Snake eyes in craps is the term for rolling a 1-1 combination on two dice, totaling 2. It’s the lowest possible roll, one of the rarest outcomes (2.78% probability), and one of the most feared results at the craps table — because it’s a losing roll for the majority of players betting the Pass Line.
But snake eyes isn’t always bad news. If you’re betting the Don’t Pass, it’s a winner. And if you have a proposition bet on the 2, it pays 30:1. Here’s everything you need to know about snake eyes in craps.
What Are Snake Eyes?
Snake eyes is the slang term for rolling two ones (1+1) on a pair of dice, resulting in a total of 2. The name comes from the visual resemblance of the two single dots to the narrow, beady eyes of a snake.
Other names for this roll include:
- Aces — the most common dealer call
- Two craps — because 2 is one of the “craps” numbers
- Eyeballs — less common slang
The opposite of snake eyes is boxcars (also called “midnight”) — rolling two sixes (6+6) for a total of 12. Both are equally rare at 1 in 36 odds.
Odds of Rolling Snake Eyes
With two six-sided dice, there are 36 possible combinations (6 x 6). Snake eyes (1+1) is just one of those 36 combinations:
- Probability: 1/36 = 2.78%
- Odds against: 35 to 1
- Expected frequency: Once every 36 rolls on average
For comparison, a 7 can be rolled 6 different ways (1+6, 2+5, 3+4, 4+3, 5+2, 6+1), making it 6x more likely than snake eyes. This is why 7 dominates craps strategy while snake eyes is a rare event.
What Happens When Snake Eyes Rolls in Craps?
The impact of snake eyes depends on when it rolls and what bets are on the table:
On the Come-Out Roll
| Bet | Result When Snake Eyes Rolls |
|---|---|
| Pass Line | LOSE (2 is a “craps” number) |
| Don’t Pass | WIN (pays 1:1) |
| Any Craps | WIN (pays 7:1) |
| Aces / Snake Eyes prop bet | WIN (pays 30:1) |
| Horn Bet | WIN on the 2 portion (pays 30:1) |
| C & E | WIN on the C portion (pays 3:1) |
| Field Bet | WIN (pays 2:1 or 3:1 depending on table) |
| Hi-Lo | WIN (pays 15:1) |
During the Point Roll
If a point has been established, snake eyes has no effect on Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets — those only resolve on the point number or 7. However, any active proposition bets (Any Craps, Horn, Field) still pay if snake eyes rolls during the point phase.
Snake Eyes Payout
If you specifically bet on snake eyes (the “Aces” proposition bet), the payout is:
| Bet | Payout | True Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aces / Snake Eyes (single number) | 30:1 | 35:1 | 13.89% |
| Any Craps (includes 2, 3, 12) | 7:1 | 8:1 | 11.11% |
| Hi-Lo (2 and 12 combined) | 15:1 | 17:1 | 11.11% |
| Field (includes 2) | 2:1 or 3:1 | — | 5.56% or 2.78% |
The 30:1 payout on a straight Aces bet sounds attractive, but the true odds are 35:1 — meaning the casino keeps 5 units out of every 36 on average. That’s a 13.89% house edge, making it one of the more expensive bets on the table.
Use our craps payout calculator to see exact payouts at any bet amount.
Why Is It Called Snake Eyes?
The origin of the term “snake eyes” dates back to ancient dice games. The most accepted explanation is visual — when two dice each show a single pip (dot), the pair of dots resemble the small, round eyes of a snake staring up at you.
The term carries a negative connotation because in most dice games throughout history, rolling the lowest possible number has been considered unlucky. In craps specifically, snake eyes on the come-out roll means an immediate loss for Pass Line bettors (the majority of the table), which is why it’s often met with groans.
Interestingly, the term has crossed over into everyday English. “Rolling snake eyes” is used metaphorically to mean getting an unlucky or worst-case outcome in any situation.
Snake Eyes vs. Boxcars
| Feature | Snake Eyes (2) | Boxcars (12) |
|---|---|---|
| Dice combination | 1+1 | 6+6 |
| Probability | 1/36 (2.78%) | 1/36 (2.78%) |
| Prop bet payout | 30:1 | 30:1 |
| House edge | 13.89% | 13.89% |
| Pass Line come-out | Lose | Lose |
| Don’t Pass come-out | Win | Push (Bar 12) |
| Other names | Aces, Two Craps | Midnight, Cornrows |
The key difference: snake eyes (2) is a winner for Don’t Pass bettors, while boxcars (12) is a push (the “Bar 12” rule). This is why Don’t Pass has a slightly lower house edge (1.36%) than Pass Line (1.41%) — the barred 12 prevents Don’t Pass from having a player advantage.
Snake Eyes FAQs
Is snake eyes good or bad in craps?
It depends on your bet. For Pass Line bettors (the majority), snake eyes is bad — it’s an immediate loss on the come-out roll. For Don’t Pass bettors, it’s a win. For anyone with a prop bet on Aces, it’s a 30:1 payday.
What are the odds of rolling snake eyes?
1 in 36 (2.78%). There’s only one way to make a 2 with two dice (1+1), out of 36 total possible combinations.
What are the odds of rolling snake eyes twice in a row?
(1/36) x (1/36) = 1/1,296 or about 0.077%. You’d expect to see back-to-back snake eyes roughly once every 1,296 pairs of rolls.
What does the dealer say when snake eyes rolls?
Common dealer calls include: “Two craps, aces, line away” (meaning Pass Line bets lose), “Snake eyes, pay the don’ts,” or simply “Aces — two craps.” The stickman typically announces the result and its effect on the game.
Can you bet specifically on snake eyes?
Yes — it’s called an “Aces” bet or “Two” bet in the proposition area. Toss your chips to the stickman and say “Aces” or “Two craps.” It pays 30:1 but carries a 13.89% house edge. You can also cover it through Any Craps (7:1), Horn, or Hi-Lo bets.
Final Thoughts
Snake eyes is one of craps’ most iconic moments — the table goes quiet, Pass Line bettors groan, and anyone with an Aces bet celebrates a 30:1 hit. While it’s statistically rare (once every 36 rolls), understanding what happens when it rolls helps you make smarter bets and avoid being caught off guard.
For the best long-term strategy, don’t chase snake eyes with expensive prop bets. Stick to Pass Line or Don’t Pass with maximum Odds, and check our payout chart for a complete reference of every bet on the table.
