Curious about what happens when the dice show double twos in craps? You might have heard this roll called “ballerina” at the table, but do you know why?
This post explains what double two means, how the nickname came about, and where that result matters in the game. Whether you’re new to craps or just want clearer table talk, you’ll get the rules, the Ballerina Bet context, and the key terms you’ll hear at the felt.
What Is Double Two in Craps?
Double two means both dice show the number two, which gives a total of four. You’ll also hear it called “double deuces” or, at many tables, the “ballerina”.
It’s not a separate wager on the layout; it’s one possible dice outcome that can determine whether certain bets win or lose. Some side bets or slang may single out specific rolls, but double two itself is simply a result from the throw and is treated like any other total on the table.
Because it’s an exact pair, double two is less common than totals that can be made in several ways. The role it plays depends on the bets already in play — for example, it’s what wins a hard 4 and contributes to the total of a place bet on 4.
I’ll explain where that matters in more detail below.
Understanding the Ballerina Bet
“Ballerina” is a table nickname for double two, a playful reference to “tutu”. Dealers and players often use such nicknames to add colour to the game; they don’t change the rules or payouts.
There isn’t an official “Ballerina Bet” on the standard craps layout. When someone mentions it at the table they’re usually pointing out the roll or cheering it as it lands. If you want to wager on that exact outcome, the hard 4 bet is the conventional way to do it: it only pays if the four comes as a pair of twos.
This keeps the nickname entertaining without introducing any separate game mechanic.
Craps Table Terminology: Key Words You Need to Know
Here are the main terms you’ll hear when double two or related outcomes are discussed. Each entry is kept short and practical so you can follow table conversations.
Double Two / Ballerina
Both dice show two; the total is four. It is often called “ballerina” because of the “tutu” rhyme.
This outcome can matter in several ways: it may establish the point if it occurs on the come-out roll, it may be counted during point-phase rolls, and some proposition bets specifically pay on a total of four.
Point
A number set on the come-out roll that the shooter must roll again before a seven to win certain bets.
Common point numbers are:
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 8
- 9
- 10
When the point is four, double two is the matching pair that completes it.
Come-Out Roll
The opening roll of a betting round. On the come-out roll, the dice either:
- establish the point, or
- resolve the round immediately by producing an immediate win or loss for certain bets.
Double two on a come-out roll establishes four as the point.
Pass Line Bet
A fundamental bet placed before the come-out roll. It:
- wins immediately on 7 or 11 on the come-out,
- loses on 2, 3 or 12 on the come-out, and
- wins later if the point is made before a seven.
If four becomes the point, double two later will pay this bet.
Don’t Pass Bet
This is the opposite side of the Pass Line wager. It:
- wins on certain low results on the come-out,
- loses on 7 or 11 on the come-out, and
- wins if a seven appears before the established point.
A double two is a win for Don’t Pass only if it contributes to an outcome that meets the bet’s conditions.
Shooter
The person rolling the dice. The shooter continues to roll until they seven out, unless house rules or table rotation intervene.
Boxcars / Midnight
Double sixes, totalling twelve. Common slang for the pair of sixes.
Snake Eyes
Double ones, totalling two. A distinctive roll often called by its nickname.
These terms will help you interpret how double two interacts with different bets as play continues. Keep them in mind when following table talk and results.
How Are Double Numbers Rolled in Craps?
A double happens when both dice show the same face — two twos, three threes, and so on. With two six-sided dice there are 36 possible ordered outcomes on any throw, and a specific double can occur in only one of those ordered combinations.
That means double two has a 1 in 36 chance on any individual roll. Because each throw is independent and governed by probability, prior results don’t affect future ones.
Knowing this helps explain why wagers that pay more are usually those that rely on exact pairs: they occur less often than totals that can be made in multiple ways.
Common Myths About the Ballerina Bet
Table nicknames and rituals often give rise to misconceptions. One frequent myth is that calling out or favouring “ballerina” will change the result; it won’t. Dice outcomes are probabilistic and independent from roll to roll.
Another misconception is that double two carries a special payout by default. In practise, the only time the exact pair matters for a distinct payoff is when a player has placed a wager like a hard 4. Suggestions that throwing technique or table superstition alters the mathematics are also unfounded under standard game conditions.
Clearing up these ideas helps you set realistic expectations about how the game operates and why certain bets pay more than others.
Payouts and Odds for Double Two Craps Bets
There’s no direct wager labelled “Double Two” on the usual craps layout, but relevant bets do exist.
A hard 4 bet is a wager on rolling a four specifically as two twos; typical casino pay is 7 to 1 because that exact combination is rare. By contrast, a place bet on 4 covers any combination that totals four (1-3, 2-2, 3-1) and usually pays something like 9 to 5, reflecting the higher chance of making the total by any route.
Because the exact pair occurs in only one of 36 ordered outcomes, bets that require that result carry higher payouts to match the lower probability. Always check the specific paytable where you play, as payouts can vary between venues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Two Craps
Below are concise answers to the questions players ask most often about double two and related bets.
Can I make a specific Double Two bet on the craps table?
Not by that name. The standard way to target double two is a hard 4 bet, which only wins if the four appears as two twos.
Is the Ballerina Bet better than other bets?
“Ballerina” is simply a nickname. Any difference in value comes from the underlying bet — for example, hard 4 pays more than a place bet because the exact pair is less likely.
What are the odds of rolling double two in craps?
On any single roll the ordered outcome of double two occurs 1 in 36 times.
Is craps suitable for everyone?
Gambling is only for adults aged 18 and over in the UK. If gambling is causing harm or concern, support is available at BeGambleAware.org.
If you want to keep following the table conversations with confidence, understanding these outcomes and bets will make the game easier to read and more enjoyable to watch or play.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.