How Much Do You Need? Part II

19 September 2024

By Royal Flushes

CINDY: Last week we discussed blackjack, a game with a multiple number of decisions to make. The upcoming games – at least the way we recommend to play them – will only have a few decisions to make, many times just one.

ABBY: Our favorite game is craps. And we play it super conservatively.

CINDY: We violate most craps players’ methods, that’s for sure.

ABBY: Craps players are – can I say this? – notorious losers. There are so many bad to awful bets at the craps game that it is hard to resist them. The people making those bets will scream and shout when things are going good for them but this is the camouflage of the casino to get the players to keep on playing. The returns on some of the bad bets are in the double digits! But we think that a little discipline can go a long way to making your craps playing career successful and fun.

CINDY: That’s our goal. The ability to last a long time on your bankroll is our grandest desire.

ABBY: The average betting practice goes something like this. A pass line bet, two place bets, and a bunch of truly awful bets such as the hardways, the proposition bets, the field bet, and the like. You have to hit a hell of a lot of numbers just to break even. (Since few people play the darkside, we won’t go into that right now.)

CINDY: Now, betting just three bets, pass line and two place bets if you can make them the 6 and 8, is the maximum betting. No proposition bets at all. None. This is your maximum number of bets. I want to repeat that.

ABBY: Here is what we almost want, two bets. Place the 6 and 8. You can do this in $12 or in multiples of $6. You now have ten ways to win and six ways to lose if the seven shows. You do have to win two bets to be ahead.

CINDY: All the other numbers are a waste of money. You want a shot to win every session and making a lot of bets means you have to win a lot of bets.

ABBY: Now, to the best way to play, here goes: Only make one bet. Place either the 6 or 8. You will win $35 for a $30 bet. One hit and you are ahead. How often will you hit? Five times. How often will you seven out? Six times.

CINDY: You are playing one of the best bets in the casino by placing the 6 (or 8) and that means you will be playing a tight game with the house. The house edge on that bet is a mere 1.52 percent.

ABBY: Translated into monetary terms. How much will you lose on every $100 wagered? A mere $1.52!

CINDY: Contrast that to, oh, let’s say you decide to make a bet like the field or hardways or any of the crazy crapper bets, what are you asking for? Big losses and very few wins even though those wins will be thrilling.

ABBY: Thrilling yes, good, no. Your money will not stay in your own wallet for a long time that is for sure.

Next week: More advice!