Craps brings more energy to the casino floor than just about any other game, with players shouting, dice flying, and money changing hands at lightning speed. The table layout might seem like chaos at first glance – all those boxes, numbers, and betting areas can make your head spin. But here’s the thing: once you understand the language of craps, the whole game opens up. This glossary covers everything from basic terms to insider slang that’ll have you sounding like a veteran in no time.
Basic Craps Terminology
These are your foundation terms. You’ll hear them every single round, multiple times, so getting familiar with these is non-negotiable. Master these and the rest falls into place.
Shooter: The player with the dice. Simple as that. Could be you next round if you want it to be.
Come-Out Roll: The first roll that kicks everything off. This is where the action starts and the Point gets set (or not).
Point: Any of these numbers – 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 – that gets rolled on the come-out. Now the shooter needs to roll it again before hitting a 7. Pretty simple concept but it drives the entire game.
Pass Line Bet: Your basic bet. You’re betting the shooter wins – either by rolling 7 or 11 right away, or by hitting their Point before a 7 shows up. Most players start here.
Don’t Pass Bet: You’re betting against the shooter. Wins on a 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11. Some players think it’s bad luck to bet this way. Whatever.
Common Wager Types
Craps has tons of betting options. Some are smart, some are terrible. Here are the ones you’ll actually use:
Come Bet: Works exactly like the Pass Line bet but you place it after the come-out roll. Same rules apply – you’re just jumping in mid-game.
Don’t Come Bet: Same deal as Don’t Pass, just placed after the come-out.
Odds Bet: This is the best bet in the entire casino. No joke. Zero house edge, pays true odds. You place it behind your Pass Line bet after a Point is set. Why doesn’t everyone know about this?
Place Bets: Pick a number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and bet it hits before a 7. Pretty straightforward. The 6 and 8 are your best options here.
Field Bet: One roll, lots of numbers. Wins on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. Looks good because it covers so many numbers but the house edge isn’t great.
Dice Roll Slang & Nicknames
This is where craps gets fun. The game has its own language and you’ll hear dealers and players shouting these terms constantly. Some are obvious, some are weird, all are part of the culture:
Snake Eyes: Two ones. Looks like eyes, hence the name. Total of 2.
Ace-Deuce: A 3 (that’s a 1 and a 2). Nothing fancy here.
Yo: That’s 11. They yell “Yo!” instead of “eleven” so nobody confuses it with “seven.” Smart actually.
Midnight: Two sixes for a total of 12. Also called…
Boxcars: Another name for 12. Because the dice look like train cars? Sure, why not.
Little Joe: A hard 4 (2+2). No idea why it’s called that. Just go with it.
Table Positions and Personnel
A craps table has its own crew running things. Knowing who does what helps you place bets and speeds everything up:
Boxman: The boss sitting in the middle. Watches the chips, settles arguments, keeps things moving. Don’t mess with this person.
Stickman: Has the stick (obviously), calls out the rolls, controls the dice, sets the pace. Usually the most entertaining person at the table.
Base Dealers: One on each side of the Boxman. They handle your bets, pay you out, take your chips when you lose. Be nice to them – they control your money.
Rail: Where you keep your chips. And your drink. Keep both organized or you’ll regret it.
Advanced Terms & Strategies
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, these terms start popping up. Some are worth knowing, others you can ignore forever:
Lay Bet: Betting a number won’t hit before a 7. Opposite of a Place bet. You need more money to win less, but hey, sometimes it works.
Buy Bet: Like a Place bet but you pay 5% commission to get true odds. Worth it on the 4 and 10. Not so much on other numbers.
Hard Way: Betting a number hits as doubles (like 3+3 for hard 6) before it hits any other way or a 7 comes up. House edge is brutal but people love these bets anyway.
Hop Bet: Calling a specific dice combo for the next roll. Like saying “I want 2 and 3!” High risk, high reward. Mostly just high risk though.
Proposition Bets: All those bets in the middle of the table. One roll, terrible odds, dealers love when you play them (bigger tips when you win). Play at your own risk.
Online Craps vs. Live Casino Craps
Playing online is different from the real thing. Not better or worse – just different. Here’s what changes:
User Interface: Online, you just click where you want to bet. Easy. At a real table, you’re tossing chips and yelling at dealers. More exciting but takes practice.
Speed of Play: Online craps flies. No waiting for other players, no stick changes, no arguments about payouts. Great for practice, not as social.
Betting Limits: You can play online for pennies if you want. Try finding a $1 craps table in Vegas. Good luck with that.
Atmosphere: Nothing beats a hot craps table with everyone cheering. The energy is insane. Online can’t touch that feeling – but you also don’t have strangers breathing on you, so there’s that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet in Craps for beginners?
Pass Line bet, no question. Low house edge, simple to understand, and you’re betting with most of the table. Can’t go wrong.
What is a Hard Way bet?
You’re betting a number comes up as doubles (like 4+4 for hard 8) before it shows up any other way or before a 7. Fun bet but the odds aren’t in your favor.
Can I play Craps online for free?
Absolutely. Most online casinos have practice modes where you can learn without risking actual money. Perfect for getting the hang of things.
Is Craps a game of skill or luck?
It’s luck. The dice don’t care about your strategy. But knowing which bets to make (and which to avoid) definitely improves your chances.
What does “Seven Out” mean?
The shooter rolled a 7 after establishing a Point. Game over for that round, Pass Line bets lose, shooter passes the dice. Happens all the time – get used to it.
