Crap Out

Crap Out is a term in craps that describes a situation where the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 during the Come Out Roll, resulting in an immediate loss for Pass Line bettors.

This event is one of the most significant moments in a round of craps, as it dictates the outcome of certain bets right from the start. Understanding what it means to 'crap out' is crucial for anyone looking to master the game and make informed betting decisions.

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What Does It Mean to 'Crap Out'?

To 'crap out' means that the shooter has rolled one of the so-called 'crap numbers' (2, 3, or 12) on the Come Out Roll. When this happens, several things occur:

• Pass Line Bet Loses: Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 means an instant loss for all Pass Line bets. This outcome is one of the few ways Pass Line bettors can lose their wager immediately on the first roll.
• Don't Pass Bet Results: For players who have bet on the Don't Pass Line, rolling a 2 or 3 results in an instant win. However, if the shooter rolls a 12, the Don't Pass bet is a push, meaning it neither wins nor loses, and the player can retain their original wager for the next roll.

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When Does Crapping Out Occur?

Crapping out specifically refers to the outcome of the Come Out Roll, the initial roll that starts a new round of craps. The shooter makes the Come Out Roll either when a new shooter takes over the dice or when the previous round has ended because the point was made or a 7 was rolled.

During the Come Out Roll, the following results are possible:

• Winning: If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win.
• Crapping Out: If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, Pass Line bets lose, and the round ends.
• Setting the Point: If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the "point," and the game continues.

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The Impact of Crapping Out on Gameplay

Crapping out has a significant impact on the gameplay of craps. Here’s how it influences various aspects of the game:

• Immediate End of the Round: When the shooter craps out, the round ends immediately for Pass Line bettors. The dice are returned to the shooter, who then makes a new Come Out Roll to start a fresh round.
• Effect on Bets: Crapping out primarily affects the Pass Line and Don't Pass bets. If you bet on the Pass Line, rolling a 2, 3, or 12 results in an instant loss. However, for those who bet on the Don't Pass Line, rolling a 2 or 3 is a favorable outcome, resulting in an instant win. A roll of 12 results in a push for Don't Pass bettors.
• Strategy Considerations: Some players place side bets, such as the Any Craps bet, to hedge against the possibility of crapping out on the Come Out Roll. This craps strategy can mitigate losses for Pass Line bettors if a crap number is rolled. However, these side bets typically come with a higher house edge.

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Avoiding the Crap Out

There is no way to control the roll of the dice in craps, so crapping out is ultimately a matter of luck. However, players can adjust their betting strategies to deal with the risk. For example:

• Hedging with Side Bets: As mentioned, placing a small bet on Any Craps can provide a payout if a crap number is rolled. This approach can help offset the loss on the Pass Line, though it involves an additional risk.
• Betting on the Don't Pass Line: Players who prefer to "bet against the shooter" can place a Don't Pass bet. This bet benefits from crapping out on the Come Out Roll, as rolling a 2 or 3 results in an immediate win.

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Why Understanding Crap Out is Important

Understanding what it means to crap out is crucial for craps players because it directly affects the outcome of several key bets. Knowing the risks associated with the Come Out Roll allows players to make more informed decisions and adjust their betting strategies accordingly. While crapping out is primarily a negative outcome for Pass Line bettors, it can be a positive event for those betting on the Don't Pass Line.

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Crapping Out FAQs

[FAQ]
Q: What does "crap out" mean in craps?
A: To "crap out" in craps means to roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the Come Out Roll. This results in an immediate loss for Pass Line bets. For Don't Pass bets, rolling a 2 or 3 results in a win, while rolling a 12 is a push.

Q: What happens if the shooter craps out?
A: If the shooter craps out by rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the Come Out Roll, all Pass Line bets lose immediately. The round ends, and the shooter makes another Come Out Roll to start a new round.

Q: Can crapping out happen during rolls other than the Come Out Roll?
A: No, crapping out specifically refers to rolling a 2, 3, or 12 during the Come Out Roll. Once a point has been established, the game focuses on hitting the point number before rolling a 7.

Q: How can I protect myself from crapping out on the Come Out Roll?
A: One way to hedge against crapping out is to place a small side bet on Any Craps. This bet pays out if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12. However, keep in mind that such side bets come with a higher house edge.

Q: Does crapping out affect the outcome of other bets on the table?
A: Crapping out primarily affects Pass Line and Don't Pass bets during the Come Out Roll. Other bets, such as Place Bets and Come Bets, are not directly impacted since they are typically made after the point is established.
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