Advanced Craps Betting: Mastering the Come Bet vs. Don’t Come Bet Strategy

Craps is one of the most strategic and dynamic games in the casino, offering a variety of betting options that cater to different styles of play. Among the most debated choices in advanced craps tactics are the Come bet and the Don’t Come bet. While both bets function similarly to the Pass and Don’t Pass line bets, they are made after the come-out roll, introducing unique advantages and strategic depth. Understanding when and how to use these bets can give players a significant edge over those who rely solely on basic wagers.

Understanding the Come Bet
The Come bet is similar to the Pass Line bet but is placed after the initial come-out roll. Once a Come bet is made, the next roll establishes a “point” for the bet. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 immediately after the bet is placed, the Come bet wins. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, the bet loses. If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the point for the Come bet, and it will win if that number is rolled again before a 7 appears.

Many players favor the Come bet because it allows them to have multiple active numbers, increasing their chances of a payout. Additionally, players can place odds behind their Come bets, taking advantage of one of the few bets in the casino with no house edge.

Understanding the Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Come bet is the opposite of the Come bet and operates similarly to the Don’t Pass Line. When a Don’t Come bet is placed, a 2 or 3 results in an immediate win, while a 7 or 11 causes the bet to lose. A roll of 12 results in a push. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the Don’t Come point, and the player wins if a 7 is rolled before that number appears again.

The Don’t Come bet is favored by players who prefer to bet against the shooter, also known as “playing the dark side.” While this strategy can be highly effective, it often goes against the social momentum of the table, as most players cheer for the shooter to win.

Strategic Comparison: Come Bet vs. Don’t Come Bet
The Come bet is a great option for players who enjoy playing with the table. By placing Come bets and backing them with odds, players can maximize their chances of hitting multiple numbers and increasing payouts. The house edge on the base Come bet is the same as the Pass Line bet, sitting at about 1.41%, and the ability to place odds further reduces the overall house advantage.

The Don’t Come bet, on the other hand, is statistically superior due to its slightly lower house edge of 1.36%. Betting on Don’t Come is mathematically sound because the 7 is the most frequently rolled number in craps, making it more likely to appear before individual point numbers. However, this strategy often makes players unpopular at the table, as most gamblers root for the shooter to succeed.

For experienced players looking for the best odds, playing the Don’t Come bet with full odds offers the best long-term statistical advantage. Those who prioritize a more social and high-action game will likely find the Come bet more enjoyable.

Advanced Tactics for Using Come and Don’t Come Bets
One of the best strategies is to layer Come bets with odds, allowing multiple bets to be active on different point numbers. By doing this, players increase their chances of hitting winning numbers before a 7 is rolled.

For Don’t Come players, spreading out Don’t Come bets across different numbers provides an excellent hedge. This ensures that even if one Don’t Come point is hit, others remain active, giving the player a stronger overall position.

Using hedging strategies is another advanced approach. Some players combine Come and Don’t Come bets in a calculated manner to balance risk and reward, minimizing losses while taking advantage of specific table conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
One major mistake players make is not backing Come and Don’t Come bets with odds. The ability to place odds behind these bets reduces the house edge significantly, making it one of the best wagers in the casino.

Another common error is overcommitting to too many bets. While layering multiple Come bets can be effective, placing too many bets at once without a sufficient bankroll increases the risk of losing money quickly.

For Don’t Come players, not considering table dynamics can be a mistake. Since betting against the shooter is often unpopular, aggressive betting against the table’s momentum can lead to tension and affect a player’s experience.

Both the Come bet and the Don’t Come bet offer strategic advantages, and choosing between them depends on a player’s preferred style. While the Come bet allows for exciting action and greater engagement with the table, the Don’t Come bet provides a slight statistical advantage for those willing to play against the trend.

Understanding how these bets work and implementing advanced tactics can greatly improve a player’s overall success in craps. Whether playing with the table or against it, making informed decisions on these advanced bets is key to maximizing long-term profitability.