Gaming Guru

Frank Scoblete Evaluates a Reader's Craps Strategy

Dear Frank,

I have been playing craps for about a year now and have read many articles about controlled throwing. I have read almost every article of yours on here, as well as on the Golden Touch Craps website. I haven't had the opportunity yet to participate in any of your classes, but I wanted to get advice on my method of play.

I've been playing the pass line with 5x odds, along with place bets equal to my inital pass line on the 5, 6, and 8. I also make a final bet on the field the same amount as the place bets after every roll. I win something on every roll but a 7. My question is what is my risk of ruin? I seem to do fairly well most of the time, but there are a few times that after the point is made, I end up seeing the 7 rolled each time a new number is made. It happened to me 5 times in a row. Needless to say, that was a bankroll killer.

Is this a reasonable strategy or have I been getting lucky? Finally, any chance of getting out to the Midwest for some classes?

Thanks for your help.

Jimmy

Dear Jimmy,

Your risk of ruin in all negative games is 100% of your bankroll. You can't win. However, if you have renewable money -- that is, you put aside money to play with on a regular basis, then your real risk of ruin is 0% since you have money constantly coming in from something else.

Your betting scheme is giving the house a very large edge over you. Forget the Field bet, it has way too large an edge. Place the 6 and 8; forget the 5 or 9. Only buy the 10 if you pay the commission on a win only. You will still be facing a house edge, but now that edge will be no more than 1.5 percent on the 6 and 8.

The 5-Count will protect you from playing 57 percent of the shooters; you'll play only 43 percent. That will help extend your money.

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Frank Scoblete