Gaming Guru

Buying the 4 and 10

Frank:

I have been re-reading Beat the Craps Out of the Casinos in preparation for my latest trip to Vegas. I have not been a buyer of 4 and 10 in the past but am thinking about it for this trip for the high-roller strategy.

My question is this: Do Strip casinos allow you to buy the 4/10 for more than $25 and still pay only $1 commission? If so, can you tell us which ones? I'm concerned that after all these years of the Captain's followers pushing the house that this isn't allowed anymore. Any enlightenment you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

M.G.

Dear MG:

The buying of the 4 and 10 has actually impproved in Vegas since the publication of the book. You can now buy the 4 and 10 for $25 paying the $1 commission only if the bet wins. In the old days you had to pay the commission on winning and losing bets. This reduces the house edge to about 1.3 percent -- a pretty good bet.

Once you go to $30, you have to pay a $2 vig so if you wish to jump, you should go to $50 and pay that $2 vig. Again the house edge on the $50/$2 vig is only 1.3 percent. On a $75 buy, the house makes you pay $4 so you are not getting such a good deal here.

All the best in and out of the casinos.

Frank Scoblete