My wife and I just got back from a 10 day cruise to Alaska. We were on a different cruise line then we have used before. If you have not seen Alaska, taking a cruise is a fantastic way to experience the grandeur and unbelievable beauty of the unspoiled land up North.
From the Craps side, this ship only had one Craps table that opened starting at 9:00pm each night. The most interesting thing about it was the table was 10′ long. I had never seen or played on a 10′ table. It took me 3 sessions (nights) to bring my throw down to the correct length for a 10′ table. The game was always $5.00 with 2X odds, and you paid the Vig on all bets, not just winners, so not a great game. As with other posts about cruise craps, there were a lot of people who were new or just learning. Late bets, hands on the table, etc. were the norm on this table as well. If I stayed for about 2 hours the table thinned out and the 4 of us who were playing each night had the table to ourselves.
I had been working on my throw for a 12′ table before the trip for 3 weeks. It was looking OK when we left but the 10′ table really threw me for a loop. It took 3 sessions to get the throw to work at 10′. I had overall 3 winning sessions and 4 losing sessions. I did not play every night. If I felt tired I did not play. Overall I brought money home this time, which is a first after playing on a ship. The last 2 nights were really great with my average in the high teens or low 20’s for those nights. I was betting The Big Skinny which really makes sense to me, especially in the 15 – 20 roll hands.
We have taken 12 cruises over the years. This was the best crew I have every seen on a ship. They were fast, accurate and kept the game moving along. They were really good about trying to keep hands out of the game and keep late bets out as well. Most of the nights I was at the table 10 – 15 minutes early so I could get SL1. One night I got there at 9:20 and both SL1 and SL2 were gone. I tried SR1 and it was a disaster. My best was a 43 that I threw during my 4th session. I made good money that night.
See you in October in LV.
— Chevy
Replies:
Posted by: brothelman on August 25, 2013, 4:22 am
Posted by: Dr Crapology on August 25, 2013, 11:20 am
Sounds like you played a well managed game for the trip using patience with The Big Skinny and I assume using the 5 count on others. When you have only 1 table to choose from it takes a lot of discipline to walk away and not play when your spot is not available, but it can be done.
I just wonder how the BJ was. From my experience it is usually an 8 deck shoe–which I hate–or it is a single deck with a 6/5 pay off for a BJ–which is unplayable. Would be curious as to what they offered.
My experience on a cruise is to a void the casino as VP tables are terrible as are the slots and table games. Just go have fun and relax.
Doc and Alligator Rose
Posted by: Chevy on August 25, 2013, 11:07 pm
Doc, BJ was terrible. The "regular" games had a CSM so no counting. They offered 3:2 for BJ on the tables with the CSM’s. They had a "Face Up" BJ came that was delt from a 4 deck shoe. All cards were up, including the Dealer’s but, even money for BJ. I had been practicing Speed Count prior to the trip and thought this might be a good place to try. When I saw the BJ games the offered I decided not to play at all.
Thanks guys for the comments.
–Chevy
