Essential Terms for Understanding the Game, Odds, and Table Etiquette
A comprehensive guide to dice terminology, betting odds, and probability concepts
The come-out roll is the first throw in a craps round. This initial roll establishes the point number unless the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 (natural), which wins immediately, or a 2, 3, or 12 (craps), which loses immediately. The come-out roll is crucial because it determines the entire trajectory of the game.
After the come-out roll establishes a point (any number from 4 to 10 except 7), this becomes the point number. The shooter must roll this number again before rolling a 7 to win the round. The probability of rolling the point before a 7 varies depending on which number was established.
The pass line is one of the most fundamental craps bets. Players betting the pass line win if the come-out roll is a 7 or 11, and lose if it's 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, pass line bets win when that point rolls before a 7. This bet has a house edge of approximately 1.4%.
Snake eyes refers to rolling two ones (a total of 2), while boxcars refers to rolling two sixes (a total of 12). Both are craps rolls on the come-out, meaning pass line bets lose immediately. These terms reflect the visual appearance of the dice faces, with snake eyes looking like a snake and boxcars resembling railroad boxcars.
A seven-out occurs when the shooter rolls a 7 after the point has been established. This immediately ends the shooter's turn and causes pass line bets to lose. The seven-out is the second most likely roll after the come-out, which is why 7 is considered the "killer" number in craps once a point is established.
An odds bet is an optional supplementary bet made after a point is established. Players can bet additional money "backing up" their pass line or don't pass bet. Odds bets pay true odds, meaning the house edge is reduced to zero on this specific bet. This is one of the best bets available in craps, with payouts determined by the established point number.
Mathematical foundations of craps betting
Each number from 2 to 12 has a different probability of being rolled with two standard dice. The number 7 is the most likely outcome with six different combinations (1-6, 2-5, 3-4, 4-3, 5-2, 6-1), giving it a 16.67% probability. Understanding these distributions helps players evaluate betting decisions. Numbers 6 and 8 have five ways to roll them each, making them the second most likely outcomes at 13.89% probability each.
The house edge varies significantly depending on which bets you place. Pass line and don't pass bets carry a house edge of approximately 1.4%. Field bets typically have a house edge of 2.7% to 5.6% depending on the specific rules. Place bets and lay bets have house edges ranging from 1.4% to 4%. Playing the odds dramatically reduces the house advantage, making these supplementary bets among the most favorable in any casino.
True odds represent the actual mathematical probability of an event occurring, while payout odds represent what the casino actually pays. The difference between true odds and payout odds is how casinos maintain their advantage. Understanding this distinction is essential for evaluating whether a particular bet offers good value. Bets offering true odds, like the odds bet itself, provide superior value to players compared to bets with standard casino payouts.
Professional conduct at the craps table
Craps etiquette requires that shooters throw the dice in a specific manner. The dice must hit the back wall of the craps table and bounce back. This ensures randomness and fair play. Always use one hand when throwing, keep your throw controlled, and never let the dice leave the table. Respecting these procedures demonstrates professionalism and maintains the integrity of the game.
At a craps table, place your bets clearly and communicate them to the dealer or stickman. Avoid touching the dice after they've been thrown, and never touch chips or bets once they're placed on the layout. Respect other players' betting choices, even if you disagree with their strategy. Remember that every player's money is their own responsibility, and different betting strategies are valid based on individual preferences and bankroll management approaches.
Use clear terminology when placing bets so dealers understand your intentions. Learn the proper terminology for different bets to avoid confusion. When the shooter is concentrating, minimize unnecessary conversation and loud celebrations. A successful craps table operates smoothly when all participants communicate clearly and respect the rhythm of the game.
Hardway bets are wagers that a specific number will be rolled as a pair (the "hard way") before it's rolled any other way or before a 7 is rolled. For example, a hard eight means rolling two fours before rolling a 7 or any other combination totaling 8. These bets typically carry higher house edges and are considered riskier propositions.
The shooter is the player designated to throw the dice. In craps, the shooter's role rotates around the table. Players can decline to be the shooter, and it passes to the next willing participant. The shooter's technical