John Davidson asks

Hi, everyone, here’s my problem. I just can’t seem to get any spin on the dice. I used to be someone who stacked the dice and threw with no spin but since reading Frank’s stuff, I started to experiment with a backspin and the three fingered grip. But I just can’t seem to be consistent with getting a back spin. And when I do, I have too much of it. It’s one extreme or the other, no spin or too much spin. I feel like a politician worrying about all this spin.

All suggestions and comments are welcomed!

Mr Finesse responds

John, I have a few questions I need answered and then I will correct your lack of spin.

1) Are you gripping the dice with your finger tip or the pads of your fingers.

2) what grip are you using.

3) describe how you set up and deliver the dice {from table top or with you arm extended while aiming or any other way}

John Davidson responds

I am trying for a finger tip grip but I don’t always get it without the dice splitting. I use a three finger grip with hardways set and I shoot from the table top.

Here’s another thing I find. Some of the stickmen stick their bellies over the table and some even lean in as I throw as if to block the throw. Have any of you experienced this kind of behavior?

Carl responds

If at all possible, hit them with the dice or at least with your hand. But before you do, put up a BIG tip and then when the dice hit the guy, ask politely if he’d step back. If he doesn’t take down the dealer’s tip.

Mr Finesse responds

Lets address the stickman leaning out over the table first. This is very easy to handle, remind him that you have a bet on the line for the crew (I hope you do ) and ask him not to move into your view. If he still does this move to another table because you have a dealer who is rude and arrogant and he does not deserve to have anyone put up a tip for him, Just like a waiter or waitress who does not give you service in a restaurant–you stiff them and they deserve it.

Lets look at your lack of spin—first off lets make sure when we grip the dice we are using our middle finger and thumb first and then we are bring the ring and index finger into position on the front of the dice. this should help keep the dice from splitting apart in our delivery. I want you to grip the dice with your finger pads not tips ( I have found most people who have a rotation problem are gripping with the finger tips and can not get any back spin). When you are releasing the dice make sure that your wrist is loose and limp. When you take the dice away (back swing) have your wrist bend slightly and when the dice are released lets have the wrist and fingers follow through (reaching for the ceiling) Lets compare this to a bowler, when he lets the ball go his arm reaches for the sky , he follows through. We must do the same when we release the dice.

Lets see if this helps first before I get into to much more depth, this should do the trick to get backspin and if not do not get discouraged it will happen.

I had a previous student that it took Street Dog and I 3 classes to get backspin on her dice, but we finally did it. We will do it in your case also.

Replies:

No replies were posted for this topic.