Quick Answer: What Does The Puck Mean In Craps?
The puck is a small marker that says ON and OFF.
- OFF means the next roll is the come-out roll (a new round is starting).
- ON means a point is set and the table is in the point phase.
Think of it as the table’s “status light.”
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
Where The Puck Sits (And What It Shows)
The puck usually sits near the point numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10.
When the puck is OFF, it’s not placed on any number.
When a point is set, the puck is placed on that point number with ON showing.
So in one glance you can know:
- Are we on a come-out roll or not?
- What is the point number right now?
That alone makes craps feel 10x less stressful.
OFF: What It Means In Real Play
When the puck is OFF, the table is starting a fresh round. The very next roll is the come-out roll.
Why OFF Matters
On the come-out roll, certain outcomes end the round instantly. For many beginner bets, this is the “snap decision” moment.
Here’s the simple version for Pass Line on a come-out roll:
- 7 or 11 → win
- 2, 3, or 12 → lose
- 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 → a point is set and the puck flips ON
If you want to know more about the come-out roll explained step-by-step, read Understanding The Come-Out Roll And Its Importance.
The Main Beginner Benefit Of OFF
OFF helps you avoid placing the wrong bet at the wrong time. For example:
- Some players forget it’s a come-out roll and assume a 7 is “bad.”
- Others forget a new round started and try to act like a point is already active.
The puck prevents that confusion.
ON: What It Means In Real Play
When the puck is ON, a point is set and the shooter is now in the point phase.
During this phase, the shooter keeps rolling until:
- the point repeats, or
- a 7 appears (this ends the shooter’s turn)
Why ON Matters
ON is where many beginners get tripped up because the meaning of certain outcomes changes based on the phase.
A quick example:
- On the come-out roll (OFF), a 7 is often great for Pass Line players.
- In the point phase (ON), a 7 ends the turn and is bad for Pass Line players.
Same number. Different phase. Different result.
That’s why the puck is so important.
How The Puck Helps You Place Bets Correctly
If you want one simple habit that makes craps easier, it’s this:
Before you place any bet, check the puck.
If The Puck Is OFF
You’re on a come-out roll.
Good beginner behavior:
- Stick to your planned main bet (Pass Line or Don’t Pass).
- Avoid tossing random “just for fun” bets because the table is loud.
- Stay calm if the round ends fast. That’s normal.
If The Puck Is ON
You’re in the point phase.
Good beginner behavior:
- Know what the point is (it’s literally under the puck).
- Keep your bet size consistent.
- Don’t panic-bet because “it’s taking too long.”
This is where people drift into impulse bets because they want more action.
What The Puck Changes For The Most Common Bets
You don’t need to memorize the whole betting board. But you should know how the core bets behave in OFF vs ON.
Pass Line
When OFF (come-out roll):
- wins on 7 or 11
- loses on 2, 3, 12
- sets point on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
When ON (point phase):
- wins if point repeats before a 7
- loses if 7 appears first
Don’t Pass
When OFF:
- wins on 2 or 3
- loses on 7 or 11
- 12 usually pushes
- point sets on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
When ON:
- wins if 7 appears before the point repeats
- loses if the point repeats first
Odds Bets (Why The Puck Is Your Timing Cue)
Odds bets are typically added after the point is set. That means, for most players, the puck being ON is the reminder:
- “Now I’m in the point phase.”
- “Now odds are available if I planned to take them.”
- “Now I should stop impulse betting and stick to my plan.”
You can still lose (it’s craps), but timing your actions to the correct phase keeps your session organized.
The Puck As A Discipline Tool (This Is The Real Cheat Code)
The puck doesn’t change the dice. It changes you.
Use it as a checkpoint.
Every time you see the puck flip:
- OFF → ON (point set)
- ON → OFF (round ended)
Ask yourself:
- Am I still betting my planned unit?
- Did I add any bets just because I felt bored?
- Is my session still under control?
This is especially helpful in high-energy sessions where the table vibe pushes you to press and chase.
Common Beginner Mistakes The Puck Prevents
Mistake 1: Forgetting The Point
If you don’t know the point, you don’t know what the table is aiming for. The puck literally shows it.
Mistake 2: Thinking A 7 Is Always Good Or Always Bad
A 7 can be good or bad depending on whether the puck is OFF or ON.
Mistake 3: Betting “Out Of Phase”
Many mistakes happen when people treat every roll the same. Craps is phase-based.
Mistake 4: Panicking During Long Point Phases
When the puck stays ON for a while, some players start firing bets everywhere out of impatience. That’s usually how bankroll leaks happen.
If you ever feel that urge, do something simple:
- sit out a roll
- reset your unit
- or take a quick break
A Simple Puck Habit That Makes Craps Feel Easy
Here’s the habit:
- OFF: I’m starting a round. I keep it basic.
- ON: I’m in the point phase. I stay disciplined.
That’s it.
You don’t need to memorize slang. You don’t need to play every box.
You just need to know what phase you’re in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does ON Mean In Craps?
ON means a point is set and the table is in the point phase.
What Does OFF Mean In Craps?
OFF means the next roll is the come-out roll and the round is starting fresh.
Why Does The Puck Stay OFF Sometimes?
If the come-out roll ends the round immediately (like a quick win or quick loss), the puck stays OFF and the next roll is another come-out roll.
Does The Puck Change Odds Or Probability?
No. It doesn’t affect the dice. It’s a visual tool so everyone knows the phase and point number.
What’s The Fastest Way To Stop Getting Confused In Craps?
Follow the puck. OFF means come-out rules. ON means point phase rules.
Where To Go Next
You now know what the puck does: it shows whether you’re on a come-out roll or in the point phase, and it helps you avoid the most common beginner mistakes.
Next, we’ll connect this to the dice math: why some totals show up more often than others, and how that affects what you see at the table.
Continue with The Probability Of Rolling Each Number On Two Dice.
