain odds. I dig the Casino Royale in Vegas. It ain't fancy, but I love those 100X odds.

 

I have played there, $2.00 or $3.00 tables - great for the player but most high rollers would not be seen in there. I am anything but a high roller.

[Gonzo70]

The odds bet is the best bet in the casino, the house has no advantage over the player.

 

And if Curt is shooting, the odds are strongly in the players' favor! And if Curt is holding a Starbucks cup while shooting, lookout all you RCCL shareholders!!! :D

[darknitecruiser]

You have all been real helpful. I have two other questions though. Do you have to play on the pass line in order to make the bets in the middle (hardways, horn bet etc.)? I ask this because some casinos don't allow you to do this. Also, is it possible to make place bets or come bets without putting money on the pass line? Thanks in advance

[crusingdave]

You have all been real helpful. I have two other questions though. Do you have to play on the pass line in order to make the bets in the middle (hardways, horn bet etc.)? I ask this because some casinos don't allow you to do this. Also, is it possible to make place bets or come bets without putting money on the pass line? Thanks in advance

Yes, you can make place bets, hardways, horn bets, a come bet (which is essentially the same as a pass line bet) in all casinos - including the ship. The other bets are generally not as favorable to the player as a pass line bet with full odds. Hardways are $1.00 minimum bet. The field is a $5.00 minimum one roll bet. Placing the 6 and 8 pays $7.00 for $6.00, 5 and 9 pays $7.00 for $5.00, and a 4 and 10 pays $9.00 for $5.00. You can buy a 4 or 10 but that gets more confusing.

[dad son team]

You have all been real helpful. I have two other questions though. Do you have to play on the pass line in order to make the bets in the middle (hardways, horn bet etc.)? I ask this because some casinos don't allow you to do this. Also, is it possible to make place bets or come bets without putting money on the pass line? Thanks in advance

 

The only time that you have to play the pass line is if you are the shooter. They won't let you throw unless you have a bet on the line, but you could always pass the dice to the next guy and not throw.

[cruzincurt]

"I won't play blackjack because the players are generally horrible"

 

How other players play has no long term effect on your play. A "non-correct" play by someone this hand may have set up the deck for you to have a blackjack next hand. People only remember when someone splitting 10's keeps the dealer from busting this hand.

 

How many times has someone played their hand "wrong" and that resulted in the dealer busting and everyone winning? That's why I sit at first base in case I play my hand "wrong" no one will remember.

 

I don't care how others play but I do enjoy the dealer throwing me a little smile when someone splits 10's or stops on 12 with a dealer 6 or better showing since I usually play "correct" 99% of the time.

 

Put a $1 on the hardways for the dealers, they'll become your friends.

[msunrullieone]

I love Craps! I watched my DH play for a long time, but was too chicken to play because of the fast pace. Once he made me play for myself, I started to learn the game. People are ususally very helpful; as long as you keep your hands away from the roll of the dice. LOL

[cruzincurt]

Just put $5 on the PASS line, and you're playing. If they place money next to your $5, pick it up, you won. If they take your $5, put another $5 out you lost.

 

It's that simple.

 

If people want to play $10, $25, or more a hand at blackjack, they should pick a table other than where the $5 recreational players are playing if how others play bothers them. It's their money, they can play it how they want, right or wrong.