Readers Write

Dear Frank,

On our trip to Las Vegas in August, the complimentary copy of Casino Player in our room at the Flamingo Hilton had your article about the Captain's 5-Count, etc. As I had my copy of Beat the Craps Out of the Casinos with me, I sat down with it and digested it as best I could, then went over to Harrah's--there seems to be a purer craps crowd there than at most Strip casinos--to really try it out. The only other time I had tried it was in Tunica, Mississippi in April, 1999, but no good rolls came along during the short time that I tried it out.

I played just three sessions during this latest trip and won all three times. The 5-Count, coupled with the Doey/Don't plays, really do keep you in the game until a hot shooter comes along. I bet just $5 on the Doey/Don't and put double odds on three numbers after the 5-Count. The first two times I got my $30 in odds bets down, the shooter threw 7s. But I was determined to stay long enough to really make it work. It was a little confusing at first, but the dealers were very helpful, and I got the hang of it after a few hands. Two of my sessions were at Harrah's and one was at the Palace Station. I've been practicing at home using my "Craps System Tester" from Erick St. Germain and it is still holding up well.

I do have a question that your New Chance and Circumstance readers might also wonder about. Why take odds off on a come-out roll? Is it just superstition? It seems that many times the come-out would be one of my numbers, and it was especially exasperating when it was a 4 or 10. Is it recommended because we know some 7s are going to show, so by taking the odds off on the come-out we can root for them on those rolls? We all know the probability of any given number showing is the same on any roll, so if we're on a hot shoot why not leave the odds on? It would sure be great if you could ask the Captain about this.

On another topic, I highly recommend the book 24/7: Living it up and Doubling Down in the New Las Vegas by Andrés Martinez. I also enjoyed Super Casino by Pete Earley, and Double Down by Frederick and Steven Barthelme. I think every one who is going to risk their money in a casino should read these books so they will know what and who they are up against.

Finally, I'm looking forward to your latest book, Forever Craps. I'll call you in November to order it.

Darrell

Dear Darrell:

Important business first! You can order Forever Craps right now. It's available from Paone Press 1-800-944-0406 at $12.50. Amazon will has it for $12.55. The retail cost is $13.95.

Okay, now to your questions and comments. The reason you take your bets off on the come-out roll is two-fold. If you are dealing with a rhythmic roller, especially one who has dice sets for different numbers, then that roller might just be trying to hit a 7 on the come-out roll! The second reason is more mundane. Most shooters are not rhythmic rollers, they are random rollers, so why let that nasty 7 wipe all your odds bets off the board -- especially when you get comp points, hopefully, for not being at risk! So those are the two reasons for not being on during the come-out roll. There might be a third -- all that ESP and psychokinesis (mind over matter) rooting for that 7! (This I offer somewhat tongue-in-cheek with apologies to J.B. Rhine.)

I've read all the books you mentioned. I was very depressed by the Double Down book because the Barthelmes are smart enough guys (and great writers!) to have mastered a count system and beaten the casinos! They didn't have to take such an enormous plunge. So that is a definite cautionary book. I loved Martinez's book 24/7: Living it up and Doubling Down in the New Las Vegas and Super Casino as well. Let me also recommend to you Without Reservation which I reviewed here and in the upcoming Fall issue of my magazine -- it will curl your hair! (If you don't have hair, you'll grow it and then it will curl.)

Speaking of Tunica, it is quite possible that I will be going down there shortly for some seminars. Be on the lookout for info because I'd love to meet you.

All the best in and out of the casinos!
Frank Scoblete

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