A year ago, Jerry
Patterson (PARR) invited a group of well-known gaming authors to speak to
the dice setting community in Las Vegas. These authors shared their views
on how to gain an advantage playing craps in the casino. Opposing views on
topics ranging from rhythm rolling, to money management and discipline
were presented. The speakers certainly generated tremendous interest and
influence on the way craps players play the game.
As the year progressed, I kept hearing and reading about how the player
should declare war on the casinos. "Guerilla warfare," "Craps Revolution,"
"David and Goliath" were the recurring attitudes of how the underdog
casino patron should attack the tables. All year I felt a bit unsettled,
struggling with approaching the casino like some kind of commando in the
'jungle" of the craps pit.
In reality, my approach has evolved and it has more to do with having a
feel for the game. I have a kinder, gentler view toward the casinos myself
and I'm still financially ahead of the game. Declaring war on the casinos
might work for some. But I personally like to take the more positive
approach. I look for Evolution rather than Revolution. Focusing on the
prevailing positive energy seems to require a lot less effort on my part,
than going to battle with the casinos.
I agree with Michael Vernon when he states, "We are not going to overthrow
the casinos. The dice and the rules of the game are not going to change.
So, change has to take place with the individual. And, that's that." And,
that's just the way he said it.
So what's the evolutionist approach? It's all about learning
self-empowerment. It's accepting the fact that there is no one absolute
way of playing this game. Our choices are unlimited. For a craps player,
it means having the freedom to continue to develop our own unique winning
methods. Allowing our intuitive abilities to guide us in finding the
simplest way to win, even, if this means staying out of a craps game.
There is a sub-group in our dice setting community who I consider to be
evolutionists. They are self-reliant and embrace their unique approaches
to their game. This group trades off security of methods, touted as the
"only way of doing things", for the challenge of keeping an open mind to
new discoveries. This group is always seeking options and opportunities in
their quest to find a better way to play.
As evolutionists, they accept the consequences of their play and take
ownership of their outcomes at the table. They never stop changing their
methods, because then they would stop evolving. Rarely do I hear excuses
for their performance at the table. Losses become lessons, and what is
learned from any session furthers their self-empowerment. They know that
"excuses" will only restrict their learning process. As cliché as it
sounds, this group always looks forward to "expanding their horizons."
This brand of player refuses to argue about the best approach, dice set or
system to play craps. They believe it to be pointless because it is
considered subjective and personal, and accept that there will never be an
agreement that one method is better than another. Again, all methods are
options to be used with the right kind of table support.
Adopting an evolutionary approach offers a craps player tremendous
benefits beyond what I have described. It is taking advantage of the seen
and unseen subtleties, and that allows you the freedom to take command of
your game.
Heavy Haltom of Axis Power Craps states the three most powerful words in a
craps game are "take me down." How is it that he and the Dice Coach are
able to sense when it is time to execute this simple three-word command?
It all has to do with having a keen awareness of the subtleties of the
game, seen and unseen. I know this allows them to "tailor" their winning
approach.
As Michael Vernon explains, the subtleties of the game present themselves
as feelings. The energy present at the table communicates "whispers" to
the player. The individual must be switched "on" to the present moment in
order to receive this subtle communication. Staying in "the moment"
requires sensory flexibility, emotional detachment and the discipline to
remain focused through out the game. To not exercise this aspect of your
approach, really does not allow a player to take advantage of their full
winning potential.
As for my evolutionary self, I think I'll focus on refining my game.
Finding the right craps table, using my various dice sets and playing my
game, by my method. I will flow with the energy, and wait to feel the game
"whisper" in my ear….. "Take me down, please!"
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