Craps: To Pass or Not to Pass

Question
What's a better bet, the don't pass or the pass line at craps? I say it's the pass line, but my friend swears it's the don't pass.

Answer
Your friend is correct. The don't pass carries a slightly (and I do mean slightly) smaller house edge. That does not mean, however, that you necessarily bet the don't pass. Craps is a social game, and one of the things that makes it so fun is that as a rule when one player wins everybody wins—so long as everyone is betting the pass line. Compare this to blackjack, or Let it Ride, where the players usually experience differing results.

When you bet the don't pass you're betting against the shooter making his point. Thus, when he sevens out you're the only one at the table smiling. Considering that you lose literally a fraction of a percentage by betting like everyone else and betting the pass line, my advice is always to bet the pass line and enjoy your evening. Yeah, you may give up something like $1.50 in expectation over the course of an evening. But who cares? When in Rome, do as the Romans.

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