Don’t Pass + Odds
Don’t Pass + Odds
The Don’t Pass + Odds Strategy is one of the best “dark side” strategies for bubble craps. It starts with a Don’t Pass bet before the come-out roll, then adds Odds after a point is established. The goal is simple: you are betting against the point repeating before a 7 appears.
This strategy fits bubble craps especially well because there is no live table pressure. At a regular craps table, some players feel awkward betting Don’t Pass because it looks like they are betting against the shooter. On a bubble craps machine, you are usually playing your own terminal, making this a much more comfortable way to use the dark side of the game. It is not exciting in the same way as pressing numbers, but it is structured, patient, and strong for players who want a lower-chaos approach.
How This Strategy Works
The strategy begins with a Don’t Pass bet before the come-out roll. In regular craps, Don’t Pass wins on a come-out 2 or 3, pushes on 12, and loses on 7 or 11. If 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 rolls, that number becomes the point. Once the point is established, the Don’t Pass bet is now hoping for a 7 to roll before the point repeats.
After the point is established, the player can add Don’t Pass Odds, sometimes called Give Odds. On a bubble craps machine, this may appear as an Odds prompt or a Give Odds betting field. The Odds bet is tied to the original Don’t Pass bet. If a 7 appears before the point repeats, the Don’t Pass and Odds win. If the point repeats first, both lose.
When To Use It
Use the Don’t Pass + Odds Strategy when you want a more patient, controlled way to play bubble craps. It works best when you are comfortable with the idea of betting against the point and when the machine minimums allow you to add Odds without overcommitting. Avoid it if you want action on every roll, if you are emotionally uncomfortable with dark-side betting, or if the Odds amount makes one losing point cycle too expensive.
Step-by-Step Strategy
Start with a Don’t Pass bet
Place a Don’t Pass bet before the come-out roll. Keep the starting amount small and comfortable because you may add Odds later.
Resolve the come-out roll
On the come-out roll, Don’t Pass wins on 2 or 3, pushes on 12, and loses on 7 or 11. If 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 rolls, that number becomes the point.
Wait for the point to be established
Once the point is established, the Don’t Pass bet stays active until either a 7 appears or the point repeats.
Add Don’t Pass Odds
After the point is established, add Odds if the machine allows it and your bankroll supports it. On bubble craps, this may appear as a Give Odds field or Odds prompt.
Keep the Odds amount controlled
A cautious version uses small Odds instead of maxing out. The goal is to improve the bet structure without making one losing point cycle too expensive.
Win if the 7 appears before the point
If a 7 rolls before the point repeats, the Don’t Pass bet wins and the Odds win with it. Collect and return to the next come-out roll.
Reset if the point repeats
If the point rolls again before a 7, the Don’t Pass and Odds lose. Reset to the base plan instead of raising the next bet to chase the loss.
Example Session
Example Setup
- Starting bankroll: $100
- Starting bet: $5 Don’t Pass bet
- Odds plan: Add small Don’t Pass Odds after a point is established
- Main goal: Bet against the point repeating before a 7
- Reset rule: Return to the base Don’t Pass bet after each resolved point cycle
Roll Timeline
The point is established as 10. Your Don’t Pass bet is now hoping for a 7 before the 10 repeats.
You add a small Don’t Pass Odds bet behind the active Don’t Pass position.
Nothing resolves. The Don’t Pass and Odds remain active.
The Don’t Pass bet wins and the Odds win with it. Collect and return to the next come-out roll.
The Don’t Pass and Odds lose. Reset to the base plan instead of chasing.
What This Example Shows
This example shows why Don’t Pass + Odds can work well on bubble craps. You are not trying to cover the whole layout or chase every number. You are taking a patient position after the point is established and waiting for the 7 to appear before the point repeats.
Strategy Grade Breakdown
Ease of Use
The concept is simple once the player understands the come-out roll and point cycle, but Don’t Pass logic can feel backwards at first.
Risk Management
Strong risk profile when bet sizes and Odds are kept reasonable.
Bankroll Pressure
Lower pressure than many multi-number strategies, especially when the player avoids oversized Odds.
Profit Potential
Solid profit potential for a conservative strategy, but it is not designed for huge explosive payouts.
Entertainment Value
More patient than exciting. Great for disciplined players, but slower than Place betting or pressing systems.
Bubble Craps Fit
Excellent fit because bubble craps removes live-table social pressure from dark-side betting.
Pros
- Strong fit for solo bubble craps play
- Uses core craps rules instead of risky prop bets
- Lower pressure than many number-coverage systems
- Good way to learn dark-side betting
- Works well with small, controlled Odds
- No live table pressure from other players
Cons
- Can feel backwards to new players
- Less exciting than action-heavy strategies
- Still loses when the point repeats
- Odds increase the amount exposed
- Some players simply do not enjoy dark-side betting
Common Mistakes
- Confusing Don’t Pass with Pass Line rules
- Taking too much Odds for the bankroll
- Chasing after the point repeats
- Forgetting that 12 is usually a push on the come-out roll
- Adding unrelated prop bets that defeat the conservative structure
- Playing on a machine where the minimum bet is too high for the bankroll
Final Take
The Don’t Pass + Odds Strategy earns an A- because it is one of the strongest structured strategies for bubble craps players who are comfortable with dark-side betting. It is patient, clean, and especially well-suited for electronic craps because there is no social pressure from a live table. It may not be the most exciting system, but for disciplined solo players, it is absolutely worth learning.
