Craps is a lively casino game, and it has equally cheerful terms for different dice rolls. When you are new to the game, these colourful nicknames for the dice combinations might confuse you. Well, here we are with a guide about one of these fancy terms, the “double two”.
Are you wondering what is double two in craps? Simply put, it’s just a specific dice roll, but there’s more to it. Our article will help you understand these details and even the impact double two can have on the game. Let’s get right into it.
What Does Double Two Mean in Craps?
Craps dice roll meanings can be easy to understand once you are familiar with the lingo. In this table game, “double two” means both dice show a 2, giving you a total of four. In craps terms, this roll is called a “hard 4” because it’s achieved by rolling doubles rather than a 3 and a 1.
Basically, rolling a number “the hard way” in craps means you get that number by rolling doubles (two of the same number), not by rolling other combinations that add up to the same total.
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The Role of Hard Four in Craps Gameplay
A “hard four” craps indicates rolling a four with two dice showing a 2 each. This differs from a “soft four”, which can be rolled with a combination of 3 and 1. A hard 4 holds quite an importance in the game as it’s a specific target in Hardway bets.
These bets wager that a particular “hard” number (4, 6, 8 or 10) will be rolled before a 7 or before the number is rolled the “easy way”, meaning not as a pair. Hardway bets focus on these specific rolls – if you bet on a hard 4, you only win if the shooter rolls double 2s before a 7 or an easy 4 appears.
How Bets Work for Double Two in Craps
There are different types of bets related to rolling doubles in craps. Let’s take a look at these.
- Hardway Bet: Here, you bet that the shooter will roll a hard 4 (two 2s) before rolling a 7 or an easy 4. Although the odds are 8:1, the typical payout is 7:1.. Players have the option to make, remove, or adjust the amount of their Hardway bets at any time.
- Place Bets: With a Place bet on a 4, you win if any 4 (hard or easy) is rolled before a 7. This bet pays 9:5 and has a 4% house edge. The house has an edge because payouts are less than the true odds.
Note: After a Place bet win, you can leave it active or take it down. Active bets win each time the number rolls before a 7. It’s also important to note that Hardway bets are riskier. Since they need a specific combination of two 2s, they have a higher house edge compared to Place bets.
- Place to Lose Bet: Some European, Australian, and modern craps tables offer Place to Lose bets. As the name suggests, these bets are the opposite of Place bets. This bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before a 4 (hard or easy). It typically pays 11:5.
Odds and Payouts for Rolling Double Two
Rolling double 2s with two dice is a 1 in 36 chance, which means that it’s not the easiest thing to do. But this is what makes craps more exciting. Every time those dice roll, it’s a fresh start. Past rolls don’t change the odds, as it’s always that 1 in 36 chance, with no way to influence it. So even if double 2s haven’t shown up for a while, the next roll is just as likely to be any other combination. It’s all part of the fun, randomness and unpredictability of craps.
Coming to the payouts of rolling a double two, it all depends on the type of bet you have wagered. The typical payout for a Hardway bet on four is 7:1. For every £1 you bet, you win £7 (plus you get your original £1 back). Meanwhile, the payout for a Place bet on four is 9:5, so for every £5 you bet, you win £9 (plus your original £5 back).
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Common Misconceptions About Double Two
Rolling double two in craps is definitely a moment to remember, after all, anyone would love to see those four little dots line up on the table. But while it’s a thrill, especially when it lands on a Hardway bet, you must remember its place in the game and not get carried away. In the end, even if it’s difficult to get, it is just one of the 36 possible rolls in the game.
Think of it this way: every time the shooter rolls the dice, it’s a new start for you. Double twos are exciting because they are a bit rare and can lead to some nice payouts. However, they are just another roll in this fun game of chance. In fact, the unpredictability of every single throw is the reason why the game is so coveted by players.
Learn More About Double Two in Craps (FAQs)
Why Is Double Two Called “Hard Four”?
Double two means that the shooter should roll “hard” two 2s which equals 4, hence the term “Hard 4”.
How Do Hardway Bets Work in Craps?
Hardway bets in craps wager that a particular “hard” number (4, 6, 8 or 10) be rolled before a 7 or before the number is rolled the “easy way”, meaning not as a pair.
What Are the Odds of Rolling a Hard Four in Craps?
The odds of rolling a hard 4 (or two 2s) in Craps is 1 in 36. Therefore, approximately 2.78%.
Are There Special Payouts for Rolling Double Two?
Yes, there are special payouts for rolling double two depending on the type of bet. For Hardway bets, the payout is 7:1 and for Place bets, the payout is 9:5.
Can You Predict Or Influence the Dice Roll in Craps?
No, you cannot predict or influence the dice roll in craps, as it’s a pure game of luck. The outcomes are completely random, and fresh rolls are not influenced by previous rolls.
Understanding Craps Rolls: The Meaning of Double Two
Craps is a game of chance, so understanding rolls like double two might not give you control over the dice. However, it ensures that you have a truly unique and enriching craps experience, just like this lively game deserves. So, it’s only good practice to learn the rules and terminology so you can responsibly enjoy the game. Don’t let excitement carry you away. You can check out our guides about classic table games and casino gameplay to understand more about playing these games responsibly.
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