Craps
Game Guide

Perhaps the most exciting game in the casino is craps. It is likely the loudest too and is played with enthusiasm by bettors who play craps both online or at their local casino.

Additionally, the craps lingo and jargon is arguably the most extensive and unique of any casino game, as you will see in the glossary section at the end of this page. 

There is also a concise Betting Summary Chart that lists Multiple Roll Bets and Proposition / Single Roll Bets, pays and vigorish.

You will find this to be a valuable resource that you can take to the craps tables.

Craps1

Craps Rules
Beginners Overview

First, let's do a quick run through the numbers:  2, 3 and 12 are craps-losers. 7 and 11 are ‘natural' winners. Craps Point Numbers are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 & 10 and these numbers must be repeated before a 7 is rolled.

When a craps player is handed the dice to shoot, the first roll is called a ‘come-out' and a 7 or 11 immediately wins. Whereas the numbers 2, 3, or 12 immediately loses.

If the shooter throws any of the other numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, the craps shooter must continue to throw until either that same point number is rolled again, in which case the shooter wins or until a 7 is rolled, in which case the shooter loses.

Any other number has no significance to the pass-line wager. This explains why the 7 may win or may lose. If it is thrown on the first roll, it wins. If it is thrown when the player tries to repeat his first-roll number, it loses and is called a 7-out.

Craps Betting Guide
Summary Chart

BetBasic DescriptionPaysVigorish
Big SixSix shows before seven1-19.09%
Big EightEight shows before seven1-19.09%
Buy 4Four shows before seven39-214.76%
Buy 5Five shows before seven29-214.76%
Buy 6Six shows before seven23-214.76%
Buy 8Eight shows before seven23-214.76%
Buy 9Nine shows before seven29-214.76%
Buy 10Ten shows before seven39-214.76%
ComeDelayed Pass Line Bet1-11.41%
Don't ComeDelayed Don't Pass Bets1-11.37%
Hard 10Roll 5-5 before seven/easy ten7-111.10%
Lay 4Seven shows before four1-22.44%
Lay 5Seven shows before five2-33.23%
Lay6Seven shows before six5-64.00%
Lay 8Seven shows before eight5-64.00%
Lay 9Seven shows before nine2-33.23%
Lay 10Seven shows before ten1-22.44%
Pass LineBetting on the point1-11.41%
Place 4Four shows before seven9-56.67%
Place 5Five shows before seven7-54.00%
Place 6Six shows before seven7-61.52%
Place 8Eight shows before seven7-61.52%
Place 9Nine shows before seven7-54.00%
Place 10Ten shows before seven9-56.67%
BetBasic DescriptionPaysVigorish
Any Craps2, 3, or 12 on next roll7-111.10%
Any SevenA one-roll on the seven4-116.20%
Field2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12 next roll2-15.56%
Hop (2 numbers)Any specified two numbers15-111.10%
Hop (1 number )Any pair of numbers30-113.90%
Horn2, 3, 11, or 12 next rollby number12.50%
Horn (2 or 12 high)2, 3, 11, or 12, double on 2 or 12by number12.80%
Horn (3 or 11 high)2, 3, 11, or, 12, double on 3 or 11by number12.20%
World2, 3, 7, 11, or 12 next rollby number13.30%
2Two shows on next roll30-113.90%
3Three shows on next roll15-111.10%
11Eleven shows on next roll15-111.10%
12Twelve shows on next roll0-113.90%

Craps Glossary
Craps Lingo from A to Z

A

Ace-deuce
wagering that the next roll will total 3.
Aces
craps lingo for betting that the next roll will total 2.
After Five, the Field's Alive
wagering that the next roll will total 5.
All the Spots We Got
craps jargon for betting that the next roll will total 12.
Any 7
bet that the next roll will be 7. If a 7 comes up, the player wins 4 to 1.
Any Craps
wager that next roll will be 2, 3, or 12. Player wins 8 to 1.
Arm
a skillful player who can change the odds in his/her favor.

B

Back Line
craps lingo for don't pass line.
Back Line Skinner
betting that the next roll will be a 7.
Bank Craps
original term for the game where players bet only against the house.
Barefoot Bet
craps jargon for a come, pass line or don't pass bet without any odds.
Betting Right
betting on pass line and come bet wins.
Betting Wrong
betting on don't pass and don't come, that the dice will not pass.
Big Red
placing a bet on any seven.
Big 6
bet that a 6 will be rolled before a 7 comes up. Payoff is even money.
Big 8
bet that an 8 will be rolled before a 7 comes up. Payoff is even money.
Bones
craps game glossary lingo for dice or die.
Boxcars
number 12 or wagering that the next roll will be 12.
Boxman
the one person at the craps table who is seated. He/she takes care of things, for both the table and the players, keeps an eye on the payoffs, the bets, and more importantly, the average bets of all the players who want to be rated. Boxman also handles player disputes and is charge of the table's chip bank, which is directly in front of him. The most experienced casino employee at the table, the boxman can overrule an unpopular decision.
Buffalo
placing a wager on each of hardways and any seven.
Buy Bets
betting on 4, 10, 5, 9, 6 and 8 where the player gives up a 5% commission or vig for a payoff at the correct odds. Winning means that your number is rolled before a 7 after the come out roll.
Buy the 4 and 10
betting on 4 and 10 where the player gives up a 5% commission or vig for a payoff at 2 to 1 on place bets. Winning means that your number is rolled before a 7 after the come out roll.

C

Capped Dice
craps jargon for crooked dice.
Center Field
betting that the next roll will total 9.
Change Color
converting chips to smaller or bigger denominations.
Choppy
uneven table action where craps shooters are sevening out early and not many numbers are thrown.
Cold Dice
this craps table has gone cold and the dice ain't passing. Also cold table.
Come
bet the pass line after the craps shooter has established a point. The next number rolled becomes your point.
Come Box
area where come bets are placed.
Come Out Roll
first roll of the dice in a betting round is the come out roll.
Craps
dice rolled showing the numbers 2, 3 and 12.
Craps Out
dice rolled showing the numbers 2, 3 or 12 on the come out roll.
Crew
casino employees managing the craps table.

D

Dealer(s)
monitors all bets made. Players allow the dealer to make free odds, place or lay bets for them.
Dept. of the Interior
craps lingo for player who makes an inside bet.
Dice
each cube is marked with numbers 1-6. A pair of die provides the action and win-loss decisions for the game of craps.
Dice Pass
occurs when craps shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on come out roll, however the dice does not pass when shooter rolls a 2, 3 or 12 on the come out. Third, if the roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, this roll sets the ‘point'. The craps shooter continues until the point is rolled again, at which time the dice pass or a 7 is rolled at which time the dice doesn't pass. A new craps shooter is given the dice only when a previous shooter ‘sevens out'.
Die in the Wood, Roll No Good
whoa, that dice has hit a player's chip rack.
Disk or Puck
is white on one side and black on the opposite side. Showing white indicates a come out roll has taken place and point is established. If you notice the puck with the black side off in the don't come area, the next roll is a come out.
Disputes
In the case of a dispute, the player's first appeal would be to the boxman, who could overrule the dealer. If he doesn't, you can ask for the pit boss. Generally, it won't get that far. The boxman knows that it is more important to keep the players at his table than it is to pay off a few hundred disputed dollars.
Don't Come Bet
opposite of come. Betting against the dice-that a 7 will roll before the craps shooter makes the point from the come out roll.
Don't Come Box
make your 'don't come' bet here.
Don't Pass Bet
betting on the come out roll that the craps shooter will not roll a 7 or 11. Depending on the casino rules, a 2 or 12 can be a push. Casino advantage is a low 1.4%.
Don't Pass Line
make your 'don't pass' bet here.
Double Odds Bet
betting after the come out roll at double for pass line, don't pass line, come or don't come.
Double Saw on Boxcars
craps jargon for bet that the next roll will total 12.

E

Easyway
numbers 4, 6, 8 or 10 rolled that are not pairs. Opposite of hardways.
Edge
casino advantage over betting players.
Eighter from Decatur
craps lingo for betting that the next roll will total 8.
End of the Race
betting that the next roll will total 7.
Even-money
bet with a payoff of 1 to 1.

F

Fade
craps game term for the bet against a shooter's stake. In turn, the craps shooter takes away any part of his/her stake that is not faded. Should the shooter lose, the betting players double their faded bet.
Field Bet
betting on one roll that the next number up will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Pays even money, except 2 or 12 that pays 2 to 1. .
Free Odds Bet
betting additionally on pass line, don't pass line, come and don't come wagers that are paid at true odds. Known as ‘wagering behind', this bet can decrease the casino edge.
Front Line
craps jargon for pass line.
Front Line Winner
wagering that the next roll will be a 7.

H

Hardways Bet
betting that numbers 4, 6, 8 and 10 will be rolled as pairs, 2x2, 2x3, 2x4 and 2x5 respectively before a 7 or your number is rolled but not as a pair. Therefore, if you have a bet on a hard 4=2x2 and a 3 and 1 is rolled before your two 2's, you lose your hard way bet.
Hi-Lo
craps lingo for a bet that the next roll will be a 2 or 12.
Hook
imaginary line that separates players 3 and 4 OR on larger tables, players 4 and 5. It dictates where the dealer will place the players' Come, Don't Come, Place, Buy or Lay Bets and eliminates misunderstandings. The words SIX and NINE are used instead of 6 and 9 for the same reason.
Hop Bet
betting that a specific combination will appear on the next roll. Hopping hardways examples: 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, and 5-5. Pays 30 to 1.
Hoping Hardway
term for a 2-2 bet.
Horn Bet
betting that the four number combinations of 2, 3, 11 and 12 are rolled.
Horn High Bet
bet consisting of 5 parts. 2 parts for number 12 and 3 parts for numbers 2, 3 and 11.
Hot Hand
craps shooter is hot-connecting with points and numbers.
Hot Roller
craps jargon for a hot shooter.
Hot Table
action at this table is red hot.

I - J

Inside Numbers Bet
place betting on 5, 6, 8, and 9.
Insurance Bet
at least two bets to insure a win at one or the other.
Jimmy Hicks
craps lingo for number 6.
Juice
see vig or vigorish. Term for house commission.

L

Lay Bet
betting that a roll of 7 appears before the number you are placing comes up. Example=4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. The player lays more than the correct odds, allowing a casino advantage of 3.03% on 4/10, 2.5% on 5/9, and 1.82% on 6/8. Lay is opposite of buy bets.
Lay Odds
betting additional odds after a point is established for a win if the original don't pass bet wins.
Layout
craps table design on the felt table displaying the various betting options.
Line Away
wagering that the next roll will be a 7.
Line Bet
betting on the pass line or don't pass line placed before the come out roll.
Little Joe from Kokomo
craps jargon for betting that the next roll will be a 4.
Long and Strong
got to hit that backboard if you want it to count.

M - N

Marker Puck
disk for marking point of on or off at craps table.
Midnight
number 12 or wagering that the next roll will be a 12.
Miss
rolling a seven after the point has been established. Alternate terms are seven out or miss out.
Natural
tossing a 7 or 11 on the come out roll.
Nina from Pasadena
craps lingo for betting that the next roll will total 9.
Numbers
refers to numbers, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.

O

Odds Bets
after the come out roll, an additional bet on, come, don't come, place, and don't place bets. At 2x odds, you bet $20 to win $40.
Odds Off
come odds bets are ‘off' during the come out roll, unless requested to be ‘working'. Players can request odds off for the next roll of the dice.
One Roll Bets
betting on the next roll only. Examples are any craps, horn and field wagers.
Outside Numbers
craps jargon for place numbers: 4, 5, 9, and 10.
Outstanding in your Field
wagering that the next roll will total 12.

P - Q

Pair of Aces in the Wrong Places
number 2.
Parlay
keep those winnings in play.
Pass Line Bet
betting made before the come out roll that a 7 or 11 would be thrown. Pays even money. 2, 3 or 12 on the same roll will lose.
Pit
players are not allowed to walk through this area behind the tables. In the pit are floor persons, who are one step above the boxmen. Their primary functions are to watch out for cheaters and to keep track of rated players. When you first check in and ask for a marker, or when you leave and ask for a comp, or if you switch tables, this will all be handled by a floor person. Supervising all of this is the pit boss. He is in charge of the casino personnel at all of the tables. You will rarely see him.If you have a dispute regarding ratings or table play you will be speaking with a floor person, not the pit boss.
Place Bet
betting on numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 or combinations that your pick will repeat before a 7 is rolled.
Place Numbers
4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. If rolled on the come out, that number then becomes the point number.
Playing the Field
craps bet placed at the ‘field box' that the next number rolled will be a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12.
Point Number
determined on the come out roll, the point number will be one of these numbers - 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10. Once established, the craps shooter tries to again throw the point number before a 7 to win.
Press a Bet
craps lingo for double your bet.
Proposition Bet
wagers made in the center of the craps table.
Puck or Disk
is white on one side and black on the opposite side. Showing white indicates a come out roll has taken place and point is established. Conversely, if you notice the puck with the black side off in the don't come area, the next roll is a come out.
Put Bet
player selects a point number with a put bet after the come out roll. The downside is that sevens and elevens mean a losing bet.
Quarters
craps jargon for $25 chips.

R

Rails
area surrounding the craps table where players hold their chips.
Rhythmic Rollers
players who have learned to ‘grip' the dice to determine the outcome of a roll. This is a craps strategy that is growing in popularity.
Right Bettor
craps player who bets pass and come to win.
Roll
is either a single roll of the dice or a set of dice rolls until the craps shooter sevens out.
Rounding
term for payout amount rounded up or down.

S

Seven Out
rolling a seven after the point has been established. Also, miss or miss out.
Shoot
series of dice rolls until the craps shooter sevens out.
Shooter
craps player who rolls the dice.
Single Odds
betting odds for the same amount of money as the original pass or come bet.
Six-Ace
craps lingo for bet that the next roll will be a 7.
Six Five, No Jive
wagering that the next roll will total 11.
Snake Eyes
the number 2 or wagering that the next roll will be a 2.
Square Pair
craps jargon for wagering that the next roll will be a hard 8 (4+4).
Stickman
the person with a stick and technically one of the three dealers who take turns with the stick. The stickman retrieves the dice and pushes them to the shooter, taking care not to display the dreadful seven that is considered bad luck. Also, takes care of the proposition bets, helps the other two dealers and handles all of the players' bets.

T

Table

at land-based casinos, there are signs on both sides of the table announcing what the minimum and maximum bets are. For example=$10 to $1,000, 2X odds means that the minimum flat bet is $10, the maximum flat bet is $1,000 and the casino offers two times odds.

There are usually several tables in the pit area, with different stated limits. It is not uncommon to see four tables, each with different minimums. Usually on weekdays, the minimums are lower, and on weekend evenings, the minimums are as high as the traffic will allow. In the evenings, when all the tables are in use, the house usually raises all of the minimum bets. If you are a low dollar player, your best time is the daytime.

Those minimum and maximum bets apply to flat bets only, not proposition bets. If you want to bet higher than usual on the 2, 3, 11, 12 or hardways you better ask the dealer what the upper limits are as they are never posted.

On the table, there are grooved chip holders in the sides to hold your chips. Use one of these racks to track the table. Just use a red chip for pass-line winners and a white one for don't pass winners. This way you can see which way the table is going.

For example if you have four red chips and only one white, you've got a hot table, and you might want to increase your bets and odds. If you have more white chips than red ones, you might want to switch to the don't side.

he dealer will never make hand-to-hand contact with you, your money or your chips. If you want your cash turned into chips, drop it on the table and say change. He will take your money, convert and push the chips back to you. Even when you win a bet, he will either place your winnings next to your bet, or push them toward you. Never try to hand anything directly to a dealer.

Take the Odds
added bet on come, don't come, place and don't place after come out roll.
Taken Down
bet returned to player, as per their request to have it removed.
Three-way Craps
bet of 3 units where 1 unit=number 2, 1 unit=number 3 and 1 unit=number 12.
Toke
tip for casino craps employees.
Two Aces
craps lingo for number 2.
Two Ways
player uses this term when betting for the dealer and for his/her own bet. Usually a hardways or proposition bet where a $10 two ways bet divides as $5 for the dealer and $5 for the player.

U - Z

Up Pops the Devil
wagering that the next roll will be a 7.
Vigorish
also known as vig, this is the casino commission.
Whirl Bet
betting that the next toss is 2, 3, 7, 11 or 12. Wagers are in multiples of 5 and each unit=one number. For $5 bet=$1 on numbers 2, 3, 7 and $2 on 11 or 12. Also known as a world bet.
Winner on the Dark Side
craps lingo for wagering that the next roll will be a 3.
Working
refers to some bets that will be at risk on the next roll.
Wrong Bettor
craps player who bets don't pass and don't come to win.
Yo
craps lingo for the number 11.
Yo eleven
wagering that the next roll will total 11.