Dice are considered in play if they land on players' bets on the table, the dealer's working stacks, on the marker puck or with one die resting on top of the other. The roll is invalid if either or both dice land in the box man’s bank, the stickman's bowl where the extra three dice are kept between rolls, or in the rails around the top of the table where players chips are kept. If a die or both dice leave the table, it is also a no roll and the box man will examine the dice before letting them come back into the game. However, the player may request the same die or dice.

When either of the dice land on or come to rest leaning against chips, markers, or the side of the table, the number that would be on top if the object the die is leaning on were removed, is the number that is used to make the call.

If one or both dice hits a player or dealer and rolls back onto the table, the roll counts as long as the person being hit did not interfere with either of the dice, though some casinos will rule no roll for this situation.

In most casinos, the shooter may set the dice to a particular starting configuration before throwing such as showing a particular number or combination, stacking the dice, or spacing them to be picked up between different fingers, but if they do, they are often asked to be quick about it so as not to delay the game. Some casinos have no setting rules.