Craps Numbers

In craps, the term Crap Numbers refers to specific numbers—2, 3, and 12—that have a unique significance in the game. These numbers can result in immediate wins or losses, depending on the type of bet a player has made.

Understanding Crap Numbers is crucial for both craps beginners and seasoned players, as they often dictate the outcomes of various bets, particularly during the Come Out Roll.

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What Are Crap Numbers?

Crap Numbers (2, 3, and 12) are often associated with negative outcomes for Pass Line bettors. During the Come Out Roll, rolling any of these numbers means a loss for those betting on the Pass Line. However, these numbers play an essential role in the game's dynamics and can also be advantageous for certain bets, such as the Don't Pass and Any Craps bets.

Here’s a breakdown of each Crap Number:

• 2 (Snake Eyes): Rolling a 2 on the Come Out Roll results in an immediate loss for Pass Line bets and a win for Don't Pass bets.
• 3 (Ace-Deuce): A roll of 3 also results in an instant loss for Pass Line bets and a win for Don't Pass bets.
• 12 (Boxcars or Midnight): A roll of 12 results in a loss for Pass Line bets but is usually a push (tie) for Don't Pass bets, meaning players neither win nor lose.

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Crap Numbers and the Come Out Roll

During the Come Out Roll, Crap Numbers are particularly significant. The shooter rolls the dice, and the results determine the immediate fate of certain bets:

Pass Line Bets: If the shooter rolls a Crap Number (2, 3, or 12) on the Come Out Roll, Pass Line bettors lose their bet. This outcome is known as "crapping out."
Don't Pass Bets: On the other hand, rolling a 2 or 3 results in an instant win for Don't Pass bettors. If a 12 is rolled, the bet is a push, meaning the bet neither wins nor loses, and the player can keep their original wager for the next roll.
Any Craps Bet: Players can also place an Any Craps bet, which is a one-roll wager predicting that the shooter will roll one of the Crap Numbers. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, this bet pays out at odds of 7:1.

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Strategic Implications of Crap Numbers

Crap Numbers are a double-edged sword in craps. For Pass Line bettors, they represent the primary risk during the Come Out Roll, as rolling a 2, 3, or 12 means an immediate loss. However, Crap Numbers can be beneficial for players betting on the Don't Pass Line or placing a one-roll Any Craps bet.

Some players use Crap Numbers strategically. For example, experienced players might place a small bet on Any Craps to hedge against a possible loss on the Pass Line during the Come Out Roll. This approach helps mitigate potential losses if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12. However, this strategy involves additional risk, as it requires placing an extra bet with a relatively high house edge.

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Crap Numbers and Other Bets

Apart from influencing the Come Out Roll, Crap Numbers also come into play for various proposition bets:

• Any Craps Bet
  This bet specifically predicts that the next roll will be a Crap Number. It is a high-risk, high-reward wager with a 7:1 payout.
• Horn Bet:
  A Horn Bet is a wager that the next roll will be one of the Crap Numbers (2, 3, or 12) or an 11. This bet covers multiple outcomes, offering varied payouts depending on which number hits.

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Why Understanding Crap Numbers is Important

Knowing the impact of Crap Numbers is crucial for craps players because they directly affect the outcome of several fundamental bets. By understanding these numbers, players can make more informed decisions and adjust their craps betting strategies accordingly. For example, Pass Line bettors need to be aware of the risk posed by Crap Numbers during the Come Out Roll, while Don't Pass bettors can leverage these numbers to their advantage.

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Crap Numbers FAQs

What are Crap Numbers in craps?

Crap Numbers refer to the numbers 2, 3, and 12 in the game of craps. When these numbers are rolled on the Come Out Roll, Pass Line bets lose. They also serve as potential winning numbers for certain proposition bets like Any Craps and Horn Bets.

What happens if a Crap Number is rolled during the Come Out Roll?

If a Crap Number (2, 3, or 12) is rolled during the Come Out Roll, Pass Line bets lose immediately. For Don't Pass bets, rolling a 2 or 3 results in an instant win, while a 12 is usually a push.

How do Crap Numbers affect other bets besides the Pass Line?

Crap Numbers influence several proposition bets, such as the Any Craps bet, which pays out if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12. They are also a factor in Horn Bets, which cover multiple numbers, including the Crap Numbers.

Can Crap Numbers be used strategically in betting?

Yes, some players use Crap Numbers strategically by placing bets like the Any Craps bet to hedge against possible losses on the Pass Line during the Come Out Roll. However, this strategy involves additional risk due to the high house edge of such proposition bets.

Why is rolling a 12 a push on the Don't Pass bet?

In most craps games, rolling a 12 on the Come Out Roll is a push (tie) for Don't Pass bets. This rule helps balance the game, as the Don't Pass bet would have too much of an advantage over the Pass Line bet if rolling a 12 resulted in an automatic win.