Don’t Come Bet in Craps: Strategy, Payouts & How to Play

The craps table offers player many bets – some with the shooter and some against. While the majority of players bet with the shooter, a smaller percentage enjoy taking the other side – betting that the shooter will “seven out” before rolling a point number.

One of the options available to these bettors (often known as “dark siders”) is the Don’t Come, which is the opposite of the Come Bar bet. Many dark siders view the Don’t Come craps bet as a defensive, low-risk wager. But how does this bet work? What are the odds and how do you make a Don’t Come wager?

Keep reading to learn more about this bet to answer these questions and about the unique appeal of the Don’t Come Bar Bet for cautious players.

What is the Don’t Come Bet in Craps?

A typical Come Bet functions similarly to the Pass Line bet, but this wager can be made at any time during a roll after the come-out roll. Players lose on 2, 3, or 12 and win on 7 or 11. If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, that becomes the point number and the player wins if that number is rolled again before rolling a 7. Players can also back up these wagers with odds, which have no house edge and pay out the true odds of rolling that number.

The Don’t Come bet turns this wager on its head. Players are betting that the shooter sevens out before rolling the point number. Here are the key features of this wager on the come-out roll:

The player wins even money on 2 or 3.
The player loses if 7 or 11 is rolled.
If a 12 is rolled, the bet is a push.

When 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, that becomes the “Come Point” number and here are the caveats affecting the Don;t Come bet after that,

The player loses if the Come Point is rolled again before a 7.
the player wins if a 7 is rolled before the Come Point.

Players can also take the odds bet on Don’t Come wagers. This is known as “laying the odds” on Don’t Dome and Don’t Pass wagers. Here’s how those odds bets pay out:

Don’t Come Point Numbers	Odds Payouts
4 and 10	1 to 2
5 and 9	2 to 3
6 and 8	5 to 6

The Don’t Come (often referred to as the “D.C.”) Bar is located at the top left of the craps layout, between the 4 point number to the right and the Don’t Pass Bar to the left. Here’s a look at a craps layout below. Notice the Don’t Come Bar at the top left.

How to Place a Don’t Come Bet

To make the wager, simply drop a chip on the table and ask the dealer to make the bet for you. Repeat this process when placing odds. Some players located on the table near this area may be able to place the bet themselves. Here’s a quick look at how this entire process will play out.

Step 1 – Wait for the come-out roll to establish a point.
Step 2 – Place your chips in the Don’t Come area of the craps table.
Step 3 – Follow the next roll to see if the bet wins, loses, or establishes a Don’t Come Point. The Don’t Come Bet now becomes active after the point is established.
Step 4 – Once the Come Point has been established, players can also lay odds as outlined above.
Step 5 – If the shooter rolls a 7, the player wins. If the shooter rolls the Come Point, the player loses.

Payouts and Odds for the Don’t Come Bar Bet

Like the Pass Line and Come Bets, the Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets come with low house edges. This stands at 1.36% without laying odds and even lower when laying odds. This is a low-risk bet compared to many of those on the craps table, such as the Field and Proposition Bets.

Remember the initial Don’t Come wager pays out at even money, while the odds bet pays out the odds shown above. A 12 is also a push on that initial roll, with the 2 or 3 as winning numbers and the 7 or 11 as losers on that initial come-out roll.

Craps Don’t Come Bet Strategy

This is one of several bets on the craps table with a low house edge. Players will want to take the odds bet as well to maximize potential winnings.

These bets can be used to combine with other conservative bets like Don’t Pass. Don’t Come bets can be used to hedge against higher-risk wagers, such as Proposition Bets.

As with any gambling, it’s important to focus on bankroll management to sustain longer gameplay. Use only money that you can afford to lose and that is meant for entertainment purposes.

Pros and Cons of the Don’t Come Bar Bet

There are some key advantages and disadvantages to making the Don’t Come bet. Here’s a look at a few of those.

Pros

An easy bet to make.
Low house edge.
Good for cautious players.
Works well with odds bets.

Con

Less thrilling compared to high-risk bets.
Not favored by all table players.
Not betting with the shooter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Players making bets like Don’t Come may occasionally make some mistakes that might affect their game play and chance to win. Here are a few of those.

Not taking advantage of the odds bet.
Misunderstanding the Don’t Come Bar rule and pushing on 12.
Overusing the Don’t Come Bet without balancing other strategies.
Having too many wagers on the table.
Not sufficiently managing the bankroll.

Conclusion

While there are some terrible bets on the craps table, there are also some great ones and the Don’t Come bet is one of those. This is the opposite of the Come Bet – with players winning on the come-out roll on 2 or 3, losing on 7 or 11, and pushing on 12.

When the Come Point number is established, players win when the shooter rolls a 7 before rolling the Come Point but lose if the shooter rolls the Come Point before sevening out. Making this wager is simple and the Don’t Come Bar is located between the 4 and the Don’t Pass Line.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Don’t Come Bar Bet in craps?

This is a bet made against the shooter that functions similarly to a Don’t Pass wager that can be made at any time after the come-out roll. This is a great option for bettors and comes with a low house edge.

Why does the “Bar” create a tie on 12?

A tie on 12 helps give the house an edge on the Don’t Come wager.

How do the odds for the Don’t Come Bet compare to other bets?

The odds are similar to other of the more favorable craps bets, such as the Pass Line, Come Bet, Don’t Pass, and Place Bets. The Don’t Come bet comes with a house edge of 1.36% without laying odds and even lower when laying odds.

Can I use the Don’t Come Bet with Odds?

Yes, laying the odds is always advised and helps reduce the overall house edge.

Is the Don’t Come Bet suitable for beginners?

Yes, this can be an easy low-risk wager. However, those who enjoy more excitement of the “team aspect” of craps may want to bet with the shooter on the Pass Line or Come Bar.