Dear Mark,
You wrote a column on etiquette on a blackjack game, so how about an etiquette column for the crap table. Just last week I had over $2,500 on the layout and some jerk (he used another word in his letter) with his hands hanging over the table, interfered with the toss of the dice. Guess what appeared? The 7, and he laughed about it in my face. The story doesn't end there but the end result wasn't a pretty site. That *^%&^%$#@ (again, another word). Steve F.

Hey folks, for Steve's sake, keep your hands off the table and out of the way of the dice being thrown. You do not want to disrupt the game by altering the toss with your hands. Our friend Steve lost $2,500 thanks to (*^%&^%$#@)'s paws hanging over the game.

Abusive language will earn you an early and possibly assisted departure from the casino.

If the dice are not tumbling your numbers, don't accuse the dealer of cheating. Most (99.9%) do not cheat. You're probably on a bad roll, plus, let's not discount your poor play: making bets that have more than a 2% house advantage.

Do not try to hand cash to the dealer to make change. The dealer is not allowed to take any cash or chips directly from the customer. You need to place your money on the layout, before the shooter gets the dice, and ask the dealer for "change only."

Some wagers like pass/don't pass bets, odds, come bets, the big 6/8, or field bets can be made by you. On the other wagers, place your money on the layout and ask the dealer to make those wagers for you.

Tables have rails all around the game to store your gaming chips. Use them. Also, underneath there is shelving for your drinks. A 7-11 Slurpee in a Super Big Gulp cup makes an awful mess when it spills on the table. I personally had to clean that one up.

If you are the shooter, give the dice a good toss across the table. Never try to slide the dice across the layout thinking you can control the outcome. The first time the boxman sees that he'll call out, "No roll." The second time possibly wins a slap on the wrist. The third-adios Amigo

If you are a don't pass bettor, don't scream out, "Come on, seven!" Betting against the majority of players is bad enough, but rooting against them and gloating after a win is awful form. Besides, Steve might be on the game and he seems sufficiently pissed off already. (Remember his words: "wasn't a pretty sight.")

Finally: tipping. As in most service industry jobs, most front-line employees are paid minimum wage. Most casino employees' pay comes through the gratuities of casino patrons. Never expect the employee to bend the rules in response to a tip. However, if you are winning, and the dealer is being courteous and helpful, it is customary to show your appreciation. Though you are under no obligation to tip, an occasional gratuity is always in good form and helps keep up the morale at the table. Look at tipping as a donation to "Lady Luck." (The actual sacrifice of lambs, though generous, is no longer allowed.)