The grass may just be greener

17 May 2016

By Frank Scoblete

The saying that the “grass looks greener on the other side” (or variations thereof) has been around a long time, maybe almost as long as grass has been around.

The common parlance comes from the idea that many cows are more interested in the grass on the other side of the fence – perhaps the neighbor’s grass – and will stretch their necks out to get some of that great green stuff.

It also has to do with being jealous of what other people have until you learn that they might be just as miserable as you.

Take your pick as to meanings.

In casino gambling, it is quite possible that (like those cows) some players have gotten bored with the grass they have been eating as a steady diet, but they hesitate to stick their necks out to attempt to feed elsewhere. In short, if you, as a player, are getting bored or mentally dulled by the games you are playing consider switching, at least for a little while, to other games.

If you are a slot player looking across the aisles at the table games and wondering if you’d have some great fun at those, then why not just walk across the casino and play some table games? You don’t have to be an expert to play them. Most table game players are not experts.

And here is your treat for reading this column, I am going to give you the simplest instructions in how to start your “eating the grass on the other side of the fence.”

Hear that yelling and screaming? That’s probably the craps tables. Craps is a truly exciting game, and many of the players have the exact same bets on the layout so they tend to be in league with each other in the cheering and moaning departments.

Just go to the table and take six dollars (if the table minimum is five dollars) or twelve dollars (if the table minimum is $10) and tell the dealer, “Twelve dollars on the six.” (Or you can say, “Twelve dollars on the eight.”) Just do one number.

Now you are in the game. You are rooting for your six to be rolled before the shooter rolls a seven. If your number hits, you win seven dollars for the six dollars you wagered or $14 for the $12 you wagered. Simple as that.

There might be people at the table who see you betting only one number and they may give you the advice to bet more numbers. Don’t bother with that advice – more numbers means the house edge is working on more of your money.

As you observe the game you can get a feel for how it is played. I recommend you read a good book on craps if the game actually intrigues you. (A book by me is my best recommendation!)

Coming up next week: Some more "greener grass" advice!


Frank Scoblete’s new books are “I Am a Dice Controller: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Craps”; “Confessions of a Wayward Catholic” and “I Am a Card Counter: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Blackjack.” All available from Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and at bookstores.