This guide will cover all the essential information you need to know about the don’t pass bet in craps.
By the end of this guide, you will understand what the don’t pass line bet is, the odds and payoffs associated with it, the possible outcomes, and when to use it to your advantage.
We’ll also compare the Don’t Pass bet and the Pass line bet, so you can better understand the differences between the two.
Don’t Pass Line: Key Takeaways
- Understanding Don’t Pass Bets: The don’t pass bet is a fundamental option in craps, allowing players to wager against the shooter landing a natural or making their point, highlighting a different betting perspective in the game.
- Strategic Use of Don’t Pass Bets: Offering slightly better payouts and odds than pass line bets, don’t pass bets present a strategic choice for players looking to play conservatively or hedge against other wagers.
- Odds and Payouts: The odds and payouts for don’t pass bets are influenced by the established point, providing nuanced betting options for experienced players who understand the game’s dynamics.
- Laying Odds: Enhancing don’t pass bets with laying odds can significantly reduce the house edge, making this a favorable option for players aiming to maximize their winnings strategically.
- Comparing Pass and Don’t Pass Bets: Understanding the differences between pass and don’t pass bets is crucial for any craps strategy, allowing players to make informed decisions based on the game’s flow and their betting preferences.
What is the Don’t Pass Line Bet?
In craps, the don’t pass bet is a bet that the shooter will not roll a natural (7 or 11) on the come-out roll or make their point (rolling the same number as the come-out roll before rolling a 7).
The Don’t Pass bet wins if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12.
If the shooter rolls any other number, that number becomes the “point”, and the shooter must roll the point again before rolling a 7 to win the Don’t Pass bet.
The Don’t Pass bet is sometimes called “betting the dark side” because it goes against the shooter and most players at the table.
Most players bet on the Pass line, which means they are rooting for the shooter to win. The Don’t Pass bet is the opposite – you are betting against the shooter and hoping they lose.
Don’t Pass Bet Odds
The odds of winning a don’t pass bet are slightly in favor of the casino. If the shooter rolls a natural, the don’t pass bet loses.
If the shooter rolls a point, the don’t pass bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point again.
The odds of winning a don’t pass bet depend on the point that has been established.
For example, the odds of winning a don’t pass bet on a point of 4 or 10 are 1:2. The odds of winning a don’t pass bet on a point of 5 or 9 are 2:3.
Don’t Pass Payoffs and Probability
The payoffs for a don’t pass line bet are based on the odds of winning the bet. For example, if you bet $5 on a don’t pass bet with odds of 1:2 and win, you will receive a payout of $7.50 ($5 x 1.5).
The probability of winning a don’t pass bet is slightly lower than the probability of winning a pass line bet, but the payouts are somewhat higher.
The don’t pass bet has slightly better payouts than the pass line bet, but the probability of winning is marginally lower. The payouts for a don’t pass bet are based on the odds of winning the bet.
For example, if you bet $5 on a don’t pass bet with odds of 1:2 and win, you will receive a payout of $7.50 ($5 x 1.5). The probability of winning a don’t pass bet depends on the point that has been established.
For example, the probability of winning a don’t pass bet on a point of 4 or 10 is slightly lower than the probability of winning a pass line bet on the same point, but the payout is slightly higher.
Similarly, the probability of winning a don’t pass bet on a point of 5 or 9 is lower than the probability of winning a pass line bet on the same point, but the payout is slightly higher.
Overall, the don’t pass bet offers slightly better payouts than the pass line bet, but the probability of winning is slightly lower.
Possible Outcomes
There are 3 possible outcomes when betting on the Don’t Pass line:
- Natural: The Don’t Pass bet loses if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll.
- Craps: If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, the Don’t Pass bet wins.
- Point: If the shooter rolls any other number on the come-out roll, that number becomes the point. The shooter must then move the point again before rolling a 7 to win the Don’t Pass bet. The Don’t Pass bet loses if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point.
Playing the Don’t Pass Bet
To place a don’t pass bet, you need to put your chips on the area of the craps table labeled “don’t pass.” You can also ask the dealer to place the bet for you.
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Find the area on the craps table labeled “don’t pass.” This is where you will place your bet.
- Decide how much you want to bet. You can place any amount you like as long as it is within the table’s minimum and maximum bet limits.
- Place your chips on the don’t pass area of the table. You can also ask the dealer to place the bet for you.
- Wait for the shooter to roll the dice. If the shooter rolls a natural (a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll), your don’t pass bet loses. The game enters the point phase if the shooter rolls a point (the same number as the come-out roll).
- If the game enters the point phase, your don’t pass bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point again. If the shooter rolls the point again before rolling a 7, your don’t pass bet is a push, and the bet is returned to you.
Laying Odds on Don’t Pass Bet
Once a point has been established, you can “lay odds” on your don’t pass bet. This means you can place an additional wager with better odds in your favor.
After the shooter has rolled the dice and established a point, place your additional bet on the area of the table labeled “odds.”
Now, decide how much you want to bet. The amount you can lay for odds depends on the point that has been established.
Here are the possible lay bets:
- If the point is 4 or 10, you can lay up to 2x the amount of your bet for odds.
- If the point is 5 or 9, you can lay up to 3x the amount of your bet for odds.
- If the point is 6 or 8, you can lay up to 6x the amount of your bet for odds.
If the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the point again, your don’t pass bet and lay odds bet both wins.
If the shooter rolls the point again before rolling a 7, your don’t pass bet is a push, and the bet is returned to you, but your lay odds bet is still in play.
Mastering Don’t Pass Bets: Advanced Techniques
To improve your craps gameplay and enhance your strategic approach to using don’t pass bets, consider these advanced techniques.
By deeply understanding the mechanics, odds, and contextual use of don’t pass bets, you can turn this betting option into a key component of your craps strategy.
1. Leverage the House Edge
Understanding the subtle nuances of the house edge in relation to don’t pass bets is crucial. With a slight edge of about 1.36%, the don’t pass bet is one of the most favorable bets for players in craps.
Use this knowledge to inform your betting strategy, especially in sessions where minimizing losses is as crucial as maximizing wins.
2. Optimal Use of Laying Odds
Laying odds on don’t pass bets can significantly decrease the overall house advantage on your total action.
When a point is established, placing an additional bet behind your don’t pass bet can pay true odds, which means there is zero house edge on this portion of your bet. However, it’s essential to understand the maximum odds allowed at your table and to use them judiciously to balance risk.
Typically, casinos allow 3-4-5x odds, but this can vary.
3. Betting Against the Table
Betting on the don’t pass line often means you’re betting against most other players at the table. This strategy requires a thick skin and the ability to stay focused amid potential table chatter.
Use the social dynamic to your advantage by observing how others bet and react—this can provide insights into the shooter’s potential performance.
4. Strategic Betting in Streaks
Pay attention to the flow of the game. If you notice a trend where shooters are not making their points, it might be an opportune time to increase your don’t pass bets.
Conversely, during hot streaks where shooters are frequently making points, consider reducing your bet size or waiting for the streak to end before placing more don’t pass bets.
5. Don’t Overlook Come-Out Rolls
The don’t pass bet is at a slight disadvantage during the come-out roll, as you lose on a 7 or 11.
However, winning on 2 or 3 and pushing on 12 can balance this out. Some players choose to hedge their don’t pass bet during the come-out roll with a simultaneous bet on the 7, known as “sevening out.”
This strategy can protect your initial wager but also reduces the effectiveness of the low house edge on don’t pass bets.
6. Advanced Bankroll Management
Effective bankroll management is critical when using don’t pass bets as part of your strategy. Set aside a specific portion of your bankroll for laying odds, as this can significantly impact your potential return on investment.
Additionally, consider implementing a loss limit and a win goal for each session to ensure that you’re playing within your means.
7. Combining with Don’t Come Bets
For players looking to maximize coverage of the craps table, combining don’t pass bets with don’t come bets after the point is established can create a layered defense against potential losses.
This strategy allows you to have bets working against multiple points, increasing the chances that a shooter rolling a 7 will result in winnings for you.
Don’t Pass Bet vs Pass Line Bet
The don’t pass bet is the opposite of the pass line bet in craps. In a pass line bet, you are betting that the shooter will roll a natural (a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll) or make their point (rolling the same number as the come-out roll before rolling a 7).
The payouts and odds for a pass line bet are slightly lower than for a don’t pass bet.
On the other hand, the don’t pass bet payouts, and odds are slightly higher than for a pass line bet, but the probability of winning is lower.
Overall, the choice between the don’t pass bet, and the pass line bet is a personal preference.
It is essential to understand the differences between the two bets and to choose the one that best suits your playing style and betting strategy.
Pro tip: When to Use the Don’t Pass Line Bet
One pro tip for using the don’t pass line bet is to use it when the shooter is on a hot streak.
If the shooter has been making their point and rolling lots of natural, it might be a good time to switch to the don’t pass bet as the odds are slightly in favor of the casino.
Another pro tip is to use the don’t pass bet as a hedge against other bets you have made.
For example, if you have made a pass line bet and the shooter has established a point, you can place a don’t pass bet as a way to offset any potential losses from the pass line bet.
Wrapping Up
The don’t pass line bet is a popular betting option in craps that allows you to bet against the shooter.
It has slightly better payouts and odds than the pass line bet, but the probability of winning is slightly lower.
By understanding the odds and payoffs associated with the don’t pass bet and knowing when to use it to your advantage, you can improve your craps game and increase your chances of winning.
