Craps Terminology and Slang
Last updated: February 13, 2026
Craps is a dice game played with two six-sided dice, and it uses a well-established set of English-based terms. Understanding craps terminology makes it easier to follow the action at a physical table, in online versions, and in live dealer games.
If you are new to the game, you may also want to review the basic craps rules and explore other casino games for comparison.
Quick Fact
Craps terminology is largely standardized and used internationally. Even in online and live environments, the same English terms such as “Come Out Roll,” “Point,” and “Pass Line” are typically displayed on the table layout.
Quick Craps Glossary (At a Glance)
| Term | Meaning | Related Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Come Out Roll | The first roll of a new round | Start of the round |
| Point | A target number set after certain opening rolls | Ongoing round |
| Seven Out | A 7 rolled after a point, ending the round | End of the round |
| Pass Line | Main bet that wins with the shooter | Opening and point phase |
| Hard Way | A bet on a double (e.g. 4 as 2+2) | Proposition bet |
Basic Game Phases in Craps
A standard round of craps follows a clear structure. It begins with the Come Out Roll, may continue with a point phase, and ends either when the point is repeated or when a 7 is rolled.
Come Out Roll
The Come Out Roll is the first roll of a new round. On this roll, certain results immediately resolve Pass and Don’t Pass bets, while others establish a point.
For example, if a 7 or 11 appears, Pass Line bets typically win. If a 2, 3, or 12 appears, Pass Line bets usually lose, though exact rules may vary slightly by table.
Point
A point is established when the Come Out Roll results in 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. That number becomes the target for the rest of the round.
The shooter continues rolling the dice until either the same number (the point) is rolled again or a 7 appears. Rolling the point again resolves certain bets in favor of the Pass Line.
Seven Out
A Seven Out occurs when a 7 is rolled after a point has been set. In most standard games, this ends the round and causes several bets, including Pass Line and Come bets, to lose.
Main Bet Types Explained
Craps betting terms can seem complex, but most gameplay revolves around four main bets: Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come. These bets follow the core structure of the round.
Pass Line
The Pass Line is the primary bet in craps. It wins immediately on a Come Out Roll of 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12.
If a point is established, the Pass Line bet wins if that point is rolled again before a 7. This bet is often considered the foundation of beginner craps strategies.
Don’t Pass
The Don’t Pass bet is the opposite of the Pass Line. It wins on 2 or 3 during the Come Out Roll and loses on 7 or 11, with 12 often resulting in a push.
After a point is set, Don’t Pass wins if a 7 is rolled before the point. This bet follows the same structure but reverses the outcome logic.
Come Bet
A Come bet works like a new Pass Line bet, but it is placed after the point has already been established. The next roll acts as its own mini Come Out Roll.
If that roll is 7 or 11, the Come bet wins. If it is 2, 3, or 12, it loses. Any other number becomes the Come bet’s individual point.
Don’t Come
The Don’t Come bet mirrors the Come bet but with reversed outcomes. It benefits from a 2 or 3 on its first roll and from a 7 before its assigned number repeats.
Common Dice Roll Nicknames
Craps slang terms often refer to specific dice combinations. These names are part of traditional table language and appear frequently in live dealer commentary.
Snake Eyes (2)
Snake Eyes refers to a roll of 1 + 1, totaling 2. The name comes from the visual resemblance of the two single pips to a pair of eyes.
Ace Deuce (3)
Ace Deuce describes a roll of 1 + 2, totaling 3. “Ace” refers to the single pip, and “deuce” refers to two.
Boxcars (12)
Boxcars is the nickname for a 6 + 6 roll, totaling 12. The double sixes are said to resemble train boxcars side by side.
Big Red (7)
Big Red is a common slang term for the number 7. It plays a central role in craps because it can either win or end a round, depending on the phase of the game.
Proposition and Special Bets
Proposition bets, often called “prop bets,” are typically one-roll wagers placed in the center of the table. They focus on specific numbers or combinations and are resolved quickly.
House Edge Note
Proposition bets usually carry a higher house edge than Pass Line or Come bets. Players often use them for variety rather than long-term probability advantages.
Hi-Lo
The Hi-Lo bet covers the totals 2 and 12. Because both outcomes are relatively rare with two dice, the payout is higher than for common totals.
Horn Bet
A Horn bet is typically divided equally across 2, 3, 11, and 12. If one of these numbers is rolled, the corresponding portion wins while the others lose.
Hard Way vs Easy Way
A Hard Way bet predicts that a number such as 4, 6, 8, or 10 will be rolled as a double (e.g. 2+2 for 4 or 4+4 for 8). The bet usually loses if the same total appears in an “easy” combination or if a 7 is rolled first.
Easy Way refers to the same totals made with mixed dice, such as 5+3 for 8. Not all tables offer a separate Easy Way wager, but the term is widely used in craps table slang.
Craps Terminology in Online and Live Games
The same craps glossary applies to digital versions. In RNG-based games, the table layout displays familiar betting areas such as Pass Line, Come, and proposition bets.
In live casino games, a real dealer throws physical dice, and the commentary often includes traditional slang terms. Mini craps tables may simplify the layout but still use the same core terminology.
Example Round: How the Terms Fit Together
A round begins with a Come Out Roll. Suppose the shooter rolls a 6. This number becomes the point.
Players with Pass Line bets now want another 6 before a 7 appears. If the shooter rolls 6 again, the point is made and the round ends in their favor. If a 7 appears first, it is a Seven Out and the round ends with different outcomes for Pass and Don’t Pass bets.
Responsible Play and Understanding Odds
Craps is a game of chance based on fixed dice probabilities. Each bet type has its own house edge, and proposition bets generally have higher margins than Pass Line or Come bets.
Responsible Gambling Reminder
All craps outcomes are random. Understanding the terminology helps you follow the game, but it does not change the underlying probabilities. Always set limits and review broader casino tips for beginners before playing.
If you are interested in other classic table games, you can compare craps with roulette or explore card-based options such as blackjack variants.
FAQ: Craps Terms Explained
What does Come Out Roll mean in craps?
What is a point in craps?
What is the difference between Pass and Don’t Pass?
What does Snake Eyes mean?
What is a Hard Way bet in craps?
Last updated: February 13, 2026