Dear Frank,
I was a craps dealer at Trump Plaza in 1985. I remember a player, who I assume was the Captain, making equal come and don't come bets. He would take odds after so many rolls. I remember he asked me what I thought of the system. I said he'll get beat by an occasional twelve but if he caught a hot roll he would collect more on the odds.
What I didn't tell him was that most dealers would frown on this system because they would have more work to do. It's been my experience as a dealer and player that many dealers don't like to work that hard, especially on a busy game. If anyone uses this system, I would suggest making an occasional bet for the dealers. They'll be more hospitable towards your play if you do.
I also remember a woman, though I can't place her with the Captain, who would make a circle with the dice in her hand as she cocked her arm. I think she kept her wrist and fingers in the same position throughout her throw. I read in your book that the woman called "The Arm" would throw a knuckleball with the dice. That is the dice didn't spin in the air. Am I recalling the Arm?
D.S.
Dear D.S.:
It sounds very much like the Captain, although the Captain was a good tipper, usually at the end of his session. The Golden Touch crew believes in tipping as we go so the dealers know we are "Georges" (good tippers).
The Captain's "Supersystem," attempted to find controlled shooters as well as spread out the hit on the bankroll - and he never made a bet until someone made it through the 5-Count. But you are right. Doing the "doey-don't" is not the most effective way to play in a random game so we downplay that much more today than I used to in the past.
The Arm shot much the way the woman you are describing but she was almost always with the Captain. As I have stated many times, she was the best controlled shooter I ever saw.
For your great letter I am giving you a free month on our members only site at www.goldentouchcraps.com. You'll get another email confirming this.
All the best in and out of the casinos!
Frank Scoblete
Do you have a question for Frank? Send it to slotexpert@comcast.net.