Craps
Game Guide

Perhaps the most exciting game in the casino is craps. It is likely the loudest too. It is played with enthusiasm by bettors who play craps online and off.

Additionally, craps lingo and jargon is arguably the most extensive and unique for any casino game, as you will see in this glossary. There is a a concise Betting Summary Chart that lists Multiple Roll Bets and Proposition/ Single Roll Bets, pays and vigorish at the bottom of this page.

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

Craps Rules
Craps Game Glossary

A run through the numbers=2, 3, 12 are craps-losers. 7 and 11 are ‘natural' winners. Craps Point Numbers are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 & 10 and these points 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 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 continues to throw until either that same point number is rolled again, in which case it is a winner 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.

Bet	Basic Description	Pays	Vigorish
Big Six	Six shows before seven	1-1	9.09%
Big Eight	Eight shows before seven	1-1	9.09%
Buy 4	Four shows before seven	39-21	4.76%
Buy 5	Five shows before seven	29-21	4.76%
Buy 6	Six shows before seven	23-21	4.76%
Buy 8	Eight shows before seven	23-21	4.76%
Buy 9	Nine shows before seven	29-21	4.76%
Buy 10	Ten shows before seven	39-21	4.76%
Come	Delayed Pass Line Bet	1-1	1.41%
Don't Come	Delayed Don't Pass Bets	1-1	1.37%
Hard 10	Roll 5-5 before seven/easy ten	7-1	11.10%
Lay 4	Seven shows before four	1-2	2.44%
Lay 5	Seven shows before five	2-3	3.23%
Lay6	Seven shows before six	5-6	4.00%
Lay 8	Seven shows before eight	5-6	4.00%
Lay 9	Seven shows before nine	2-3	3.23%
Lay 10	Seven shows before ten	1-2	2.44%
Pass Line	Betting on the point	1-1	1.41%
Place 4	Four shows before seven	9-5	6.67%
Place 5	Five shows before seven	7-5	4.00%
Place 6	Six shows before seven	7-6	1.52%
Place 8	Eight shows before seven	7-6	1.52%
Place 9	Nine shows before seven	7-5	4.00%
Place 10	Ten shows before seven	9-5	6.67%

Bet	Basic Description	Pays	Vigorish
Any Craps	2, 3, or 12 on next roll	7-1	11.10%
Any Seven	A one-roll on the seven	4-1	16.20%
Field	2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12 next roll	2-1	5.56%
Hop (2 numbers)	Any specified two numbers	15-1	11.10%
Hop (1 number )	Any pair of numbers	30-1	13.90%
Horn	2, 3, 11, or 12 next roll	by number	12.50%
Horn (2 or 12 high)	2, 3, 11, or 12, double on 2 or 12	by number	12.80%
Horn (3 or 11 high)	2, 3, 11, or, 12, double on 3 or 11	by number	12.20%
World	2, 3, 7, 11, or 12 next roll	by number	13.30%
2	Two shows on next roll	30-1	13.90%
3	Three shows on next roll	15-1	11.10%
11	Eleven shows on next roll	15-1	11.10%
12	Twelve shows on next roll	0-1	13.90%

Craps Glossary

Craps Game Glossary 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.

Craps Game Glossary 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.

Craps Game Glossary 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.

Craps Game Terms & Lingo 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.

Craps Game Terms & Lingo 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.

Craps Game Terms & Lingo 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.

Craps Game Terms & Lingo 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.

Craps Game Terms & Lingo 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.

Craps Game Terms & Lingo 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.

Craps Strategy Games 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.

Craps Strategy Games Terms 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.

Craps Strategy Games Terms 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.

Craps Strategy Games Terms 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.

Craps Strategy Games Terms 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.

Craps Strategy Games Terms 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.

Craps Strategy Games Terms 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.

Craps Game Guide

Craps RulesCraps Game Glossary

Craps Betting GuideSummary Chart