Quick Answer: Why Do Players Yell “Yo!”?
“Yo” is the common call for 11.
Players yell “Yo” because:
- it’s short and easy to hear over noise
- it reduces confusion with other numbers
- it’s part of classic craps culture
- and it’s a standard call when placing an 11 bet (a “yo” prop bet)
So when someone yells “Yo,” they’re either:
- calling a bet on 11
- or reacting to an 11 roll
If you want to understand the bet itself, read Understanding Prop Bets In Craps (Horn, Yo, C&E, Etc.).
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Why Craps Has So Many Calls Compared To Other Games
Craps is unique because:
- the table is loud
- the crowd is active
- multiple bets resolve at once
- calls help dealers and players stay synced
Short calls help avoid mistakes.
Example:
Saying “eleven” can get lost in noise. “Yo” stands out.
The Most Common Craps Calls (What They Mean)
Here are the calls you’ll hear most often.
“Yo” = 11
This is the famous one.
“Ace-Deuce” = 3
Some people call 3 “ace-deuce.”
“Boxcars” = 12
This one is common and easy to remember.
“Snake Eyes” = 2
Also very common.
“Hard” vs “Easy”
This is a big one.
- Hard 6 = 3+3
- Easy 6 = 1+5 or 2+4 (not doubles)
Same for:
- hard/easy 4, 8, 10
If you want to learn more about hardways bets, read The Math Behind Hardways Bets.
“Seven Out!”
This call means:
- the point was set
- and a 7 ended the shooter’s turn
It’s one of the loudest calls because it changes everything at the table.
If you want the rules behind it, read What “Seven Out” Means & Why It Ends The Shooter’s Turn.
“Horn!”
“Horn” is a prop bet that covers:
- 2, 3, 11, 12
People call “Horn” because it’s quick and dealers know exactly what it means.
“C&E!”
C&E is a prop bet that covers:
- craps numbers (2, 3, 12)
- plus 11
It’s another fast call for a center-table bet.
“Come Bet!”
You’ll hear players call “Come” when placing a come bet during the point phase.
If you want to learn more about the movement, read Understanding Come & Don’t Come Bets.
“Same Bet!”
Some players say “same bet” when they want to repeat a prop bet.
Be careful with this as a beginner. One-roll bets are easy to repeat too often.
Traditions You’ll See At Live Craps Tables
Craps traditions come from the game being social and energetic.
Tradition 1: Cheering For The Shooter
When a shooter is on a good roll, players cheer, clap, and hype them up.
It’s part of the fun.
Tradition 2: High-Fives And Group Momentum
Craps can feel like a team event.
Even strangers celebrate together when numbers hit.
Tradition 3: Superstitions And Rituals
You’ll see people:
- set dice carefully
- tap the table
- avoid certain words
- ask for “new dice” after a bad streak
Whether it matters or not, it’s a big part of table culture.
We’ll talk about dice setting and controlled shooting later.
Tradition 4: Don’t Pass Quietness
Players who bet “Don’t Pass” often stay quiet because cheering against the table vibe can cause tension.
It’s not rude to bet the don’t side. It’s just a different social vibe.
Tradition 5: “No Seven!” Energy
You’ll hear people say things like:
- “No seven!”
- “Keep it rolling!”
It’s basically the table rooting for the point to hit before seven out.
How To Join In Without Looking New
You don’t need to yell anything.
But if you want to fit in:
- keep calls simple
- don’t shout during the roll
- don’t call random prop bets you don’t understand
- celebrate wins without being obnoxious
- don’t blame the shooter after seven out
If you want the live behavior rules, read Why Craps Etiquette Is So Important At Live Tables.
The Biggest Mistake: Copying Traditions Into Bad Betting
The table energy can trick you into betting emotionally.
Common trap:
- people are yelling “Horn!”
- the shooter is hot
- you start firing prop bets every roll
That’s where bankroll disappears.
Enjoy the culture, but keep your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does “Yo” Mean In Craps?
“Yo” is the call for 11.
Why Do People Say “Boxcars” In Craps?
“Boxcars” is slang for 12, because the two sixes look like boxcars.
What Does “Hard Eight” Mean?
It means the 8 was rolled as doubles: 4+4.
Is It Okay To Be Quiet At A Craps Table?
Yes. You don’t have to yell anything. Just place bets correctly and follow etiquette.
Are Craps Traditions Important?
They’re not required, but they’re part of what makes live craps fun and social.
Where To Go Next
You now know why craps players yell “Yo,” what the most common table calls mean, and how traditions shape the live craps vibe.
Next, we’ll get into dice setting: what it is, why people do it, and why it’s controversial in casinos.
Continue with Understanding Dice Setting & Why It’s Controversial.
