Tales from the darkside

13 October 2015

By Frank Scoblete

FROM TOM: I just finished reading your article "Handling a darkside bettor at a rightside table" and wanted to share an experience with you.

Several years back I was playing a $5 craps table in Atlantic City. It seemed like the sevens were coming every third roll, but everybody was screaming for more sevens!

You see, the ten players at the table figured it was a cold table and we were ALL playing the "don't" side. What a blast! Every time a seven rolled, we won! It was just as much fun as a "hot" table, and I walked away with a nice session win.

Whenever I see someone playing the darkside, I simply smile at them and wish them luck. No hard feelings here. And when I want to play the darkside, I wait until the point is established and then make a don't come bet. This doesn't upset the shooter (usually), and I can root for him while waiting patiently for my seven.

FRANK RESPONDS: I think going up on the don’t come is the way to go. And in my opinion only make one don’t come bet. One bet, one shooter. That will give you plenty of staying power.

When you place the don’t come, if a seven is rolled, the shooter goes down to defeat and a new shooter is given the dice. That is protection. You’ll have to exercise discipline when an 11 is thrown and not go back up on the shooter. Again, one shooter; one bet.

For your e-mail I am sending you a free copy of my book “The Virgin Kiss.”


FROM JOE: After reading your June 8th article about your SBTBB system and giving it some thought, I think you have got a great system. It will most likely give the player some longevity at the game of his choice.

I do have a question though, is your system based on betting the same amount on each play or do you think it could be used with a progressive betting system? Thanks for the great read!

FRANK RESPONDS: Since this is not a method for getting an edge I would stick with a single level of betting. The more money you put out, even if you are winning, gives the casino edge its opportunity to whittle away at you. When you are winning money, it becomes your money and you have to be careful with your money.

The strategy was designed for fun and to let you stay at the game longer or for the regular time period you usually stay without betting as many decisions. You get the fun of anticipation without the down part -- the possibility to lose on the decision.

For your e-mail I am sending you a copy of my book “The Virgin Kiss.”


FROM MARVIN: I do not play for comps. I don’t even use a player’s card. Am I wrong for doing this? I don’t feel any pressure when I play. When I used to have a player’s card I always wanted to “get time in.”

What do you think?

FRANK RESPONDS: You have found the best way to play for you. Keep at it. Comfort makes gambling that much more fun.

For your e-mail I am sending you a copy of my book “The Virgin Kiss.”

Frank Scoblete’s new book is “I Am a Dice Controller: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Craps!”