How should I progress my place bets?

Frank:

When I play craps, I will usually place the inside numbers after the come-out. I will then cover the remaining numbers if the shooter makes two passes (points). After recouping my original investment, I then start to increase my place bets.

I understand that this gives away a larger vig to the house, but this, for me, is the most fun. What is the best progression for increasing my place bets?

Yours truly,
Steve S.

Dear Steve:

Let me ask you a question: What's the best way to drink, get plastered and drive safely? Obviously your answer would be, "There is no way to drink, get plastered and drive safely." It's illegal, immoral and dumb.

While placing the inside bets is not illegal or immoral, it is dumb. You are giving the house about 2.6% edge over you. I just don't see how this can be fun. You're better off just placing the 6 and 8. In fact, in a random game of craps, you are better off making a come bet with odds — that keeps the house edge the lowest possible on your money.

Of course, the superior way to play is to learn how to control the dice when you shoot. But even here, you must make good bets. There is no way around it in craps - you must make good bets.

As far as increasing your bets against random rollers, I'll ask you another question: "Now that you are drunk and driving, how can I increase my speed even more and be safe?" Your answer will be, "You can't."

My answer to you is this: "You can't increase your bets into a negative situation without guaranteeing even more losses."

For your excellent letter I am giving you a free 10-day subscription to my private, members-only web site at www.goldentouchcraps.com. We have over 5,000 members on this private site and the conversations are interesting, educational and fun. Enjoy.

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Frank Scoblete