Quick Answer: What Is The “Don’t” Strategy?
The Don’t strategy means you’re betting on this basic idea:
Seven shows before the point repeats.
Instead of rooting for the shooter to make the point, you’re rooting for:
- a 7 to appear first (after the point is established)
It’s not magic or “anti-luck.”
It’s just the other side of the same dice math.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
How Don’t Pass Works (Step By Step)
Don’t Pass is the opposite of Pass Line, with a few key exceptions.
Come-Out Roll Results
- If the shooter rolls 2 or 3, Don’t Pass wins
- If the shooter rolls 7 or 11, Don’t Pass lose
- If the shooter rolls 12, it’s usually a push (tie)
- If the shooter rolls 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, a point is set
After A Point Is Set
Now Don’t Pass wins if:
- a 7 appears before the point repeats
Don’t Pass loses if:
- the point number appears before a 7
That’s the whole idea.
If you want to learn the come-out roll explained clearly, read Understanding The Come-Out Roll And Its Importance.
Why Don’t Pass Can Be Lower-Cost
Don’t Pass has a slightly lower typical house edge than Pass Line (on the base bet).
That’s one reason math-minded players like it.
But the real “value” part comes when you add odds, because the odds portion is priced fairly.
If you want the odds explained, read Free Odds In Craps Explained: What It Means.
How Don’t Come Works (The Moving Version)
Don’t Come is basically:
- Don’t Pass, but after the come-out phase
You place a Don’t Come bet when a point is already established.
What Happens Next
On the next roll:
- 2 or 3 wins
- 7 or 11 loses
- 12 pushes
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 becomes a new “Don’t Come point” for your bet
After your Don’t Come point is set, you win if:
- 7 appears before that point repeats
This is how Don’t players can have multiple bets “working” against different numbers.
If you want the regular version first, read Understanding Come & Don’t Come Bets.
Laying Odds On The Don’t (How It Works)
Once you have:
- a Don’t Pass point
or - a Don’t Come point
You can often lay odds behind it.
Laying odds means:
- you’re adding extra money to your “seven shows first” idea
Important Note
Even though odds are priced fairly, laying odds can increase volatility.
So it’s smart to choose an odds size you can handle.
A simple rule:
- pick an odds multiple (like 1x) and keep it consistent
The Biggest “Don’t” Mistake: Betting Like It’s A Sure Thing
Don’t players sometimes get overconfident because:
- 7 feels common
But here’s the truth:
- points repeat all the time too
You’ll lose Don’t bets in streaks sometimes, and if you start pressing hard because you “should be winning,” you can tilt fast.
If you want tilt control, read How To Stay Disciplined During High-Energy Craps Sessions.
Social Reality: Why Some Players Hate Don’t Bettors
Craps is emotional and social.
Many Pass Line players feel like:
- Don’t bettors are rooting for them to lose
So some tables get salty.
What’s Actually True
Your Don’t bet doesn’t change the dice.
It doesn’t “jinx” anything.
It’s just another bet on the layout.
But emotionally, it can feel personal.
If you want to learn the social psychology side, read Why Craps Is A Social Game: Psychology & Behavior Patterns.
How To Play The Don’t Without Causing Drama
Here are etiquette tips that keep things smooth.
1) Keep It Low-Key
Don’t celebrate loudly when a 7 hits.
Just take the win calmly.
2) Avoid Loud Comments
Skip “told you so” energy.
That’s what starts conflict.
3) Don’t Crowd The Layout
Don’t Come bets move around the table. Place them cleanly and don’t reach over others.
4) Pick The Right Table
Some tables are friendly.
Some are “team shooter” energy only.
If you want how to pick tables, read How To Pick The Best Craps Table In A Busy Casino.
When The Don’t Strategy Makes The Most Sense
The Don’t strategy can be a good fit if you:
- want lower-cost base bets
- prefer calmer, structured play
- don’t like chasing “hot shooter” hype
- are comfortable being the quiet one at the table
It’s not better for everyone, but it’s a legit way to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Don’t Strategy Better Than Pass Line?
It can be slightly lower-cost on the base bet, but it doesn’t guarantee profit. It’s still random outcomes.
Why Does 12 Push On Don’t Pass?
It’s a house rule that protects the casino from giving Don’t Pass too much advantage on the come-out roll.
Should I Lay Odds On Don’t Pass?
You can, but choose a size you can handle. Odds are priced fairly, but they increase swings.
Do Don’t Players Win More Often?
Not necessarily. The difference is small. The main benefit is slightly lower house edge, not “more wins.”
Can I Play Don’t Come And Pass Line Together?
You can, but it can create confusing hedge behavior. Many players pick one style to stay disciplined.
Where To Go Next
You now understand the Don’t strategy: it’s built around Don’t Pass and Don’t Come, and it wins when a seven appears before the point repeats. It can be slightly lower-cost, especially when paired with laid odds, but it comes with social and emotional challenges at live tables.
Next, we’ll talk about what happens when the table mood shifts: how to react when the table suddenly goes cold, how to avoid chasing, and how to adjust session length and exposure without panic.
Continue with How To React When The Table Suddenly Goes Cold.
