Craps is a game rich with unique terminology that can seem overwhelming to new players. Understanding the key terms is essential for navigating the game and participating effectively at the table. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common craps terms every player should know.
Shooter: The player who rolls the dice. The role of the shooter rotates around the table in a clockwise direction. Understanding when you’ll become the shooter and the responsibilities that come with it is crucial for all players.
Come Out Roll: The first roll of the dice in a betting round. The outcome of the come-out roll determines the direction of the game and sets the point if a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled.
Point: If the come-out roll results in a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point. The shooter continues to roll the dice until they roll the point number again (a win for Pass Line bets) or roll a 7 (a loss for Pass Line bets).
Pass Line Bet: A fundamental bet in craps placed before the come-out roll. Players win if the come-out roll is 7 or 11 and lose if it’s 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, the bet wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.
Don’t Pass Bet: The opposite of the Pass Line bet. Players win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3, lose if it’s 7 or 11, and push if it’s 12. If a point is established, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.
Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line bet but can be placed at any time after the come-out roll. The next roll becomes the come-out roll for this bet, and the rules are the same as the Pass Line bet.
Don’t Come Bet: Similar to the Don’t Pass bet but can be placed at any time after the come-out roll. The next roll becomes the come-out roll for this bet, and the rules are the same as the Don’t Pass bet.
Odds Bet: An additional bet placed behind a Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bet. This bet has no house edge and pays true odds. It’s an important bet for reducing the house edge.
Place Bet: A side bet on a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) that wins if that number is rolled before a 7. Place bets can be made at any time and offer different payout odds based on the number.
Field Bet: A one-roll bet that wins if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The payouts vary, with 2 and 12 typically offering higher payouts than the other numbers.
Proposition Bet: Bets placed in the center of the table on specific outcomes of the next roll, such as rolling a particular combination (e.g., Snake Eyes for a roll of two 1s). These bets generally have a higher house edge.
Hardways Bet: A bet that a specific double (e.g., two 4s for a hard 8) will be rolled before a 7 or an easy combination of that number. Hardways bets offer high payouts but are risky due to the high house edge.
Big 6 and Big 8: Bets that a 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. These bets have lower payouts and a higher house edge compared to placing bets on 6 or 8.
Horn Bet: A one-roll bet placed on 2, 3, 11, and 12 simultaneously. If any of these numbers hit, the player wins with varying payouts.
Hi-Lo Bet: A one-roll bet that wins if the next roll is 2 or 12. This bet typically offers a high payout but is risky due to the high house edge.
Lay Bet: A bet that a 7 will be rolled before a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10). Lay bets pay true odds but include a commission fee, making them less favorable in the long run.
Buy Bet: Similar to place bets but with true odds payouts. Players pay a commission to the casino in exchange for better odds.
Stickman: The casino employee who manages the dice and calls the results of each roll. Understanding the stickman’s role is essential for following the game flow.
Boxman: The casino employee responsible for supervising the game, handling disputes, and ensuring the integrity of the game. The boxman is seated at the center of the table.
Familiarizing yourself with these terms will make it easier to understand the game, communicate with dealers and other players, and fully enjoy the craps experience.
Check out our videos on YouTube. Find and follow us on FB/Insta for updates of our journey at the casinos.