The Come-Out Roll: Navigating the First Phase of Craps

In the game of Craps, every round begins with a moment of high anticipation known as the Come-Out roll. For the uninitiated, this is the first toss of the dice by a new shooter or the first toss after a point has been made. It sets the stage for everything that follows, determining whether the round ends instantly with a win or loss, or whether the game moves into the “Point” phase. At Winner Online, we believe that understanding the mechanics of the Come-Out roll is fundamental to mastering table game strategy and managing your bankroll effectively.

What is the Come-Out Roll?

The Come-Out roll occurs when there is no active “Point” on the table. You can easily identify this phase by looking at the dealer’s puck (a small plastic disk). If the puck is flipped to the black side labeled “OFF” and is sitting in the Don’t Pass area or the center of the table, the next roll is a Come-Out roll.

The primary objective during this phase for a “Right Bettor” (someone betting on the Pass Line) is to roll a 7 or 11, or to establish a point number that they can successfully repeat. For the “Wrong Bettor” (someone on the Don’t Pass Bar), the goals are reversed.

The Three Possible Outcomes

When the shooter releases the dice during the Come-Out phase, one of three things will happen based on the total of the two dice:

1. Natural (7 or 11)

If the shooter rolls a 7 or an 11, it is called a “Natural.”

• Pass Line bettors win even money.
• Don’t Pass bettors lose their wager. The round ends immediately, but the shooter keeps the dice and prepares for another Come-Out roll.

2. Craps (2, 3, or 12)

If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, it is referred to as “Craps.”

• Pass Line bettors lose their wager.
• Don’t Pass bettors win on a 2 or 3.
• Note on the 12: On most tables, a 12 results in a “Push” (tie) for the Don’t Pass bettor, meaning they neither win nor lose. This is the house’s primary advantage for the “dark side” strategy. Like the Natural, the round ends, and the shooter prepares for a new Come-Out roll.

3. Establishing the Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)

If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the “Point.” The dealer will move the puck to the “ON” position and place it on the corresponding number at the top of the table layout. The game now shifts into the second phase, where the shooter must roll that specific number again before rolling a 7.

Betting Strategies During the Come-Out

While the Pass Line is the most common bet during this phase, seasoned players often use the Come-Out roll to set up more complex strategies.

The Pass Line Strategy

This is the standard approach for most Canadian players. You place your bet on the Pass Line before the shooter receives the dice. Because there are eight ways to win (six ways to roll a 7, two ways to roll an 11) and only four ways to lose (one way to roll a 2, two ways to roll a 3, one way to roll a 12), the Come-Out roll is actually the most advantageous moment for a Pass Line player.

Hedging with Any Craps

Some players feel uneasy about the 11.1% chance of losing their Pass Line bet to a 2, 3, or 12. To “protect” their main bet, they might place a small “Any Craps” proposition bet. If a Craps number rolls, the win from the prop bet covers the loss on the Pass Line. At Winner Online, we generally advise caution with this approach, as the high house edge on proposition bets can eat into your profits over time.

Working or Not Working?

During the Come-Out roll, certain bets from previous rounds (like Place Bets) are traditionally considered “OFF” or “Not Working.” This means if a 7 rolls, you don’t lose those bets, but if the number hits, you don’t win either. However, you can tell the dealer you want your bets “Working” if you want them active during the Come-Out.

The Psychology of the Come-Out Roll

The atmosphere at a Craps table is heavily dictated by the Come-Out roll. A shooter who rolls multiple Naturals in a row creates a “hot table” environment, as everyone on the Pass Line wins together. Conversely, a quick “Craps” roll can momentarily dampen the spirits of the crowd. Understanding that these outcomes are purely based on probability helps players maintain a level head, whether they are enjoying a streak of 7s or waiting for a point to be established.

Mathematical Probabilities

Understanding the frequency of totals is vital:

• 7: The most likely number (16.67% chance).
• 2 and 12: The least likely numbers (2.78% chance each).
• 6 and 8: The most likely point numbers to be established.

Because the 7 is so likely to appear, the Come-Out roll is the only time you actually want to see “Big Red” if you are a Pass Line bettor. Once the puck moves to “ON,” the 7 becomes your worst enemy.

Conclusion

The Come-Out roll is the heartbeat of Craps. it defines the rhythm of the game and dictates the transition between winning, losing, and strategizing. By understanding how the puck works, what the numbers mean for your Pass Line bet, and how to manage your wagers during this initial toss, you can approach the table with the confidence of a pro. Whether you are playing for the thrill of the “Natural” or looking to establish a strong point, the Come-Out roll is where every great Craps story begins. Winner Online is your dedicated resource for navigating these rules and refining your approach to the game.