What Is Crapless Craps?
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Crapping out is one of the most frustrating things in craps, but you can avoid it by playing crapless craps. This variation of the dice game guarantees that players can set the point by removing losing numbers from the come-out roll.
The differences between craps and crapless craps are minor, but they can have huge impacts on your experience. This guide will provide a detailed look at the differences between the two games. I will also discuss crapless craps odds, strategies, and everything else your need to know to play this unique table game at the top craps casino sites.
Crapless Craps vs. Craps
So, what is crapless craps? Essentially, this table game is a variation of the well-known craps game that guarantees the shooter cannot crap out on their come-out roll. Crapless craps keeps many of the other rules from the famous table game.
For instance, there is still a come-out roll and the shooter ties to reach the point. Many of the betting options in the game are also similar, but the RTP and payout odds for some wagers are drastically different.
The main difference between crapless craps vs. craps is the lack of crapping out rolls. For example, rolling a two, three, or 12 on the come-out roll are losing rolls in craps, but they set a point in crapless craps.
It is easier to set the point in crapless craps, but hitting the point can be more challenging. A point of two, three, 11, or 12 is difficult to hit and increases the game’s house edge.
Crapless Craps Rules
The rules for crapless craps are very easy to learn, especially if you already have experience playing craps. You can start playing this variation of craps using these simple steps.
- Starting bets: Your opening wager in crapless craps is either a come bet or a pass line wager. Shooters have to make the pass-line bet to shoot, but everyone else can wait until the point is set to make a come-out bet instead. Since the shooter cannot crap out, there are no options for the don’t come or don’t pass wagers.
- Setting the point: If the shooter rolls a seven, then they win. Any other outcome sets the point at whatever value is rolled.
- Betting after the point is set: After a point is set, you have the option to make a variety of crapless craps wagers. Some of the options available include the come bet, place bets, and many others.
- Hitting the point: Once every player has had a chance to make their bets, the shooter rolls again. They continue shooting until they hit the point or roll a seven. Players around the table between each roll can place additional bets on the shooter.
The table layout in crapless craps is very similar to the original game. Standard betting options, such as the pass line and come bets, are at the center of the table, while other wagers, like the field bets, have specific sections on the side of the table.
There are several familiar wagers that have been removed from the crapless crap table, though. The don’t come, don’t pass, and lay bet sections are all absent.
Betting in Crapless Craps
Like regular craps, crapless craps have multiple wagers for players to choose. The odds in this variation can vary from traditional craps odds, though. Come casinos offer different wagers, but, in general, the wagers you can make in crapless craps include:
| Bet Type | Description | Crapless Craps Payout | Winning Numbers | Crapless Craps House Edge |
| Pass line | Betting on the shooter to roll a seven or set and hit the point | 1:1 | 7 or point number | 5.38% |
| Come bets | A wager that the shooter will hit the point they have set | 1:1 | Point number | 5.38% |
| Field bets | A single-roll bet that the shooter will hit one of the “field” numbers | 1:1 for 3, 4, 9, or 10 and 2:1 for 2 or 12 | 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12 | 2:1 for 2 or 12, 1:1 for other numbers |
| Place bets | A bet on a specific number to be rolled | 9:5 for 4 or 10, 7:5 for 5 or 9, 7:6 for 6 or 8 | 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 | 6.67% for 4 or 10, 4% for 5 or 9, 1.52% for 6 or 8 |
| Buy bets | A multi-roll bet with true odds that the shooter will roll a specific number. There is a 5% commission on these bets. | 6:1 for 2 or 12, 3:1 for 3 or 11, 2:1 for 4 or 10, 3:2 for 5 or 9, 6:5 for 6 or 8 | 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 | Varies |
| Any Seven | Betting that the shooter will roll any combination of seven | 5:1 | 7 | 9.09% |
The house edge on buy bets depends on whether the casino charges a commission on every bet or only winning wagers. If the commission is always charged, then every buy bet has a house edge of 4.76%. The edge can be as low as 0.71% when buying two or 12 if the commission is only charged on winning bets.
Strategies for Winning at Crapless Craps
In many ways, crapless craps is more accessible than traditional craps. However, the increase in the house edge of this variation cannot be ignored. Luckily, you can combat the higher house edge with techniques like dice control and the right crapless craps strategy.
Avoid the Pass-Line Bet as a Non-Shooter
Shooters are required to make the pass-line bet in crapless craps, but other players should avoid this bet most of the time. Unlike in traditional craps, you cannot win the pass line with an 11 on the first roll and the house edge after the point is set is much higher. If you are not the shooter, it is better to wait for the point to be set and then decide on your wagers based on the point value.
Take Advantage of Place Bets
The best way to win at crapless craps, or any casino game for that matter, is to reduce the house edge as much as possible. There are two numbers in particular that you want to focus on: six and eight. Unlike regular craps, the house edge when making place bets on these numbers is much lower than the game’s overall edge.
Avoid Bets With High House Edges
As I mentioned above, avoiding wagers with a high house edge is the key to winning consistently with any casino game. In crapless craps, you need to know which bets have a higher house edge than traditional bets.
The pass line bet is one example, as are prop bets. Some wagers, such as buy bets, can have an additional vig or commission that you have to pay on winning wagers.
Pros and Cons of Crapless Craps
There is no such thing as a perfect casino game, as every table has its pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages that you should know before you play crapless craps.
Advantages of Crapless Craps
There are several advantages for crapless craps players, especially on specific place bets. The most obvious benefit is that you cannot crap out on the come-out roll, so you are guaranteed to win or set the point.
Another advantage is that crapless craps has fewer rules and fewer betting options which is ideal for new players. A third pro of crapless craps is that you face a much lower house edge on place bets for six and eight than other wagers. The edges on these wagers are roughly 1.52%, the same as they are in traditional craps.
Disadvantages of Crapless Craps
Despite the advantages above, there are several cons to playing crapless craps. The biggest hurdle to overcome is the increase in the house edge for many bets in the game. For instance, because you cannot crap out, you can inadvertently set a point that is much more challenging to hit than in standard craps.
A point of two or 12 is challenging to hit, and you are much more likely to roll a seven as the shooter and lose. It also increases the house edge on the pass line bet from 1.41% to 5.38%.
Another con of playing crapless craps is that rolling an eleven is not an instant winner. In traditional craps, rolling 11 results in an instant win for the shooter. However, in crapless craps, an 11 simply sets a point that is difficult to hit again.
Will You Try Crapless Craps?
Crapless craps is a unique variation of craps that guarantees the shooter will set the point before crapping out. This abridged version of craps offers fewer betting options and is easier to learn than the traditional game.
Check out the guide above to learn everything you need to know to start playing crapless craps. I break down crapless craps odds, betting types, and strategies you can use to succeed in this version of the game. You can learn more about craps by reading the top ten craps books recommended by our experts.
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