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Table Games A Newbie Tries Craps, AND LIVES!!

Discussion in 'Table Games' started by engicedave, Dec 13, 2013.

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  1. engicedave

    engicedave VIP Whale

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    OK, I need to preface this by saying it wasn't in LV, but was a local casino boat...but still same game and still same rules.

    I have a trip coming up, and decided I wanted to learn craps and play some while on my upcoming LV trip. The local place was $5 minimums with 5x odds

    First, I watched this video, I found it a real help
    http://youtu.be/C2me8s0tX1w

    Then played a little on my iPad with a free casino app

    I approached the table early and told the dealers right away "I am new, so don't let me screw this up" and they all kind of chuckled and walked me through the game.

    My plan was to do like in that video, pass line w/2x odds and then two come bets w/2x odds...yes, quite conservative, but it allowed me to play and observe. When it came time for me to roll, I passed the first couple times, and no one had a problem with that.

    Dealers figured out how I was playing and kept me up to speed in case I missed taking odds somewhere or anything...very helpful. I made sure to tip them often. I think (I'm sure) that helped with the level of attention and guidance they gave me.

    Bottomline, it really was not that bad, and once you get past that first say, half hour, the nerves kind of go away, and it's really fun. I bought in for $100 and made it go almost 2.5 hours, and if you figure with the pass and two comes with x2 odds, I had $45 out, but it all kept working in my favor. I never counted my chips, I just paid attention to how full the rack was. If I had to guess, I was likely up to $300-$400 at one point.
    Then the table went cold and I gave it all back, then went for a walk, played some slots (my usual game) and lost like $200 in 20 minutes, so went back, bought in another $100, played same way and by end of the cruise (another hour and half?) I was at $240

    So in craps alone, I came out $40 ahead, but most importantly, I learned it's not hard and once you sit and watch a bit, it's not complicated, especially after watching that video

    So, have no fear, try it. Tell the dealers you're new and tip them for their help.

    BTW, at one point, the one dealer who was really the most helpful looked at me and said "So you're just doing the pass and two comes with odds, huh? Good solid basic strategy, stick with it, you'll do fine"
     
  2. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Glad you had a good time playing! And generally your money will last a lot longer playing craps vs slots too. I also like the bubble craps games as the minimums are sometimes lower. The lower the minimum the more bets you can make comfortably.
     
  3. AOchoa95

    AOchoa95 Low-Roller

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    I just play the pass line. Still enjoy it!
     
  4. MikeOPensacola

    MikeOPensacola El Jefe

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    Good going. Craps can be very volatile, but the betting strategy you used will make your bankroll last longer than all the crazy prop bets in the middle of the table. Glad you had a good first experience at craps....:peace::beer:
     
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  5. socalguy92010

    socalguy92010 Tourist

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    Good post. My late step father taught me pretty much the same basics many years ago. Back then I used to stay at the Sahara or Riviera where you could still find $1 or $2 tables. Man I had fun. It's just gotten so expensive at the bigger casinos where we stay though that I haven't played in years. We're heading back in Jan, you might have just given me the bug to play again!

    Oh...enjoy NYE! It is insane.
     
  6. engicedave

    engicedave VIP Whale

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    My whole purpose in posting this was to tell others who've been thinking about playing craps, that it's not that bad, it's not that hard and it's not that scary. Just watch that video, play a little online or on iPad, then tell the dealers the truth, and you'll muddle through.

    Not long after, you'll be in the middle of it like you know what you're doing
     
  7. dhlamar

    dhlamar Low-Roller

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    WOW thats why I go broke so fast cause I watched this same video and could have sworn the basic strategy was 3X odds.
    I always throw $1 hardway bets for the dealer when my place or come bets are 4, 6, 8 or 10.
     
  8. yoyoseven

    yoyoseven Grizzled Vereran

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    I have not watched that video, but the dealer is right - that is solid basic strategy.

    To ramp it up a bit, start to press your odds a bit when you find a hot shooter. I wait until I have been fully paid on an odds bet (pass line or come bet with odds) three times. Then, on my next odds bet, I double the odds that I started with, and continue at that level until I hit three more, at which time I double the odds again. When the bad number finally comes, start all over at your initial odds level.

    Obviously, you need to be playing at a table which offers 10x or better odds to employ that strategy (unless you also increase your flat bet), but that's how you take advantage of a hot roll and really make some bucks.

    It sucks when you get all pressed up and then out comes the 7 (shit happens), but the chips really start flowing your way when a shooter is throwing repeaters for you and holds the dice for a while. That's when it REALLY gets fun!

    Good luck, and you've made an excellent choice on which table game to play. You won't find a lower house advantage than the free odds bet at a craps table.
     
  9. TIMSPEED

    TIMSPEED Money’s on the way, with CashNetUSA

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    Congrats on your first time...
    But ill tell you now, with that strategy at a $5 table, you're VERY LUCKY that $100 lasted you!!
    Usually you'll need a $500 stake to play that way and have a 50/50 chance of lasting...
     
  10. topcard

    topcard Here's to $10 3:2 two-deck, $5 Craps, and $5 UTH!

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    I learned at the Westward Ho's 50-cent minimum table, about 30 years ago. It was a perfect environment for a newbie learning the game!
    I play the line, 2x odds, place the 6/8 (or sub one with the 5 and/or 9 if the point is 6 or 8).
    I same bet all of my place bets once & press them all evenly on future hits. When they're all pressed up evenly, I same-bet them again. Rinse & repeat.
    If, for example, the 6 is hot, after I same bet it once, the next win is a press & the next one presses the 8 (or 5/9).
    When the point is a 6 or 8, I take a hardway on it about half the time.
    It's a fun way to play, low-stress and reasonably successful (on a good table).
     
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  11. LV2GAMBLE

    LV2GAMBLE Certified LOW Roller

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    I keep saying that I am going to learn how to play and then chicken out. Shoulda, woulda, coulda... Was just there last week. Well.....there's always next time
     
  12. sfchris

    sfchris Low-Roller

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    Craps is my favorite game. So volatile and so social (with the right table).

    Glad you got over the hump! :beer:
     
  13. eksantirik

    eksantirik High-Roller

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    This past summer, I did the same, played craps for the first time. To avoid the heat, I was walking down the strip via Harrah's and found a loud $5 craps table. I said ok, will just risk $100 and try this thing for the first time.

    Played only pass line and 2x or 3x odds (wish I took full odds). Within an hour, my $100 became $275. The guys at the table kept rolling the number back to back. It was a lot of fun.

    I passed rolling the dice, but on my next trip, planning to roll too. I just am scared that I will roll on top of all those complex bets and screw up the table. :eek:
     
  14. Kryten2x4b

    Kryten2x4b Low-Roller

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    We would have loved to try it on our last trip but didn't , chickened out and just played slots (usually all we play) . I am determined to learn basic strategy and have a go on our next trip , it always looks like a blast to play .

    Glad you enjoyed it
     
  15. vegasvic

    vegasvic VIP Whale

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    Always great to see another brother join the craps fraternity. :beer:
     
  16. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    There's a first time for everything, glad you had the "courage" (it is intimidating...isn't it?) to finally step up to the table. :thumbsup:

    Now you're hooked, like the rest of us....prepare to pay....:poke::poke:

    Just kidding, lol! Good luck at the tables.
     
  17. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

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    and I bet is now hooked. :thumbsup:
     
  18. engicedave

    engicedave VIP Whale

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    Pretty much.

    Now to try it in LV and see how it goes. I know I'll really have to step up the level of play to meet my level of comps from slots, and I am not too sure about that. So I plan to mix it up some, and if goes well, I'll up my bets.
    Host told me I'd need to do $150-200 a hand (roll), not counting odds out, to equal my slot play level of comps.

    That's a bit scary thinking about it.. I'll have like $300-400 out per hand, way more than I was doing here locally
     
  19. TIMSPEED

    TIMSPEED Money’s on the way, with CashNetUSA

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    Dave,
    For craps this weekend, come on downtown or some other cheap place and roll the bones, don't feel pressured to play large just for your host.
    Also, if you play at Fremont, the MAX is only 2x odds, so you can feel like a High Roller, but only risk $15 :)
     
  20. 4Eyes

    4Eyes Low-Roller

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    Good job Dave. You did it absolutely right. Limiting yourself to line and come bets with (max) odds minimizes the house edge (0.37% with typical 3x4x5x LV Strip rules).
     
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