How Craps Works: Come-Out, Point and Bet Settlement

Conventional bank craps has two main phases: the come-out roll and the point phase. The same dice total can settle different wagers differently. This guide explains that sequence and distinguishes it from special variants such as crapless craps.

The Core Concept of Craps

Craps is a game played with two six-sided dice. Players bet on the outcome of a roll or a series of rolls. One person at the table, the “Shooter,” throws the dice, but everyone at the table can place wagers on the results. The game is played in rounds, and a round can last for a single toss or continue for dozens of rolls.

Starting the Game: The Come-Out Roll

Every round of Craps begins with a Come-Out roll. This happens when the dealer’s puck is flipped to the black side that says “OFF.” Before the shooter throws the dice, you place your initial wager.

The Pass Line Bet

The Pass Line is a wager with one set of rules on its come-out roll and another after a point is established. “Winning for the shooter” is only shorthand; other bets on the table can settle differently on the same roll.

On the Come-Out roll, there are three potential outcomes for a Pass Line bettor:

• Natural (7 or 11): You win even money instantly. The round ends, and a new Come-Out roll begins.
• Craps (2, 3, or 12): You lose your bet immediately. The round ends, and a new Come-Out roll begins.
• The Point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10): If any of these numbers are rolled, that number becomes the “Point.” The dealer flips the puck to the white side that says “ON” and places it on that number.

Phase Two: Playing the Point

Once a Point is established, the game enters its second phase. The shooter’s goal is now to roll that specific Point number again before rolling a 7.

• If the Point is rolled first: All Pass Line bettors win even money. The puck is moved back to “OFF,” and the shooter starts a new Come-Out roll.
• If a 7 is rolled first (Seven-Out): All Pass Line bettors lose. The round ends, the puck is moved to “OFF,” and the dice are passed to a new shooter.

During this phase, any other number rolled (like a 2, 3, 11, or 12) has no effect on the Pass Line bet; the shooter simply keeps rolling until they either hit the Point or a 7.

Basic Betting Options

While the Pass Line is the foundation, there are other fundamental bets every player should know:

Don’t Pass Bar

Under common bar-12 rules, Don’t Pass wins on a come-out 2 or 3, loses on 7 or 11, and pushes on 12. Some rules bar 2 instead. After a point is established, it wins if 7 appears before the point and loses if the point appears first. The barred total means it is not a perfect inverse of Pass Line on the first roll.

Come Bets

A new Come bet is resolved by its own first roll: 7 or 11 wins; 2, 3 or 12 loses; 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 becomes that bet’s Come point. It then wins if its number repeats before 7. This point can differ from the table’s main point, so the two bets can settle differently.

Field Bets

The Field is a one-roll bet. You place your chips in the large area marked “Field.” If the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12, you win. If it is a 5, 6, 7, or 8, you lose. Its payout on 2 and 12 must be read from the specific rules; those exceptions affect expected return.

Odds Are an Additional Stake

Once the relevant point is established, conventional rules may permit an additional odds stake linked to Pass Line or Come. The allowed amount and working status depend on the rules.

True-odds payouts give that additional component zero mathematical house edge, assuming fair dice and correct settlement. It can still lose. The required underlying bet retains its own negative expectation. Adding odds changes the percentage when total stakes are used as the denominator, but does not remove the underlying expected dollar loss or protect the combined stake.

Craps Personnel and Table Flow

Understanding who is who at the table helps you keep up with the pace:

• The Stickman: Handles the dice and calls out the numbers.
• The Dealers: Manage the bets on each side of the table. You give your chips to them for “Place” bets.
• The Boxman: Sits in the middle and supervises the entire game.

Cash handling, chip placement and accepted-roll procedures vary by venue. A physical table’s crew directions and a digital game’s acceptance controls serve different roles.

Why Working Status Matters

An ON/OFF point puck identifies the main point phase. It does not mean that every wager on the table is active or inactive. Some bets have separate working-status rules, including on a new come-out roll.

Related Rules

See come-out settlements, table markers, Pass and Don’t Pass, and taking and laying odds. WinnerOnline explains rules and does not host games.

Explore the full section: craps rules and table layout.