EN 
DE Ballerina Special
In craps, Ballerina Special is slang for a Hard 4, which happens only when the dice land 2-2. The nickname comes from “two-two,” like a ballerina’s tutu. When someone says “bet the Ballerina Special,” they’re usually talking about the Hard 4 (Hardway 4) wager found in the Hardways area of the game.
What “Ballerina Special” Means in Craps
The key detail is that this term refers to one exact roll, not the number 4 in general. A 4 can also be rolled as 1-3 or 3-1, but that’s an “easy 4”, and it does not count as the Ballerina Special. If you place a Hard 4 bet, you are specifically backing the pair of twos, which is why the payout can be attractive even though it hits less often.
How the Ballerina Special Bet Works
In most online craps games, you’ll find this wager in the Hardways section as Hard 4. After you place it, the bet can stay active across multiple rolls. It wins only on 2-2, and it loses if a 7 appears or if a 4 shows as an easy combination (1-3 or 3-1).
Follow these quick steps to place the Ballerina Special bet online:
- Select Hard 4 in the Hardways area.
- Enter your stake and confirm before the next roll.
- Leave the bet on while the round continues.
- It pays only if 2-2 appears before a 7 or an easy 4.
Example situation: You place a $5 Hard 4 in an online craps round. Several rolls pass with no 4, so your bet stays on. Then a 4 lands as 1-3, which ends the bet as a loss. If it had landed as 2-2, it would have paid as the Ballerina Special.
Payouts and Risk
Hard 4 is a classic “side bet” because it offers a bigger payout than many main bets, but it comes with a higher house edge. A common payout for Hard 4 is 7:1, which corresponds to a house edge of about 11.11%.
Beginner Tips
Keep these simple pointers in mind before you add a Hard 4 bet to your online craps session:
- Treat Hard 4 as a small “fun” add-on, not your main plan for the session.
- Bet an amount you can lose quickly, because this wager can disappear in one roll.
- If you are still learning, keep most of your budget on simpler bets and use Hard 4 only occasionally.
FAQ
Is the Ballerina Special the same as Hard 4?
Yes. It refers to rolling double twos (2-2), and the bet is usually the Hard 4 wager.
Does the bet win on any roll that totals 4?
No. It only wins on 2-2. A 4 rolled as 1-3 or 3-1 is a loss for Hard 4.
Can I place the Hard 4 bet at any time online?
Usually, yes, as long as betting is open before the next roll. Some games may limit when you can add or change side bets.
What is the typical payout for Hard 4?
Many games pay 7:1, but it can vary, so check the paytable in your specific online craps version.
