I've discovered that on different forums and when talking to different players about playing casino dice, or casino craps, there are different definitions of a "controlled throw" in the game of craps.

I have always used just one definition for a "controlled throw" and this is it:

1. The dice are set showing a particular combination on the dice faces.
2. The dice are gripped in such a way as to "lock" the set in place.
3. The dice are thrown at the optimum 45-degree angle which allows you to cover the maximum span with the least amount of force (speed) as defined by the author Sharpshooter in his book.
4. The dice will be thrown so that they remain with the "set" and the dice will remain on axis so that the set remains in place.
5. The dice will bounce on the table surface lightly.
6. The dice will lightly roll or bounce to the back wall (required by casinos' rules).
7. The dice will lightly hit or strike or bounce off the back wall to maintain the set or "axis" as best as possible.

Those are the points that to me constitute a "controlled throw."

It appears that my definition goes too far for some craps plays. On another forum it seems that the definition of a "controlled throw" is nothing more than the roll of two dice that either increases or decreases the appearance of a "7" depending on the goal of the shooter. I reject that.

My problem with this second definition is that no actual control is needed. Luck by itself can increase or decrease the appearance of a 7. After a random roll of two dice (two dice picked up, shaken and thrown without aim or concern for speed or bounce) could, by this definition, be called a controlled throw if the 7 appears or if the 7 does not appear, depending on the shooter's goal.

I think to have a controlled throw, the dice must exhibit some elements of control, hence the set, the grip, a systematic toss, and limited bounce and rolling on the table surface.

Is a controlled throw really two dice flung in the air, hitting and bouncing all over the table but failing to show a 7 because the shooter didn't want a 7? I think not.

But the question is, how do you define a controlled throw?

If someone says they control the dice how would you know if they are?

Do you test for something? And when does a toss of the dice qualify for the test?