Craps is a popular dice game that’s known for its fast-paced action and exciting atmosphere, especially in casinos. While the classic version of craps, known as “Bank Craps” or “Casino Craps,” is the most commonly played version worldwide, there are several other variations of the game that offer different rules, betting options, and gameplay experiences. Exploring these different versions can add new excitement to your craps experience, whether you’re playing in a land-based casino or online.
Craps Variations: Exploring Different Versions of the Game
Here are some of the most popular variations of craps, each with its unique twist on the traditional game.
1. Bank Craps (Casino Craps)
Bank Craps, also known simply as “craps,” is the standard version of the game played in most casinos. It involves players betting against the house, with a variety of bets available on the outcome of the dice rolls. The game begins with a “come-out” roll, and the objective is to roll a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and then roll the same number again before rolling a 7.
Key Features:
- Players bet against the house.
- A wide range of bets, including Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, Don’t Come, Odds bets, and more.
- The house edge can vary depending on the bets chosen.
- Played with two dice, and the layout includes multiple betting areas.
Why Play Bank Craps? This version offers the most comprehensive betting options and is great for players who enjoy a mix of strategy and chance. It’s also the version most players are familiar with, making it easy to find in both land-based and online casinos.
2. Street Craps
Street Craps is a simplified, informal version of the game that is often played outside of traditional casino settings. Unlike bank craps, which requires a table with a specialized layout, street craps can be played anywhere, often on a sidewalk or a table with nothing more than two dice.
Key Features:
- No need for a special table or equipment.
- Players bet against each other rather than the house.
- Fewer betting options, usually focusing on the Pass and Don’t Pass bets.
- Often played for smaller stakes or with informal rules.
Why Play Street Craps? Street craps is ideal for casual players who want a quick, easy, and informal version of the game. It can be a fun, social way to play craps without the pressure of a casino environment.
3. Crapless Craps (Never Ever Craps)
Crapless Craps is a variation where the player cannot lose on the come-out roll by rolling a 2, 3, or 12, which are traditionally known as “craps” numbers in standard craps. In Crapless Craps, these numbers become point numbers instead, which slightly reduces the chance of losing on the come-out roll but significantly increases the house edge on the Pass Line bet.
Key Features:
- Players cannot lose on the come-out roll with 2, 3, or 12; these numbers become point numbers.
- The house edge on the Pass Line bet is higher, often around 5.38%, compared to 1.41% in standard craps.
- More difficult to win overall because more numbers can be rolled as a point.
Why Play Crapless Craps? This variation is for players who want a twist on traditional craps where they cannot lose on the come-out roll. It’s more challenging due to the higher house edge but can add an interesting dynamic to the game.
4. High Point Craps
High Point Craps is another variation that changes the rules around which numbers are considered winning or losing. In this game, a roll of 2 or 3 on the come-out roll is ignored, and the shooter must roll again. If the shooter rolls an 11 or 12, they win immediately. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “point,” and the goal is to roll a higher number before rolling a 7.
Key Features:
- Rolling a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll has no effect; the shooter rolls again.
- Rolling an 11 or 12 on the come-out roll results in an automatic win.
- After a point is established, the shooter wins by rolling a higher number than the point before rolling a 7.
- The house edge is relatively low, around 2.35%.
Why Play High Point Craps? High Point Craps offers an interesting variation where low numbers are effectively “free rolls,” and 11 or 12 provide instant wins. This game is great for players looking for a simpler version of craps with different winning conditions.
5. Simplified Craps
Simplified Craps reduces the complexity of the traditional game by removing many of the side bets and focusing on the main bets. Players win if they roll a 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12 on the come-out roll, and lose if they roll a 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
Key Features:
- No complex bets; only the most basic outcomes are considered.
- Players win on a 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12 and lose on a 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
- Lower house edge, usually around 2.8%.
Why Play Simplified Craps? This version is perfect for beginners who are new to the game of craps and want to learn the basics without the complexity of multiple betting options.
6. Die Rich Craps
Die Rich Craps is a unique version of the game that uses only a single die instead of two. Players bet on the outcome of a single die roll, and the game has simplified rules compared to standard craps.
Key Features:
- Uses a single die instead of two.
- Players can bet on the outcome of one die roll.
- The Pass Line bet wins on a 6 and loses on a 1, while other numbers are rolled again.
- Offers a different dynamic due to the use of one die.
Why Play Die Rich Craps? Die Rich Craps offers a fun and fast-paced variation with different betting dynamics, making it suitable for players looking for a change from traditional craps.
7. New York Craps
New York Craps is a variation commonly found in East Coast casinos. It’s similar to standard craps but with a few key differences in the betting options and layout. One notable feature is the absence of “Come” and “Don’t Come” bets. Instead, players can place “Buy” and “Lay” bets directly on point numbers.
Key Features:
- No “Come” or “Don’t Come” bets.
- Uses a “double layout” table format.
- The house edge is typically higher due to the absence of Come bets.
- Focus on “Buy” and “Lay” bets with a standard 5% commission.
Why Play New York Craps? This version is ideal for players who want to try a regional variation with different betting dynamics. It’s especially popular among players who enjoy direct betting on point numbers.
8. Open Craps
Open Craps is an informal version often played outside traditional casinos, like in private games or on cruise ships. The game does not always adhere to standard casino rules, and the players may agree on different rules or betting conditions.
Key Features:
- Often played privately or in informal settings.
- Rules may vary based on the agreement of players.
- Can be more flexible in terms of bets and payouts.
Why Play Open Craps? Open Craps offers a flexible and customizable experience, making it suitable for casual, social play among friends or in non-casino settings.
Conclusion
There’s a lot more to craps than just the classic version played in most casinos. Each variation brings something different to the table, whether it’s a change in rules, betting options, or gameplay dynamics. By exploring these different versions of craps, you can find new ways to enjoy the game and discover which variation best suits your style of play. Whether you’re looking for a simpler game, a higher-risk option, or a more social version, there’s a craps variation out there for everyone.
