Quick Answer: What Should I Do When The Table Goes Cold?
Do three things:
- Stop adding bets.
- Reduce exposure.
- Take a short break if emotions spike.
Cold stretches happen. Your job is to avoid turning a normal downswing into a bankroll wipe.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
First: What Does “Cold” Even Mean?
In plain terms, a “cold table” usually looks like:
- short shooter hands
- quick seven outs
- point numbers not being made
- and repeated losses on placed numbers
It’s not proof of anything.
It’s just a rough run of outcomes.
If you want to learn why patterns don’t predict, read The Myth Of Controlled Shooting In Craps.
Why Cold Streaks Feel Personal
Cold streaks trigger the worst mindset traps:
- “It can’t keep happening.”
- “We’re due.”
- “One big hit and I’m back.”
- “I just need to press once.”
That’s how chasing starts.
And in craps, chasing is especially dangerous because:
- you can stack a lot of bets quickly
- one seven wipes multiple bets at once
- and table speed can make losses pile up fast
If you want to learn the full warning, read Why Chasing Losses Is Especially Dangerous In Craps.
The Two Worst Reactions On A Cold Table
1) Adding More Bets To “Cover Everything”
This is a classic trap.
People start with:
- place 6/8
Then add:
- 5/9
- hardways
- field bets
- props
- bonus bets
They think they’re “increasing chances.”
But what they’re really doing is:
- increasing total exposure per roll
So when a seven hits, the damage is bigger.
If you want the exposure explained, read Understanding Volatility In Craps Betting Sequences.
2) Increasing Bet Size To “Get Back Faster”
If you double your bets when you’re down, you don’t become “more likely” to win.
You just make the swings larger.
That’s not strategy.
That’s stress trading.
The Smart Response Plan (Simple And Realistic)
Here’s the calm, practical approach.
Step 1: Freeze Your Plan (No New Bets)
When the table goes cold, the first discipline move is:
- stop adding stuff
Your brain will try to “solve” the cold streak.
Don’t.
Step 2: Reduce Exposure (Lower Bets Working)
Pick one of these options:
Option A: Strip Down To A Core Plan
- Pass Line (or Don’t Pass)
- small odds (optional)
Option B: Keep Only One Number Working
If you like place bets:
- keep just place 6 or 8
- remove the rest
Less exposure = less stress.
Step 3: Stop Repeating Props
Props are the easiest way to bleed during a cold table because they resolve fast and invite repetition.
If you’re cold, props make it worse.
If you want to learn why, read The Hidden Dangers Of Center Table Betting.
Step 4: Set A “Three Shooters” Rule
This is a simple way to avoid tilt.
Example:
- “If I lose on three shooters in a row, I take a five-minute break.”
Breaks reset your emotions and stop spiral betting.
Step 5: Use A Stop-Loss (And Respect It)
A stop-loss isn’t about being “right.”
It’s about preventing a bad run from wrecking your bankroll.
A simple stop-loss style:
- “If I drop 20–30% of my session bankroll, I’m done.”
Step 6: Consider Switching Tables (But Don’t Table-Hop Emotionally)
Switching tables can help if:
- the crowd is chaotic
- you’re feeling pressured
- or the pace is too fast
But don’t table-hop because you believe:
- “this table is cursed.”
If you want how to choose tables, read How To Pick The Best Craps Table In A Busy Casino.
What If Everyone Else Is Chasing?
This is where cold tables get dangerous.
When others chase, you’ll see:
- louder prop action
- more pressure to join
- people “pressing to get it back”
- tense energy
Your best move is to:
- stay quiet
- keep your plan small
- and protect your bankroll
If the crowd energy affects you, read How To Stay Disciplined During High-Energy Craps Sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A Cold Table Mean The Dice Are “Due” For A Hot Roll?
No. Each roll is independent. Cold streaks don’t create “due” outcomes.
Should I Switch To The Don’t Strategy When The Table Is Cold?
You can, but don’t switch out of emotion. Switching systems mid-tilt often creates confusion and more chasing.
What’s The Best Bet When The Table Is Cold?
A simpler, lower-exposure plan usually works best. Keep fewer bets working and avoid repeated props.
How Do I Avoid Tilt During A Cold Streak?
Use rules like: no adding bets, lower exposure, take breaks after a losing streak, and stick to a stop-loss.
Is It Normal To Lose Multiple Shooters In A Row?
Yes. It’s variance. Craps can run cold for stretches without any “reason.”
Where To Go Next
You now know how to handle a cold table: don’t chase, don’t stack more bets, reduce exposure, avoid repeated props, and use breaks and stop-loss rules to stay disciplined. Cold runs are normal—your reaction is what decides whether the session stays controlled.
Next, we’ll talk about session length strategies for craps players: how long to stay, when to leave, and how to structure a session so you don’t get trapped playing longer just to “get even.”
Continue with Session Length Strategies For Craps Players.
