Craps Lexicon: Every Term and Slang You Need to Know

Craps is one of the most thrilling games in any casino – and one of the most confusing for newcomers. Dealers shout terms like “snake eyes” and “hardway”, experienced players talk about “fading” each other’s bets, and you’re left wondering what’s happening.

This guide covers all the essential craps terms, organized so you can quickly find what you need. Whether you’re playing craps online or preparing for a casino visit, you’ll understand the game much better after reading this.

Basic Terms

Bank Craps: The version of craps played at casinos where you bet against the house. The original craps game, sometimes called “street craps”, is played between players without casino involvement.

Shooter: The player throwing the dice. This role rotates around the table clockwise.

Come-out Roll: The first throw in a new round. This roll determines whether a “point” is established or if the round ends immediately.

Point: If the come-out roll shows 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes “the point”. The shooter must then roll the same number again before a 7 comes up to win pass line bets.

Table Personnel

Boxman: Casino employee who sits at the center of the table and supervises the game. Responsible for handling chips and resolving any disputes.

Stickman: Dealer who uses a long stick to move the dice across the table and announces the results of each roll.

Base Dealers: The two dealers standing on either side of the boxman who handle bets on their half of the table.

Bets and Wagers

Pass Line: The most common bet in craps. You’re betting that the shooter wins – either by rolling 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or by hitting their point before a 7 comes up.

Don’t Pass: The opposite of pass line. You’re betting against the shooter.

Field Bet: A wager that the next roll will be 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The numbers 5, 6, 7, and 8 are not included in the field.

Hardway: A bet that a specific double pair (2+2, 3+3, 4+4, or 5+5) will be rolled before either a 7 or the same sum with different dice values appears.

Easy Way: Rolling 4, 6, 8, or 10 with different values on the dice. For example, 5+1 is an “easy six” while 3+3 is a “hard six”.

Dice Result Slang

Snake Eyes: Two ones (total of 2). Called this because the two pips resemble snake eyes. A dreaded result as it loses pass line bets on the come-out roll.

Boxcars: Two sixes (total of 12). Also known as “midnight”.

Yo or Yo-leven: Eleven. Dealers say “yo” instead of “eleven” to avoid confusion with “seven”.

Centerfield Nine: A nine. The name comes from 9 often being placed in the center of the proposition bets area on the table.

Little Joe: A four, especially when rolled as 2+2.

Street Craps Terms

Fade: To match another player’s bet in private craps. When the shooter places their stake, other players must “fade” (cover) the amount for the game to proceed. Whatever isn’t faded gets withdrawn.

Arm: A mythical player said to be able to control the dice well enough to influence the outcome. Casinos require dice to hit the back wall to prevent this.

Summary

Craps terminology can seem overwhelming, but most terms become natural after a few rounds at the table. Start by understanding pass line, come-out roll, and point – the rest you’ll pick up as you play.