Quick Answer: Pass Line Vs Don’t Pass
Pass Line
You’re betting the shooter will:
- win immediately on 7 or 11
- or make the point before a 7 appears
Don’t Pass
You’re betting the shooter will:
- lose immediately on 7 or 11
- or roll a 7 before the point repeats
Neither bet is “magic.” They just set your side of the table.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
How Pass Line Works (Step By Step)
Pass Line On The Come-Out Roll (Puck OFF)
Pass Line outcomes are:
- 7 or 11 → Pass wins
- 2, 3, or 12 → Pass loses
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 → point is set, move to point phase
If you want to know more about the roll breakdown, read Understanding The Come-Out Roll And Its Importance.
Pass Line During The Point Phase (Puck ON)
Once a point is set:
- point repeats before a 7 → Pass wins
- 7 appears first (seven out) → Pass loses
That’s it.
How Don’t Pass Works (Step By Step)
Don’t Pass On The Come-Out Roll (Puck OFF)
Don’t Pass outcomes are:
- 2 or 3 → Don’t Pass wins
- 7 or 11 → Don’t Pass loses
- 12 → usually a push (tie)
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 → point is set, move to point phase
That “12 pushes” rule is important. Most casinos do it to balance the bet.
Don’t Pass During The Point Phase (Puck ON)
Once a point is set:
- 7 appears before the point repeats → Don’t Pass wins
- point repeats first → Don’t Pass loses
What It Really Means To “Bet With” Or “Against” The Shooter
Here’s the social part:
- Pass Line is the “with the table” bet
- Don’t Pass is the “against the table” bet
At live tables, Don’t Pass players sometimes get side-eye because most people are cheering for the shooter.
Important: you’re not doing anything wrong. It’s a valid bet.
If you want to know more about the live-table behavior basics, read Why Craps Etiquette Is So Important At Live Tables.
Which Bet Is Better?
In terms of “core structure,” both are solid.
The difference is how you handle:
- table vibe
- emotion
- long point phases
- your personal discipline
Pass Line Feels Better Emotionally (For Most People)
Why?
- everyone cheers with you on 7/11 come-outs
- you’re aligned with the table energy
- it feels like you’re “rooting for the shooter”
Don’t Pass Can Feel Calm (If You Ignore The Vibe)
Don’t Pass can feel less swingy emotionally because:
- you aren’t chasing “hot shooter” energy
- you’re not tempted to press as much
- you’re on the side that benefits from sevening out
But socially, it can feel awkward.
The Key “Gotcha”: Don’t Pass Has The 12 Push
That push matters because it changes outcomes on the come-out roll:
- Pass Line loses on 12
- Don’t Pass usually pushes on 12
This is one of the biggest rule details beginners miss.
Always check how the table treats 12 on Don’t Pass, because some variants differ.
How Odds Bets Fit In (Pass Odds Vs Don’t Odds)
Odds bets are placed after a point is set.
- Pass odds win if the point hits
- Don’t odds win if 7 hits first
Odds bets are usually considered strong because they can pay true odds.
If you want the full explanation, read How Odds Bets Work And Why They Have No House Edge.
A Simple Way To Choose Between Pass And Don’t Pass
If you want a clean decision:
Choose Pass Line If…
- you want the simplest beginner experience
- you like table energy
- you don’t want awkward vibes
- you plan to keep it basic (Pass + odds)
Choose Don’t Pass If…
- you prefer calmer, lower-hype play
- you can ignore crowd emotion
- you want a consistent “anti-chase” mindset
- you’re fine being the quiet one at the table
Either way, keep your bet sizing controlled. The biggest danger is not which side you pick. It’s chasing.
Common Mistakes With Pass And Don’t Pass
Mistake 1: Switching Sides Mid-Session Because Of “Streaks”
That’s usually emotion, not logic.
Mistake 2: Treating Don’t Pass Like A “System”
Some players think it’s a cheat code. It isn’t. It’s just the opposite side of the same game engine.
Mistake 3: Adding Too Many Extra Bets
Pass and Don’t Pass are simple. Many people ruin that simplicity by throwing in center props and random side bets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Don’t Pass A “Bad” Bet?
No. It’s a standard craps bet. Some people dislike it socially because it goes against the shooter, but it’s valid.
Why Does Don’t Pass Push On 12?
Casinos use the 12 push to balance the bet and keep the payouts fair for the house.
Can I Bet Pass Line And Don’t Pass At The Same Time?
You can, but it usually cancels out your exposure and creates a “spin your wheels” session. Most players pick one side.
Is Pass Line Better For Beginners?
Usually yes, because it’s simple and fits the table vibe. But Don’t Pass is also simple if you’re okay with the social side.
What’s The Best Way To Play Pass Or Don’t Pass?
Keep it controlled: one main line bet, add odds if bankroll allows, avoid impulse prop bets.
Where To Go Next
You now understand the key difference between Pass Line and Don’t Pass: how each wins on the come-out roll, how each wins in the point phase, and why the vibe feels so different at live tables.
Next, we’ll cover how the dice actually move around the table: shooter rotation, when turns end, and why “seven out” is the moment that passes the dice to the next player.
Continue with How The Shooter Rotation Works At A Craps Table.
