Craps Games and Variations
| Updated: Craps Variations 101
Craps is a game of chance that has been around for centuries and has undergone numerous changes over time. Some remained, while others evolved into entirely new variations. These versions developed in different parts 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.”
These variations usually have different names or are noticeably different in one way or another. Some are governed by different rules, others have unique bets, and some even use different tables. There have been many variations of the game over the years, including the notorious Floating Craps, but few have survived to the present day. This is because not all of them were practical or developed in a sustainable direction.
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The variations that have survived are interesting and worth exploring. Some are clever, while others focus on simplicity. In any case, they are all worth a look if you are a craps enthusiast. Most of the variations listed here can also be found online, along with numerous articles about them. Despite that, they remain somewhat obscure to casual gamblers, so this article will attempt to bring them to light.
Most Popular Craps Variations
The origins of craps are unclear, and no one can say exactly how far back the game dates. However, we do know how it became the game we recognize today. Much of the development that led to changes in the game’s rules and name took place in the United States around 1807. Jean-Bernard Xavier Philippe de Marigny de Mandeville was the man who first introduced the game to the United States, specifically Louisiana. The game was not accepted by his peers because he was a nobleman, but common people embraced it.
The game was once called “hazard,” but that name was lost during de Marigny’s journey home, and people began calling it “crabs.” Londoners used this term to refer to the numbers two and three on the dice. The people of Louisiana pronounced it as “craps,” and the name was born. The game has also been referred to as “crap.”
From that point, the so-called Floating Craps tables were introduced. These were illegal, foldable, and easily transportable craps tables that operators could quickly move if the police arrived. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas even placed a floating craps table in one of its swimming pools as a joke. Now, let us look at some genuine variations of craps.
Bank Craps
This is the most common variation of craps and is usually referred to simply as “craps.” It has been adopted as the standard variation by casinos worldwide and was developed specifically for casino play. The game once had a reputation as a trick used by street con artists because it was often rigged. Ground rules had to be established, and because standardized dice did not yet exist, the game was frequently unfair, whether in the casino’s favor or the player’s if the player brought their own dice. This continued until uniform casino dice were created and accepted.
After that, casinos added the final touches to the game, including distinctive bets and commissions. What had been a player-versus-player game also became a player-versus-casino game once casinos adopted it. That is why this version is also called Casino Craps or Vegas Craps. Its key features include two dice, a dealer, a stickman, and the rules and layout now accepted as the general standard. You can read more about these features in one of our other articles.
Crapless Craps
The name may sound paradoxical because you cannot lose a pass bet on the come-out roll. It may sound too good to be true, so let us clarify what you gain and what you give up by playing this variation.
First, there is no “don’t pass” bet in this game. The rules for the “pass” bet are also different because 11 is not an automatic winner. This may not seem significant, but the odds tell a different story. By playing this variation, you essentially give up one certain winner for three potential losers, which is not a favorable trade-off. That is not the only issue, as the house edge in this game is about five times higher.
You may feel as though you are winning frequently while playing, but the house edge can catch up with you when it is time to cash out. Some features of the game are more favorable, but they come at a price. You will not encounter this game very often. It is available in only one casino in Las Vegas, for instance, which indicates how rare Crapless Craps is. Nonetheless, the game has become quite popular, and some players seek it out. It is certainly exciting to play, but you should carefully consider the house edge.
High Point Craps
This is another craps variation that may seem appealing and more profitable but actually has a higher house edge, although the house edge is much lower than that of Crapless Craps. Its appeal comes from one rule modification: if 2 or 3 is rolled on the come-out roll, the result is ignored, while 11 or 12 is an instant winner.
The key difference between standard craps and this version is that once you have established 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 much rarer than standard craps. It is interesting and offers a change of pace, but the house edge of 2.35% takes its toll.
New York Craps
This variation is quite different and even requires a different table. Despite its name, it can 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” or “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 mentioned, this version uses a different table, specifically a double-ended dealer table. There are two dealers, one at each end, as well as a stickman and a lookman. The table layout is also slightly different because the available bets differ. Otherwise, the game pays true odds. As you may have guessed, the different bets and table are not the only features that set this variation apart. The commission is 5%.
Simplified Craps
As the name suggests, this variation is much simpler than regular craps. The rules are entirely different, and the usual bets are largely absent, so this is a game for beginners. However, it is unlikely to help someone understand Bank Craps because the two games differ substantially.
The goal is to roll 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 may sound simple, but the most frequently rolled numbers, due to their greater number of possible combinations, are precisely the losing numbers. This may make you reconsider playing. The house edge is also higher in this game at 2.8%.
All variations have their advantages and disadvantages, and your playing style will ultimately determine which factors matter most. As long as you are not playing craps in a back alley, you are likely to have some fun. Regardless of the house edge, you may still win money by placing smart bets.
Die Rich Craps
Die Rich Craps is not among the most widely available variants of this classic table game, and it was available at Luxor Casino in Las Vegas for only a short time. This craps variation was created by Ken Coleman, who has worked as a dealer at a Nevada casino.
This version has several distinctive features. First, the table differs significantly from those used for regular craps games. Players joining a table where this version is offered will see small, blackjack-style layouts. Another key difference is that Die Rich Craps uses only one die.
As with most craps variants, the thrower’s outcome determines whether the other players win or lose.
Die Rich Craps is exceptionally easy to play, but players should remember that the game moves quickly. However, this does not mean that complete beginners should avoid it. The game offers fewer betting options than regular variants, making it suitable for less-experienced players.
As in standard craps, the first toss of the die is called the come-out roll. One of the biggest differences is that one number is an instant winner, one number causes Pass Line bets to lose, and only four numbers establish a point.
The instant winner in Die Rich Craps is 6, while the number that causes Pass Line bets to lose is 1. If the shooter throws 2, 3, 4, or 5, a point is established, and play continues as it does in regular craps. Once a point is established, the shooter throws again and wins if the same number appears. The shooter may throw the die three times. If the point number does not appear, the bet is lost. The bet is also lost if 1 appears before the shooter succeeds in throwing the point number.
Players’ bets are also resolved as losses if four rolls, including the come-out roll, are completed without the bet being settled.
| Event | Payout |
|---|---|
| If 6 is rolled on the come-out roll | 1:1 |
| If the point number appears on the second throw | 2:1 |
| If the point number is thrown on the third roll | 1:1 |
| If the point number appears on the fourth roll | 2:1 |
| In all other cases | The bet is settled as a loss |
The probability of winning is another factor players should consider before trying Die Rich Craps. The chance of winning on the come-out roll is 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 outcomes are determined solely by rolling dice. If you think casinos in those states simply stopped offering craps, think again. Cards were incorporated into the game, either alongside the dice or as a complete substitute for them. There are no distinct variations with fixed sets of rules, so we will review the versions we found. The main distinction is whether dice are used at all, so that is how we will categorize them.
Diceless Craps
One variation uses two shoes containing 44 decks made up only of cards from ace through six. One card from each deck is dealt, and together they represent the roll. However, because a card-counting system can be devised relatively easily, some casinos deal only about 50% of the decks to protect the house.
Another variation uses continuous shuffling machines (CSMs). They usually hold up to 264 cards, equivalent to 44 decks stripped down to aces through sixes. Despite the constant shuffling, playing with cards still gives players an edge. There is only a limited number of possible combinations. Therefore, if a player keeps track of the cards, it is relatively easy to make money from this game.
Craps With Both Cards and Dice
Some variations use both cards and dice, specifically two decks and two dice. In one version, one deck is red and the other is blue, with the dice using the same colors. Each deck is usually shuffled by a CSM, and six cards are dealt. The cards are placed in slots numbered 1 through 6, and the roll of the dice determines which card is selected.
Another variation also uses red and blue but in a different way. The decks contain 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. These are not regular dice; they are designed so that no pairs can occur. One die always has a higher value, which determines the card that is revealed and used. One such variation includes a prop bet: if one of the cards shows a 1-1 pair, the other shows a 6-6 pair. This bet pays 500:1, although the actual odds are 647:1.
Variations You Can Find Online
You will usually find only a few craps games at an online casino. The game remains popular, but many people prefer the standard variation, Bank Craps, which is generally referred to simply as Craps. You can occasionally find other variations online, but they are not very common. Live casinos tend to offer more options, but the variety in online craps currently comes more from software providers than from variations in the rules.
Each software provider has its own style, which makes each game feel different. The rules are generally standard. However, the layouts, animations, graphics, and sounds differ. The pace and flow of the game are also important.
Playtech is another industry leader and offers several noteworthy online table games. The supplier’s craps game stands out because it allows players to view their complete roll history. The graphics are impressive, but the dice provide another distinguishing feature. They are unusually large, but the effect is more entertaining than distracting. This online craps game also offers better payouts than those available in a land-based casino.
RTG, or Realtime Gaming, has developed a craps game with impressive graphics that runs smoothly. However, the graphics lose quality in full-screen mode because the game is simply magnified. The game also has a higher commission than most and lower payouts, although these depend on the casino where you play. If you find the right casino, it may be worth trying.
Live games from various software suppliers, including some mentioned above, can be found at most casinos. If you want a more lifelike craps experience, you can try your luck at one of the tables. You will be able to find the odds and house edge within the game itself. One advantage of live craps is that, as in a land-based casino, you can watch the game before deciding whether to play. Conversely, you can try most online craps variations for free, which is another advantage.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many craps variations available in both land-based and online casinos. Many departures from the standard game have more disadvantages than Bank Craps. However, some variations are more entertaining or easier to understand.
Playing craps online may be a better choice in terms of odds and payouts. However, much of the appeal of craps comes from the excitement generated in land-based casinos. This is one of the main reasons players are drawn to it, as the atmosphere around a busy craps table can be exhilarating.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on the type of experience you want. If you simply want to have a good time, any of these games may be suitable. If you enjoy being part of a crowd, consider playing in a land-based casino. If your priority is winning money, you will need to find the right casino or online game.
In any case, the choice is not just about the variation; it also depends on the player and the casino. Consider the key differences between each craps variation and try the one that appeals to you most. Remember to play responsibly.