Welcome to our guide on craps games and variations! If you want to learn more about this exciting and dynamic game, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the most popular craps games, including some card-based variations you may not have heard of before.
Top 9 Craps Variants: A Quick Summary
- Bank Craps: The standard version found in most casinos worldwide, emphasizing player vs. casino dynamics with uniform dice and specific betting rules.
- Crapless Craps: Eliminates the possibility of “crapping out” on the come-out roll but adjusts the odds and removes “don’t” betting options, leading to a higher house edge.
- Shoot to Win (Bubble Craps): An electronic version that makes the game accessible to beginners with lower table minimums and detailed game information.
- High Point Craps: Ignores rolls of 2 and 3 on the come-out and requires rolling a point higher than the established number to win, offering a different challenge.
- New York Craps: Features a different table setup without Come/Don’t Come bets and charges a 5% commission on winnings, which impacts strategy.
- Simplified Craps: Streamlines betting options and the table layout to make the game easier for newcomers to learn and play.
- Die Rich Craps: Uses a single die, offering a unique twist on traditional gameplay with its own set of rules and betting options.
- Card-Based Craps Variations: Utilizes cards instead of dice to determine outcomes, common in California casinos due to legal restrictions on dice games.
- Diceless Craps: Employs cards or a random number generator in place of dice, providing an alternative gameplay experience.
Craps Overview: What Is The Game All About?
Before we dive in, let’s start with a brief overview of craps for those who may not be familiar with the game. Craps is a dice game typically played in a casino setting, although it can also be played at home or online.
The game involves betting on the outcome of the roll of a pair of dice. Players can bet on the number that will be rolled or on combinations of numbers. The game has many different bet types, each with odds and payouts.
Now that you understand craps let’s have a deeper look at some of the most popular craps variations.
Most Popular Craps Variations
The game of craps itself has an unclear beginning. It has yet to be determined how far back it dates. However, we know how it became the game we know today.
Most of the development that led to the change of the game’s rules and name happened in the United States of America around 1807.
Jean-Bernard Xavier Philippe de Marigny de Mandeville was the man who first introduced the game to the States, namely Louisiana. His peers did not accept the game as he was a nobleman, amongst other things; however, the common people took to it.
The game used to be called ‘hazard,’ but that got lost somewhere on de Marigny’s way back home, and people started calling the game ‘crabs.’ This was the term Londoners used to refer to the numbers two and three.
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 invented.
Those were illegal craps tables, foldable and easily transportable, in case the operator needed to abruptly go for a jog at the sound of police sirens.
The Sands Hotel in Las Vegas even placed an actual floating craps table in one of their swimming pools as a joke during the 1950s and 1960s.
So, now let us look at some genuine variations of the game of craps.
Bank Craps
Bank Craps is the most common variation of craps and is usually called ‘craps.’ This is because it has been accepted as a uniform variation by casinos worldwide and was developed precisely for casinos.
The game used to be regarded as a cheap trick of street con artists because it was usually rigged.
Some ground rules had to be set, and since this game had been around for a long time, there were no uniform dice, so the game was, once again, usually rigged.
Be it in the casino’s favor or the player’s – that is, if he brought his own dice – the game was unfair. It kept going this way until the uniform dice for casinos were finally created and accepted.
After that, the casinos added some final touches to the game, some distinctive bets, and commissions. Additionally, the game was a player versus player type, so when casinos took to it, the game became player versus the casino.
That is why this version of the game is also called Casino Craps or Vegas Craps. The key points are that two dice are used, a dealer, a stickman, rules, and a layout that we all have come to accept as the general standard.
Try the free bank craps simulator and check out the real deal with no risk involved!
Crapless Craps
Crapless Craps is a variation of craps less popular than Bank Craps. The game’s name may seem paradoxical – you cannot lose a pass bet on the come out roll.
But, there’s a catch.
There is no ‘don’t pass’ bet in this variation, and the rules for the ‘pass’ bet are different – 11 is not a sure winner.
This may not seem like a big deal, but the odds speak for themselves. By playing this variation, you give up one sure winner for 3 losers.
Additionally, the house edge is about 5 times higher.
While it seems like you have won a lot while playing this game, you will find that the house edge will cost you when it is time to cash out.
Shoot to Win (a.k.a Bubble Craps)
As you spend time in casinos, you may have encountered a Shoot to Win Craps machine. The large, bouncing dice create quite the spectacle. The game is also known informally as “bubble craps” machines.
Craps can be intimidating for some, as the jargon and fast pace of the game can be a little off-putting. The table layout and bets can take some time to learn, so many just watch and move on to a game they’re more comfortable with.
However, Shoot to Win Craps makes craps accessible to everyone and provides many benefits for more experienced players.
First, the table minimum at Shoot to Win Craps is $5, possibly less. At a real craps table, minimums can be much more, especially on the Las Vegas Strip.
Additionally, the game provides convenient information about the basics of craps and how betting works on the Shoot to Win Craps game.
This makes it easy for you to learn craps basics before you ever bet a penny.
Once you’re ready to dive in, you’ll see a layout with all the features of a real craps table. Your bets are always paid off flawlessly, with no dealer error.
You can play your own game, so nobody’s giving you nasty looks if you bet against the shooter or the table. You can also call off, or cancel, all your bets at any time without screwing with the mojo of the table.
Other benefits of an electronic game include a roll history, much like that on displays at roulette tables. Some gamblers love that function, although dice have no memory, and past rolls do not affect future rolls.
The machine also keeps track of how many rolls a shooter has had in a row, which is a huge benefit.
It’s also a huge benefit to play at your own pace. With Shoot to Win Craps, you can pull down all your bets and sit there, sipping on your free martini, until you feel like betting again.
This simple part of the game has allowed many players to walk away as a winner.
However, there are some negatives to bubble craps. There are no chips, and you don’t get to touch the dice. Fanatical craps players may miss that aspect of the game.
Additionally, the pace of Shoot to Win Craps is fairly fast, so it may not be suitable for those who prefer a slower game.
Despite these negatives, Shoot to Win Craps is a fun and accessible way for players of all levels to enjoy the game of craps.
High Point Craps
High Point Craps is a variation of craps that is played with a different set of rules for determining a winner. In this variation, the goal is to roll a specific number before rolling a 7.
The highest point determines the specific number rolled on the come out roll.
For example, if the come out roll is a 5 and a 3, the highest point is 5, and the goal is to roll a 5 before rolling a 7. This variation is less common than others and is typically only found in certain casinos.
You may find this variation of craps to be quite favorable as the numbers 2 and 3 are ignored on the come-out roll and the dice are returned to be thrown again.
You directly win if you succeed in throwing an 11 or a 12.
Any other total is established as the point number and you are required to roll a total that is larger than the point number in order to win the roll.
High Point Craps offers even money pay-offs, and the house edge for the game is 2.35%.
New York Craps
New York Craps is a variation of craps that is played with a different set of rules for determining a winner. In this variation, the goal is to roll a specific number before rolling a 7.
Furthermore, the table setup of the New York variant is diffrent from a traditional craps table layout. It does not offer Come and Don’t Come bets or Place and Space bets.
Players have the option to wager on numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10, however, the casino will take a 5% commission on any winnings, resulting in a 5% house edge.
Simplified Craps
Simplified Craps is a variation of craps designed to be easier to understand and play. In this variation, there are fewer betting options and a simpler layout.
This variation is often used for teaching new players how to play craps.
Die Rich Craps
Die Rich Craps is a variation of craps that is played with a different set of rules for determining a winner. In this variation, the goal is to roll a specific number before rolling a 7.
The highest point determines the specific number rolled on the come out roll. For example, if the come out roll is a 5 and a 3, the highest point is 5, and the goal is to roll a 5 before rolling a 7.
Card-Based Variations
Several card-based variations of craps have been developed.
These variations use cards instead of dice to determine the game’s outcome. These variations are not as common as traditional craps and are typically only found in certain casinos, especially in California.
Explore the different variants of playing craps with cards in my dedicated article.
Diceless Craps
Diceless Craps is a variation of craps that is played without dice. Instead, cards or a random number generator determine the game’s outcome.
This variation is not as common as traditional craps and is typically only found in certain casinos.
Craps With Both Cards and Dice
This variation of craps is played with both cards and dice.
The dice roll determines the game’s outcome, and the cards dealt. This variation is not as common as traditional craps and is typically only found in certain casinos.
Craps Variations You Can Play Online
When it comes to online craps, you’ll usually only find a few variations at an online casino. While the game is still very popular, people prefer the standard variation, also known as Bank Craps or simply Craps.
However, it is possible to find other variations online, although this is not all that common.
Live casinos tend to have more options, but currently, the variety of online craps games is more about the software provider than the actual variation of the game.
Each software provider has a unique style, so each game is distinct. The rules are always standard, but the layouts, animation, graphics, and sound can vary. The flow of the game is also important.
- Microgaming is one software provider that stands out, known for its top-quality games. The layout of the craps table in their games is styled slightly differently and has a more Vegas-like experience. Additionally, some of the bets have higher payouts than usual.
- Playtech is another industry leader with some of the most notable online table games. Their craps game stands out because it allows players to view their entire roll history. The graphics are excellent, but there’s another thing that sets it apart from other online craps games – the dice are huge! While this might seem strange, it’s quite fun. This online craps game also has better payouts than land-based casinos.
- Realtime Gaming (RTG) has developed a craps game with stunning graphics and smooth gameplay. However, using the full-screen option, the graphics can get lost as the game is magnified. In addition, the game has a higher commission than most and lower payouts (although these can vary depending on the casino you’re playing at). If you find the right casino, we recommend giving it a try.
Live craps games by various software providers, including some of the mentioned above, can also be found at most casinos.
If you want a more realistic craps experience, try your luck at one of the live tables. You’ll be able to find the odds and house edge in the game itself.
One big advantage of live craps games is that, just like in a land-based casino, you can watch and decide whether you want to play.
On the other hand, you can try most online craps variations for free, which is a definite plus.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of the different craps games and variations.
From Bank Craps, the most common variation played in casinos worldwide, to unique variations like Diceless Craps and Virtual Reality Craps that can only be found online.
Each variation offers different rules, betting options, and difficulty levels. Understanding the different variations and their rules is important before deciding which one to play.
So why not try one of these variations and see how you fare? You may discover a new favorite way to play this classic game.
Craps Games Frequently Asked Questions
The basic rules of craps involve players betting on the outcome of a roll of two dice. Players can bet on the outcome of a single roll, or a series of rolls. The player who is rolling the dice is called the “shooter.”
It is subjective whether craps is better than blackjack, as both games have their own unique features and strategies. Learn more about craps vs other games from this guide.
The game of craps is believed to have originated from the game of Hazard, a British game that was played in the medieval era. The name “craps” may have come from the French word “crabs,” which was slang for the number two.
The numbers 7 and 11 have special significance in craps as they are the only numbers that result in an automatic win on the come-out roll.
Craps can be easy to learn for some players, but the variety of bets available can make it a bit more complex than other casino games.
Craps is popular because it is a fast-paced and exciting game that can be played by a large number of players at the same time. The game also offers a variety of betting options and the potential for large payouts.
Craps is considered fun because it is a social game that is played with a group of people, and the excitement of the game increases as the players cheer each other on. Additionally, the game has a lot of action and the potential for big payouts which adds to the excitement.