Dice Strategy Glossary Mathematical & Gaming Definitions
Master the terminology of table probability, 2D6 and 3D6 combinations, variance metrics, and bankroll management models.
Probability & Statistics Terms
Expected Value (EV)
The theoretical average payout or loss per wager over an infinite number of trials. An EV of -0.0141 on a Pass Line wager means that, statistically, a player loses 1.41 cents for every dollar wagered over the long run.
House Edge
The mathematical advantage that the gaming framework retains on a wager. Expressed as a percentage of original bet volume, house edge ensures long-term operator profitability.
Standard Deviation (Variance)
A statistical measure of how far actual sample results spread out from the expected mean. In dice games, high variance means large short-term swings in bankroll balance, while low variance results in steady, predictable outcomes.
True Odds
The exact mathematical ratio of losing combinations to winning combinations for a specific dice outcome. For example, rolling a 7 has true odds of 5 to 1 (30 losing outcomes versus 6 winning outcomes).
Craps & Table Game Definitions
Boxcars (Midnight)
Slang term for rolling a sum of 12 (two 6s) on a pair of dice. Occurs in 1 out of 36 rolls (2.78% probability).
Come Out Roll
The initial roll of a dice round before a Point has been established. Rolling 7 or 11 wins Pass Line bets immediately, while 2, 3, or 12 loses (Craps).
Free Odds Bet
A supplementary wager placed behind a Pass Line or Come bet after a Point is set. Paid at true mathematical odds with zero house edge.
Hardway
A dice outcome where an even sum (4, 6, 8, or 10) is achieved via identical matching pairs (e.g. 2-2 for Hard 4, 3-3 for Hard 6).
Snake Eyes
Slang term for rolling a sum of 2 (two 1s) on a pair of dice. Carries a 2.78% statistical probability.
Bankroll & Progression Terms
Kelly Criterion
A mathematical formula used to determine optimal bet sizing to maximize logarithmic growth of a bankroll while minimizing risk of ruin.
Martingale System
A negative progression strategy where the player doubles the wager after every loss, attempting to recover previous losses with a single win.
Flat Betting
A disciplined betting approach where the player wagers the exact same monetary unit size on every roll, minimizing exposure to rapid variance streaks.