Some videos for beginners

The first thing you need to know about superstitions



The first thing to look for when approaching the table



Avoiding costly mistakes



Where to set your drink



Odds and other more advanced and detailed info

Enjoyed watching your post, although I'm not a newbie. The "where to set your drink" video is marked private and can't be watched. No chip purchasing? I think a sequence of buy-in, come bet, come out roll would be better for a complete beginner, saving the cautions about mistakes for later. My main constructive criticism is a come out roll to bet resolution isn't clearly covered. Thanks for taking the time to share!

Quote: BleedingChipsSlowly

Enjoyed watching your post, although I'm not a newbie. The "where to set your drink" video is marked private and can't be watched. No chip purchasing? I think a sequence of buy-in, come bet, come out roll would be better for a complete beginner, saving the cautions about mistakes for later. My main constructive criticism is a come out roll to bet resolution isn't clearly covered. Thanks for taking the time to share!

Thanks for the feedback. I made the private one public, I must have clicked the wrong button and not realized it.

I might do more of these if enough people find them useful.

Re: Saying, "Come on seven!" out loud.

As a don't bettor, I mouth it: "Sev--un, Sev-un, Sev-un," at least three times when I'm up behind the line. Seems to have exactly the same effect as saying it out loud.

I hope everyone understands that my instructions are mostly aimed at how to have a good time and not just GIVE away your money by doing put bets.

I see this all the time: beginners being stupid and annoying and giving away their money.

As far as what you say affecting the dice, calling out the seven works about one in six times on average to make it happen.

But saying it at the right time is important if you want to get along with the others at the table.

nice, always like to see any such videos cover the etiquette and the basics.

.

I made a play list for these videos. I may add other videos to the list. If there are any particular things anything thinks are important to cover for beginners, let me know. I prefer to cover things outside the domain of what's normally covered, so I'm more interested in the efforts to reduce the amount of things that a new player has to be corrected on rather than things that this forum is known for (EG: things related to combinatorial mathematics).

You Tube Play List for videos

Quote: Ahigh

things related to combinatorial mathematics

I'm not sure you realize how quick you go over the heads of novices. Just as an example, when you show how dumb it is to place a bet on the Pass line without checking the puck, at just about the time a newbie might wonder 'what is wrong with that', you blow past the reason [yes you do cover it] and go into how to make a do-it-yourself place bet.

Nit-picking here, and it might make you feel defensive, but I know just how lost a newbie can feel when someone goes so rapidly through subject matter. It might be one of the things about great teachers that they never get tired of the basics. I notice also in the Wizard's videos, how fast the basic stuff and etiquette is 'blown through' or skipped entirely. The problem is well known, I think: the person who can excel in something automatically absorbs the basics so thoroughly that to revisit them is utterly, monumentally boring. Really I think the so-gifted person usually can no longer remember what it was like not to know them.

I seem to remember being a newbie at most things quite well, maybe because I feel the mortification strongly. But I can backslide into stupidity too. Check out my blog later for an example regarding making an even money bet on a number to be resolved - surely I know better you say? - not exactly the above situation, but I did do it and it'll be in the blog post.

Sorta like selling everything below cost, but making a profit on the volume.

Quote: odiousgambit

I'm not sure you realize how quick you go over the heads of novices. Just as an example, when you show how dumb it is to place a bet on the Pass line without checking the puck, at just about the time a newbie might wonder 'what is wrong with that', you blow past the reason [yes you do cover it] and go into how to make a do-it-yourself place bet.

Nit-picking here, and it might make you feel defensive, but I know just how lost a newbie can feel when someone goes so rapidly through subject matter. It might be one of the things about great teachers that they never get tired of the basics. I notice also in the Wizard's videos, how fast the basic stuff and etiquette is 'blown through' or skipped entirely. The problem is well known, I think: the person who can excel in something automatically absorbs the basics so thoroughly that to revisit them is utterly, monumentally boring. Really I think the so-gifted person usually can no longer remember what it was like not to know them.

I seem to remember being a newbie at most things quite well, maybe because I feel the mortification strongly. But I can backslide into stupidity too. Check out my blog later for an example regarding making an even money bet on a number to be resolved - surely I know better you say? - not exactly the above situation, but I did do it and it'll be in the blog post.

[edits]

Yeah, thanks for the feedback. And, no, nothing to be defensive about. I will make more videos but I'm unlikely to do any editing or fixing up, to be honest.

Most of the feedback I really would like is about newbie player mistakes that I could make a video to address.

I will probably make a video about tipping, buying in, coloring up, and some other things as well.

Quote: Ahigh

Most of the feedback I really would like is about newbie player mistakes that I could make a video to address.

Check out the blog. Maybe something on avoiding other dealer advice that sucks. Like what happened, or suggesting "no action" for darkside numbers 6 and 8.

As a new player myself, I found your videos pretty good, though your introductory video kind of trailed off vaguely about the seven superstition, and I wondered whether I would listen to the rest. You might re-shoot that one, since it's only 1 minute, and make it clear that you're going to explain further about the seven in the next video.

The mistakes I made (so far) that I recall, or things that were difficult for me. Feel free to correct anything I may have misunderstood.

I did not understand at first that I was standing at a numbered position at the rail, and that there were corresponding tick marks on the points and other bets to indicate who had placed them by position. I was not sure when I was in and when I was out sometimes. It would be worth explaining the markings on the felts, the rails, and the position all correspond to a particular number.

It would also be good to explain which bets are 1 time bets, and which were bets riding to point resolution, and which others ride until 7 out. Specifically, that there are different colors of ink used to differentiate this on at least some tables (white v. yellow or whatever) and how to tell by looking, rather than by memorizing the bets or something.

When I was first placing the 6/8, or asking for the fire bet/alll/tall/small/world, I was trying to hand the dealer money rather than putting it on the felt while telling them what I wanted. You might emphasize that you never hand the dealer money or expect it to be handed to you after a win; it will be placed in front of you, and you have to watch for it to make sure it's yours and that you get it. Also, sometimes the stick was having me throw it to them, other times it was called to the stick by the dealer and the stick placed it while my actual chip was taken by the dealer. I missed that exchange a couple of times, just saw the dealer put it in his bank, and didn't realize they'd placed the bet by proxy.

I would suggest that new players try one new bet at a time and stick to it, not only to see what it does, but also so that you're easy for the dealer to work with; they can do a better job of keeping you in if they know you always want to be on a particular bet. One of the hardest things at the table (for me anyway) is to get into the rhythm and the flow of the betting, so you know when to address the dealer and when to look for money coming your way without disrupting the play. The most important part of this, though, is when to stick new money onto the table without getting physically in the way of the dice, not miss being in on a bet that just lost but you want to keep playing, and be timely about putting your money up, then remember to get yourself out of the field of play, not hang over the table. My inclination with each successive roll is to lean a little further into the table; I have to remind myself to straighten up out of the way.

Different dealers do things different ways that add up to the same thing; like a pay on a place win, some of them hand you an overage and expect you to set down the correct change in return, some of them hand you exact change each time. I was betting 12 each on 6/8 and sometimes getting 15 dollars, sometimes 14. Had to be alert to dropping change and seeing what pay was coming and be sure to pick it up.

I found it very helpful to take someone's advice and keep the dealers in while you're learning, and admit you're new to it; I was putting them in on the place bets mostly, though I started with just putting them on the pass line with me, then placing odds for them as well when the point was established. Anyway, they seemed to be universally helpful in making sure I got my bets placed, and patient with newbie mistakes. (Doc says I'm a craps George; I figure it's the cost of tuition.)

Some dealers will take down winner tokes every time, others want to parlay your presses and their winnings into correct odds multiples before taking them in for their toke box so they get full odds (I was betting 2 each for the dealers on the place 6/8). I saw no consistency in this, but apparently permission to press has to come from the player; the dealer can't really make that decision on their own. (I hope I used the right words describing that.)

I was also warned to mostly ignore the stick pushing center bets, even when I'd asked for help playing well; they're trained to encourage high HE bets. I think a similar warning would be worth stating in your video, but of course it's up to the player after that.

Also, if you've been betting the 6 and 8, and one of them becomes the new point, the dealer is going to want to move your bet, usually to the 5 or 9, but wherever you want it (or you can pick it back up, right?) I didn't understand what they were asking me the first couple times this happened.

Anyway, in my very limited experience, these were things I had to work on. Hope you find that helpful.

@ Babs,

I think you are partially right? I like your point about position on the rail relating to your bet position in the box. My opinion is that there is some skill involved here in being able to focus on your bets and there positions in a fast moving game. It took me awhile but I know for certain it is my responsibility to keep an eye on my money. There is also all kind of skill level with dealers and they vary every 20 minutes. After a while you will catch them all day long messing up with payouts and other nuances every day you play.

As with any game the better you know the rules the better your chances of being more successful. That goes for non gambling games as well, but definately true when playing for cash.

The point you made about dealers wanting to give you 14 or fifteen dollars with you making change and dropping them a dollar has to do with them paying attention to the chips in your rack and knowing whether or not your going to run out of singles while not giving you stacks of them. Like a minny color up.

Also on them leaving or pressing or taking their bets down is mostly about house rules. Some casino's wont let the dealer bets ride. Sometimes if you are adamant about them leaving their bets up when you put them in the game you need to state " player controlled" which they may or may not appreciate.

The last part about them paying extra attention to you because of you having a two dollar bet may not be accurate Babs. I think they gave you extra attention for being "hot", not the two bucks. JMHO, dont' understand why you wont leave your photo up at the wov conventions?

Quote: Ahigh

I will probably make a video about tipping.

Make it a short one ;)

Quote: Ahigh

I hope everyone understands that my instructions are mostly aimed at how to have a good time and not just GIVE away your money by doing put bets. I see this all the time: beginners being stupid and annoying and giving away their money.

Players should " not just GIVE away your money by doing put bets?"

Really?

Let's say I am playing at MSS or CR, where 20X odds is offered, and the point is six.

I can at any time before the bet is resolved make a bet on the PL (a "put" bet) and take up to max odds.

Let's say I make a $10 put bet on the six (on the PL), and then make a $200 odds bet, for a total of $210 bet: if six hits, I get paid $250 ($10 for the line bet + $240 for the odds bet).

Now, if instead of making a put bet I were to place the six for $210, I would win less: $245.

When the odds available exceed 5X, a put bet certainly seems a better bet.

Quote: MrV

Players should " not just GIVE away your money by doing put bets?"

Really?

Let's say I am playing at MSS or CR, where 20X odds is offered, and the point is six.

I can at any time before the bet is resolved make a bet on the PL (a "put" bet) and take up to max odds.

Let's say I make a $10 put bet on the six (on the PL), and then make a $200 odds bet, for a total of $210 bet: if six hits, I get paid $250 ($10 for the line bet + $240 for the odds bet).

Now, if instead of making a put bet I were to place the six for $210, I would win less: $245.

When the odds available exceed 5X, a put bet certainly seems a better bet.

Interesting response, but I think you neglected to appreciate the purpose of the word "just" in my response. There are plenty of discussions about put bets and their effectiveness. The effectiveness of put bets in general are limited to gamblers who have the knowledge of house rules on put bets, the knowledge of the math behind put bets, AND the bankroll to afford those put bets. Not exactly a beginner combination there, MrV.

Simply stated, put bets are not for beginners and should simply be avoided at all costs as a pitfall for a beginner to avoid.

Quote: beachbumbabs

As a new player myself, I found your videos pretty good.

Thanks for your feedback. I read the rest of your response and I appreciate everything that you wrote. It would be great if I can take some of your advice, and I agree with the point you made about the first video. It was pretty weak overall and I think I can do a better job on that one to get started on my next record session.

Quote:

I hope everyone understands that my instructions are mostly aimed at how to have a good time and not just GIVE away your money by doing put bets. I see this all the time: beginners being stupid and annoying and giving away their money.

What, you see beginners giving away their money via put bets?

You find players making them to be "stupid and annoying?"

Why?

As I have shown, put bets are a fairly savvy move, akin to placing the number, and mathematically defensible, especially when greater than 5X odds are available.

The only pitfall I see to a newbie making put bets is not having sufficient bankroll, and that condition can affect us all at one time or another.

Knowledge of the game is no talisman against loss.

Quote: MrV

What, you see beginners giving away their money via put bets?

Absolutely. That's a big reason I made this video series for beginners as I explained in the first video.

Quote: MrV

You find players making them to be "stupid and annoying?"

I find the bet stupid. The players are usually just uninformed. There are stupid players that play this game, though, for sure. I saw a $200 put bet with no odds at NYNY just days ago.

It is a stupid bet if you don't take odds, and there is no question of that.

Quote: MrV

Why?

As I have shown, put bets are a fairly savvy move, akin to placing the number, and mathematically defensible, especially when greater than 5X are available and taken.

The only pitfall I see to a newbie making put bets is not having sufficient bankroll, and that condition can affect us all at one time or another.

The only thing you've shown is a disregard for staying on topic. Correctly performing a put bet in a player advantageous way is not a topic for a beginner player. If I didn't know any better, I might suspect you to be attempting to create strife in a thread where you have nothing positive to add to the conversation at all.

Quote: MrV

Knowledge of the game is no talisman against loss.

Lack of knowledge, however, can cause a much greater loss than necessary. Thus my contributions.

You really should ask yourself the honest question of if you are trying to help anyone. I see no evidence here that you are.

Spare me the condescension, Aaron.

I responded to your condemnation of put bets.

A put bet is no more complicated than a PL bet.

True, you give up the possible win of a seven or eleven on the come out, but you don't lose with a craps number, and if high odds are offered it is a pretty good bet.

Perhaps had you stated "a put bet without odds is not a great bet," I would have agreed.

To me, a put bet without odds makes no sense whatsoever.

Quote: MrV

Spare me the condescension, Aaron.

I responded to your condemnation of put bets.

A put bet is no more complicated than a PL bet.

True, you give up the possible win of a seven or eleven on the come out, but you don't lose with a craps number, and if high odds are offered it is a pretty good bet.

Perhaps had you stated "a put bet without odds is not a great bet," I would have agreed.

To me, a put bet without odds makes no sense whatsoever.

You obviously have missed the entire point of this thread. Put bets are not for beginners, end of story.

If your defending a bet with an edge per resolution of 9.09% to 33.33% due to the ability to take free odds on top of it, start a new thread.

What I am doing is teaching players how to prevent from not making the mistake of putting large amount of money on the pass line after the point is established.

Go back and watch the video. In my demonstration, I put a full stack of red chips on the pass line. I specifically mention, "if you want to bet a lot of money."

You are on a completely different, and entirely confrontational, wavelength my friend.

Find the thread for put bets and resurrect that. Put bets are not appropriate suggestions for beginners. We are done now.