After taking the Primer course in LV last month I have to say that I started to see the light. I have been playing for forty years as a random player and I am committed to learning how to be an advantage player. The class was great and worth every penney because it got me to thinking about the game in a different light. The five count, the toss, the grip, the stance and practice, practice and more practice.
Two weeks ago our oldest daughter asked me to go with her and her man to celebrate their tenth anniversary and play some craps in Reno. Of course my first reply was, "No way, Frank said total abstinence for the first six months." My daughter’s reply was "Dad, you’ve been a random roller for so long, we just want to have some fun with you and celebrate." I said,"ok".
I have been practicing the throw ever since class and just observing them in the air. What I have noticed is just what Dom had said, "95% is the grip." Lately, I have just thrown on the bed and watched how they are doing, i.e., Are they remaining on axis? More and more they are.
I purposely kept my bets low and used the experience as a practice run, wanting to do as little damage to my 401g as possible. I played for three days. I did notice exactly what Frank said. The first day I was exhausted. I started baking at 3 that morning and it was already 8 p.m. when I first rolled. (predictable results) I sucked.
The second day I got up late (for me 6 a.m.) and went to the table I like and bought in for a whole 2 hundred dollars. The dice came to me after five counting the first three players and I started to roll. What I witnessed was that the dice looked gorgeous. Yes, gorgeous. I started hitting hardways like crazy. Number after number was rolled and I was stunned. Forgive me Frank, I even hopped the hard ten for ten dollars and hit it. I hit the hard eight five times during the roll. I have no desire to count the shots at the moment because it would distract but needless to say it was a good roll. I cashed out after tipping the entire time with my first two one thousand dollar chips.
Note to all GTC believers: I did use great etiquette at the table. I was asked not to cross over the middle of the table with my long arms, but I was testing the limits (Thanks for showing me how to use my long torso Jerry) The did say something when I missed the back wall, but were so happy with my demeanor that they all thanked me when I left and invited me back.
I want to shout out to all the fine teachers at GTC. my mentor, GlueFactory, Stickman, Nick@night, Finisher, SectionEight, The Goddess, Dr. Crapology, Frank and Dom as well as the great Skinny and Finisher. I got what I came for and look forward to the refresher in June.
Make no mistake,I am still a random shooter. I just got a little peak at what it’s like to be King for just a little bit. I even finished with a nice little deposit to my 401g. I was not able to sustain control over the three days. I played too much. I wanted to practice live and that’s what I got. I had to have a couple shots before taking the stage just to stop my hands from shaking (thanks again Jerry). It worked, and by the time I left I did not even need the help. I did avoid coffee and that helped as well.
Thanks again to all of those that helped me get a start at the GTC way.
A humble baker, now signing as "DoughBoy"
Replies:
Posted by: Stickman on November 7, 2012, 6:42 pm
What a great session for you. It was great fun reading all about it. You knew you were pushing things a little bit so you took it slow – and things could not have worked better for you. I am glad you are taking all that you were taught seriously.
Keep up the practice routine. Not all sessions will go as well as this last one, but you have a great throw and will become a great advantage player if you keep up the fine work.
Congratulations on your fantastic win. The journey has begun.
Jerry
Posted by: Skinny on November 7, 2012, 7:28 pm
I love the new handle. Congratulations on your entry into the world of advantage play. It sounds like it was a great experience for you. I am not referring to the monetary gain, that is just the icing on the cake. You put into practice (mostly – giving you a pass on the hop bet 🙂 ) what you were taught in class and got a lot of feedback which will benefit you greatly in the future. You handled the table well.
It is not unusual or out of line for dealers to comment on your hand passing the center line or if the dice miss the back wall. Those are the rules that need to be followed and they are enforced to varying degrees in each casino, by shift and/or individual people. You were prepared for it and dealt with it appropriately.
You tipped properly and got the crew on your side. I expect you noted the change in their demeanor as the tips mounted up for them.
You were prepared to be nervous (avoided caffeine) and saw the shaking hands. That will stop over time as you get more comfortable in this new environment.
You noticed the effect of fatigue on your shot and realize the importance of only playing when you are feeling rested and refreshed.
You used the five count to save your bankroll and saw how that benefited you.
Even though you had a terrific monetary gain on this first venture, you recognize you do not have the consistency in skill to consider yourself a controlled shooter YET. I am very pleased (but not surprised since I know you now) to hear of your plan to continue your practice with diligence before venturing into the casinos consistently.
If I recall correctly, you were skeptical before the class. I am really happy we were able to change that skepticism into belief and confidence.
Posted by: Dice Pilot on November 7, 2012, 8:11 pm
Nice job on your first trip out since taking the class. There is no greater pleasure to read the stories of success from students that pay attention in class, take good notes and win at the tables. Keep up the practice and look forward in seeing you in the near future.
Posted by: Timmer on November 7, 2012, 8:47 pm
Follow what you were taught and you’re sure to be a winner!
Thanks for taking the time to post.
😎 😎 😎
Posted by: SectionEight on November 8, 2012, 4:04 am
Great report! At least you knew that you were paying to practice and kept your risks low. Reno can get a tad touchy with things, so I’m glad to hear that you stuck to the 20 Commandments. They are there for you, as well as the rest of us who visit there after you. One bad egg can spoil it for many as we’ve seen in the past. Glad to see you’re on the right track.
Keep up the practice and focus on getting that grip perfect. Frank and Dom look like a million bucks when you have hard earned money on the line and you’re throwing in a live casino. Their words of wisdom echo in your ears, and I’m glad to see that you listened to them and the rest of your instruction.
I’d keep away from the casinos and call it a great win, while you perfect your new skill for the next five months.
Great job!
Kind regards,
SectionEight
Posted by: Dominator on November 8, 2012, 1:02 pm
Remember to go to user control and put in that you took the refresher class in your profile
Dominator
Posted by: Finisher on November 8, 2012, 6:31 pm
I hope the 3 of you had a great time . The last time I made a family thing at the craps table we all had fun . It was interesting to look at the prop. bets and see that on my side of table there was none by any of the players but on the other end they were full. The family was at both ends.
This does take time so take it easy. You will see ups and downs .
If you every get a chance to come to Phx you are welcome to stop by and bake . We can practice a little on my table too. Opps I hope Dom doesn’t get mad about this solicitation. 😀 😀
Good Rolling. 😀 😀
Posted by: Dr Crapology on November 8, 2012, 9:51 pm
Doc
Posted by: DoughBoy on November 9, 2012, 9:10 pm
