Gaming Guru

Craps Throw: Overhand or Underhand?

Dear Frank:

I see that some people throw underhand and some overhand. Is the delivery the same or are there adjustments made for each?

Ken

Dear Ken:

The overhand throw allows us to get a sufficient amount of back spin to be able to retard the forward movement of the dice enough to allow them to hit the back wall quite softly where they die. This is the traditional throw of the Captain and is the best for just about everyone who attempts dice control.

However, the underhanded throw also works, although it is much harder to master since the dice must lose their energy without the help of that backward spin. Indeed, many underhanded shooters have to be careful that their dice don't spin forward which adds to the energy as they hit the back wall.

Both deliveries share the fact that they must be soft. Soft in dice control is good. Speed is bad.

For your letter I am giving you a free month on my private, members-only board at www.goldentouchcraps.com. There are over 5,000 members on this board and I think you will find the discussions enlightening, educational and entertaining.

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Frank Scoblete