This past March, seniors from
Rice University signed up for an introduction to the gaming world with the
Dice Coach. As the subtitle suggests, these students possessed little to
no knowledge of the game of Craps. But, they had the key ingredients to be
successful at this game - confidence in themselves, team spirit and a
little bit of beginners luck for those who believe in such things.
For 2 ½ hours, Dice Coach discussed the game rules, demonstrated key
elements of dice setting, dice grips and delivery. Most importantly, he
introduced the kids to a conservative money management strategy. He then
turned them loose on the Fremont Casino.
The seven "Craps 101" graduates proceeded to amaze me with the application
of their newly acquired skills. It was truly refreshing to witness these 5
men and 2 women, play unencumbered by any pre-conceived ideas that this
game couldn't be influenced.
These students were so eager
to apply what they had learned in the Dice Coach's Dice Pit, that while at
the Fremont, they took out their note pads and from their notes, placed
appropriate pass line bets with correct odds and placed their 6 & 8 bets
with confidence.
Even the Dice Coach got a
chuckle when curious onlookers would look over the shoulders of our
students to read their notes. These onlookers also witnessed these
students winning!
At one point, after not being satisfied with her previous roll, Jenny
turned to me and said, " next time I'm going to have a long roll!" I said,
"Okay" and she looked straight into my eyes saying, "I feel it!" And, sure
enough, she made several points and rolled 32 times without a "7" showing
up. How's that for getting in touch with your feelings!
After Jenny, everyone cashed in, claimed their prizes and enjoyed a full
complimentary buffet. For them, it did not get any better than this. After
all, these are college students - they are always hungry for everything
that life has to offer.
I think in many ways,
Dice Coach and I learned more from the students than they may have learned
from us. I found their inquisitive behavior challenging. The experience
was similar to embarking on a new project, or piece of artwork. The canvas
is clear and clean. The answers to their questions were the colors of the
paint we apply to the canvas. And as the body of this work began to take
shape, the nearly finished project inspired me to reflect that " The more
we learn about this game, the more we realize how much we have yet to
learn".
Soft Touch
Editor's note: The
students from Rice University included Debbie's son, Roger and his
friends. It was the first trip to Las Vegas for most of them, and their
first experience in the gaming world. The Dice Coach and Debbie wanted to
not only teach them the game of Craps, but to instill money management and
discipline skills in each of them. And finally to make sure they enjoyed
the game- always keeping the fun in the game.
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