Popular online craps variations
Ever given online Craps a shot before? If not, you’re missing out! As one of the world’s most popular online casino games, Craps is known for its energy, its dynamism. And its endless array of betting options, all of which make it one of the world’s most sought-after games.
Where do you start as a beginner though? Well, you can always take it easy with the standard version of Craps, often also referred to as Bank Craps. Where it’s you against the house. But if you’re feeling curious or up for a challenge, why not try one of the many other variations out there instead?
Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned expert, each different variation of Craps adds its own unique twist to the game. Ensuring that your game play is always exciting and fresh. Let’s take a look at some of the most loved Craps variations out there, and let’s get you playing to win!
How to play standard popular Craps
We have to start you off with the basics, because once you understand how to play classic Craps, you’ll be better prepared for taking on one of its many other variations. The most important element to be aware of? The betting options available, which can sometimes seem intimidating or overwhelming to beginners.
At its heart, Craps is a simple game – it’s just a pair of dice being rolled, and you betting on the outcome. In what’s known as ‘the come-out roll’, you’ll roll the dice for the first time. If you get a 7 or an 11, you win; if you get a 2, 3 or 12, you lose. Any other numbers that might come up, such as 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 become ‘the point’. You’ll then carry on rolling the dice until you roll the point number again, which means you win, or until you roll a 7, which means you lose. With us so far?
Now let’s get into some of the popular betting options that you’ll have available:
The Pass Line bet: One of the most common bets in Craps, the Pass Line bet is in play on the come-out roll, where you’ll need to roll a 7 or an 11 to win, or roll the point number a second time before you roll a 7.
The Don’t Pass bet: As its name suggests, this is the opposite to a Pass Line bet. Here you’ll win on a 2 or 3 with the come-out roll, you’ll lose on a 7 or an 11, and if a point is established, you’ll need a 7 to come up before the point is rolled in order to win.
Come and Don’t Come bets: These are similar to the Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets, with the same rules in place, however they can only be played once a point has been established on the come-out roll.
If you’re feeling a little lost, don’t worry – Craps can take a while to get used to. Try playing for free first to get some practice in, then once you’re more comfortable with the various betting options available, you can branch out into real money play. Just try not to be too overwhelmed by all the options out there – as long as you’ve got the basics down, you’re all set.
Online Craps variations
So, as a prospective Craps player, what kinds of game variations can you expect from your online casino? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Standard Craps
It’s the classic (most popular) version of the game and it’s one that most players are familiar with. Here you’ll be placing bets on the outcome of dice rolls. With your ultimate objective being to either pass or fail on a point. It might take a while for you to get used to the selection of betting options available. But the more experience you gain, the more comfortable you’ll become with your betting choices. Look for standard Craps at almost any online casino. And you’ll find a game that’s packed with betting options and the chance for huge wins too. All it takes is a single roll of the dice, and you could be the next big winner!
2. New York Craps
Finding standard Craps a little too complex? You might want to try New York Craps instead – a regional variation that simplifies the betting system, making it easier to navigate. In this version of Craps, you won’t be placing any Don’t Pass or Come bets, because they don’t exist. What you’ll be doing instead is wagering on the box numbers, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10. If your number comes up, you’ll win. If not, better luck next time!
You’ll also notice that the table itself looks a little different to the standard version – rather than displaying the Come and Don’t Come areas of classic Craps, New York Craps features a double-end dealer table focusing on the key box numbers. So if simpler, more streamlined Craps is for you, you know where to find it – New York, New York!
And, there are more popular variations
3. Simplified Craps
Want to go even simpler than New York Craps? We got you! If the variety of betting options is just too much for you to master as a beginner, simplified Craps is probably more your style. Plus it’s right there in the name too – a simplified version of the game that’s easier to understand, but still delivers the same exhilarating gaming experience! In simplified Craps, all you need to do to win is roll a 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12. If you roll a 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 instead, you’ll be out of the game. That’s literally it – simple, straightforward, and the perfect entry point for you as a newbie Craps player. Told you we had your back!
4. Crapless Craps
Ok, the name might sound a little odd, but bear with us here. That’s because Crapless Craps puts a unique spin on the classic rules of Craps. And the clue is right there in the name. In Craps, to ‘crap out’ means to lose. But in Crapless Craps, you can’t lose, at least not on the come-out roll. Why? Because in standard Craps, if you roll a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, you’ll lose, while rolling a 7 or an 11 will make you the winner immediately. This version of craps is actually more popular than you’d think.
Still can’t get over the name!
In Crapless Craps, however, you can’t lose on the come-out roll. Instead, if you roll a 2, 3, or a 12, those numbers will become the point numbers. And you’ll still win with a 7 or an 11 as usual. If you do roll a 2, 3 or a 12, you’ll need to roll your point number again before you roll a 7 in order to win. While this can make for a relaxed atmosphere, given that you literally can’t lose on the come-out roll. This unique rule does mean that the house edge is slightly higher in Crapless Craps. So you’ll need to take this into account when managing your finances before you play. Once you’ve got that sorted, get those dice rolling and show them who’s boss!
This one is our fav!
5. High Point Craps
Here’s a variation that might interest you simply due to how it treats the come-out roll. It’s High Point Craps, and when you roll the dice for the first time on the come-out roll. A result of 2 or 3 is ignored, and you can roll again. So unlike in standard Craps where a 2 or 3 would see you lose instantly, you’ll have another chance to show what you’re made of!
Any other number you roll will immediately become the point number. And you’ll need to roll a higher number than the point in order to win. Again, different to standard Craps where you need to roll the exact point number before you roll a 7 if you want your bet to be successful. What these slight variations do is add an extra element of anticipation to the game, giving you a second chance at winning and the ability to use a little strategy too. It’s fun, it’s challenging and it’s thrilling from start to finish – what’s not to love with this popular variation?
Why not live Craps
6. Live Dealer Craps
Want the experience of playing land-based Craps and the convenience of playing from home? Live Dealer Craps is the answer. The game that puts you right in the middle of authentic casino action. All without ever having to leave the house.
Featuring a real live dealer in a real live casino environment, Live Dealer Craps is streamed right to you through the power of live video. Giving you the realistic casino experience you’re looking for. All from the comfort of your own home. Which is quite popular these days. And just to add an extra twist to the game, you’ll be playing against actual opponents too, giving your game a genuine casino feel. Chat with your competitors, interact with the dealer in real time. And recreate the brick-and-mortar casino atmosphere that you’re looking for, any time of day, anywhere you are. Live dealer, live Craps, live entertainment. The perfect blend of land-based and online gambling.
Learning the best Craps strategy
Now that we’ve given you a taste of the key Craps variations out there, it’s time to talk strategy! That’s because while Craps is mostly a game of chance and random outcomes, there are still some strategic moves you can employ to help improve your chances of success.
Let’s start with standard Craps. One of the most commonly recommended strategies in this version of the game is combining the Pass Line bet with Odds bets. Using this strategy will allow you to take advantage of the best odds available. Particularly given the low house edge of the Pass Line. Once a point establishes, just place an Odds bet on top of your original Pass Line bet in order to further reduce the house edge. Simple!
Here’s another tip for you
Another tip worth remembering is to avoid Proposition Bets, such as betting on a 2 or 12 on the come-out roll. Why? Because Proposition bets have a high house edge and could see you blowing through your bankroll in an alarmingly short amount of time if you’re not careful. Rather leave these types of bets to experienced players looking for high risk and high reward play, and stick to more basic bets like the Pass Line and Come bets instead. You’ll get more value from your money, and you’ll be able to stretch your bankroll further, giving you more time to play.
Speaking of your bankroll, it’s crucial that you keep it top of mind at all times. Responsible financial management is key in Craps, as it is in any other casino game. So make sure that you budget carefully and stick to your self-imposed limits at all times. The fast-paced nature of popular Craps is thrilling stuff. Make sure to keep a clear head at all times, set yourself limits, and stick to them. The more you’re able to successfully manage your money, the better your overall experience will be!
Find your favourite version of Craps today
Standard Craps might be the most popular and widely available version of the game, but there are plenty of other variations out there that add their own unique flavour. Now it’s up to you to roll the dice and see which versions suit you best. You know how to play Craps, you know more about the selection of games available, and you know a little strategy too. It’s all in your hands!
So the next time you visit your online casino, you know what to do. Pull up a seat at one of the many Craps tables available, choose from the various betting options on offer, and roll the dice. Who knows just how far a single bet could take you!