In the game of craps, the “Don’t Come” bet is a type of wager that players can make after the point has been established (i.e., after the come-out roll when a point number of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 has been rolled). This bet is essentially the opposite of the “Come” bet and is placed on the “Don’t Come” bar, which is located just above the “Come” bar on the craps layout.
Here’s how the Don’t Come bet works:
1. **Placing the Bet**: After the point is established, a player can place a Don’t Come bet by placing chips on the “Don’t Come” bar. The bet can be made at any time after the point has been established.
2. **First Roll (Don’t Come Bet):** When the bet is placed, the next roll of the dice is the first roll for that Don’t Come bet. If a 2 or 3 is rolled, the Don’t Come bet wins. If a 7 is rolled, the Don’t Come bet loses. If a 12 is rolled, the bet is a push (neither wins nor loses), and the player’s chips remain on the Don’t Come bar for the next roll. If any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled, that number becomes the Don’t Come point for that particular bet.
3. **Subsequent Rolls (Don’t Come Point):** Once a Don’t Come point is established, the player wins if a 7 is rolled before the Don’t Come point. If the Don’t Come point is rolled before a 7, the bet loses. If a 7 is rolled, the player loses their Don’t Come bet, and the chips are removed from the layout. If the point is rolled, the player wins and is paid even money (1 to 1) on their bet, less the amount of the bet itself.
4. **Taking the Odds**: Just like with the Don’t Pass bet, players can take odds on their Don’t Come bets after a point has been established. The odds bet pays true odds if the point is made before a 7, and it is a separate bet that can be removed or increased at any time. The odds on a Don’t Come bet are the same as on a Don’t Pass bet: 1x on a point of 4 or 10, 2x on a point of 5 or 9, and 3x on a point of 6 or 8.
The Don’t Come bet is a good strategy for players who are more experienced and understand the odds in craps, as it has a lower house edge compared to the standard Come bet. However, because it is betting against the dice, it can be less popular with casual players who are looking for a more straightforward and intuitive betting experience.