Basics of Craps:
Craps is a dice game played with two six-sided dice. Players bet on the outcome of each roll or a series of rolls. The game revolves around two phases: the Come Out roll and the Point phase. The Come Out roll sets the Point by rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Rolling a 7 or 11 wins immediately, while rolling a 2, 3, or 12 loses.
During the Point phase, players aim to roll the established Point number again before rolling a 7. Rolling the Point wins, while rolling a 7 causes the round to end with losses on most bets. Players place various bets, including Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets, each with specific rules and odds.
Understanding the flow between these phases clarifies how Come and Don’t Come bets fit into the game. The table below summarizes key outcomes of the Come Out roll.
| Roll Result | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 7 or 11 | Immediate win |
| 2, 3, or 12 | Immediate loss (Craps) |
| 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 | Point established |
Grasping these basics lays the foundation to simplify craps by focusing on bets like Come and Don’t Come, which mirror the Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets but occur after the Point sets.
Understanding the Come Bet
The Come bet adds excitement to craps after the Point phase begins. It works similarly to the Pass Line bet but starts on rolls following the initial Point.
When to Place a Come Bet
I place a Come bet only after the Point is established on the Come Out roll. This bet activates on the next roll and behaves like a mini Pass Line bet for subsequent rolls. Avoid placing Come bets before the Point, as they won’t take effect.
How the Come Bet Works
I make a Come bet by placing chips in the designated Come area. On the next roll:
- Rolling a 7 or 11 wins instantly.
- Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 loses immediately.
- Rolling 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 sets a new “Come Point.”
Once the Come Point is set, I win if that number appears again before a 7. If a 7 rolls first, I lose the Come bet. This cycle repeats for every new Come bet placed after the Point phase starts.
Payouts and Odds for the Come Bet
I receive even money (1:1) when winning a Come bet either on the initial roll or by hitting the Come Point again. The true odds on the Come Point depend on the specific number:
| Come Point | True Odds Against 7 (Payout Ratio) |
|---|---|
| 4 or 10 | 2:1 |
| 5 or 9 | 3:2 |
| 6 or 8 | 6:5 |
Taking or laying odds behind the Come bet increases potential winnings with no house edge. This makes the Come bet a strategic choice for consistent, favorable odds in craps.
Exploring the Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Come bet acts as the opposite of the Come bet, allowing players to wager against the shooter after the Point is established. It offers a defensive strategy that capitalizes on the likelihood of a 7 appearing before the Point number repeats.
When to Place a Don’t Come Bet
Place a Don’t Come bet only after the Point is set during the Point phase. It becomes active from the next roll onward, just like the Come bet but with reversed winning conditions. Delay placing it until the initial Come Out roll ends to avoid confusion with Pass Line or Don’t Pass bets.
Mechanics of the Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Come bet wins immediately if the next roll is a 2 or 3 and loses instantly if it’s a 7 or 11. A roll of 12 results in a push, meaning the bet neither wins nor loses. Any other number rolled becomes that bet’s “Don’t Come Point.” From then on, the bet wins if a 7 rolls before that number reappears and loses if the number hits first. This mirrors the logic of Don’t Pass but occurs mid-round, offering more opportunities to engage.
Payouts and Odds for the Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Come bet pays even money on wins and carries the same house edge as the Don’t Pass bet, making it one of the most favorable craps bets. Players can also take odds against their Don’t Come Point by placing extra chips behind the bet. These odds pay true odds without a house advantage, increasing potential returns safely. The combination provides a strategic edge while keeping gameplay straightforward.
Key Differences Between Come and Don’t Come Bets
Come and Don’t Come bets resemble each other in timing, both placed after the initial Point is set, yet they operate on opposing principles. Come bets win on rolls of 7 or 11 and lose on 2, 3, or 12, while Don’t Come bets win on 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and push on 12. Both bets establish their own “Come Point” or “Don’t Come Point” when any other number is rolled, but Come bets aim for the Point number to appear again before a 7, whereas Don’t Come bets win if a 7 rolls first.
Payout structures show parity, as both bets pay even money on wins. However, the house edge slightly favors the Don’t Come bet, matching the Don’t Pass line, making it statistically advantageous compared to the Come bet, which aligns with the Pass Line. Both bets allow for odds to be taken or laid behind them, offering true odds payouts without added house advantage. These odds differ based on the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), but increase potential profits on either side.
Strategically, Come bets support positive play aligned with the shooter’s success, while Don’t Come bets provide a defensive tactic betting against the shooter’s outcome. Both provide dynamic options post-Point phase, yet selecting between them hinges on whether one prefers to wager with or against the shooter’s momentum.
Tips for Using Come and Don’t Come Bets Effectively
I recommend placing Come or Don’t Come bets only after the Point is established to maximize their strategic potential. I avoid betting during the Come Out roll because these bets work best in the subsequent phase of the game.
I suggest taking odds on these bets whenever possible since they carry no house edge and boost your potential returns. For example, adding odds behind a Come bet increases winnings if the Come Point hits before a 7. Similarly, laying odds on a Don’t Come bet pays well if a 7 appears before the Don’t Come Point.
I focus on the timing of bets, placing Come bets to ride with the shooter’s success and Don’t Come bets to hedge against it. This approach provides a balanced strategy that adapts to the flow of the game.
I monitor the table pace closely to avoid placing multiple Come or Don’t Come bets too quickly, which can complicate tracking points. Managing the number of active Come Points helps me stay organized and make precise betting decisions.
I recommend starting with smaller stakes on these bets until you feel confident in their mechanics and outcomes. This controlled approach limits losses while you build experience navigating the odds and point phases.
Conclusion
Mastering the Come and Don’t Come bets has made my craps experience more enjoyable and less intimidating. These bets offer clear rules and strategic depth without overwhelming complexity. Whether you’re aiming to ride the shooter’s momentum or play a more defensive game, understanding these options gives you a confident edge at the table.
By focusing on timing and taking odds when possible, you can maximize your potential returns while minimizing the house advantage. If you’re new to craps or looking to sharpen your skills, getting comfortable with these bets is a smart move that pays off in both fun and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Come and Don’t Come bets in craps?
Come and Don’t Come bets are wagers placed after the Point is established. The Come bet supports the shooter by winning on 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12. The Don’t Come bet opposes the shooter, winning on 2 or 3, losing on 7 or 11, and pushing on 12. Both bets set their own point numbers and offer strategic ways to play during the Point phase.
When should I place Come and Don’t Come bets?
Only place Come and Don’t Come bets after the Point is established on the table. Avoid betting on these during the Come Out roll, as they are designed to operate during the Point phase for maximum effectiveness.
How do Come bets work in craps?
A Come bet wins immediately if the next roll is 7 or 11 and loses with 2, 3, or 12. Any other number rolled becomes the “Come Point.” To win, that number must be rolled again before a 7 appears.
How do Don’t Come bets work?
Don’t Come bets win immediately with a roll of 2 or 3, lose with 7 or 11, and push (tie) on 12. If another number is rolled, it becomes the “Don’t Come Point.” You win if a 7 rolls before that number comes up again.
What are the payouts for Come and Don’t Come bets?
Both Come and Don’t Come bets pay even money (1:1) on wins. Players can also take or lay odds behind these bets, which have true odds and no house edge, increasing potential payouts.
What is the house edge on Come and Don’t Come bets?
The house edge is low on both bets, but slightly favors Don’t Come bets. Taking odds on either bet reduces the house edge to zero on the odds portion, making them some of the best wagers in craps.
What is the strategic advantage of taking odds on these bets?
Taking odds increases your potential payout without adding house edge. It’s a smart move because you get paid true odds if the bet wins, improving your long-term profitability in craps.
Should beginners use Come and Don’t Come bets?
Yes, these bets simplify craps by having clear rules and favorable odds. Beginners can start with smaller stakes on Come or Don’t Come bets and take odds as they gain confidence.
How do Come and Don’t Come bets differ from Pass Line bets?
Come bets function like Pass Line bets but are made after the Point is established. Don’t Come bets are the opposite of Come bets, similar to Don’t Pass Line, betting against the shooter.
Can I have multiple Come bets on the table?
Yes, you can have several active Come bets at once, each with its own Come Point. However, managing many can complicate gameplay, so it’s best to keep them organized.
