FROM BILL: I just finished re-reading "The Virgin Kiss." Again, thank you for the signed copy. I suspect you and I were very similar-type teachers, except I taught math. The “Weird World” section continues to confuse me but your book is very well written and entertaining.
I have done a lot better in Vegas at craps since reading your how-to book (“Casino Craps: Shoot to Win!”) which I also gave to my brother-in-law who plays only craps, so thanks.
I seem to estimate about 30 percent of the rolls are come out rolls and wonder how close you think this number is to reality. Secondly, I think I have an idea that would give me a short-term edge over the casino if I had your skill at dice setting. So what do you think about the following?
If you find this to be worthwhile, I do not think I would talk about it very much since just as the casinos did in BJ and VP they will change something to prevent being at a disadvantage.
I have studied your book a ton of hours, and even though I do not have anywhere near your skill I have play at a very small disadvantage doing this so maybe this will be my way of saying thanks for the info and book you have given me. If it is not correct … well, you told me there are no ways to gain an edge without setting the dice, so what the heck.
FRANK RESPONDS: First, don’t confuse “dice setting” with dice control. Setting the dice is merely the first step in controlling the dice, and most players who set the dice do so without realizing such setting does not give them an edge. Just setting the dice is like picking up a baseball bat, not knowing how to swing, not knowing anything about how to hit a pitch or even where the batter’s box is.
Your system is complicated, but I do think you are overthinking the game. Strip the game down to its lowest house edge bets. That is the only way to play. Play the 5-Count, then make Pass and/or Come bets for small amounts with the odds you can afford.
Sorry to be so boring, but the right way to play is not very complicated but it gives you the very best chance to come out ahead — short of dice control, that is.
I am sending you a copy of one of my books, either “Confessions of a Wayward Catholic” or “The Virgin Kiss.” You choose.
FROM LORNE (aka ANNOYED PIG): Frank I just read this article on the internet and I have to tell you something. We are very tired of dice setters. Not just the dice setters but everyone who wants to play craps looks on the internet and all they find are these websites that teach them to do it.
I understand you guys have made some money on selling books and tours and whatnot but the truth is we have had enough. Dice setting has all but ruined the game and we “as casino managers" are tired of the whole thing.
It won’t be long before we disallow dice setting on our games and it will not be because we are afraid of you but because we are tired of you.
To us dice setting is like trying to teach a pig how to sing. You are wasting your time "and ours" and it annoys the pig.
FRANK RESPONDS: Dice setting has been around for as long as I’ve played dice. That’s 25 years. As I wrote to Bill in the letter before yours, dice setting and dice control are two different things. So read my response to Bill.
Now, teaching dice setting annoys the pig, but then you say you are the annoyed pig. But no one is teaching you how to set the dice. So that has me confused.
I never taught dice setting as such, but controlled shooting. If someone wanted to learn how to set the dice, that had no meaning to me. Just setting the dice does not give any player any edge over the casino — which is where, you seem to imply, you make your daily slop.
I do not know who are the “you guys” you are referencing. As for me, I have written about all the casino games.
Anyway, Annoyed Pig, I think you should rethink your pledge and not end the practice of dice setting.
I am sending you a copy of one of my books, either “Confessions of a Wayward Catholic” or “The Virgin Kiss.” You choose. Neither deals with dice setting.
Oh, by the way Annoyed Pig, I am a fan of bacon.
Casino Craps: Shoot to Win!
Beat the Craps out of the Casinos: How to Play Craps and Win!