As a craps pro player, I’m here to guide you through the ins and outs of the boxcars in craps.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need about this exciting aspect of craps, from the game’s rules to tips and tricks for winning big.
Key Takeaways: Boxcars in Craps
- Definition: Boxcars is a proposition bet on the shooter rolling a 12, specifically a pair of sixes. It’s known for its high risk and high reward, offering a thrilling aspect of craps play.
- How to Play: Place your bet on the “boxcars” or “12” section of the craps table. Winning occurs only if the shooter rolls a 12.
- Odds and House Edge: The odds stand at 1 in 36, with a payout of 30:1. However, the significant house edge of 13.89% makes it a challenging bet to win over the long term.
- Strategies for Betting: While the allure of a big payout is tempting, it’s essential to bet within your means, consider the odds carefully, and explore tables offering the best conditions for boxcars bets.
What is Boxcars Dice Craps?
Boxcars, also known as Midnight, Cornrows, or Twelve Craps, is a high-risk proposition bet where players wager on the shooter rolling a 12.
It involves betting that the shooter will roll a pair of sixes, also called “boxcars” due to their shape resembling a pair of train cars.
This high-risk, high-reward bet can pay off big if the dice fall in your favor.
How to Play Boxcars Dice Craps
To make a boxcars bet, place your chips on the designated area of the craps table labeled “boxcars” or “12.”
Once the shooter rolls the dice, you’ll win if they roll a pair of sixes.
If they roll any other number, you’ll lose your bet.
Why Is It Called Boxcars?
Boxcars has many names and origins.
It is called Boxcars in craps due to the shape of the dice, which resembles a rectangular box or train car. It is also called “cornrows” because the dots on the dice resemble rows of corn.
Another name for this bet is “Midnight” because 12 o’clock is the same as midnight. Despite its various names, the odds of winning this bet remain low.
Boxcars Craps Odds and House Edge
The odds of winning this bet are 1 in 36, which translates to a 2.78% chance of winning.
The payouts for this bet are 30:1, which means that a player who bets $1 can win $30.
However, the high house edge of 13.89% makes it difficult for players to win consistently in the long term.
Comparative Analysis of Proposition Bets
Boxcars vs. Any Craps:
- Odds: Any Craps bets (wagering on a 2, 3, or 12) offer a more frequent payout chance with a 1 in 9 shot but lower payouts (usually 7:1).
- House Edge: Boxcars has a higher payout but a significantly higher house edge compared to Any Craps, which usually sits around 11.11%.
Boxcars vs. Any Seven:
- Odds: Any Seven bets offer a 4 in 36 chance of winning, making it more likely to hit than boxcars but with a much lower payout (usually 4:1 or 5:1).
- House Edge: The house edge for Any Seven bets is around 16.67%, even higher than for boxcars, making it less appealing for cautious bettors.
Strategic Consideration: When choosing between proposition bets, consider your risk tolerance, bankroll size, and betting objectives. Boxcars, with its high payout, appeals to those seeking a big win from a small stake, whereas bets like Any Craps or Any Seven offer more frequent wins but with smaller payouts.
Deep Dive into Betting Systems for Boxcars
Betting systems can’t change the inherent house edge in casino games, but they can help manage your bankroll and potentially maximize wins when luck is on your side. Two popular systems that players might consider applying to boxcars bets in craps are the Martingale and Paroli systems.
Martingale System: The Martingale betting system involves doubling your bet after every loss, with the idea being that when you eventually win, you’ll recover all previous losses plus win a profit equal to your original bet. In the context of boxcars:
- Start with a base wager on boxcars (e.g., $1).
- If you lose, double your bet to $2. If you lose again, double to $4, and so on.
- Once you win, you reset to your base wager.
Pros and Cons: While the Martingale can be exciting and potentially profitable during a short winning streak, its major downside is the rapid increase in bet size after consecutive losses, which can quickly deplete your bankroll or hit the table’s betting limits.
Paroli System: The Paroli betting system is a positive progression strategy where you double your bet after each win instead of a loss, aiming for three consecutive wins before resetting.
- Begin with a base wager (e.g., $1) on boxcars.
- If you win, double your bet to $2. Win again, and double to $4.
- After three consecutive wins or any loss, return to your initial bet size.
Pros and Cons: The Paroli system is less risky than the Martingale as it focuses on maximizing winning streaks without requiring large bets after losses. However, achieving three consecutive wins, especially on a bet with boxcars’ odds, is challenging.
Tips and Tricks for Winning at Boxcars Dice Craps
Boxcars is a high-risk horn bet, so it’s important to approach it cautiously. Some players prefer to place smaller bets on boxcars, while others go all-in for the chance to win big.
Regardless of your betting strategy, it’s important to remember that the odds always favor the house.
That being said, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to increase your chances of winning:
- Stick to a budget: Only bet what you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses.
- Look for tables with better odds: Some casinos offer better odds on boxcars bets than others, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal.
- Use a betting system: Some players use betting systems, such as the Martingale or Paroli systems, to manage their bets and increase their chances of winning.
The Bottom Line
Boxcars in craps is an exciting aspect of the game that offers you a chance to win big.
However, it’s important to approach it cautiously and remember that the odds always favor the house.
With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of your next craps session.
