Understanding the Term: What are Snake Eyes?
When you hear the call "snake eyes" at a casino table, it specifically means a player has rolled a two with a pair of dice, with each die showing a single pip. This term is most famously associated with the game of craps. The origin of the name is quite literal; the two single dots on the dice resemble a pair of small, menacing eyes, much like those of a snake. Historically, snakes have been symbols of deceit and bad fortune in many cultures, which perfectly captures the feeling most craps players have when this roll appears.
The Impact of Snake Eyes in Craps
The significance of a snake eyes craps roll depends entirely on when it occurs during the game. It is most impactful during the very first roll, known as the 'come-out roll'.
The Come-Out Roll: An Instant Outcome
The come-out roll sets the stage for the entire round. For the majority of players who bet on the pass line bet, rolling snake eyes is an instant loss. A roll of two, three, or twelve on the come-out is known as 'crapping out'. When this happens, the shooter's turn ends, and all pass line bets are collected by the house. However, for the contrarian bettors at the table, this is a winning moment. Players who bet on the 'Don't Pass' line win when a two or three is rolled (a twelve is typically a push, or a tie).
Rolling a two on the come-out roll is one of the quickest ways to lose a pass line bet in craps. It's a definitive, game-altering moment that creates a lot of energy at the table.
After the Point is Established
If the shooter rolls a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) on the come-out roll, the game continues. Now, the objective is to roll that point number again before rolling a seven. In this phase of the game, rolling snake eyes is essentially meaningless. It doesn't cause a loss, but it also doesn't win. It's just another number that isn't the point or the dreaded seven, and the shooter rolls again.
Betting on Snake Eyes
While often seen as a losing roll, you can specifically bet on snake eyes appearing. These are known as proposition bets and come with high payouts but also a significant house edge.
The 'Any Craps' Bet
This is a one-roll bet that the next roll will be a two, three, or twelve. If a dice roll snake eyes (a two) appears, this bet wins. The typical payout is 7:1, which is enticing but reflects the low probability of it happening. This bet has a high house advantage, making it a risky choice for strategic players.
Field Bets
The Field is another popular one-roll bet that includes snake eyes as a winning number. A field bet wins if a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled. Most casinos offer a bonus payout for the least likely numbers, the 2 and 12. You'll often see the Field paying 2:1 or even 3:1 for a snake eyes roll, making it an attractive wager for those hoping for an uncommon outcome.
The Psychology and Probability of Snake Eyes
The chance of rolling snake eyes is 1 in 36, or about 2.78%. Despite being just as likely as rolling a twelve, snake eyes carries a much heavier superstitious weight. It's a dramatic moment that can silence a cheering table in an instant. This combination of low probability and high impact makes it one of the most memorable and discussed outcomes in all of casino gaming.
