Back

Mastering the Don’t Come Bet in Craps

Craps is fast, loud, and full of action. But not all that noise points to smart play. While most players gravitate toward the Pass Line and cheer on the shooter, some prefer to take the quiet path: the Don’t Come bet.

A Don’t Come bet is a wager that the shooter won’t make their point. It functions like a Don’t Pass bet but is placed after the come-out roll. This guide breaks down how Don’t Come bets work, when to use them, and why they deserve a place in your craps arsenal.

Foundations of Craps Betting

Craps may look chaotic at first, but that’s not the case once you understand the layout.

The table is divided into clear zones that each support different types of bets. Most of the action centres around the Pass Line, Don’t Pass bar, Come area, and the Field.

Once a point is established, players also use the numbered boxes across the top of the layout to place odds or side bets.

Understanding the basic terms helps make sense of the flow. The Pass Line is the standard bet made before the come-out roll, where players win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and lose on 2, 3, or 12.

The Don’t Pass is the opposite. You win on 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and push on 12. Once a point is set, each bet follows a different path to resolution.

The Don’t Come bet works just like the Don’t Pass, but it’s placed after the come-out roll. It’s a useful option for joining mid-round or building multiple bets across different point numbers.

The core distinction is timing: Don’t Pass is made before the point, Don’t Come after.

Despite its value, many players avoid it due to the perception that it’s “betting wrong”, a belief rooted more in table culture than in strategy.

These core bets also differ in their statistical edge. The house edge on the Pass Line and Come bet is about 1.41%, while the Don’t Pass and Don’t Come edge is slightly lower at 1.36%.

This tiny difference can matter over time, especially when combined with odds bets that carry no house edge at all.

Developing a Don’t Come Strategy

This section outlines how to balance odds, manage your bankroll, and minimize the house edge over time.

Flat Betting vs. Odds

There are two primary ways to approach Don’t Come bets: sticking with flat wagers or adding odds once a point is set.

Flat betting means placing the same amount on the Don’t Come line without any odds behind it. It offers simplicity and stable risk but limits long-term profitability.

Adding odds increases your potential returns. Since odds bets have no house edge, they boost your overall value, especially when the point is 4 or 10.

When to Lay Odds

Laying odds behind a Don’t Come bet can improve payout efficiency. But it’s not always necessary to do it on every point. Many players take a selective approach:

Always lay odds on 4 and 10
Sometimes lay on 5 or 9
Rarely lay on 6 or 8 due to smaller gains

Most tables set maximum odds between 3x and 5x the flat bet. Before committing, make sure you know the house rules.

Bankroll Tips for Conservative Play

A consistent and disciplined approach to bankroll management is key when using Don’t Come bets. Here are a few ways to keep control:

Use a stable unit size for flat bets
Cap odds at 2x or 3x to manage exposure
Avoid increasing your bets to try to win back losses
Set a clear stop-loss before your session begins

Advanced Don’t Come Tactics

Once you're comfortable with the basics of Don’t Come betting, there are several ways to deepen your approach. These tactics focus on efficiency, long-term planning, and reducing exposure to short-term swings.

Combining with Other Dark Side Bets

Don’t Come betting pairs naturally with other dark side plays, like the Don’t Pass and Lay bets. Using a mix can help spread risk and allow you to build separate positions across multiple points.

For example:

Start with a Don’t Pass bet on the come-out roll
Add Don’t Come bets after a point is set
Use Lay bets strategically on high-risk numbers like 4 or 10

This approach creates layered opportunities where multiple wagers can benefit from the same 7-out.

Setting Win Goals and Loss Limits

To stay disciplined over long sessions, define your exit points in advance. This helps you avoid chasing losses and identify when to stop playing when you have won.

Consider:

A daily win goal based on 15% to 25% of your starting bankroll
A stop-loss limit that cuts play before tilt or fatigue takes over
Pre-set session lengths to stay focused and avoid unnecessary risk

Practical Application and Real Table Situations

Knowing the mechanics of Don’t Come bets is only part of the equation. Applying them effectively in live or online settings takes a different kind of awareness.

This section covers timing, social considerations, and how to adapt your strategy to different playing environments.

Timing and Table Awareness

Choosing when to enter or exit a round can make a noticeable difference.

A fresh shooter or a table coming off a long roll might present a good opening. If the table is choppy, you can stagger your Don’t Come bets to spread risk. Avoid jumping in blindly during extended hot streaks, as this can expose you to multiple quick losses.

Playing the Don’t Come bet in a live setting sometimes draws unwanted attention. Some players view it as going against the group.

To keep things smooth, stay quiet when collecting wins, let the dealers manage your odds placement, and avoid commenting on others’ plays. Being discreet is the easiest way to avoid friction and focus on your own game.

Online vs. Live Play

The strategy itself does not change online, but the experience does. Online craps offers faster action and no social pressure, which can help you stick to your plan.

Live tables provide a more immersive feel than alternatives. You can choose the format that best suits your preferences.

FAQs

Below are some commonly asked questions related to the Don’t Come strategy in craps:

Is the Don’t Come bet available in all casinos?

Yes, the Don’t Come bet is a standard option at most casinos that offer craps. However, table layouts and minimums may vary, so it’s always good to confirm with the dealer.

How is a Don’t Come point established?

After placing a Don’t Come bet, the next roll determines the point. If the roll is a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes your point. Your bet then moves to the corresponding box on the layout.

Can you place odds on Don’t Come bets?

You can lay odds behind a Don’t Come bet once a point is established. This bet pays true odds and carries no house edge.

What is the house edge on a Don’t Come bet?

The house edge on a flat Don’t Come bet is approximately 1.36%. Adding odds reduces the overall edge on your total wager.

Do other players dislike Don’t Come bettors?

Sometimes. Betting against the shooter can draw attention, especially at hot tables.

Can I combine Don’t Come with Place bets?

Yes, although combining Don’t Come with Place bets means mixing opposite strategies. It can be done, but the reasoning behind each bet should be clear and intentional.

What’s the biggest mistake Don’t Come bettors make?

Chasing losses or increasing bet sizes without a clear plan. Discipline and consistency matter more than reacting to short-term outcomes.