In gambling, “Craps” is a popular dice game played in casinos. The name is thought to be a simplification of the French word “crebs,” which was a nickname for the game “hazard,” from which craps evolved.
Here’s a breakdown of what it means and how it works:
### The Basic Concept
Craps is a game where players bet on the outcome of the roll, or a series of rolls, of a pair of dice. It’s a fast-paced, energetic game known for its community feel, as players often win or lose together on certain bets.
### Key Terms and Phases of the Game
The meaning of “craps” is best understood by looking at the core gameplay, which is split into two main phases:
1. The Come-Out Roll:
This is the first roll of a new round. The player rolling the dice is called the “shooter.” The outcome of the come-out roll determines the next phase.
* Natural (Winning Roll):
If the shooter rolls a **7 or 11**, this is called a “natural.” The “Pass Line” bet wins immediately.
* Craps (Losing Roll):
If the shooter rolls a **2, 3, or 12**, this is called “craps.” This is the direct answer to your question. In this context, “craps” is a losing number on the come-out roll for Pass Line bets. The “Don’t Pass” bet wins.
* Point (Establishing a Number):
If the shooter rolls any other number (**4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10**), that number becomes the “point.” The dealer will place a puck marked “ON” on that number on the table layout.
2. The Point Phase:
Once a point is established, the goal changes.
* The shooter continues to roll the dice.
* To win the Pass Line bet, the shooter must roll the “point” again **before** rolling a 7.
* If the shooter rolls a 7 before the point, this is called “seven-out.” The round is over, the Pass Line bets lose, and the dice are passed to the next player.
### The Different Meanings of “Craps”
So, the word “craps” has a few specific meanings within the game:
* **As a Losing Number:** It refers to the numbers **2, 3, and 12** when rolled on the come-out roll.
* **As the Name of the Game:** It’s the name of the entire game itself.
* **As a Verb (Slang):** To “crap out” means to lose, specifically by rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll.
### Why is it Popular?
Craps is one of the most exciting casino games because it offers some of the best odds for players, especially on the “Pass Line” and “Don’t Pass” bets with “odds.” The social aspect is huge, with players cheering and groaning together on the outcome of the rolls.
Disclaimer: This content was assisted by AI and reviewed by humans.
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