Was in a casino in Northwest Louisiana the other day and had a rather interesting conversation with the pit crew. They were just opening the table—that can take a while. A conversation started and we talked and I mentioned that I had heard of a new craps bet called the "futures bet" or something like that. It seems that if you can roll the dice 4 times and make a separate bet of $5, you win even money. Since the 7 comes up one in 6 times it appears on the surface to be a good bet, especially for someone with a controlled throw. My general thought is that any additional bet at any table game is not as good as the original game itself—the extra bet may sound better but it usually is not. Don’t know about this one. What say you Skinny, my appointed expert on things invloving math.

The stickman, a self proclaimed craps expect who is going to give lessons to the novice to make him or her a better player, said that it is a terrible bet since one is 3 rolls will be a 7???? I said that the 7 will appear 1 out of 6 rolls as there are 6 ways to roll a 7 and 36 possible combinations. He then begin to speak with authority and very loudly that no, because as you continue to roll the 7 will come up more often 1 in 3. I started to say but each roll of the dice is an independent event but he would have nothing to do with it. I came back with "push me or my wife the dice and let’s play." I was tired of his rant.

None the less it was interesting if not rational thinking. By the way he gave the dice to Rose who had a short money maker using the "Big Skinny" followed by my very fine and skillful point seven out. Rose and I were the only ones at the table so she got the dice right back and she banged out a monster of 50–put her in the books Frank. As they say "the best man for the job may be a woman."

Skinny, look forward to your response.

Doc

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