Craps is a popular casino game that is filled with excitement and action. To fully enjoy and understand the game, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the terminology used by players and dealers. This article will guide you through the world of craps terminology, enabling you to speak the language of the game with confidence and join in on the fun.
The Basics
Before we dive into the specific terminology, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the basic rules of craps.
Craps is played with two dice, and the objective is to predict the outcome of the roll. Players take turns being the “shooter” who rolls the dice. The game begins with a “come-out” roll, where the shooter aims to establish a “point” number. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, it’s a “natural” win. On the other hand, a 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss, known as “crapping out.”
Terminology
Pass Line
The pass line is the most basic bet in craps. It is placed before the come-out roll and wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, and loses if they roll a 2, 3, or 12.
Come Bet
The come bet is similar to the pass line bet, but it can be placed after the point number has been established. The come bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and loses if they roll a 2, 3, or 12.
Point
The point is a number established on the come-out roll, typically 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. The shooter’s goal is to roll that number again before rolling a 7, which is known as “sevening out.”
Odds Bet
The odds bet is an additional bet that can be made after a point has been set. It is placed behind the pass line or come bet and has no house edge, making it a favorable bet for the player. The odds bet pays true odds based on the probability of rolling the point number before a 7.
Come-Out Roll
The come-out roll is the first roll of the dice at the beginning of a new round. It establishes the point number and determines the initial outcome of the game.
Craps
Craps refers to rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll. It results in an immediate loss for pass line bets but can be a win for don’t pass line bets.
Snake Eyes
Snake eyes is a slang term used to describe rolling two 1s, resulting in a total of 2. It is considered an unlucky roll.
Boxcars
Boxcars refers to rolling two 6s, resulting in a total of 12. Like snake eyes, it is usually seen as an unfavorable roll.
Big 6 and Big 8
The big 6 and big 8 bets are placed on the respective numbers before rolling a 7. If the chosen number is rolled before a 7, the bet wins. However, if a 7 is rolled first, the bet loses.
Field Bet
A field bet is a single roll bet placed on the outcome of the next roll. It wins if the roll results in 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Hardways
Hardways are bets on pairs of numbers that can only be rolled in a specific way. For example, a hard 6 is betting that the shooter will roll two 3s before rolling either a 7 or an easy 6 (5 + 1).
Conclusion
By familiarizing yourself with the terminology used in craps, you will feel more confident and knowledgeable when playing the game. Understanding the terms related to bets, rolls, and outcomes will enable you to fully immerse yourself in the excitement of the casino floor. So, the next time you decide to join a craps table, speak the language of the game and enjoy the thrill of rolling the dice.
