Craps Games

Craps is a dice game that is commonly found in casinos, but can be played privately as well. The exact history of the game is complex, but most gambling historians agree that craps was developed from an English game known as “hazard.” Craps has been popular in America since its introduction in New Orleans, but it enjoyed a boom in popularity in the 1950’s, partly do to the musical “Guys and Dolls.”

Craps, like most other dice games, is essentially a game of luck. Players will bet on the outcome of dice rolls, which, unless there is foul play, is always a random result. If there is any strategy in craps it comes in the form of knowing dice odds and therefore knowing what numbers to bet on. There is one standardized style of craps, but small variations of the game do exist.

Live Craps

The type of craps that most people are familiar with is the casino style, where a player wagers money against the house. Many players can participate and make bets, but there is only one person at a time rolling the dice (they are known as the “shooter”). There are many ways to bet in craps, but the most common bets are made on the “pass line” and the “don’t pass line.” The shooter rolls two dice, known as the “come-out” roll. If a player rolls a 7 or 11, then the pass line bet is immediately won and pays even money.

A roll of 2, 3, or 12 is considered crap, which causes any pass line bets to lose and ends the players turn.A roll of any other number establishes the players “point.” If a player rolls the point again before rolling a 7, any pass line bets will win. If they roll a 7 before rolling the point a second time, it is known as a “seven out,” and the player loses as well as any pass line bets being lost. “Don’t pass” line bets are lost or won opposite of the pass line. This means that if any player rolls a 7 or 11 on the come out, then “don’t pass” bets are lost. If a player gets crap or a seven out, then “don’t pass” bets are won.

Casinos rarely differ in the way that craps is played. Some casinos consider a roll of 12 to be a draw, while others consider a draw to be a roll of 2. Most of the differences in live craps are encountered during private games. Private craps, also commonly known as street craps, can be played almost anywhere. The only thing that players need is a set of 2 dice and a place to throw them. Unlike casino craps, players must bet against each other. Private games may have some rules that are made up and agreed upon by the players.

Online Craps Games

For the most part, online craps is identical to casino craps. One player shoots at a time, but many players can participate and make bets. The main difference regarding online play is that many online rooms will have a practice setting where players can play for free. Most real-life casinos will require the shooter to make a bet. Check out our list of Craps online casinos here.

Different Craps Games

Crapless Craps

Crapless Craps “Crapless craps” is only found in a few casinos, and it has a major rule change. In crapless craps, a roll of 2, 3, or 12 establishes a point on the come out, rather than being crap. Also, an 11 does not automatically win on the come out. Therefore, a player is trading a sure-win on an 11 for not crapping out on a 2, 3, or 12. While this may seem beneficial, many people have claimed that crapless craps is an advantage for the house.

Die Rich Craps

Die Rich Craps. “Die Rich” craps is a craps variation that is gaining popularity. This type of craps is played with only one die. On a come out roll, a 1 is crap, a 6 is an immediate win, and 2 through 5 establishes a point. A player gets three rolls to match a point. Their winnings are then based on how many rolls it took to match the point. If a player rolls a 1 before they match the point, their turn is over.