What are two sixes called in craps?
In the popular casino dice game known as craps, rolling a pair of sixes has a special nickname – "boxcars". But why is a roll of two sixes given this distinctive moniker? Read on to learn the origins of this term, along with statistics, strategy insights, memorable moments, and more about craps gameplay elements centered upon one of this game‘s most coveted rolls.
Why Two Sixes are Called "Boxcars"
When a shooter rolls a combined total of 12 by getting a six on both dice, craps players call out "boxcars!" This is in reference to the long, rectangular shape of railway boxcars, which the layout of the sixes‘ pip arrangements resemble when the two cube‘s six-spotted faces are placed side-by-side.
Interestingly, some sources cite an alternate folk etymology purporting that "boxcars" got its name from players betting on this roll placing markers in the rectangular box painted on traditional craps layouts denoting where wagers on a 12 should be positioned. However, most historians agree that comparing the sixes‘ layout to actual boxcars is the more likely origin.
By the Numbers – Probability of Rolling Specific Totals
When rolling a pair of standard cubical six-sided dice with pips numbering one to six, there are 36 total possible outcomes. Among these, there is only a 1 in 36 chance of achieving the coveted "boxcars". Here is the full probability breakdown:
| Dice Total | Possible Rolls | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1-1 | 2.78% |
| 3 | 1-2, 2-1 | 5.56% |
| 4 | 1-3, 3-1, 2-2 | 8.33% |
| 5 | 1-4, 4-1, 2-3, 3-2 | 11.1% |
| 6 | 1-5, 5-1, 2-4, 4-2, 3-3 | 13.9% |
| 7 | 1-6, 6-1, 2-5, 5-2, 3-4, 4-3 | 16.7% |
| 8 | 2-6, 6-2, 3-5, 5-3, 4-4 | 13.9% |
| 9 | 3-6, 6-3, 4-5, 5-4 | 11.1% |
| 10 | 4-6, 6-4, 5-5 | 8.33% |
| 11 | 5-6, 6-5 | 5.56% |
| 12 | 6-6 | 2.78% |
As demonstrated above, a combined total of 7 has the greatest probability at 16.7% since there are more total dice combinations that can sum to 7. Contrarily, ‘boxcars‘ at 2.78% is among the least likely rolls alongside 2.
Advantageous players leverage such statistics to make strategic betting decisions. Wagering on rolls with high probabilities and favorable payouts is key.
Popular Bets – Risk vs Reward
The various types of bets offered in craps have differing risk and reward profiles. Evaluating these tradeoffs mathematically can optimize success. For example:
- Betting Pass Line pays even money at 1:1, carries a low house edge of 1.41%, and wins on initial 7 or 11 while losing immediately on 2, 3, 12. Subsequent "point" rolls pay based on point number minus losing 7. Compared to alternatives, Pass Line is lower risk for even payouts.
- Whereas Big 6 & 8 pays even money like Pass Line, but carries a massive 9.09% house edge by only winning when 6 or 8 are rolled before 7. Higher risk for equivalent payout compared to Pass.
- Finally, going for a Longshot "hardways" (pairs) or prop bet has potential for bigger 30:1 or 35:1 payouts, but house edges from 9% up to 15% or worse. Highly risky propositions.
In most cases, Pass Line supplemented with calculated 6 & 8 placing and odds side bets gives optimal blend of risk versus reward.
Legendaryshooter "The Arm" Throws Record-Setting "Boxcars" Roll
No recounting of craps 12 stories is complete without mentioning the legend of Stu "The Arm" Ungar. Already world renowned for his Texas hold‘em and gin rummy prowess with over $30 million lifetime winnings, this iconic figure cemented his gambling immortality during an epic 1990 craps run at Caesar‘s Boardwalk Regency in Atlantic City. He astoundingly rolled a pair of sixes an almost statistically impossible 22 times in only 40 minutes!
Wielding unique ability combined with signature fierce shooting style, Ungar audaciously bet theHardways every roll. Lady Luck shone as The Arm repeatedly pummeled the back wall with die after die clacking perfectly into "boxcars" bonuses. Amassing nearly half a million in chips, Ungar later claimed he felt destined not only unbeatable, but to set a record for Hardway 12s that experts insist may never be broken.
Impact of Shooting Style, Dice Modifications, and Venue on Results
While some players rely purely on fortune‘s favor, those seeking reliable rolls implement precision shooting techniques and customized dice modifications. Properly slamming the back wall to avoid random flips will yield substantially more expected results than lobbing weak tosses. Standard dice have rounded edges and flaws that generate chaotic bounces, unlike precision cubes milled and beveled to consistently slide rather than tumble. Combined with selecting venues offering longer throw distances, reduced table clutter, and well-maintained equipment, knowledgeable craps aficionados gain critical advantages maximizing not just boxcars but all desired totals.
I hope this expansive guide has provided entertaining insights and statistical evidence demonstrating why box cars holds an esteemed position in craps culture. Mastering game intricacies like odds calculations, behavioral strategies, dice modifications, and other elements can transform players from uninformed bettors into formidable opponents against the house! Feel free to reach out with any other craps gameplay questions.
