The C & E bet (Craps and Eleven) is a one-roll combination bet that covers four numbers: 2, 3, 12 (the “C” or Craps portion) and 11 (the “E” or Eleven portion). It’s essentially an Any Craps bet and a Yo bet combined into a single wager.
The C & E is popular on come-out rolls as a hedge — if you have money on the Pass Line, a C & E protects you against craps numbers while also paying if 11 hits. But is it worth the 11.11% house edge? Let’s break it down.
C & E Bet Calculator
How the C & E Bet Works
The C & E is a one-roll proposition bet managed by the stickman. To place it, toss your chips toward the center of the table and call out “C and E” with your amount. The bet is resolved on the very next roll.
Your wager is split into two equal halves:
- “C” (Craps) — $1 on Any Craps (covers 2, 3, and 12). Pays 3:1 if any craps number rolls.
- “E” (Eleven) — $1 on Yo/11. Pays 7:1 if 11 rolls.
Important: When one half wins, the other half loses. So your net payout is the winning portion minus the losing portion.
C & E Payout Examples
On a $2 C & E bet ($1 on C, $1 on E):
- If 2, 3, or 12 rolls: C portion wins 3:1 = $3. E portion loses $1. Net profit: $2.
- If 11 rolls: E portion wins 7:1 = $7. C portion loses $1. Net profit: $6.
- If any other number rolls: Both portions lose. You lose $2.
C & E Odds and House Edge
| Outcome | Ways to Roll | Probability | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 (Craps wins) | 1 | 2.78% | 3:1 on C portion |
| 3 (Craps wins) | 2 | 5.56% | 3:1 on C portion |
| 12 (Craps wins) | 1 | 2.78% | 3:1 on C portion |
| 11 (Eleven wins) | 2 | 5.56% | 7:1 on E portion |
| Any other number (lose) | 30 | 83.33% | Lose entire bet |
Combined house edge: 11.11% — This is the same as betting Any Craps and Yo separately. The C & E doesn’t give you any mathematical advantage over making the bets individually; it’s simply a convenience bet that lets you cover both with one call.
C & E vs. Horn Bet: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | C & E | Horn Bet |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers covered | 2, 3, 11, 12 | 2, 3, 11, 12 |
| Minimum bet | $2 (split in half) | $4 (split in quarters) |
| Payout on 2 or 12 | 3:1 (on C portion) | 30:1 (on that quarter) |
| Payout on 3 or 11 | 7:1 (on E portion) / 3:1 (on C) | 15:1 (on that quarter) |
| House edge | 11.11% | 12.50% |
| Best for | Lower minimum, simpler split | Higher potential payout on 2/12 |
Both bets cover the same four numbers. The key difference is how the money is split and the resulting payouts. The C & E has a slightly lower house edge (11.11% vs 12.50%) because of how the split works. The Horn bet offers bigger payouts on 2 and 12 but costs more per bet.
When Players Use the C & E
The most common use of the C & E is as a come-out roll hedge. Here’s the logic:
- You have $10 on the Pass Line
- You place a $2 C & E
- If 2, 3, or 12 rolls: Pass Line loses $10, but C & E wins $2 (net loss: $8 instead of $10)
- If 11 rolls: Pass Line wins $10 AND C & E wins $6 (total win: $16)
- If 7 rolls: Pass Line wins $10, C & E loses $2 (net win: $8)
The math problem: While this feels like insurance, the 11.11% house edge on the C & E means you’re paying a steep premium for that protection. Over time, the hedge costs more than it saves. Most experienced players skip the hedge and accept the occasional come-out loss.
C & E Bet FAQs
What does C & E stand for in craps?
C stands for “Craps” (the numbers 2, 3, and 12) and E stands for “Eleven” (the number 11). It’s a split bet covering all four of these numbers on the next roll.
What’s the minimum C & E bet?
Typically $2 (split $1 on C and $1 on E). Some tables may have higher minimums for proposition bets.
Is the C & E a good bet?
No — with an 11.11% house edge, it’s one of the more expensive bets on the table. It’s fine as an occasional entertainment bet, but it shouldn’t be a regular part of your strategy. Stick to Pass Line with Odds for the best long-term results.
Can I bet different amounts on C and E separately?
Yes — you can tell the stickman you want different amounts on each. For example, “$1 Craps, $2 Yo” gives you more on the Eleven side. This is essentially making two separate bets (Any Craps + Yo) rather than a standard C & E split.
Final Thoughts
The C & E is a convenience bet that combines Any Craps and Yo into a single wager. It covers the same numbers as a Horn bet but with a different payout structure and slightly lower house edge. Use it sparingly for entertainment, and check our craps payout calculator to compare it against other betting options.
