Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Craps Doctor

August 19, 2008

Ben runs our racquetball league. He’s quite good at the game and (to hear him tell it) was ranked #1 or 2 in Washington state in the Masters Class (>35 years old, I think). When he’s not playing racquetball or working his day job, he’s shooting craps at either the Muckleshoot or at the EQC (Emerald Queen Casino). He talks a big game and sometimes when he gets started on his topic of the day, I’ll just smile and nod along. It’s not that I think he’s full of shit. He’s actually a fun guy and very enthusiastic about everything – especially all the cute women in the gym.

Anyway, one day he mentions that he’s headed over to his buddy’s house to practice throwing dice. Huh? Sure enough, several of his buddies have tables set up in their houses for the express purpose of practicing betting patterns and also to practice either throwing 7s or not throwing them, depending on whether the point is established or not. These home games are not for money. Turns out we have our own version of the MIT blackjack team, only here it’s craps.

Again – take this with a grain of salt. He claims that his best run was 52 consecutive winning sessions at the craps tables. This is preposterous of course, but it got my attention. When he started talking about bankroll management and when to walk away, he was talking my language. He explained the basics of the betting strategy, and it makes sense. Of course, the odds are always in the house’s favor, but the way he bets would tend to give him the best chance for profit. If he’s really able to improve the odds with all his “practice,” perhaps he’s onto something.

I may have to try it. It sure can’t be any worse than my terrible run at the poker tables.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I actually have a couple of books on "Dice Control" if you want to borrow them. Interesting theory, but I haven't been able to put it to good use myself, mostly because I don't have a practice table at home! And practicing "out in the field" can get expensive.

So what's your buddy's craps playing schedule? Would love to sidle up to the table when he's shooting and try to ride on his expertise!

Unknown said...

Soundss interesting. Wonder what Bayne would say about this.

IT

Bayne_S said...

http://wizardofodds.com/craps/appendix3.html

I always yield to the wizard in these matters.

I always try to set the dice with 2 2s or 3s aligned \ /

Theory being if dice roll straight there are only 2 7s available.

Of course when dice cross coming off the wall 4 sevens are available.

You still need deep pockets to collect on edge, IF IT IS REAL.