Glossary

Big Red—seven

bones—dice

boxcars—twelve the hard way, two sixes

collar a nod—take a nap

crap out—throwing two, three, or twelve on the first roll and, therefore, losing

easy way—rolling four, six, eight, or ten with any combination, except for doubles

first thing smoking—a train

front line—a bet placed before the shooter rolls the dice to start a game; bettors win on seven or eleven, lose on two, three, or twelve

gate—any man, in a greeting

gum beater—blowhard, braggart

hi-lo—a bet on two or twelve

hummer—exceptionally good

jelly or jelly roll—sex

legs—a combination of two or more bets set up in advance, which together make a single bet. In order to win, you must win every “leg” of the bet. Also known as a “parlay.”

mechanic—a craps player who controls the dice expertly, perhaps by using sleight of hand

midnight—twelve

press it up—raise the bet

square pair—two fours, also called “hard eight”

stroker—a player who makes overly complicated bets and causes dealers to work harder, unnecessarily, usually pissing them off

take down—removing your bets

woofing—aimless talk

wrong way—betting against the dice