Come Out Roll
The first roll of a new craps round. A come out roll establishes the point number if the result is neither 7 nor 11. Understanding the significance of this initial throw is fundamental to grasping craps probability mechanics.
Craps Dice Probability Glossary
Master the terminology and mathematical concepts behind craps throws, betting odds, and professional table etiquette
Essential Craps Terminology
Point Number
A number established on the come out roll (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) that must be rolled again before a 7 appears. The point number creates the core mathematical framework of craps probability calculations.
Natural or Craps
Specific outcomes on the come out roll. A natural is 7 or 11 (winning), while craps is 2, 3, or 12 (losing). These results have defined probabilities crucial to understanding expected value in craps betting.
Snake Eyes
Rolling two ones (total of 2). A craps number that results in immediate loss on the come out roll. Snake eyes has the lowest probability of any two-dice outcome (1 in 36).
Pass/Don't Pass Line
The most fundamental bets in craps. Pass line bets win on naturals and win again if the point repeats before 7. Don't pass is the opposite, betting on 7 appearing before the point number.
House Edge
The mathematical advantage the casino maintains over players. Pass line and don't pass bets have a house edge of approximately 1.4%, making them mathematically superior choices compared to other craps wagers.
True Odds
The actual mathematical probability of an event occurring. In craps, backing up your pass line bet with free odds bets provides payouts matching true probability, eliminating house advantage on those additional wagers.
Sevens Out
Rolling a 7 after a point has been established. This ends the shooter's turn and causes pass line bets to lose. Understanding seven-out probability is essential for managing risk in extended gameplay.
Stickman
Casino staff member who controls the dice and manages proposition bets. Professional stickman conduct maintains table integrity and ensures proper craps probability mechanics are respected throughout gameplay.
Boxman
Casino supervisor overseeing the craps table and chip inventory. The boxman ensures all bets comply with probability rules and maintains professional standards during gameplay.
Payout Ratio
The amount a winning bet returns relative to the original wager. Different craps bets have varying payout ratios that reflect their underlying probabilities and house edge percentages.
Dice Control Myth
The false belief that shooters can