Don't Pass FAQ
The dark side of the table and why the math slightly favors it.
What is a Don't Pass bet in craps?
A Don't Pass bet is the opposite of the Pass Line. On the come-out roll, you win on 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11, and push (tie) on 12. Once a point is established, you win if a 7 comes before the point and lose if the point hits first.
What is the house edge on Don't Pass?
The Don't Pass carries a 1.36% house edge, making it the lowest flat bet on the craps table. It edges out the Pass Line (1.41%) by a small margin because of the 12-push rule on the come-out.
Why is Don't Pass called 'the dark side'?
It is called the dark side because you are betting against the shooter. When the table cheers for a point to hit, you are rooting for a 7. There is no mathematical reason to avoid it. The social pressure is real, but the edge is slightly better than the Pass Line.
Can I take down a Don't Pass bet after the point is set?
Yes, but you should almost never do it. After a point is established, the Don't Pass bettor has the mathematical advantage. The probability of a 7 appearing before any specific point number favors you. Taking the bet down gives up that edge.
Can I lay odds on Don't Pass?
Yes. Laying odds behind a Don't Pass bet pays at true odds with zero house edge. You bet more to win less (the reverse of taking odds), but the 0% edge makes it one of the best bets in the casino.
What is the probability of winning a Don't Pass bet?
The probability of winning is about 47.93%, losing is 47.07%, and the remaining 5% is the come-out 12 push. Despite winning slightly less often than losing, the payout structure produces a 1.36% house edge because the push on 12 protects you rather than costing you.
Is Don't Pass better than Pass Line mathematically?
By a slim margin, yes. Don't Pass at 1.36% beats Pass Line at 1.41%. Over thousands of bets, the difference adds up, but it is small. Most players choose based on comfort at the table rather than the 0.05% edge difference.
Why does 12 push on Don't Pass instead of winning?
The 12 push (called the bar) is how the casino maintains its edge on the Don't Pass. Without it, Don't Pass bettors would have a mathematical advantage over the house. The bar on 12 gives back just enough to keep the house in the black.
Should I use the Martingale system on Don't Pass?
No. The Martingale does not change the house edge on any bet. Doubling down after losses means a single bad streak can wipe your bankroll or hit the table maximum. A 6-loss streak happens roughly 1.56% of the time per session. Expected value stays negative regardless of bet sizing.
Can I combine Don't Pass with Don't Come bets?
Yes. Don't Pass plus Don't Come bets, each with laid odds, gives you multiple numbers working in your favor at the same 1.36% flat edge. It is the dark-side equivalent of the Pass Line plus Come bets strategy and carries the same low combined house edge.
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