Craps: No Pass Line Strategy
Most players at the craps table back the shooter and stick to the Pass Line. The No Pass Line strategy takes a different route.
It bets against the shooter, relying on a small but consistent statistical edge that often gets overlooked.
This guide explains how the approach works, when it’s most effective, and what you can expect in terms of odds, mindset, and real-game results.
What is the No Pass Line Bet?
In craps, betting on the Pass Line means you’re backing the shooter to win.
Betting on the Don’t Pass Line means you’re taking the opposite side. This is often called “wrong betting,” while Pass Line bets are referred to as “right betting.”
It’s worth noting that these labels are part of traditional table slang and don’t reflect which bet is smarter or more effective.
Mechanics of the Don’t Pass Line Bet
The Don’t Pass Line bet plays out in two phases: the come-out roll and the point phase.
Once placed, the bet stays in play without needing adjustment. Its outcome depends entirely on the order in which dice results appear.
The come-out roll:
The come-out roll sets the tone for the round.
If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, the Don’t Pass bet loses immediately. A roll of 2 or 3 wins, while 12 results in a push. This phase generally works against Don’t Pass bettors, but the odds improve once a point is established.
After a point is established:
If the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point.
At this stage, the Don’t Pass Line bet gains the advantage. It wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number is repeated.
The edge is especially strong when the point is 4 or 10, as 7 is far more likely to appear first.
There’s nothing more to manage once the bet is on the table. It either resolves on the come-out roll or continues through the point phase until it’s settled by a 7 or the point repeating.
Why the Edge Matters
The Don’t Pass Line offers a small statistical edge over the Pass Line, thanks to how often a 7 appears before the point repeats.
While the difference is slight, it becomes more meaningful over many rolls.
This strategy doesn’t remove risk, but it usually leads to more stable outcomes than high-volatility or multi-bet approaches.
Advantages of the No Pass Line Strategy
Here are the key reasons some players prefer the No Pass Line for steady, low-variance play.
Lower House Edge
The Don’t Pass Line carries a house edge of 1.36%, slightly better than the 1.41% on the Pass Line. While the gap is narrow, it adds up over time, especially when combined with odds bets. Across long sessions, that reduced edge can help stretch your bankroll further.
Strategic Simplicity
This strategy keeps things straightforward. Once the bet is down, there’s nothing more to manage. You’re not juggling side bets or reacting to shifting table dynamics. The outcome plays out on its own, making it easy to follow and consistent across sessions.
Disadvantages and Challenges
While the No Pass Line strategy has its strengths, there are trade-offs that can affect how it feels and performs during actual play.
Short-Term Volatility
Even with a slight edge over time, this strategy can struggle in the short term. A run of come-out losses can stack up quickly, making the approach feel riskier than it really is. These streaks are part of normal variance and should be expected.
Emotional Discipline Requirements
This strategy relies on consistency, which isn’t always easy to maintain. Cold streaks or tension from other players can shake your focus. It takes a steady mindset and a bit of detachment, something not every player finds comfortable, especially in a busy casino.
Variants and Adaptations of the Strategy
There are a few ways to build on the No Pass Line approach without changing its foundation. These variations help manage risk and give more flexibility in how and when payouts occur.
Basic Don’t Pass Flat Betting
This is the simplest version of the strategy.
You place one unit on the Don’t Pass Line and leave it through the roll, with no additional bets added.
It keeps the pace steady and avoids the bigger swings that come with added exposure.
Laying Odds Behind Don’t Pass
Once a point is established, you can lay odds behind your Don’t Pass bet. This increases potential payouts without adding any house edge.
The payout depends on the point, with better returns on harder numbers like 4 and 10. While it does raise your risk, it can also improve long-term value.
Combining with Don’t Come Bets
Don’t Come bets function like Don’t Pass bets but can be made after the come-out roll.
They allow you to build similar positions on additional point numbers within the same round.
This helps spread risk and can lead to more frequent payout opportunities. You can also lay odds behind Don’t Come bets, which adds flexibility and boosts long-term value when used carefully.
When to Use the No Pass Line Strategy
This approach works best with stable conditions and a long-term mindset.
Below are a few key points to keep in mind before putting it into action:
- Ideal Table Conditions: Slower tables or early parts of a session are ideal. With less table pressure and fewer streak-based decisions, it's easier to stay consistent and stick to your plan.
- Bankroll Considerations: Flat betting keeps your risk low, but adding odds raises exposure. A larger bankroll is necessary to support extended play and absorb the variance that can come from streaky come-out rolls.
Advanced Tactics and Considerations
These optional tactics can add depth to the No Pass Line strategy, though each introduces added risk and complexity.
- Betting Progressions: Systems like Martingale or Fibonacci involve increasing your bet after a loss to try to recover from earlier setbacks. While tempting, they can backfire quickly, especially during losing streaks on the come-out roll. If used at all, they should be applied with strict limits.
- Mixing in Hedge Bets: Some players try to reduce early-round risk by placing a small bet on 11 during the come-out roll. While this can lower exposure slightly, it also eats into long-term value. Hedges could be considered only when there's a specific reason to do so.
Comparing No Pass to Other Betting Systems
The No Pass Line strategy is just one of several structured approaches in craps. Here's how it compares to some of the more popular systems when it comes to edge, risk, and overall style of play.
Pass Line vs No Pass Line
The Pass Line is the most popular bet in craps, largely because it’s simple and follows the shooter. Its house edge is 1.41%, which is just slightly higher than the 1.36% on the Don’t Pass Line.
The Pass Line performs better on the come-out roll, while the No Pass Line gains strength once a point is established. One follows the table’s energy, the other leans on long-term probabilities.
Iron Cross and Place Bets
The Iron Cross combines Place bets on 5, 6, and 8 with a Field bet to cover most numbers except 7. It wins often, but every roll of 7 wipes out all active bets, which makes the frequent wins deceptive.
Place bets can be useful when chosen carefully, but many carry a higher house edge, particularly on 5 and 9. By contrast, the No Pass Line limits exposure to a single, consistent outcome and avoids stacking multiple bets on the table.
3-Point Molly vs Reversed 3-Point Molly
The 3-Point Molly is a common strategy that combines a Pass Line bet with up to two Come bets, each backed by odds. It’s designed to take advantage of long rolls by keeping multiple numbers in play.
The reversed version follows the same idea but uses Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets instead. It backs the 7 instead of the shooter and keeps the focus on the No Pass style while adding more action to each round.
FAQs
Below are some common questions related to the No Pass Line Strategy:
Why do some players dislike No Pass bettors?
Because it goes against the shooter, some see it as “betting against the table.” While it's a valid strategy, it can create tension at lively tables.
What’s the house edge for the No Pass Line?
Roughly 1.36%, slightly better than the 1.41% on the Pass Line.
Can I use odds bets with the No Pass Line?
Yes. After a point is set, you can lay odds behind your bet. This adds risk but offers true odds with no house edge.
Is it better for beginners than the Pass Line?
It’s just as easy to use, but less socially accepted. Beginners who prefer quieter, less volatile strategies may find it suits their pace.