Abstract: A method for decreasing the extent of crop loss during rolling of ingots to semifinished products, such as slabs and blooms, in which a lighter than usual draft is taken during the odd pass, i.e. as the ingot bottom enters the rolls. During the subsequent even pass, as the ingot top enters the rolls, the draft taken is of the usual order of magnitude. These steps of alternate light and heavy passes are conducted until the ingot thickness is about twice the length of the maximum practically achievable contact arc--then the normal drafting sequence is utilized. A yield gain of about 1% or greater may thus be achieved by using such controlled counter-drafting.