FROM JANET: I want to try my hand at the table games but I find I am a little intimidated by them. I heard that blackjack can be a good game and also craps, but I look at these games, and especially craps, and I think that there is no way I can learn how to play these games. I notice all the decisions that blackjack players make and I wonder why they play their hands the way they play them. Craps looks like a foreign alphabet.
Do you have any reading advice for a person eyeing the table games but is something of a coward?
FRANK RESPONDS: I have to say this plainly. All table games go from totally easy to play to – totally easy to play. The casino can’t make money if the games are so hard only experts can play them. Take that to heart.
In blackjack, players do have to make decisions about how to play their hands against the dealer’s up cards. At first novices such as you think you can never learn what to do. First, you can buy what is called a “basic strategy” card at the casino stationary store or from the Internet. This card is based on computer simulations of the best way to play every player hand against each dealer card. Second, once you do use this card you will probably note that many players, perhaps the majority, misplay their hands.
There are some blackjack authorities who offer bad advice. That is the only danger you face. If they are not using the real basic strategy or if they are hawking progressive betting systems, run away. Get the basic strategy card and read my book
Beat Blackjack Now. You’ll have no problem correctly playing the game.
Craps is also an easy game to play, especially when you realize that there are only a few bets you can make that have relatively low house edges, the rest are not worth your time. Get my book
I Am a Dice Controller: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Craps. It will give you everything you’ll need to know to play a strong game against the casino.
At first you might be nervous about actually shooting the dice. Give yourself time before you attempt that – since you might feel as if you are going to freeze. But craps is a fun game. I think it is probably the most exciting game in the casino, at least it is to me.
And don’t be afraid to ignore any recommendations by other players on how to play your hands in blackjack or what bets to make at craps. Just do the right thing.
Visit Frank’s website at www.frankscoblete.com. Frank Scoblete’s latest 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. Available from Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and at bookstores.
