Quick Answer: What Are Point Numbers In Craps?
Point numbers are:
4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
A point is set when one of those numbers rolls on the come-out roll.
After a point is set:
- Pass Line wins if the point hits again before a 7
- Don’t Pass wins if a 7 hits before the point repeats
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
How A Point Is Set (Come-Out Roll Recap)
A point only gets set on the come-out roll (when the puck is OFF).
On the come-out roll:
- 7 or 11 ends the round immediately (Pass wins)
- 2, 3, or 12 ends the round immediately (Pass loses)
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 becomes the point
If you want the full breakdown of that roll, read Understanding The Come-Out Roll And Its Importance.
The Point Phase: What Changes Once A Point Is Set
When a point is set:
- the puck flips to ON
- the shooter keeps rolling
- more bet types become relevant
- the round can last many rolls
The point phase ends in one of two ways:
1) The Point Repeats
- Pass Line wins
- Don’t Pass loses
- round ends
- puck returns to OFF for a new come-out roll
2) A Seven Rolls (Seven Out)
- Pass Line loses
- Don’t Pass wins
- shooter’s turn ends
- dice pass to the next shooter
- puck returns to OFF
If you want the clean definition of seven out, read What “Seven Out” Means & Why It Ends The Shooter’s Turn.
Why Some Points Feel “Easier” Than Others
Not all point numbers have the same probability.
That’s because some totals have more dice combinations than others.
Here’s the key idea:
- 6 and 8 are easier to roll than 4 and 10
- 5 and 9 sit in the middle
Dice Combinations (Simple Version)
- 4 has fewer combinations than 6
- 10 has fewer combinations than 8
- 6 and 8 have the most combinations among point numbers
That’s why you’ll often hear:
- “six and eight are the best numbers”
It doesn’t mean you’ll hit them right away. It means they show up more often over time.
If you want the exact probability breakdown by total, read The Probability Of Rolling Each Number On Two Dice.
What The Point Means For Different Bets
The point doesn’t just affect Pass Line.
It changes which bets are active and how they behave.
Pass Line
- wins if point repeats before 7
Don’t Pass
- wins if 7 appears before point repeats
Odds Bets
Odds bets only exist after a point is set.
- Pass Line odds win if the point hits
- Don’t Pass odds win if a 7 hits first
Odds bets are important because they’re often the cleanest “value add” in craps.
If you want the full explanation, read How Odds Bets Work And Why They Have No House Edge.
Place Bets
Place bets are most relevant during the point phase.
They let you bet directly on:
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
A place bet wins if that number rolls before a 7.
This is why many players place:
- 6 and 8 (popular because they hit more often than 4/10)
The Point And Table Rhythm (Why It Feels Different)
When the point is set, the table changes mood.
Why?
- everyone is “in the round”
- people start adding bets
- side bets become tempting
- long rolls feel exciting
- short point-sevens feel brutal
This is where many players lose discipline.
If you find yourself adding random bets mid-round, it helps to have a simple plan.
A Simple “Point Phase” Plan For Beginners
Here’s a clean approach:
- Pass Line: 1 unit
- Wait for point to be set
- Add odds (1–2 units) if bankroll allows
- Optional: Place 6 and 8 (1 unit each)
- Avoid center props unless you budgeted for them
This keeps you aligned with the point phase instead of chasing the table’s energy.
Common Mistakes With Point Numbers
Mistake 1: Thinking A Point Is “Due”
Just because a point has been missed for several rolls doesn’t mean it’s coming next.
Mistake 2: Over-Betting When The Point Is 6 Or 8
Yes, 6 and 8 hit more often than 4 and 10, but a 7 can still show up first.
Mistake 3: Forgetting What The Point Is
It happens a lot in noisy rooms.
Easy fix:
- look at the puck
- look at the point marker
If you want the table roles and how they manage the flow, read Understanding The Role Of Stickmen, Dealers & Boxmen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Point Numbers In Craps?
The point numbers are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
Can A Point Be 7 Or 11?
No. 7 and 11 on the come-out roll are immediate wins for Pass Line and do not become the point.
Why Are 6 And 8 Popular Point Numbers?
They have more dice combinations than 4 or 10, so they appear more often over time.
What Happens After The Point Is Set?
The game enters the point phase. The shooter keeps rolling until either the point repeats (Pass wins) or a 7 appears (seven out).
Does The Point Affect All Bets?
Not all bets, but it changes the context for many bets, especially odds bets, place bets, and come/ don’t come bets.
Where To Go Next
You now understand point numbers: what they are, how a point is set, what happens during the point phase, and why some points feel easier than others.
Next, we’ll cover one of the most important choices in craps: the difference between Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets, and what it really means to “bet with” or “against” the shooter.
Continue with The Difference Between Pass Line & Don’t Pass Line Bets.
