Craps Glossary: Key Terms Every Player Should Know

Craps can be a confusing game for new players, with all kinds of wagers and a unique vocabulary that often leaves players scratching their heads and feeling a bit intimidated.

Knowing the game’s general rules, vocabulary, and lingo can be a key in overcoming some of this. A craps glossary like in this article is a great way to overcome some fears and learn a little about what to expect when playing a casino ro online at sites like Lucky Block Casino.

Keep reading to learn the most commonly used terms and phrases as well as craps lingo.

What is Craps?

Craps is one of the most exciting games in the casino and features various wagers based on the result of one player, known as the shooter, rolling dice. Some casinos also offer crapless craps, a variation where the shooter can’t lose on a come-out roll by hitting a 2, 3, or 12—removing the ‘craps’ numbers from immediate losses but increasing the house edge

The game features better wager like the Pass Line, in which players win on what’s called the come-out rolls (the initial roll from a shooter). On the come-out, players lose on 2, 3, or 12 and win on 7 or 11. If a player rolls 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that becomes what is known as the “point number” and Pass Line bettors then hope the shooter rolls that number before “sevening out.” The point number makes the Pass Line a win while a 7 makes the bet a loser.

Having a grasp on craps terms can go a long way toward making the game more enjoyable. You will also know some of the more favorable bets available.

Key Craps Terms: The Basics

No craps glossary would be complete without the basics of the game. Here’s a look at some of those key terms.

Shooter – The player at the table rolling the dice
Come-out Roll – The initial roll from a shooter. A new come-out roll commences after the shooter makes a point number or sevens out.
Pass Line – One of the most popular bets with a low house edge. Players are betting with the shooter – losing on 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll and winning on 7 or 11. If a player rolls 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that becomes the point number and Pass Line bettors then hope the shooter rolls that number before rolling a 7. A 7 kills the bet and the house wins.
Don’t Pass (DP) – Similar to the Pass Line, but players are betting against the shooter – winning on 2 or 3 before the come-out roll while losing on 7 or 11 and pushing on 12. When a point number is established, the DP bettors win when the shooter rolls a 7 and lose when the shooter hits a point number.
Point – A 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 that has been established during a roll. The dealer will put a puck at the top of the craps layout indicating this number. This is what the shooter is hoping to roll again before hitting a 7.
Natural – When the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on a come-out roll.
Seven Out – Rolling a 7 after a point number has been established. Pass Line bettors lose and Don’t Pass bettors win.

Now you know some of the basics, check out the layout below to learn the locations on the table that correspond with the craps terminology.

Important Craps Lingo & Betting Terms

Beyond those basic bets and craps terms, there are some other craps lingo that are important to know.

Place Bets – A bet that is made in the middle of a roll on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. These bets have a low house edge and pay out as the shooter rolls them, allowing some flexibility by having more numbers in play.
Lay Bets – Players bet against a number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) rolling before a 7. Because this bet favors the house, players must lay higher odds to win smaller payouts. For example, laying $40 against a 10 may only yield a $20 win due to the odds structure.
Come Bets – Similar to Pass Line bet, but made in the middle of a roll after the come-out. Allows for more numbers in play and like the Pass Line, the player loses on 2, 3, or 12 and wins on 7 or 11 on the initial roll. After a “come point” is rolled, players win when that number is rolled again before rolling a 7.
Odds Bet – This is a bet available to Pass Line/Don’t Pass and Come/Don’t bettors after a point number has been established. Players earn free odds – meaning a payout of the true odds of rolling that number without any house edge. For example, a player may have $10 on the Pass Line with an 8 established as the point. A player with 2X odds wins to 6 to 5 on the odds bet if an 8 is rolled. So the player would collect $10 on the Pass Line bet and an extra $12 on the odds bet.
Field Bets – This is an area on the board where players make a single-roll wager on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The bets paid even money, except there is usually a 2X payout on 2 and 12. This bet has a high house edge of more than 5.5%.
Proposition Bets – These are multi-roll and single-roll wagers located in the center of the table. These bets have a high house edge and many players avoid them. Some of these bets include “Any Craps” and the hardways (rolling 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, etc.).
Big 6 and 8 – This is vestige of the game that was meant for players who may not understand how to play. This is a bet on the 6 or 8 for even money before the shooter rolls a 7. However, this money would be better spent as a place bet or on the Pass Line with odds for better payouts.

Wager	Payout	House edge
Pass line/Come Bet	Even money	1.41%
Pass line/Come Bet free odds	4 or 10 – 2 to 15 or 9 – 3 to 26 or 8 – 6 to 5	None (reduces Pass line/Come Bet wagers to 0.47% with 3X odds)
Don’t Pass line/Don’t Come Bet	Even money	1.36%
Don’t Pass line/Don’t Come Bet lay odds	4 or 10 – 1 to 25 or 9 – 2 to 36 or 8 – 5 to 6	None (reduces Don’t Pass line/Don’t Come Bet wagers even more)
Place bets	4 and 10 – 9 to 55 and 9 – 7 to 56 and 8 – 7 to 6	4 and 10 – 6.67%5 and 9 – 4%6 and 8 – 1.52%
Field	Even money, but also usually 2X on 2 and 12.	5.5%
Proposition bets	Varies, but up to 31 to 1	As high as almost 17%
Big 6 and 8	Even money	9.09%

Advanced Craps Terms Explaind

Having an understanding of some craps gameplay lingo will help players follow along better. Here are some of those craps terms.

Boxcars – Slang term for rolling 12. Each 6 on the dice is said to look like boxcars on trains.
Snake Eyes – Slang term for rolling 2. Each 1 on the dice is said to look like the eyes of a snake
Hardways – Rolling doubles such as 3-3, which is known as a “hard 6.”
Yo (Yo-Leven) – Term used for an 11. “Yo” is used because 11 can sound like 7 at a bustling craps table and confuse players.
Horn Bet – A proposition bet that is divided among the 2, 3, 11 or 12.
C&E Bet (Craps and Eleven) – A proposition bet on any 7 or 11 rolled.

Beginner-Friendly Craps Terminology

Beginning players may hear a few more terms as they begin learning the game. Here’s a look at a few of those.

Payouts – the amount winners are paid.
Front Line – Another term for the Pass Line.
Back Line – Another term for the Don’t Pass Laine.

How to Learn Craps Lingo Quickly

Ready to hit the table, but still unsure on the craps terminology or how to play? Practicing helps. Try using the terms listed on this page to learn how to play the game.

Remember to look for bets with the lowest house edges to give yourself the best chance of winning. Become familiar with the craps layout to know how the bets work. Observing games is also a great way to learn the game, as is playing for low stakes or for free online at platforms like Lucky Block Casino. Understanding craps lingo can improve a player’s confidence and effectiveness at the table.

Conclusion

Knowing the terms and lexicon associated with playing dice in a casino is key to understanding the game and a poker glossary like this one on this page can go a long way toward helping new players. Having an understanding of the game’s lexicon can help players determine the best bets and boost confidence when heading to the tables.

Players considering the game should study the craps terms listed here and consider playing at Lucky Block Casino. This is a great platform with numerous options to choose from, including live dealer games like you might find in Las Vegas. These games may come with lower house edges than what you might find in a live casino.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of “shooter” in craps?

This is the term for the player who rolls the dice.

How do I place a bet on the pass line in craps?

Simply drop your chips in front of you on the Pass Line.

What is the difference between “place bets” and “come bets”?

A place bet is made directly on the number 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Come bets function like the Pass Line in the middle of a roll. Players win on 7 or 11 on the come-out roll and lose on 2, 3, or 12. Once a point number is established, a Pass Line bettor wins when that number is rolled before the shooter rolls a 7.

How can I learn more craps terminology while playing?

Consider studying this craps glossary as well as the craps layout. Practicing online at sites like Lucky Block Casino may also be a good idea as players can wager at smaller amounts than what you might find in a live casino.