The intent of this post is to initiate a discussion. This is not advice or any implication that this is the only way to view this subject. One of the fundamentals of my game is having a plan. As I was planning an upcoming trip to AC I realized that playing conditions was a concept that played a big part in deciding where I was going to play. I know from experience that bad playing conditions can and will adversely affect my results. Some I can adjust to and some I can’t. So in the interest in starting a discussion on the subject I put some thoughts together on the matter.

As my experience with dice control and craps in general has grown I have found myself paying more attention to playing conditions. I understand that I want to play in optimum conditions whenever I can to take advantage of my edge. As I was putting my thoughts together I realized I was creating an outline of how I approach the matter. So I will go with that. This may come across as instruction but please don’t take it that way.

When I arrive at a new property or one that I haven’t played at in a while one of the first things I do as soon as we get settled into the room or while we are waiting for the room to be ready is to take a quick trip to the craps pit. I’m looking to see if there is anyone I know as well as what are the low limits, how many tables are open at this limit and how crowded is it for this time of day.

For my first session I like to get to the tables early with the hopes of having the table to myself if possible. This gives me a chance to evaluate the table ie how tall are the chip rails, for me short is good tall is bad. What type layout. Is it a fresh looking felt, a worn out probably soon to be replaced felt or microfiber. If microfiber what direction is grain running. Also, when I have a table to myself I get the dice quicker and I get a good opportunity to evaluate the bounce and how my shot is reacting to the wall. Later in the day or early evening I will usually find some time to observe one of the low limit tables for a while. Sometimes I will just stand near the table and watch. Sometimes I will buy in but my goal here is to see how long it takes for the shooter to get the dice back, how long does it take for the dice to go around and what is the personality of the table. Are there a lot of late bets, hands inside or a dealer with a hyper active stick. Are the base dealers able to keep up with the action or are they in endless conversation with the players slowing down the game. This gives me a good indication of what kind of playing conditions I can expect to find at this property. I will further refine this evaluation if and when I decide to attack this game.

There are a few situations that I try to avoid. First is the annoying/abusive player. I have had the misfortune to have a player at the table who is both annoying and abusive. I won’t go into the specifics but when someone is verbally abusive to me or the crew or another player I walk. Especially if it gets personal. I would like to be able to say I can let it roll off my back but when it gets to a certain level I know I can’t and my only option is to walk. The second situation is the wedding party or any large group celebrating in a loud manner. In this scenario some of the group is trying to play while the rest are partying thier collective butts off. Often the dealers get drawn into the gala, chaos is the result and the game comes to a crawl. Again I walk. Another situation I try to avoid is when I have my spot,SL1 but my landing zone is littered with chips. I can throw around them some times but often I am struggling to hit the back wall square. If I think that the situation is temporary I will pass the dice and wait it out.

Playing conditions figure into many of the decisions I make in the course of enjoying the game of craps and I hope this thread will draw some interesting and diverse comments and perspectives.

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