Quick Answer: How Does Shooter Rotation Work?
The shooter keeps rolling until they seven out during the point phase.
When a shooter seven outs:
- the round ends
- the puck goes OFF
- the dice pass to the next shooter (clockwise around the table)
That’s the main rotation rule.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Craps.
How A Shooter Is Chosen
At most live tables:
- the dice start with a shooter
- after that shooter’s turn ends, the dice move to the next player (clockwise)
- a player can decline to shoot, and the dice keep moving
If you decline, you can still bet. You just don’t roll.
What Happens When You Become The Shooter
If it’s your turn to shoot, here’s the basic process:
- The stickman pushes the dice to you with a stick
- You pick up the dice with one hand
- You throw them so they hit the back wall
- The dealers call the result and settle bets
Casinos care a lot about the dice hitting the back wall to keep rolls fair.
If you want to know more about the handling rules, read How To Handle Dice Properly (Casino Rules).
The Two Phases Matter For Shooter Turns
Shooter rotation depends on the two craps phases:
- come-out roll (puck OFF)
- point phase (puck ON)
A shooter’s turn can include many come-out rolls, because if a point is made, the puck returns to OFF and a new come-out roll begins—while the same shooter continues.
So the shooter doesn’t rotate just because a point was hit.
The shooter rotates when the shooter seven outs.
The Exact Moment A Shooter’s Turn Ends
A shooter’s turn ends when:
- a point has been set (puck ON)
- and the shooter rolls a 7 before making the point again
That 7 is called seven out.
When seven out happens:
- Pass Line loses
- Don’t Pass wins
- the round ends
- the dice move to the next shooter
If you want the full definition, read What “Seven Out” Means & Why It Ends The Shooter’s Turn.
Why Shooter Turns Can Be Short Or Long
Some shooters look “hot” because they roll many numbers before sevening out.
But what’s really happening is variance.
A turn can be short if:
- point is set quickly
- and seven out hits shortly after
A turn can be long if:
- points are made
- and the shooter avoids sevening out for many rolls
Long turns feel exciting, but they don’t prove the shooter has control.
If you want to know more about the psychology behind “hot shooter” belief, read The Psychology Of Hot Shooters & Long Rolls.
Can You Skip Your Turn As Shooter?
Yes.
If the dice come to you and you don’t want to shoot:
- tell the dealer you want to pass
- the dice move to the next person
This is normal. No one should pressure you.
Does It Matter Who The Shooter Is For Your Bets?
For most standard bets, no.
Pass Line and Don’t Pass are tied to the game flow, not the shooter’s identity.
But the shooter matters emotionally because:
- people cheer for the shooter
- the table vibe rises and falls with each roll
- players press bets during long turns
- players chase losses after seven out
Your goal is to avoid letting shooter energy control your bankroll.
Common Shooter Rotation Etiquette
At live tables, a few habits keep things smooth:
Don’t Grab The Dice Before It’s Your Turn
The stickman controls dice flow.
Use One Hand To Throw
Most casinos require one-hand throws.
Hit The Back Wall
If you keep missing it, the dealer may warn you.
Keep The Game Moving
Take a second to set your grip, but don’t stall.
A Smart Way To Bet During Shooter Rotation
Here’s a simple discipline idea:
- Keep your base plan the same regardless of who shoots
- Don’t double your unit just because the table is hyped
- If you win, don’t assume the next shooter will continue it
- Use “seven out” as a checkpoint to reassess your session
If you want a full discipline guide later in the cluster, we’ll cover it in session management articles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Do The Dice Pass To The Next Shooter In Craps?
After a shooter seven outs during the point phase. That ends the shooter’s turn and the dice move clockwise.
Can A Shooter Roll Forever?
No. A seven out eventually happens. Some turns are long, but it’s variance, not guaranteed control.
Can I Decline To Be The Shooter?
Yes. You can pass the dice to the next player and still keep betting.
Does The Shooter Affect Odds Or Probability?
No. The shooter doesn’t change the math of the dice. The outcome is still random.
What Should I Do When It’s My Turn To Shoot?
Pick up both dice with one hand, throw them so they hit the back wall, and keep the pace steady.
Where To Go Next
You now understand shooter rotation: how the dice move, what ends a turn, and why long rolls feel exciting even though the odds don’t change.
Next, we’ll cover one of the simplest table tools in craps: the puck. It tells you whether you’re on a come-out roll or in the point phase, and it prevents a ton of beginner confusion.
Continue with Understanding The Role Of The “Puck” In Craps.
