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Frank Scoblete Gaming Guru  One for the Road13 October 2024
By Frank Scoblete I remember a time when people had “one drink for the road” as they smashed out their cigarette in the ashtray or on the sidewalk outside the bar or dance hall. Those were the days! Nobody got killed on the roads just because Harold was allowed to drive plastered before seat belts were mandatory In fact, I know one man who doesn’t believe we should have to wear seat belts. He believes it is his choice to choose how he wants to die. The ones he'll take with him? I once mentioned to him that not wearing a seat belt might mean that he will be hurled through his car’s front window and through the other person’s car window maybe killing both himself and the other driver. He put out his cigarette, lit another one, and said, “What will be will be.” I just hope the guy in the other car has the same philosophy. The two of them might make a good team. “Appearing tonight, coming through the window, the Bang! Bang! Twins!” We have advanced somewhat from the days where the bartender might give you “one for the road.” That was accomplished by passing laws that held barkeeps responsible if they do the “one for the road” thing. Other than the man above happily smoking his cigarettes, do many of you disagree with the new laws? And how does this sound? At the end of the interminable commercials for casinos and sports betting, the bottom in somewhat tiny lettering says, “Gamble responsibly.” Huh? What does that mean – exactly? I have no idea. One person’s “responsibly” might mean not having to put his kids in the poor house. Another might think it is just so stupid to make a bet where the casino has the edge. Somewhere in between those two extremes might exists the word “responsibly.” Maybe a casino player getting sloppily drunk will be given a last drink with the waiter saying to him, “Have one for the elevator,” knowing the guy is staggering back to his room. I am somewhat leery of wording that reads as if it has meaning but in reality is too vague to mean anything at all. Drink “responsibly” – what does that mean? One, single drink might just be one drink too many. Or maybe 10 drinks is one too many too. Gamble responsibly? That ultimately means nothing. It only sounds as if it means something. Here is the bottom line for me: You can’t preach to the masses in ways that are indecipherable. We have no definition of responsible. It could be some combination of losses that are somewhat meaningful to an individual before he has a drink for the elevator. Players, drinkers, drivers --- and almost everyone who has an “er” at the end of his or her name --- must be responsible for him or herself. That means they had to think about what they were doing or about to do, study the ramifications, and then decide “yes” or “no.” While it might be fun to hold those dispensers of delight responsible (bartenders and the like) they should not have to carry the total burden. It is time for citizens to stand up and read one for the road. All the best in and out of the casinos! Frank Scoblete’s books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Kindle, e-books, libraries, and bookstores. This article is provided by the Frank Scoblete Network. Melissa A. Kaplan is the network's managing editor. If you would like to use this article on your website, please contact Casino City Press, the exclusive web syndication outlet for the Frank Scoblete Network. To contact Frank, please e-mail him at fscobe@optonline.net. Let's Discuss8 October 2024
Blackjack is a game where people can play silently, existing in their own heads, enjoying the game or not enjoying the game depending on wins or losses, and the people who enjoy such silence enjoy such a game. With a full table of 7 (or 6), there are always occasions for conversations, most of them cordial ... (read more)
How the Casino Wins Your Money8 October 2024
Casinos are a business; just like the businesses in your community and those throughout the world. Their goal is simple, it really is and that goal is this – to make your money their money. They sell a product, gambling on games where they have the advantage over the players. Players find that product exciting. ... (read more)
One Foot Towards the Door6 October 2024
I am going to share with you a very simple concept that I stumbled upon early in my career as a casino gaming columnist. I now call it “my foot facing the door.” Okay, what does this mean precisely? “Foot facing the door.” When I am playing I am always ready to leave the table if things are not going right, or don’t seem to be going right, or if I am uncomfortable for any reason whatsoever. ... (read more)
Ask Frank: Spanish 21 StrategyHello there, Living in Canada, I find that the rules are more liberal here than at other casino locales, such as the dealer standing on all 17s for Spanish Blackjack. In your book, Armada Strategies for Spanish 21, there is only a strategy for when the dealer hits soft 17. I was wondering if you have any strategies for 8 deck, s17. ... (read more)Ask Frank (Playing Winning Craps)Dear Mr. Scoblete: In your book Forever Craps, you recommend to play one Don't Come bet per shooter without odds in order to reduce your exposure to the house. I usually play at casinos that count the spread and odds. If I play one ... (read more)Bad Ways to Play Good Casino GamesYou've met this guy before. He's cantankerous, witless, and loud. He knows everything about everything when it comes to casino games. He's a self-made expert who knows more than all writers and mathematicians combined, and as he doubles on his thirteen against the dealer's ... (read more)The Craps to English DictionaryCraps is another country, a kingdom with its own mores, legends, myths, rites, rituals, superstitions and government. It also has its own language, much of it easily misunderstood as sexual or scatological references. For those of you interested in journeying to this other ... (read more)Craps Crap and Craps Gold - Part 1What do the following sayings have in common? "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." "Better late than never." "High fences make good neighbors." "Always play the Pass/Come and take full odds." Answer: The above statements are true. Yes, some people might quibble and say that you can eat as ... (read more)Frank Scoblete |
Frank Scoblete |
