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Craps Dice Probability Glossary

Essential Terms and Concepts for Understanding Craps Betting Odds and Table Mechanics

Understanding Craps Terminology

Craps is a dice game with unique terminology and probability principles. This glossary defines key concepts essential for understanding throws, betting odds, and proper table etiquette.

Come-Out Roll

The initial roll at the beginning of a craps round. This roll establishes the point number. Rolling a 7 or 11 results in an immediate win (Natural), while rolling 2, 3, or 12 results in an immediate loss (Craps). Any other number becomes the point, and the game continues until that number is rolled again or a 7 is rolled.

Point Number

The number established during the come-out roll if neither a 7, 11, 2, 3, nor 12 is rolled. Point numbers are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. The game continues with subsequent rolls until the point number is rolled again (resulting in a win) or until a 7 is rolled (resulting in a loss). This establishes the primary objective of the game.

Seven Out

Rolling a 7 after the point has been established. This ends the current round and results in a loss for pass line bettors. Seven is the most probable outcome on any two-dice roll, making it a critical number in craps probability. Understanding when a seven-out occurs is essential for comprehending game flow and betting strategy.

Snake Eyes

Rolling a 2 (one pip on each die). This is the lowest possible roll and an immediate loss on the come-out roll. Snake eyes is one of the rarest outcomes, occurring only 1 in 36 times. The visual appearance of two ones resembles snake eyes, hence the name. Understanding craps terminology includes recognizing this iconic roll.

Boxcars

Rolling a 12 (six pips on each die). This is the highest possible roll and an immediate loss on the come-out roll. Like snake eyes, boxcars is also a 1 in 36 probability outcome. Named for the resemblance of the two sixes to railroad boxcars, this term is integral to craps gaming vocabulary and probability discussion.

Pass Line Bet

The fundamental wager in craps where players bet that the shooter will win. On the come-out roll, a pass line bet wins immediately on a 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, the bet wins if the point number is rolled before a 7. This is the most common bet and foundation for understanding craps odds.

Don't Pass Bet

The opposite wager of a pass line bet. On the come-out roll, a don't pass bet wins on 2 or 3 and loses on 7 or 11. Rolling 12 results in a push or tie. If a point is established, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number. This represents betting against the shooter and involves different probability outcomes.

Odds Bet

An additional wager made after the point is established, offering true odds. This bet has one of the lowest house edges in casino gaming. The payout depends on the point number: 4 or 10 pay 2-to-1, 5 or 9 pay 3-to-2, and 6 or 8 pay 6-to-5. Understanding odds calculations is crucial for evaluating craps betting strategy.

Come Bet

A bet made after the point has been established, similar to a pass line bet but starting from the current roll. The next roll becomes the come-out roll for this specific bet. Come bets win on 7 or 11 and lose on 2, 3, or 12. Any other number establishes a come point, creating multiple betting lines simultaneously.

Don't Come Bet

The opposite of a come bet, where players bet against the shooter for a specific bet line. Similar to don't pass, this wins on 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and ties on 12. It provides an alternative betting strategy for players wanting to position bets against certain outcomes, increasing game complexity and strategic options.

Place Bet

A wager that a specific number will be rolled before a 7 is rolled. Place bets can be made on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Payouts vary based on probability: 4 and 10 pay 9-to-5, 5 and 9 pay 7-to-5, and 6 and 8 pay 7-to-6. These bets allow focused wagering on particular numbers with predetermined odds.

Lay Bet

A bet that a 7 will be rolled before a specific number. Lay bets are the inverse of place bets, with payouts in reverse proportion. These bets require risking more to win less, reflecting the probability that 7 is the most likely outcome. Lay bets provide opportunities for contrarian wagering strategies in craps.

Table Etiquette