Don't Pass Bar

In craps, the Don't Pass Bar is a section on the craps table associated with the Don't Pass Bet. The Don't Pass Bet is a wager against the shooter, meaning you are betting that the shooter will lose.

The Don't Pass Bar specifically refers to the part of the table where you place this bet, and it indicates one key rule: if the come-out roll is a 12, the bet results in a push.

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How the Don't Pass Bar Works

1. Placing the Bet: Before the come-out roll, you place your chips in the Don't Pass Bar area to make a Don't Pass Bet. This signals that you are betting against the shooter.

2. Come-Out Roll:

   • If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3, the Don't Pass Bet wins.
   • If a 7 or 11 is rolled, the Don't Pass Bet loses.
   • If a 12 is rolled, the Don't Pass Bar rule comes into play, resulting in a push. This means the bet neither wins nor loses, and your chips remain on the table.
   • Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) establishes the point.
3. Subsequent Rolls: After the point is established, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number. If the point number is rolled first, the bet loses.

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Why Is It Called the Don't Pass Bar?

The term bar refers to the exclusion of the number 12 from winning or losing. This rule helps to balance the odds between the player and the casino. If the Don't Pass Bet won on a 2, 3, or 12, it would give a slight advantage to the player. By making a 12 a push (or bar), the house maintains a small edge over time.

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Strategies for the Don't Pass Bar

The Don't Pass Bar is popular among players who prefer to bet against the shooter. Some advanced craps strategies involve taking odds on the Don't Pass Bet once the point is established. This lowers the house edge, making it one of the more favorable bets for players who enjoy a dark side approach in craps.

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Don't Pass Bar FAQs

What happens if I place a Don't Pass Bet and the shooter rolls a 12?

The bet results in a push. Your chips remain on the table, and you can choose to keep your bet or remove it.

Why does the Don't Pass Bar exist?

The bar on 12 exists to ensure the house maintains an edge. Without this rule, the Don't Pass Bet would give players a statistical advantage.

Is the Don't Pass Bet a good bet for beginners?

Yes, the Don't Pass Bet has a low house edge, making it a solid choice for beginners who want to minimize their risk.

Can I place a Don't Pass Bet after the come-out roll?

No, the Don't Pass Bet must be placed before the come-out roll. However, after the come-out roll, you can place a Don't Come Bet.

Is it common for players to use the Don't Pass Bar?

While it's not as popular as the Pass Line Bet, many experienced players prefer the Don't Pass Bar due to its statistical advantages.