Jun 26 2008
Craps: The Horn
Alright. On to the next set of proposition bets on the layout. The horn. These are the bets on the four outside numbers (2,3,11,12) which lie in the center of the layout. These are one roll bets, and are controlled by the stick man. You can bet any number individually, or may bet the “horn” for all four, or a “horn high” to bet in units of 5, with the extra going on the number you call high. For instance, a $5 horn high 11 is a $1 bet each on the 2, 3 and 12, and a $2 bet on the 11.
Horn bets on each number pay off as follows-
2/12-30 for 1
3/11-15 for 1
When you bet the horn, these bets pay 30 for 4 and 15 for 4, respectively.
Remember that the word for is not the same as the word to. 3o for 1 is actually 29 to 1, because they give you 30 and take your one. Similarly, 30 for for is actually 26 for 1.
Now, let’s look at the math here. There are 1 in 35 ways to roll a 2 or 12. It pays 29:1. That’s a house advantage of about 19 % on those bets. Similarly, there are 2 ways of 35 to roll a 3 or an 11. They pay 14:1. That’s a 25% house advantage. I would not recommend these bets.
Finally, let’s look at some terminology for these bets.
2- Although many people call this snake eyes, you will never hear casino staff call it that. It does, however, go by the name “aces.”
3-”ace deuce”
11- “yo”
12- “midnight” or “boxcars”
