Quick Answer: What Is The Come-Out Roll?
The come-out roll is the first roll of a round, when the puck is OFF.
It can:
- produce an instant win (7 or 11 for Pass Line)
- produce an instant loss (2, 3, or 12 for Pass Line)
- or set a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)
Once a point is set, the puck flips to ON and the game moves into the point phase.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
How To Know It’s A Come-Out Roll (Without Thinking)
Look at the puck:
- OFF = come-out roll
- ON = point phase
That’s the simplest shortcut at a busy table.
If you want the puck explained clearly, read Understanding The Role Of The “Puck” In Craps.
What Happens On The Come-Out Roll (Pass Line)
The Pass Line bet is the most common starting bet, so let’s start there.
Pass Line Wins Immediately On 7 Or 11
These are called “naturals.”
If the shooter rolls:
- 7 or 11
your Pass Line bet wins and the round resets to a new come-out roll.
Pass Line Loses Immediately On 2, 3, Or 12
These are called “craps.”
If the shooter rolls:
- 2, 3, or 12
your Pass Line bet loses and the round resets to a new come-out roll.
Pass Line Sets A Point On 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, Or 10
If the shooter rolls one of these numbers, it becomes the point.
- puck flips to ON
- the shooter keeps rolling
- Pass Line now wins if the point repeats before a 7
If you want the full flow from start to finish, read How Craps Works: Rules, Table Layout & Game Flow Explained.
What Happens On The Come-Out Roll (Don’t Pass)
The Don’t Pass bet is basically betting against the shooter.
Don’t Pass Wins Immediately On 2 Or 3
If the shooter rolls:
- 2 or 3
Don’t Pass wins and the round resets.
Don’t Pass Loses Immediately On 7 Or 11
If the shooter rolls:
- 7 or 11
Don’t Pass loses and the round resets.
Don’t Pass Usually Pushes On 12
Most tables treat 12 as a push (tie) for Don’t Pass.
This is important because it slightly changes the value of the bet depending on table rules.
Don’t Pass Sets A Point On 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, Or 10
Same point numbers.
After the point is set:
- Don’t Pass wins if a 7 rolls before the point
- Don’t Pass loses if the point repeats first
Why The Come-Out Roll Matters So Much
1) It Creates Instant Wins Or Losses
A come-out roll can end a bet in one roll.
That makes it feel dramatic, especially in a live room.
2) It Determines Whether You Enter The “Long Phase”
If a point is set, the game changes:
- different bets become active
- odds bets become possible
- place bets become more relevant
3) It Shapes Table Energy
Come-out rolls drive the loudest reactions:
- natural 7/11 cheers
- craps numbers groans
- point-setting excitement
Energy can affect your decision-making, especially if you’re new.
The Come-Out Roll And Odds Bets (What Beginners Miss)
Here’s the key timing:
- You can’t place Pass Line odds until after the point is set.
- That means odds bets are a point-phase tool, not a come-out tool.
Odds bets are popular because they usually pay true odds (no built-in house edge on that portion).
If you want the full explanation, read How Odds Bets Work And Why They Have No House Edge.
Can You “Play” The Come-Out Roll Differently?
Most of the time, you don’t change your plan based on the come-out roll.
But you can use one smart control:
Don’t Add Random Bets Just Because The Come-Out Feels Exciting
New players often do this:
- “I’ll throw something in the middle just for this roll.”
That’s usually how bad habits start.
If you want one-roll bets explained (and why they’re tempting), read Understanding Prop Bets In Craps (Horn, Yo, C&E, Etc.).
A Simple Come-Out Strategy For Beginners
If you want a clean plan:
- Pass Line: 1 unit
- No center table bets
- Wait for the point
- Add odds only if you planned for it
This keeps the come-out roll from turning into an impulse moment.
Common Come-Out Mistakes
Mistake 1: Forgetting The Puck
If you don’t know the phase, you’ll place the wrong bets.
Mistake 2: Treating Come-Out Like A “Special Roll”
It’s just the start of the round. Don’t let the drama trick you into bigger bets.
Mistake 3: Chasing After A Craps Number
Losing on a 2/3/12 can feel unfair. That feeling often triggers chasing.
Set your stop-loss before the session starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Come-Out Roll The Same As The First Roll Of The Shooter?
Usually yes, but it can happen multiple times in one shooter’s turn. Every time the puck is OFF, the next roll is a come-out roll.
Why Does Pass Line Win On 7 During Come-Out But Lose On 7 Later?
Because the game changes after a point is set. Once the puck is ON, 7 becomes the “seven out” number.
Can I Place Odds Bets On The Come-Out Roll?
No. Odds bets come after the point is set.
What’s The Best Bet During The Come-Out Roll?
For most beginners, it’s sticking to the Pass Line or Don’t Pass plan you chose, without adding impulse prop bets.
Does The Come-Out Roll Affect All Bets?
Not all bets. Some bets are only active during specific phases. That’s why understanding the come-out roll is so important.
Where To Go Next
You now know what the come-out roll is, what outcomes matter, and why this single roll sets the tone for the entire round.
Next, we’ll focus on what happens when a point is set: how point numbers work, why some points feel “easier,” and what the point phase really means for your bets.
Continue with How Point Numbers Work In Craps.
