The Odds: Numbers
Since craps is a game of chance, you need to understand why you have a greater or lesser chance of rolling different numbers. Because you're rolling two dice, your chances of rolling a specific number in craps are determined by the number of die combinations that can add up to that number. For example, 2 can only be rolled with two 1s, but 4 can be rolled with either a 1 and a 3 or two 2s. That means you have twice the chance of rolling a 3 as you do a 2. Because the 7 has the greatest number of combinations (six), it is the number that has the potential to come up most often, which is why 7 is the magic number in craps.
On average, one of these numbers will show for every eight rolls of the dice. The winning wager pays 30-1. The only Place Bet numbers that do not carry an on-axis advantage for the skilled shooter utilizing the Crossed Sixes pre-set are the 3, 4, 10, and 11. But on particularly long rolls these numbers will often appear in streaks. Paying out a massive 30/1, Craps - 2 or 12 is the top paying bet at the craps table. You have a 2.8% chance of winning. For this bet, you will have to contend with a 13.9% house edge – but the payoff is most definitely worth it.
There are 36 possible number combinations in craps. Here is a chart showing the possible combinations for each number using two die.
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From the chart, you can see that the most likely number you'll roll is a 7, followed by the 6 and the 8, then 5 and 9, then 4 and 10, then 3 and 11, and finally (and least likely) the 2 and the 12. This means you'll roll a 7 once out of every six rolls, a 6 or an 8 once out of every 7 to 8 rolls, and so on. Merkur poker classic trick.
Odds for Each Number
By looking at the possible combinations, the 'true odds' for each number can be established. Knowing the odds in craps is good so you have a feel for the likelihood of one number being rolled before another one (e.g., is the 4 going to be rolled before the 7?).
House Edge
Now, true odds are not what the casino pays you unless you're also betting 'free odds' on top of your main bet. Free odds, which is an additional wager you place with your original line bet, pay true odds so the casino's edge is reduced. (We'll talk more about free odds in Strategies the Winners Use.)
To better explain how the casino edge works, let's take the example of flipping a coin. You have a 50/50 chance of the coin landing on heads, and a 50/50 chance of it landing on tails. If that were a bet on which you were being paid true odds, you would be paid even money. The casino, however, has to have an edge in order to make a profit on the game. So, the payoff for any given bet is less than what true mathematical odds would dictate. For example, on a bet that had true odds of 1:1, you would think that if you bet $1 and win, you would be paid $1 in winnings. But in a casino, depending on the bet, you might only be paid $.96. The difference between the true odds and what they pay you is how they make money -- it's called casino odds.
Another way to better understand casino odds versus true odds is to look at the definition of the casino (or house) edge. WizardOfOdds.com defines it as, 'The ratio of the average loss to the initial bet,' going on to explain that it's based on the original wager rather than the average wager so that players can have an idea of how much they are going to lose when they place a bet. For example, by knowing that the casino has a 1.41 percent edge in craps, you can know that you'll be losing 14.1 cents for every $10 bet.
For charts of odds for all types of bets, visit the Wizard of Odds.com.
On the next page, we'll talk about types of craps bets, their odds and what the casino pays for each.
Every game has its own jargon and gambling is no exception. Naturally, Craps has its own list of terms as well and when a game is as popular as Craps, it's a whole new language. If you are a Craps newbie and can't understand what Craps veterans are really saying, maybe what you really need is a comprehensive Craps glossary.
This alphabetized index of craps terms will quickly become your Craps bible because it has almost every term you can think of. So, never again will you get stuck because you didn't know what a word meant.
A
Aces – A bet that two 1s will show on the next roll.
Any Craps – A one unit one roll bet the next roll will be 2, 3, 12 with the payout usually being 7 to 1.
Any Seven – A bet the next roll will show a 7. Payout is usually 4 to 1.
Apron – The area behind the pass line on the craps table. All free odd bets are placed on the apron.
Arm – Skilled dice throwers who have believably mastered dice control and can manipulate the way the game is played. Known as 'an arm'.
B
Back Line – The Do Not Pass Line.
Bank – The stack of chips placed on the craps table by the casino.
Bar 6-6 – Is a standoff with no total wins or losses. In this situation, bets placed may be withdrawn or alternatively, carried over to the next betting roll. Sometimes it's Bar 1-1 or Bar 1-2.
Bar 12 or 2 – A push for bets on the Don't Pass Line and the Don't Come.
Behind – After the Don't Come point is established, all checks are to go into the box placed 'behind' the box number.
Behind the Line – A bet placed after the come out roll, on the Free-Odds.
Big 6 – A bet that a 6 will show before a 7 on the next roll. The payout is 1 to 1.
Big 8 – A bet that an 8 will show before a 7 on the next roll. The payout is 1 to 1.
Big Red – A bet that the next roll will show a 7.
Bones – Another name for the dice.
Black – Colloquial name for a $100 casino check.
Bowl – The container tray in which the spare dice is held by the stickman.
Boxcars – A bet on the number 12.
Box Man – The casino employee who supervises the dealers at the Craps table. He is usually also responsible for counting cash and gaming checks, settlling gambling disputes and general play of the game.
Box Numbers – The numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 marked inside 'boxes' on the layout are known as box or point number. The remaining numbers are known as natural numbers.
Box Up – The changing of dice for every new set.
Buffalo – A 5 unit bet on every Hard Way and number Eleven.
Buy Bet – When a 5% commission is paid to collect house advantage and to get correct odds. The bet is placed on any of the box numbers and are paid if the number shows before a seven.
C
C and E – A two unit and one roll bet that the next roll will show 2, 3, or 11. One unit is wagered on any Craps or 'C' and the other unit is wagered on Eleven or 'E'.
Change Only – When the player places cash on the craps table, the dealer or the player must call out 'change only' to indicate that there is no action being taken on the cash and it will be used to converted into checks.
Checks – Chips used to play Craps. They are round, plastic tokens and used for placing bets.
Choppy – A game is described as choppy when there are a number of inconsistent passes and misses with none of the players experiencing any good runs of winning throws.
Cocked Die/Dice – When either or both dice are rolled and they land partly on the craps layout and lean partially against some other obstruction on the table. The boxman is then required to call the number on the die that would land face up if the obstruction were to be removed.
Cold Table – When shooters do not have much luck making their points or naturals.
Color Change – When a player exchanges playing chips for different denominations.
Color Up – Is applicable either when a player exchanges smaller denomination checks for larger ones; or when the player is intentionally handed larger checks as part of better customer service.
Come Bet – A bet placed after the come out roll that the dice, Payouts are on rolls of 7 or 11 and losses incurred for 2, 3 and 12.
Come Out Roll – It is the first roll when a new game is being started.
Comps – Complimentary drinks, room, food, etc provided by a casino to valuable players.
Craps – Numbers 2, 3 and 12 on the come out roll.
Crapless Craps – A type of Craps game offered at some casinos. When playing this version of craps, a roll of craps is not a loss at the come out. The number is instead marked as a point. House advantages on this game are much higher than regular versions of Craps and most experienced players tend to avoid Crapless Craps.
Crew – The collective name for all the casino employees running a Craps table.
D
Dealers – The casino employees in charge of a Craps table. There are usually 4 dealers for every craps game and they rotate positions. It is the dealer's responsibility to pay out as well as place Free Odds and Lay bets.
Die In the Wood – When a die is rolled and it lands in a rack of chips.
Dime – A bet for $10.
Don't Come Bet – When the player bets that the dice will not pass after the come out roll. Winnings are on a roll that shows 2 or 3 and losses are based on a 7 or 11. This bet can be easily removed at any time.
Don't Pass Bet – This bet must be placed during the come out roll. Losses are on 7 and 11 with wins on 2 and 3. The role of 12 establishes a don't pass point and once this is done, a 7 must show on the next roll for the bet to be a winner. throw of craps, or a 7 instead of the point.
Down Behind – This is usually called by the stickman, serving as a reminder to the dealer at the base that they must take losing Don't Come bets. Crown hotel perth.
Down with odds – A phrase used to describe the act of a dealer converting a player's place bet to odds for their come bet that has traveled to a number. The place bet comes 'down' after it is paid and is converted to a free odds bet for the come bet.
E
Printable Craps Payout Chart
Easy Way – A roll of the dice with 4,6,8 and 10 and each die is different.
Edge – The advantage held by the casino over any wager made by a player.
E.T Bet – A bet that 11 or 12 will show in the next roll.
F
Fade – When a player meets an opposing player's bet in a private game rather than playing against the casino.
Field – The large area on the lay out with the numbers 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
Field Bet – When a bet is placed on 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Pays twice the amount of the bet if 2 and 12 are rolled .
Free Odds Bet – A bet paid at the correct/true odds. Usually wagered with another bet that has a house edge.
Front Line – Another term for the Pass Line.
G
H
Hardway – These bets can be placed on all boxes with even numbers. It is a bet that pairs 22, 33, 44, 55 will roll (made up with 4, 6, 8 or 10) before the 7 comes out. Bets are controlled by the stickman.
Hi / Lo – Two unit bet laid on the high 12 and the low 2.
Hi-Lo-Yo – Variation of the Hi/Lo bet with bets laid on three units, 2, 11 and 12.
Hook – When a player is positioned at the crap table between the base dealer and the stickman.
Hop Bet – One roll bets and can be wagered on any combination of dice numbers for the next roll. For example, the player will say 'two, three hops for a dollar'. This means they are betting the 5 will be the next roll with the dice showing 2 and 3. Hop bets are a high house advantage bet and therefore best avoided.
Horn Bet – A 4 unit bet with 1 unit each on 2, 3, 11, and 12. The payouts for this bet are 15 to 1 when a 3 or a 11 rolls and 30 to 1 when a 2 or a 12 rolls. This bet is popularly considered an amalgamation of the worst craps bets and experts advise players not to use this bet.
Horn High Bet – 5 unit bet on 2, 3, 11 and 12 and the player calls a fifth number that is high.
Horn Numbers – 2, 3, 11 and 12.
Hot Table – A table where almost all the shooters are making the point.
I
Inside Bet – When a bet is placed on 5, 6, 8, or 9.
Inside Numbers – 5, 6, 8, or 9.
Insurance Bet – Two or more bets made in an attempt to cover each other.
J
Juice – Another term for vig (vigorish). The house edge.
K
L
Lammer – A plastic disc used by the dealers to designate, different bet situations.
Lay Bet – A bet that 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 (point numbers) will only roll after a 7.
Layout – The base of a Craps table clearly marked with the various bets available to players.
Line Bet – Bet placed on the Pass or Don't Pass Line
Long and Strong – This is said by the stickman when the dice needs to be thrown hard so it hits the back wall of the table.
Little Joe – Slang for a hard 4 (2-2)
M
Marker – An IOU agreement signed by a player owing credit at a casino.
Marker Puck – The plastic disc used by dealers to indicate the ‘Off' and ‘On' points on the Craps table.
Maximum/Minimum – The limits on the maximum or minimum amount that can be wagered on a single craps bet.
Midnight – Single roll bet on the number 12
Miss – The outcome of craps or the show of a 7 before the point.
Money Plays – Dealer announces it when acknowledging the cash is being used on the craps table lay out.
N
Natural – When there is a throw of either a 7 or an 11 on the come out roll. Also known as natural seven or natural eleven.
Nickel Rene casino rosarito. – Used to describe a $5 chip.
No Bet – Announced by dealer when a player's bet is not accepted at the table either because it was too late, incorrect value, improper dice throw etc.
O
Odds Bet – A bet with not house advantage and is paid at its true odds. However, such a bet is usually made in conjunction with a bit that does have a house edge.
Off – When a bet is designated as inactive or not working for the next roll. Called by the dealer, usually in response to a player's request.
On – When a bet is designated as active.
One Roll Bet – When the outcome of the bet is entirely dependent on the next roll of the dice.
Outside Numbers – 4, 5, 9 and 10.
P
Pass Bet – A bet that the shooter will throw the point or a natural.
Parlay – Taking the winnings from one bet and adding the winnings to a bet and betting all the money.
Pass Line – This is the most common Craps bet. A winning bet is when either a 7 or an 11 show on the come out roll. A losing bet is when a 2, 3 or 12 shows.
Past Posting – This is an illegal act where a gambler places or adds to a bet that has already won.
Payoff – The paycheck received by the player for placing a wager.
Pips – The spots on the dice.
Pit – The casino area that contains the Craps tables.
Pit Boss – The designation of the casino employee in charge of supervising and overseeing the 'pit'.
Place Bet – A bet that states a place number i.e. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 will show before a 7 rolls.
Point – Any box number can be a point number and is established when the dealer places the puck on the number.
Press – Increasing a bet. The player informs a dealer that they want to 'press' and the bet is usually increased by a factor of 2. The increments can be chosen at the discretion of the player.
Proposition Bet – Bets placed in the center of the craps table including both hardway and hop bets.
Purple – Slang term used to describe $500 checks.
Put Bet – Some casinos allow players to place this bet where the bet is 'put' directly on a box number without worrying about going through the come. They have a high house advantage due to the flat portion of the bet never being in the come.
Q
Quarter – Slang term for a $25 check.
Craps Number Payouts
R
Rail – The area running along the top of the perimeter of the craps table where the players place their chips.
Right Bettor – The player who bets that the dice will win or pass.
Rounding – Rounding off of the payout amount to a whole number
S
Seven Out – Rolling a seven before making the point. It is called by the stickman and is the end of a shooter's turn with the dice.
Sequence Bet – A bet that is not necessarily determined by the next roll.
Shooter – The player currently rolling the dice.
Skinny Dugan – Slang term used for the number 7. According to Craps superstition, the number '7' should never be said in a game to avoid bad luck and hence slang terms should be used.
Craps Numbers Odds
Slow Bleed – When a player loses all their money, slowly and steadily.
Snake Eyes – A slang term used for a roll of 2.
Square Pair – Slang term used for a hard eight.
Stacks – Also known as working stacks, is the stack of chips that the dealers place in front of themselves and are used to pay bets.
Stickman – The casino employee responsible for handling of the dice with a long stick.
T
Take the Odds – Making a Free-Odds bet as a right bettor.
Three Way Craps – Betting in multiples of` 3 with 1 unit each on the 2, 3 and 12.
Toke – A tip given to the dealer or other craps crew.
Put Bet – Some casinos allow players to place this bet where the bet is 'put' directly on a box number without worrying about going through the come. They have a high house advantage due to the flat portion of the bet never being in the come.
Q
Quarter – Slang term for a $25 check.
Craps Number Payouts
R
Rail – The area running along the top of the perimeter of the craps table where the players place their chips.
Right Bettor – The player who bets that the dice will win or pass.
Rounding – Rounding off of the payout amount to a whole number
S
Seven Out – Rolling a seven before making the point. It is called by the stickman and is the end of a shooter's turn with the dice.
Sequence Bet – A bet that is not necessarily determined by the next roll.
Shooter – The player currently rolling the dice.
Skinny Dugan – Slang term used for the number 7. According to Craps superstition, the number '7' should never be said in a game to avoid bad luck and hence slang terms should be used.
Craps Numbers Odds
Slow Bleed – When a player loses all their money, slowly and steadily.
Snake Eyes – A slang term used for a roll of 2.
Square Pair – Slang term used for a hard eight.
Stacks – Also known as working stacks, is the stack of chips that the dealers place in front of themselves and are used to pay bets.
Stickman – The casino employee responsible for handling of the dice with a long stick.
T
Take the Odds – Making a Free-Odds bet as a right bettor.
Three Way Craps – Betting in multiples of` 3 with 1 unit each on the 2, 3 and 12.
Toke – A tip given to the dealer or other craps crew.
True odds – The right odds of an event happening depending on the probabilities of the dice as per the chart.
Craps Field Numbers
U
V
Vigorish or abbreviated as Vig – Originally a term used to refer to the percentage charged by a craps operator on bets. It is now sometimes used to refer to the House edge.
Craps Winning Numbers
W
Whirl Bet – A 5 unit bet the next roll will be a 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12. Also known as the easiest way to make the 5 worst bets in the game.
Wrong Bettor – When a player bets that a dice will not pass.
Working Bet – A bet that is currently live or active and has not been called off by its player.
X
Y
Craps Numbers Called
Yo (Yo-leven) – The slang term used for the number eleven. Since it sounds like seven, eleven is called as yo –leven or simply yo to avoid confusion.
Z
Zuke – Casino slang for a toke or tip.
