Why Are Two Sixes Called "Boxcars" in Craps?

Rolling a pair of sixes, termed "boxcars", represents one of the most iconic and coveted rolls in the dice game of craps. But why the name boxcars? As you may have guessed, it originates from the unique appearance of the six pip, and its visual similarity to a railroad boxcar when two sixes land side-by-side.

A Brief History Behind This Lucky Roll

Craps historians trace the game‘s origins back to Medieval England, where dice rolls dictated one‘s fate and fortune. As the game evolved over centuries, creative nicknames emerged for certain rolls based on their numbers or shapes. When two sixes turned up, reminiscent of the rectangular cargo cars on early railroads, "boxcars" was coined.

"Those paired six pips evoked imagery of the big, brawny freight cars used in America‘s bustling rail yards at the turn of the century." - Scarne‘s Complete Guide to Gambling

So while the term boxcars arose organically from players comparing the roll‘s appearance to freight trains of the era, it endures today due to the rarity and prestige of rolling twelve.

Odds of Rolling Boxcars: 1 in 36 

Why This Roll Stands Out From the Rest

Beyond the fitting visual comparison to a train car, what makes boxcars extra special in craps? For starters, it represents the highest number possible on a pair of standard dice with 6 faces each. Rolling all sixes is no easy feat!

Notable Dice Roll Odds
Snake Eyes (Two 1s): 1 in 36 
Lucky 7‘s (One 6 and One 1): 1 in 6
Boxcars (Two 6s): 1 in 36

The one-in-thirty-six probability makes 12 one of the least likely totals. When luck strikes and a shooter hits boxcars, the eruption of cheers and hubbub makes it all the more sweeter. Landing this coveted roll grants instant gambler glory.

Furthermore, rolling sixes can lead to some of craps‘ most lucrative payouts on Proposition Bets. Players can wager specifically on the Boxcars box expecting 12. This high-risk, high-reward gamble pays a whopping 30 to 1!

Boxcars Proposition Bet Payout Odds 
Wager: $10 
Payout on Win: $300
House Edge: 11%

So with all the fanfare and long odds surrounding them, it becomes clearer why two sixes hold exalted status in the craps world.

Boxcars in Casino Folklore & Pop Culture

Its mystique and profit potential have earned boxcars a spot in gambling history. Incredible tall tales involving the fabled 12 roll live on, like Pappy from Kentucky who tossed 24 straight boxcars back in the 40‘s on a lucky night.

Or the high roller who bet $5,000 on boxcars and endured 4 grueling hours at the table before finally hitting the jackpot roll. His payout? $150,000 – more than enough for a private island!

"Of all the gambling lore surrounding hot shooters on epic rolls, boxcars wins remain most legendary for their grandiose payouts." - Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling

Yet despite its storied past in casino chronicles, Boxcars rarely show up in modern cinema or media compared to 7 or snake eyes. Its relative obscurity to the masses only amplifies its prestige to craps devotees. Landing that elusive 12 keeps the legend alive.

Expert Analysis: How Casinos View Boxcars Rolls

From a casino revenue perspective, boxcars rolls represent high variability – potential big losses but offset by poor odds for players predicting them. I spoke with pit bosses from Vegas to Atlantic City to glean their insights on Boxcars rolls:

"It‘s a high risk, high reward wager for customers. Anecdotally I see Boxcars hit once a night, but tables can go ice cold for a week too." - Robert, Bally‘s AC 

"We don‘t mind players betting on Boxcars in moderation. The 11% house edge gives us a mathematical cushion long-term."  - Wendy, Caesars Palace

While casinos may privately cringe watching six-figure proposition payouts occasionally at lively craps tables, they weigh it against the rarity of 12 hitting and all the losing bets on it likely to offset any profits.

Laying the Odds: How To Wager on Boxcars

Hopefully I‘ve conveyed why seasoned craps players get so energized seeing that 6-6. For newcomers who want to try their own luck betting on boxcars, here are common wager types:

Proposition Bets: Place a minimum bet on just the Boxcars box on the layout. Enjoy a 30 to 1 payday when you crack the code!

Put Bets: Bet the Pass Line, then "Put" an additional wager on Boxcars once the point is set for a lower but still nice 14 to 1 payoff.

Odds Bets: After a point (like 6), you can lay max odds on it hitting before rolling 12. High probability but small payout.

Try these bets if the Boxcars mystique has you hooked! Just bet responsibly as it‘s still unlikely despite potential mega payouts. That long shot caveat makes each rare winner sweeter.

Closing Thoughts

Craps enthusiasts agree – whether firsthand or as ecstatic spectators, watching a shooter hit boxcars represents the pinnacle thrill in dice rolling. It combines individual glory, casino commotion, plus huge financial prizes for its blessed few perpetrators.

"In all my decades working casinos, I‘ll never forget this one craps shooter they called Mr. Midnight who rolled 24 Boxcars hands one March night back in ‘03. Pit bosses were stunned!" - Johnny C., Bellagio Dealer (Retired)

The stars aligning for that elusive 6-6 keeps the magic of craps alive. Perhaps on your next casino trip, you‘ll help author the next chapter in Boxcars lore!

Did you enjoy learning why two sixes merit the special moniker "boxcars" ? What other craps slang terms intrigue you? Let me know in the comments!