After becoming familiar with Dice Sets, the next step in the process of becoming a successful Controlled Shooter is learning to grip the dice in a way that will allow you to consistently toss the dice softly, spinning symmetrically and on-axis and with a level of control over the dice.
To determine the right grip for you to utilize, you’ll need to experiment with each of the grips below to find the one that’s most comfortable for you and, most allows you to accomplish the toss most successfully.
Based on a number of physical factors including, finger length, thickness, flexibility, dexterity and more, the grip that works well for one individual may not work for another.
Finding the grip that’s right for you is a process.
- Experiment with each of the most common grips listed below to find the ones that feel most comfortable in your hands. Try to use only your fingertips as it will be important to reduce as much friction on the dice as possible during the toss. It’s likely that none will feel natural at this point, you’re just looking for the grips that feel most comfortable.
- Once you’ve narrowed the grips down to 2 or 3 that are most comfortable, experiment tossing the dice into a box or other receptacle. You’re looking for the one dice grip that appears to give you the most amount of control in tossing the dice softly and consistently.
- When you’ve determined the dice grip you’re going to utilize, stick with that grip while learning to execute the toss in the next section. If you switch from grip to grip while trying to learn, it will only slow your progress. Once you’ve learned to successfully execute a toss, you can then come back and experiment with some of the other grips.
Practice setting and picking the dice up using your ‘dice grip’. It will take some time, but, with some patience and continued practice, you’ll be able to set and pick up the dice effortlessly. Try not to get frustrated at this point in your learning… it’s all part of the process in becoming a successful Controlled Shooter.
Tools Required: Regulation Casino Dice
Below are the most common grips being utilized by Controlled Shooters today.
** 3 Finger Front Grip **
The first grip to review is the 3 Finger Front Grip. It is probably the most famous and widely utilized of all grips.
After pressing the dice together, place your middle finger and thumb in the center and on opposite sides of the dice. Then lay your index and ring fingers next to your middle finger across the front of the dice. Using 6s in front, your fingertips should only reach to the bottom of the first row of pips and form a direct line across the dice. Your thumb should be centered a little less than half way down the seam on the back of the dice. Your pinkie is not used for this grip and should be kept out of the way.
When using this grip, make sure you keep your front fingers together through your follow through and resist the temptation to spread or open your hand during the throw. You index and ring fingers should act as rudders to keep the dice aligned during the toss.
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Craps Secrets Tip:
In determining the amount of pressure to apply when gripping the dice, imagine you’re holding a small bird in your hand. You want to be gentle, but with enough pressure to maintain control.
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** 2 Finger Pincer Grip **
The 2 Finger Pincer Grip is similar to the 3 Finger Front grip. After pressing the dice together in your desired set, place your middle finger on the front seam between the dice and place your thumb on the back seam. Ensure your front finger doesn’t extend past the 1st roll of pips and you thumb is slightly less than half way down the back of the dice. The index, ring and pinkie fingers are not used during the toss and should remain out of the way.
A word of caution in using this grip. It takes a bit of practice to learn gripping the dice with your middle finger and thumb without the dice separating as your gripping them. Keep practicing, it will get easier.
** Stacked Grip **
The ‘Stacked Grip’ is another common grip you’ll find Controlled Shooters use at the tables. While the goal is the same (limit certain outcomes, while enhancing others), it works on a different premise.
Instead of setting the dice side by side, you select your dice set and then stack one die on top of the other. To execute the grip, place your middle finger and thumb on opposite sides of the seam between the two dice and place your index finger on top of the stack.
Using a knuckle ball type throw, you still want to achieve symmetry with both dice traveling together across the table. You’re attempting to have the dice land near the point where the diamonds rubber meets the table. The intent is to have the top die hammer the lower die into the table to stop its movement while using that same energy to limit the additional movement of the top die.
** 5 Finger Grip **
The 5 Finger Grip is interesting in that it increases the amount of hand contact with the dice, takes more practice to accomplish a symmetrical and successful throw, but if you can achieve it, gives you a high level of control and consistency.
After setting the dice, place your middle and ring finger on the front of each die with your fingertips no further than the first row of pips. At the same time, place your thumb on the crease between the dice on the opposite side. You then place your index and pinkie fingers on the corners of each die.
The 5 Finger Grip also works well with an underhand throw. An underhand throw can be extremely helpful for long tables and on on bouncy tables where a forward spin would be more useful.
You can also test this grip with your fingers slid further down the dice, but keep in mind, the more contact you have with the dice, the more difficult executing the throw becomes.
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Craps Secrets Tip:
Not everyone you see setting and gripping the dice at the casino is a Controlled Shooter. Make sure they’re executing the toss and successfully achieving results before putting your money at risk.
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** 3 Finger Front Diagonal Grip **
The 3 Finger Front Diagonal Grip is one you should not miss trying out and gives you a lot of versatility in your toss. It works well overhand, when you need a backward spin, and also works underhand, giving you a forward spin. It can be used from the back end of the table as well as next to the stick and is very useful for longer distances or you need to increase the velocity of the spin. The biggest difficulty with the grip is learning to pick them up correctly from the table.
After pressing the dice together, place your index, middle and ring fingers across one edge with your middle finger centered on the seam between the two dice. Slowly tip the dice forward and place your thumb on the seam on the opposite corner of the dice.
** 2 Finger Diagonal Grip **
The 2 Finger Diagonal Grip is the grip that applies the least amount of hand contact with the dice during the throw. Once learned, it gives you all of the advantages of the 3 Finger Front Diagonal grip with the addition of having a softer touch and more pure roll. This grip takes some practice to pick the dice up correctly, but once you learn it, it gives you a lot of flexibility.
After pressing the dice together, place your middle finger on the front corner on the seam between the two die. Slowly tip the dice forward and place your thumb on the seam on the opposite corner of the dice. Executing the grip will become easier with practice.
** 2 Finger Ice Tong Grip **
The 2 Finger Ice Tong Grip happens to be my personal favorite and the one I use most often at the casino. It offers tremendous flexibility and a high level of control, but it does take some time learning to execute the throw.
After pressing your dice set together, use your index finger and thumb to pic the dice up from their sides instead of from the top as though you were pressing the dice together.
Dependent on where on the dice you place your fingers alters the type of throw giving you even greater flexibility. Assuming the 4 is facing left, picking it up by…
- Bottom Left Pip: Standard control and backspin
- Top Left Pip: Increased velocity of the backspin
- Top Right Pip: Gives you the ability to knuckle ball your throw
- Bottom Right Pip: Allows you to execute a forward spin
For a lighter touch with this grip, use your thumb and middle finger to execute the grip.
Next Steps
Once practiced setting and griping the dice with the dice grip you’ve determined to be the most comfortable and affords you the greatest level of control, then you’re ready for the next step… Executing the Dice Toss for the Controlled Shooter.
For more information on becoming a Controlled Shooter and flipping the odds on the casino, check out…
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In the meantime…
BEST OF LUCK AT THE CASINOS!!!
Craps Secrets 
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