Craps Games and Variations
| Updated: Craps Variations 101
Craps is a game of chance that has been around for centuries and, as such, it has undergone numerous improvements over time. Some stuck while others evolved into entirely new variations. These versions developed in different corners of the world, and some have survived and thrived. Most casinos do not offer more than one variation of craps; however, depending on where the casino is located, that variation may not be the “original”.
Of course, those variations usually carry different names or are obviously different in one way or another. Some are governed by different rules, others have unique bets, and there are even games with different tables. There have been many variations of the game over the years, including the notorious Floating Craps, but few have actually made it this far in time. That is because not all of them were practical or developed in the right direction.
The ones that have are fairly interesting and definitely tempting. Some are very clever, while others strive for simplicity. In any case, they are all worth a look if you are a craps enthusiast. Most of the variations we will list here can actually be found online too, along with numerous articles written about them. Despite that, they remain somewhat obscure to the casual gambler, so in this article, we will attempt to bring them to light.
Most Popular Craps Variations
The game of craps itself has an unclear beginning; no one can really tell how far back it dates. However, we do know how it became the game we recognize today. Most of the development that led to changes in the game’s rules and its name happened in the United States around 1807. Jean-Bernard Xavier Philippe de Marigny de Mandeville was the man who first introduced the game to the States, specifically Louisiana. The game was not accepted by his peers, as he was a nobleman, but common people embraced it.
The game used to be called “hazard,” but that name was lost somewhere on de Marigny’s way back home, and people began calling it “crabs.” This was the term Londoners used to refer to the numbers two and three on the dice. The common people of Louisiana pronounced that as “craps,” and so the name was born. The game has also been referred to as “crap.”
From that point on, the so-called Floating Craps tables were introduced. Those were illegal craps tables that were foldable and easily transportable in case the operator needed to run at the sound of police sirens. The Sands Hotel in Las Vegas even placed an actual floating craps table in one of its swimming pools as a joke during the 1950s and 1960s. So now, let us take a look at some genuine variations of the game of craps.
Bank Craps
This is the most common variation of craps and is usually referred to simply as “craps.” This is because it has been accepted as the uniform variation by casinos worldwide and was developed specifically for casinos. The game once had a reputation as a cheap trick used by street con artists because it was often rigged. Some ground rules had to be set and, since standardized dice did not yet exist, the game was frequently unfair—whether in the casino’s favor or the player’s, if the latter brought his own dice. It continued this way until uniform casino dice were finally created and accepted.
After that, casinos added some final touches to the game, including distinctive bets and, of course, commissions. Additionally, what had been a player-versus-player game became player-versus-casino once casinos adopted it. That is why this version of the game is also called Casino Craps or Vegas Craps. The key features are the use of two dice, a dealer, a stickman, and the rules and layout we have all come to accept as the general standard. (You can read more about them in one of our other articles.)
Crapless Craps
Just by reading the name, you might think it sounds paradoxical—you cannot lose a pass bet on the come-out roll. Too good to be true, right? Well, not everyone understands why that is, so here we will clarify exactly what you gain and how much you lose by playing this variation of the game.
First of all, there is no “don’t pass” bet in this game. Additionally, the rules for the “pass” bet are different—11 is not an automatic winner. This may not seem like a big deal, but the odds speak volumes. Essentially, by playing this variation, you give up one sure winner for three potential losers—not a great trade-off. That is not the only issue, though; the house edge in this game is about five times higher.
Overall, it may seem as though you are winning a lot while playing, but when it is time to cash out, the house edge will catch up with you. Some features of the game are better, but they all come at a price. Additionally, you will not encounter this game very often. It is available in only one casino in Las Vegas, for instance, which should give you an idea of just how rare Crapless Craps is. Nonetheless, the game has grown quite popular, and people do seek it out. It is certainly exciting to play, but you really need to consider the house edge.
High Point Craps
This is another variation of craps that seems alluring and more profitable but actually has a higher house edge—though the house edge is much lower than that of Crapless Craps. The allure lies in one modification of the rules: if 2 or 3 are rolled on the come-out roll, they are ignored, while 11 or 12 is an instant winner.
The key difference between standard craps and this version is that once you have set a point, you must roll a higher number to win. You can find this version both online and in land-based casinos, although it is still far rarer than standard craps. It is interesting to play, a bit refreshing perhaps, but the house edge of 2.35% takes its toll.
New York Craps
This variation of the game is quite different and even requires a different table. Despite its name, it can actually be traced back to Yugoslavia. The game is mostly played in the UK and on the East Coast of the US. The key difference is that it does not allow “come” and “don’t come” bets. Players bet directly on one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. If your number is rolled, you win; if not, you lose.
As we already mentioned, the table here is different—it is a double-end-dealer table. There are two dealers at the two ends of it, a stickman, and a lookman. The layout of the table is slightly different, too, as the available bets differ. Other than that, the game pays true odds. As you may have guessed, the different bets and table are not the only things that set this variation apart—the commission is 5%.
Simplified Craps
As the name suggests, this variation is far simpler than the regular game of craps. The rules are entirely different and the usual bets are basically gone, so we can safely say that this is a game for beginners. Still, it is highly unlikely to help someone understand Bank Craps because the two are light-years apart.
The way to win here is by rolling specific numbers. If the player throws 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12, they win; however, if they roll 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, they lose. That seems simple enough, but when you consider that the most frequently rolled numbers—because of the wider range of combinations—are precisely the losing numbers, you may want to reconsider playing. Not only that, but the house edge is higher in this game too—2.8%.
Basically, all variations have their positives and negatives, and, in the end, your style of play will determine which matter more. As long as you are not playing craps in some back alley, you are bound to have some fun. Moreover, regardless of the house edge, you can still make some money if you place smart bets.
Die Rich Craps
Die Rich Craps is not among the most widely available variants of the table classic, and it was available for only a very short time at Luxor Casino, Las Vegas. The brain behind this craps version is Ken Coleman, who has worked as a dealer in one of Nevada’s casinos.
This variant of the all-time favorite table classic has several outstanding features. First and foremost, players should pay close attention to the table, which is nothing like that used in regular craps games. When they join a table where this version is played, gambling enthusiasts will see small blackjack-esque layouts. Another distinctive trait of Die Rich Craps is that just one die is used in the game.
As with the lion’s share of craps variants, the outcome for the thrower will determine whether the other players win or lose.
Die Rich Craps is exceptionally easy to play, but gambling enthusiasts should remember that the game moves at a fast pace. Still, this does not mean total craps novices should steer clear of it, as the available betting options are fewer than in regular variants, which makes it a perfect fit for less-experienced players.
As with standard craps, the first toss of the die is called the come-out roll. One of the biggest differences in this variant is that one number is an instant winner, one number craps out Pass Line bets, and only four numbers establish a point.
The instant winner in Die Rich is 6, while the number that craps out is 1. If the shooter throws 2, 3, 4, or 5, a point is established and play continues as it does in regular craps. If a point number appears, the shooter gets to throw again and, if the same number is thrown, the shooter wins. The shooter may throw the die three times; if the point number does not appear, the bet is lost. The same happens if 1 turns up before the shooter succeeds in throwing the point number.
Players’ bets will also be resolved as losing ones if four rolls are completed, the come-out roll included, and the bet has not yet been settled.
| Event | Payout |
|---|---|
| If six is rolled on the come-out roll | 1:1 |
| If the point number comes out on the second throw | 2:1 |
| If the point number is thrown on the third roll | 1:1 |
| If the point number comes out on the fourth roll | 2:1 |
| In all other cases | The bet is settled as a losing one |
The probability of winning is another thing players should consider before diving into Die Rich Craps. The chances of winning on the come-out roll are 0.166667, while the probabilities of winning on the second and third rolls are 0.111111 and 0.074074, respectively. The probability of winning on the fourth roll is 0.049383.
Card-Based Variations
Some states in the US prohibit games whose outcome is determined solely by the roll of dice. If you are thinking that the casinos there simply stopped offering craps, think again. Naturally, cards were included in the game, either in addition to the dice or completely substituting for them. There are no distinct, separate variations with fixed sets of rules, so we will simply go over the few versions we found. The main distinction between them is whether dice are used at all, so that is how we will categorize them.
Diceless Craps
One variation uses two shoes that feature 44 decks containing only ace-through-six cards. One card from each deck is dealt, and together they represent the roll. However, since a card-counting scheme is easily devised this way, some casinos deal only about 50% of the decks to protect the house.
Another variation employs continuous shuffling machines (CSMs). They usually hold up to 264 cards, which amount to 44 decks stripped down to aces through sixes. Despite the constant shuffling, playing with cards still gives players an edge. This way there are only a limited number of possible combinations. So, if a player simply keeps score, it is fairly easy to make some money from this game.
Craps With Both Cards and Dice
Some variations include both cards and dice—two decks and two dice. In one version, one deck is red, the other blue, and the same applies to the dice. Each deck is usually shuffled by a CSM, and six cards are dealt. They are placed in slots numbered 1 to 6, and the roll of the dice determines which card is selected.
Another variation also uses the colors red and blue but in a different manner. The decks have 36 custom cards. Each card shows a dice combination, from 1-1 to 6-6. Two cards are removed from the decks and two dice are rolled. The dice are not regular; they are designed so that no pairs can occur. One die always has a higher value, and that determines which card is revealed and used. There is a prop bet in one such variation: if one of the cards shows a 1-1 pair, then the other shows a 6-6 pair. This bet pays out 500:1, though in reality the odds are 647:1.
Variations You Can Find Online
Usually, you will find only a few craps games at an online casino. The game is still very popular, but people prefer the standard variation—Bank Craps, referred to simply as Craps. You can occasionally find other variations online too, but they are not very common. Live casinos tend to have more options, but at the moment the variety in online craps comes more from software providers than from rule variations.
Each software provider has its own signature, as you probably know, which makes each game unique in that sense. The rules are always standard; however, the layouts differ, as do animation, graphics, and sound. Naturally, the flow of the game is highly important too.
Playtech is another leader in the industry and offers some of the most noteworthy online table games. The craps game by this supplier stands out because it allows players to view their entire roll history. The graphics are great, but there is one more thing that sets it apart from other online craps games—the dice. They are enormous for some reason, but the effect is fun rather than annoying. This online craps game also offers better payouts than those in a land-based casino.
RTG, or Realtime Gaming, has developed a game of craps with stunning graphics that runs seamlessly. However, if you use the full-screen option, the graphics suffer because the game is simply magnified. In addition, the game has a higher commission than most and lower payouts, though those depend on the casino you are playing at. If you find the right casino, we recommend giving it a try.
Of course, live games by various software suppliers, including some of those mentioned above, can be found in most casinos. If you are looking for a more life-like craps experience, you can go ahead and try your luck at one of the tables. You will be able to find the odds and the house edge in the game itself. One big positive of live craps games is that, just like in a land-based casino, you can simply watch and then decide whether to play. Conversely, you can try most online variations of craps for free, which is quite the plus side too.
Conclusion
All in all, the variations of craps one can find in both land-based casinos and online are plentiful. A large portion of the deviations from the standard have more downsides than Bank Craps. However, some of those variations are more enjoyable or easier to understand.
Playing craps online might be a better choice given the odds and payouts; then again, the allure of craps often lies in the excitement the game generates in land-based casinos. That is one of the main reasons players are drawn to it: the euphoria carried from the craps tables is simply intoxicating.
Ultimately, it depends solely on the type of play you are looking for. If you just want to have a good time, any game will do. If you enjoy being part of a crowd, try playing in land-based casinos. If you aim to make serious money, you will need to find either the right casino or the right online game.
In any case, it is not really about the variation; it is about the player and the casino. Consider the key differences between each variation of craps and try the one that seems most appealing to you. Just remember to play responsibly.