To become proficient in C.R.A.P.S. you need to become knowledgeable about Comps, Rhythm Rolling, Attitude, Playing, and Savings.

This article will deal with Rhythm Rolling.

1. Dice Setting
2. Installing Your Grip
3. Creating Your Throw
4. Entering your Zone

DICE SETTING - If you’re going to shoot, why not set the dice? You’ve nothing to lose, and, if you keep setting them in a certain manner, and tossing them in the same spot each time, you might develop your own “signature,” - a special preference for certain numbers, for example, the fours and tens. There are only six different ways to actually set the dice, and the method known as the “Hard Way Set” is the most popular. This set minimizes the sevens and maximizes the amounts of 4, 6, 8, and 10 numbers being thrown. In addition, the numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12 will never show. This is set by setting the dice so when you rotate them towards you, all you see are the hard ways - 4, 6, 8, and 10.

Of course on each individual die you should see the 2, 3, 4 and 5 in that order. You can set this quickly just by putting the 1's and 6's on each horizontal axis. And remember, the opposite sides of a die always add up to seven, so if you’re looking for a four and you see a three, just flip it over. You might also speed things along if you ask the stickman to return the dice to you with “all sixes” (for example) which will make setting a little more efficient. By practicing at home you should be able to set the dice in few seconds. This will take a little work but really, isn’t it worth it?

INITIATING YOUR GRIP - You need to grip the dice so when they leave your hand they stay in the same parallel position. You need to stand in the same position and grip them the same way each time. Grips vary with people, but my favorite is the “3 finger grip.” Just place your 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers along the upper ridge of the front dice, and your thumb on the upper ridge in between the two back sides. Your pinky is tucked away and not used. You would then make sure all of your fingers are exerting equal pressure on the dice and toss them. This all takes some practice, and you can do it in your hotel room.

CREATING YOUR THROW - The best place to throw the dice is either from stick left or stick right, in order to minimize the distance the dice must travel. Try both positions and stay with the one you like best. Once you are in position and have and gripped the dice, they must be tossed with a slight backspin, and land in the passline area, bounce, and then slightly glance off the backboard and rest without bouncing again.

The way to do this is to toss them low, not more than 45 degrees up from the table, and with very little force. You might imagine something sitting on pass line, like a cereal bowl or a cigar box. Your job is to toss the dice so they land in the center of the bowl or box without bouncing out. The y should be tossed that lightly, and if they are, they will not be disturbed by the triangled backboard and end up on the layout with your desired results. If there are chips in the way, just ask the bettors to move them. You need to do whatever it takes to succeed!

ENTERING THE ZONE - This is where you must tune out the dealers and other players. When you are throwing numbers the dealers, players, drink girls, friends, enemies, and anyone passing by will want to talk to you. You need to tune all of this out and concentrate on your set, grip and throw. The way to do this is to retreat into your “safe place.” Some people imagine themselves on a Beach in Hawaii, and when they close their eyes, all they see is palm trees (not scowling dealers), all they hear is the surf (not yelling players), and all they smell is flowers (not cigar smoke).

You need to block out all of the negatives and only think positive thoughts. Picture yourself in Hawaii with no distractions. Picture yourself quickly setting, gripping and throwing the dice. Picture the dice floating through the air, landing where you want them to, slighting bouncing off the backboard, and displaying the desired results. Picture all this happening before you do anything - and then do it!

So, to become a proficient DICE rhythm roller, you need DICE - Dice Setting, Initiating your grip, Creating your throw, and Entering the zone.