Crapless Craps: Is This Craps Variation Any Good?

Are you tired of playing the same classic craps games at the casino? Then Crapless Craps (a.k.a Craps No More) might be just what you’re looking for! 

This unique variation of the classic dice game offers a fresh twist on the traditional rules, with the added excitement of not “crapping out” on the come out roll. 

Key Takeaways: Crapless Craps

1. Introduction to Crapless Craps: A variation of traditional craps where the shooter doesn’t “crap out” on the come-out roll by rolling a 2, 3, or 12, offering a twist on the classic game.
2. Gameplay Changes: This version eliminates “don’t” bets like don’t pass and don’t come, focusing on “point” numbers 4 through 10, altering the strategy and odds from regular craps.
3. Table Layout: The Crapless Craps table layout is similar to standard craps but excludes craps numbers (2, 3, 12) from the table, and it doesn’t feature Don’t Pass bar or Don’t Come box, catering to a different betting strategy.
4. Comparing Crapless to Regular Craps: The key difference is the shooter’s ability to avoid losing on the come-out roll for certain numbers. However, the payout adjustments and the lack of “don’t” betting options might affect the overall player advantage.
5. Is It Worth Playing?: While the game offers excitement with the elimination of the come-out loss on craps numbers, the adjusted payouts and restricted betting options may not favor the player compared to traditional craps.
6. Payouts and House Edge: The game features unique payouts for numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12 but comes with a higher house edge, especially on free odds bets, making it less favorable than classic craps in the long run.
7. Tips for Playing: Beginners are advised to familiarize themselves with the payouts and house edge differences before playing. Starting with smaller bets can help manage the risk as you get accustomed to the game’s nuances.

What is Crapless Craps?

Crapless Craps is a variation of the classic casino game of craps. It is also known as “Never Ever Craps” or “No Craps.” It initially appeared in the early days of Las Vegas and is still popular today at some casinos.

In this version of the game, the shooter (the player rolling the dice) does not “crap out” (roll a 2, 3, or 12) on the come out roll (the first roll of the game).

This craps version does not offer the “don’t” betting options such as don’t pass, don’t come, or lay bets. 

While it is possible to make normal place bets and 4 through 10 bets in Crapless Craps, it is not possible to hedge these bets in the same way as in regular craps. 

While Crapless Craps might sound exciting, I still recommend mastering how to play the regular version. It is way better in terms of odds and player advantage.

The Crapless Craps Table Layout

The layout of a Crapless Craps table is similar to a regular craps table, with a few differences. The main difference is that the “craps” numbers (2, 3, and 12) are not marked on the table.

Instead, the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 are the “point” numbers in Crapless Craps.

The layout of a Crapless Craps table is a little longer than a regular craps table because it displays all eleven numbers (2 through 6, and 8 through 12) in the same location as a regular craps table shows only six-point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10). 

However, Crapless tables do not have the Don’t Pass bar, Don’t Come box or areas for lay bets on each number.

This lack of dark-side betting options may discourage “Darksiders” from playing Crapless Craps. These players typically make money on Don’t Pass, Don’t Come, and Lay bets. 

Additionally, the inability to make lay bets means it is impossible to use them as hedge bets to protect your place and buy bets. 

It’s worth noting that Crapless Craps tables also feature Bonus and prop bets in the middle of the table.

Crapless vs Regular Craps – A Quick Comparison

One of the main differences between Crapless Craps and regular craps is that the shooter does not crap out on the come out roll in Crapless Craps. 

In regular craps, if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the come out roll, the game is over, and the shooter loses. 

In Crapless Craps, the shooter continues to roll until they either roll one of the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) or a 7.

Another difference is that the payouts for the various bets in Crapless Craps are slightly different than in regular craps. 

For example, the payout for rolling a 4 or 10 in Crapless Craps is typically 9:5, while in regular craps, it generally is 2:1.

Is Crapless Craps Actually Worth It?

One of the main advantages of Crapless Craps is that the shooter has a slightly better chance of winning on the come out roll, since they do not crap out on a 2, 3, or 12. 

This makes the game more exciting for some players.

However, there are also some cons to playing Crapless Craps. The payouts for many of the bets are slightly lower in Crapless Craps than in regular craps, making the game less profitable for players. 

Additionally, some players may find the absence of the “craps” numbers on the table confusing or intimidating.

Crapless Craps Bet Payouts

In Crapless Craps, the payouts for buying and hitting the 2 or 12 are 6 to 1. However, a 5% vig (a fee for placing the bet) must be paid on the minimum buy bet of $20 or more to buy each number. 

The Free Odds Bets House Edge in Crapless Version

You have the option to take advantage of free odds on the numbers 2 and 12, with a payout of 6-1, and on the numbers 3 and 11, with a payout of 3-1.

The table below illustrates the house edge when combining the pass line bet with these odds:

As you can see, the house edge decreases as the odds increase. This means that the more you bet on odds, the lower the house edge becomes.

The odds of repeating 2 or 12 to win one of these bets on any given roll is 1 in 36.

The best part about these bets is that they stay up until they are won, or the turn ends with a losing 7, so players may get multiple opportunities to win, unlike the hop or horn bets in regular craps. 

However, the odds of losing the bet to a 7 rolling are 1 in 6 on every roll.

Similarly, the payouts for buying and hitting the 3 or 11 in Crapless Craps are 3 to 1. Again, a 5% vig must be paid on the minimum buy bet of $20 or more to buy each number. 

The odds of repeating the 3 or 11 to win one of these bets on any given roll is 2 in 36 for each.

Like the 2 or 12 bets, the buy bets on the 3 or 11 stay up until they are won, or the turn ends with a losing 7, giving players multiple opportunities to win. 

However, the odds of losing the bet to a 7 rolling are 1 in 6 on every roll.

Place Bets and Buy Bets in Crapless Craps

In addition to traditional bets, you have the option to place bets on the numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12.

The payout for a winning bet on the 2 or 12 is 11-2, with a house edge of 7.143%. Similarly, a winning bet on the 3 or 11 pays out 11-4, with a house edge of 6.250%. It is important to note that there is no option for a don’t pass bet in this game.

Another option for betting is to make buy bets on the points of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, which have the same odds as regular craps.

The following table displays the odds for place bets on the numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12. Some players claim that commission is only charged on wins in Mississippi, but for the sake of information, the table includes commission for both wins and losses:

Buy Bets in Crapless Craps

It’s worth noting that all other payouts in Crapless Craps are the same as in regular craps.

5 Tips for Playing Crapless Craps

1. Familiarize yourself with the different bet payouts before you start playing. This will help you make informed betting decisions and maximize your chances of winning.
2. Practice playing Crapless Craps online or at home before heading to the casino. This will allow you to get comfortable with the game and understand the rules and strategies.
3. Consider starting with smaller bets until you get a feel for the game. This will help you minimize your losses if you’re not having a good day.
4. Don’t Bet the Pass Line. Unless you are the shooter, the pass line bet is not worth it.
5. You can place and buy bets on the numbers just like in normal craps. 

My Favorite Crapless Craps Strategies

Here are some effective strategies tailored for Crapless Craps:

1. Prioritize Pass Line Bets: Although Crapless Craps removes the risk of losing on the come out roll due to crapping out, the house edge remains high. However, the Pass Line bet, due to its simplicity and the removal of the crapping out risk, can be a decent starting point for players.
2. Opt for Place Bets on 6 and 8: Since these numbers have a higher probability of being rolled (5 out of 36 rolls), placing bets on 6 and 8 could lead to more frequent wins. Despite the altered dynamics in Crapless Craps, these bets maintain a relatively lower house edge compared to other numbers.
3. Avoid Proposition Bets: These bets might seem tempting due to their high payouts, but they come with a significantly higher house edge. Sticking to more traditional bets like Pass Line and Place Bets is generally a more sustainable strategy.
4. Leverage Free Odds Bets: If the casino allows, adding free odds to your Pass Line bet can reduce the overall house edge on your total wager. The more you can put on odds, the lower the effective house edge becomes.
5. Manage Your Bankroll Wisely: Given the higher house edge in Crapless Craps, effective bankroll management becomes even more crucial. Set a budget for each session, stick to it, and avoid the temptation to chase losses.
6. Stay Informed About Payouts: Crapless Craps has different payouts for numbers compared to traditional craps. Familiarize yourself with these payouts to make informed betting decisions.
7. Practice Discipline: The key to enjoying and potentially succeeding in any casino game is discipline. Know when to walk away, whether you’re ahead or have reached your loss limit.

What Will You Choose: Crapless or Not?

Now you know that Crapless Craps is a fun and exciting variation of the classic game of craps.

While it does have a few differences from regular craps, it is still easy to learn and can be a lot of fun for players of all skill levels. 

Just familiarize yourself with the rules and payouts before you start playing, and have a good time!

Crapless Craps Frequently Asked Questions