Just thought I would post a report on my three day trip to Reno. First outing since my tuneup and video in Vegas. I have been focusing on grip and release since then and thinking about all that NNF and BTK had to say along with help from Dom and many others. I recommend this for all who want to advance. My challenges boiled down to grip and follow through. I have really practiced and as Skinny just mentioned in a post, feeling the dice release along with Dice Pilot’s toothpick trick have really helped me to refocus. Now, I don’t really recommend Reno much. It’s kind of dying a slow death, but I have so many fond memories of gambling with my grandma, aunts and uncles that I go for nostalgia sake.
I am seeing the dice much more clearly and know much better what a good grip feels like. In the heat of battle my fingers can harden up and I see it right away in the toss. I am not seeing many double pitches with the hardway set but more cork screwing with the dice. This goes right back to the grip and my index finger. This can be where my fulcrum fails. I have long fingers and big hands but insist on the three finger grip. I really have to curl them up evenly and loosely. I have to strictly maintain a perfectly exaggerated "C" shape and allow the follow through to peel the dice from the grip along with acceleration. I had moments when the throw looked perfect and the results were telling. Many hardways and for me lots of sixes and eights. I played mostly three dollar tables using the Big Skinny and did well. When I say I did well I am comparing it to the many beatings I have taken. I am seeing progress but it is very slow and I am not surprised. I always have a great time and the guys know me well and I never get much heat where I play. I always hit the back wall 99.9 percent of time and tipping cures any protest where I play.
I am back to the practice table and know what I am looking for from the dice. I can’t emphasis enough that the tuneup and video really opened my eyes to how nuanced "the toss" is. Also, working with new dice. Skinny is right, as always, that you get a better feel for the release. I also really needed the mechanics of the grip and the role of the fulcrum. Thanks to all the coaches and the good will of the GTC instructors. When things are tough, I always think of Sandtrap and The Goddess and how they struggled to learn this. Goddess, you are still inspiring me in many ways. Doughboy

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