Quick Answer: What Is A Come Bet?
A Come bet is a bet you make after the point is set (puck ON).
It works like this:
- you place the bet in the Come box
- the next roll becomes your “come-out” roll for that bet
- if a point number rolls, your bet moves to that number
- you win if that number rolls again before a 7
So it behaves like a Pass Line bet, but it starts later.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Quick Answer: What Is A Don’t Come Bet?
A Don’t Come bet is the opposite.
- you place the bet in the Don’t Come area
- the next roll acts like the come-out roll for that bet
- if a point number rolls, your bet moves behind that number
- you win if a 7 rolls before that number repeats
So it behaves like a Don’t Pass bet, started mid-round.
When You Can Place Come And Don’t Come Bets
Most of the time, these bets are made only when:
- the point is set
- the puck is ON
- the shooter is in the point phase
If you’re still getting used to ON vs OFF, read Understanding The Role Of The “Puck” In Craps.
How A Come Bet Works (Step By Step)
Let’s walk through a clean example.
Step 1: The Table Has A Point
Say the table point is 8. Puck is ON.
Step 2: You Place A Come Bet
You put chips in the Come box.
Step 3: The Next Roll Decides Your Come Bet Outcome
Here’s what can happen on that next roll:
- 7 or 11 → your Come bet wins immediately
- 2, 3, or 12 → your Come bet loses immediately
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 → your Come bet moves to that number
That’s why people call it a “mini Pass Line.” It has its own come-out logic.
Step 4: After It Moves, You’re Waiting For That Number
If your Come bet travels to 5, you win if:
- 5 rolls before 7
If 7 hits first, you lose that Come bet.
Important: this is separate from the table’s main point. You can have multiple Come bets sitting on different numbers.
How A Don’t Come Bet Works (Step By Step)
Now the opposite side.
Step 1: The Table Has A Point
Point is set, puck ON.
Step 2: You Place A Don’t Come Bet
You place chips in the Don’t Come area.
Step 3: Next Roll Decides The “Come-Out” Result
Here’s what can happen on that next roll:
- 2 or 3 → Don’t Come wins immediately
- 7 or 11 → Don’t Come loses immediately
- 12 → usually pushes
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 → your Don’t Come travels behind that number
Step 4: After It Moves, You Want A 7 Before That Number
If it travels behind 9:
- you win if 7 hits before 9 repeats
- you lose if 9 repeats first
Why Players Use Come Bets
Come bets are popular because they allow you to:
- add more action without switching systems
- spread bets across multiple numbers
- take odds on each come bet once it travels
In other words, it’s a structured way to add bets without touching the center table.
If you want to know more about the odds timing and payouts, read How Odds Bets Work And Why They Have No House Edge.
The “Come Bet Trap” (What Makes It Confusing)
Come bets confuse beginners because they create multiple moving parts.
You might have:
- the table point (puck ON)
- one Come bet sitting on 6
- another Come bet sitting on 9
- and a new Come bet in the Come box
If you don’t track what’s where, it turns into chaos.
That’s why many beginners should start with:
- Pass Line + odds first
then learn Come bets once the table feels comfortable.
A Simple Way To Use Come Bets Without Getting Lost
If you want the “clean version,” try this:
- Start with Pass Line
- Wait for the point
- Add odds if planned
- Place one Come bet only
- Don’t stack multiple Come bets until you’re confident
That keeps the table manageable.
Common Mistakes With Come And Don’t Come Bets
Mistake 1: Placing Come Bets When The Puck Is OFF
Come bets are usually meant for the point phase. Always check the puck first.
Mistake 2: Forgetting Where Your Bet Traveled
If you don’t know what number your bet is on, you can’t follow the outcome.
Mistake 3: Treating Come Bets Like A “Chasing Tool”
Some players start firing Come bets after losses. That’s how bet size snowballs.
Mistake 4: Mixing Too Many Bet Types At Once
Line bets + come bets + place bets + props can get messy fast. Keep it simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Come Bet The Same As A Pass Line Bet?
It’s similar, but it starts after the point is set. It has its own “come-out” roll and then travels to a number.
When Should I Place A Come Bet?
Usually after the point is set (puck ON), especially if you already understand the basic game flow.
Can I Take Odds On A Come Bet?
Yes. Once the Come bet travels to a number, you can usually take odds on it.
What Happens If A 7 Rolls After My Come Bet Moves?
You lose that Come bet if your number didn’t hit first.
Are Don’t Come Bets Socially Awkward Like Don’t Pass?
Sometimes. They are betting against outcomes, so some tables react differently, but it’s still a standard bet.
Where To Go Next
You now understand Come and Don’t Come bets: when to place them, how they move, and how they win or lose once they land on a number.
Next, we’ll cover Place bets, which are one of the most common “pick a number and ride it” bets on the board, and how they work differently on each number.
Continue with Place Bets Explained: How They Work On Each Number.
