As a seasoned craps player, I’m here to give you the lowdown on what “snake eyes” means, how to bet on it, and whether it’s a good bet.
This guide will give you all the information you need about snake eyes in craps.
Let’s learn more about the exciting and high-risk snake eyes bet.
Key Takeaways: Snake Eyes in Craps
- Definition and Rarity: Snake eyes refers to rolling a pair of ones (1-1) on the dice, a unique outcome given its rare occurrence in the game of craps, with only a 1 in 36 chance.
- Betting Options: Players can bet directly on snake eyes with potentially high payouts (30:1 or sometimes 32:1) or opt for an “any craps” bet that includes snake eyes as a winning outcome.
- Considerations Before Betting: The high house edge (around 13.89%) and the low probability of rolling snake eyes highlight the bet’s high-risk nature. It’s also a one-roll bet, meaning it resolves quickly and may not suit all playing strategies.
- Expert Advice: While the bet offers a high payout, its high risk and one-roll nature make it more suitable for those looking for excitement rather than consistent winnings. Players should weigh the high house edge and low win probability against the potential for a large payout.
What Does Snake Eyes Mean in Craps?
In the game of craps, “snake eyes” is a term used to refer to rolling a pair of ones (1-1) on the dice.
It is considered a fairly rare roll, as there are only 36 possible combinations of two dice, and only one is a pair of ones.
Some people also call it “aces” or “eyeballs.”
The term “snake eyes” comes from the resemblance of the two ones to a pair of snake eyes.
In craps, the dice roll is a major part of the game, and rolling snake eyes is an exciting and unique outcome that players can bet on.
What Happens If You Roll Snake Eyes in Craps
If you roll snake eyes in craps, you have a few betting options.
One of the most straightforward bets is to bet on the next roll being a pair of ones, also called a “snake eyes” bet or an “any craps” bet.
If the next roll is indeed a pair of ones, you’ll win at odds of 30 to 1 (or sometimes 32 to 1), meaning if you bet $1, you’ll win $30 (or $32).
However, you should keep a few things in mind before betting on snake eyes.
For one, the odds of rolling a pair of ones are fairly low, as there are only two possible outcomes out of 36.
This means that while the payout is high, your chances of winning are correspondingly low.
In fact, the house edge on a snake eyes bet is around 13.89%, which is pretty high compared to other bets in craps.
There is also the matter of the “any craps” bet being a one-roll bet.
That means it only applies to the next roll of the dice. You lose your bet if the next roll isn’t a pair of ones. So while the payout is high, the odds are low, and the bet is over quickly.
If you’re interested in betting on snake eyes, keep in mind the odds, the house edge, and the fact that it’s a one-roll bet.
It would be best to keep your personal gambling strategy in mind, as there may be other craps bets that are more suitable for your playing style.
My Strategy for Betting on Snake Eyes in Craps
Betting on snake eyes, given its high payout but correspondingly low probability of hitting, requires a strategic approach to incorporate it wisely into your craps gameplay. Here’s a tailored strategy to optimize your experience and potentially enhance your winnings when opting for the snake eyes bet:
1. Allocate a Small Portion of Your Bankroll: Given the high house edge of approximately 13.89%, it’s prudent to allocate only a small portion of your bankroll to snake eyes bets. Consider setting aside 5% or less of your session bankroll for high-payout bets like snake eyes. This way, you can indulge in the thrill it offers without jeopardizing your overall game plan.
2. Combine with Lower-Risk Bets: Balance your play by combining the snake eyes bet with bets that have a lower house edge, such as Pass Line bets with odds, Come bets, or Place bets on 6 and 8. This strategy allows you to stay in the game longer and mitigates the risk associated with high-edge bets.
3. Timing is Key: Consider placing your snake eyes bet strategically during your session. Some players prefer to make such bets after hitting a win on a lower-risk bet, using a portion of their winnings as a “fun bet” on snake eyes. Others wait to feel a “hunch” or a break in the pattern of rolls before placing a high-risk wager.
4. Limit the Frequency: Due to its high risk, the snake eyes bet should not be a frequent part of your betting pattern. Treat it as an occasional venture for added excitement rather than a consistent strategy. By limiting the frequency of this bet, you protect your bankroll and ensure that losses on high-edge bets don’t accumulate rapidly.
5. Consider a Stop-Loss Limit: Implementing a stop-loss limit for snake eyes bets can be a smart move. Decide in advance how many unsuccessful snake eyes bets you’re willing to make in a session, and stick to this limit. Once you reach it, refrain from placing further snake eyes bets for the remainder of your session.
Expert Advice: Is Betting on Snake Eyes a Good Idea?
Betting on snake eyes in craps can be exciting and potentially lucrative, but it also comes with some risks. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of betting on snake eyes in the table below:
| Pros | Cons |
| High payout odds (30 to 1) | Low probability of winning |
| Exciting and unique outcome | High house edge (around 13.89%) |
| One-roll bet, quick outcome | Short betting time, not suitable for long-term play |
As you can see, while the potential payout for a successful bet on snake eyes is high, the odds of winning are low, and the bet comes with a high house edge.
Additionally, the bet’s one-roll nature means it’s over quickly, and unsuitable for longer-term play.
However, rolling snake eyes’ excitement and unique outcome may appeal to some players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward betting strategies.
Ultimately, whether betting on snake eyes is a good idea depends on your gambling strategy and risk tolerance.
Final Thoughts
Betting on snake eyes in craps can be a thrilling and exciting experience for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward bets.
If you decide to bet on snake eyes, keep in mind the odds, the house edge, and the one-roll nature of the bet.
Remember always to gamble responsibly and within your means. With these things in mind, you can enjoy the excitement and unique outcome of rolling snake eyes.
Good luck at the craps table!
