How to Roll a Snake Eyes in Craps

If you stop thinking about it, you will see that the only way to roll 2 (“snake eyes”) is to roll 1 two; no other combination will do. Similarly the only way to roll 12 (“boxcars”) is to roll 6 pairs; no other dice combination will come to that number. There is also only one way to do 11: by folding 6 and 5. But you can get 4 by folding 3 and 1 or 2 and another 2; 5 can be reached at 4 and 1 or 3 and 2; and there are three ways to do 6: 5 and 1 or 4 and 2 or 3 and 3.

Similarly there are three ways to make 7, three ways to make 8, but only two ways to make 9 and two ways to do. 10. So you can quickly see that mathematically you are better at making points than others. And when it comes to math, 7 is a number that comes up often … or only works if you find it in your outgoing roll. After 7, the most common numbers are 5, 6, and 8.

Wrapping 7 or 11 on your exit list is a quick win; 2, 3, or 12 instant losses. Any other number point you have to make again before wrapping 7 (called “sevening out”). If you go out seven, you lose. But if you make your point- roll another 5, or 8, whatever your point- you win.

You can play again without rolling the dice … by betting on the shooter. (That makes you a “fader.”)

When you start playing, bet a little. Yes, it is true that if you do not bet too much you will not win much, but until you learn what you are doing and you are comfortable with betting and odds, it is better to bet less so that, if you make a mistake, your mistake will cost you less.

Once you get a little familiar with the game, you can bet further. How? By increasing your bet slightly each time you win. Not repeating your bet. If you bet $ 5 first and then win, bet twice for $ 5, or $ 10, next, and if you win, go for $ 5, or $ 15, then $ 20 and so on. You are not repeating your bet. You do not bet everything. And if you lose … which will definitely happen at some point … you will still have some winnings left. After the loss, bet your $ 5 base again, and continue to increase your bet value in the same way as before. This method increases your victory and reduces your losses.

But if you stick around and play all night, you are more likely to get out and not fail. The wise move is to obey the old axiom and “stop while you are ahead.” Have you doubled your startup money? Have you entered the casino for $ 100 to play, and now you have $ 200? Then it’s a smart time to stop at night … or maybe try your hand at another game. But “go” (click away) to the craps table while you are the winner.