Craps can be a fun and exciting game to play, but it can also be a bit intimidating for beginners as there are many different betting patterns and options available. One of the more popular options is the ‘Don’t Pass’ wager, which offers players an opportunity to get in on the action while still limiting their exposure and risk. However, some players might not be aware that there are certain strategies that can be employed to make this bet even more profitable.
‘Don’t Pass’ is the opposite of the ‘Pass Line’ bet in craps, and it works by hoping that the dice will roll on 2, 3, or 12 after being rolled by the shooter. The advantage of this wager over the Pass Line is that it pays out in a 1:1 ratio when a 2 or 3 is rolled and loses when a 7 is rolled. However, there are also more ways to roll a 7 and lose with the Don’t Pass bet than there are to win on a 2, 3, or 12. This gives the house a slight edge on the Come Out Roll and after the point is established.
To reduce the edge on this bet, players can choose to lay Odds against the point numbers after making a Don’t Pass wager. This side bet pays out at true odds (one-to-two for 4 or 10, two-to-three for 5, and five-to-six for 6 or 8) and can be placed as many times as the player wants on a given roll. The house edge on this bet is 0.56% with no Odds and 0.431% when 1x Odds are laid.
There are several strategies that can be used to increase a Don’t Pass bet’s profitability, but the most effective is placing it in combination with other bets. In fact, a strategy that combines the Don’t Pass with a bet on the Come and a bet on the Place is the most optimal way to play this wager, as it can dramatically reduce its house edge to nearly zero. This bet is even more effective when laying the full double Odds against the point number, as it can drop the house edge to 0.431%.
In short, the Don’t Pass is a very profitable wager that should be included in any craps player’s arsenal. It’s important to remember, however, that a single roll of the dice can wipe out all bets on the Don’t Pass and the Come, so players should always be prepared for this possibility. Having multiple bets in place can help reduce the risk and make this wager even more profitable, but the most important thing is to stick with a solid plan and keep on rolling. Good luck!
