Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't this approach mainstream?
Most craps players, DIs included, enjoy the excitement of the game, the camaraderie, the many available bet choices and the rush they get from a big win! Contrast that with an approach that requires patience, discipline and commitment. Then add "flat betting" which most players equate with "boring." It's definitely a niche market.
DI instructors, YouTube videos, Facebook groups, message boards and forums generally advocate a variation of these two core concepts:
What I advocate is simple: DIs with an in-casino edge who bet optimally for their skill level, their risk tolerance and their starting bankroll can build a bankroll that can lead to larger and more consistent wins.
DI instructors, YouTube videos, Facebook groups, message boards and forums generally advocate a variation of these two core concepts:
- Make fairly small initial place bets on two or more numbers and fully or partially press them on winning rolls according to a schedule to collect, press, collect, press, etc. Options include sometimes adding money to "power press" at certain levels and/or sometimes pressing the number that hit along with its "sister/partner" number.
- Make fairly large initial place bets on two or more numbers with the hope of hitting one, two or three box numbers early in the hand. If and when that happens, regress (reduce) the initial amounts bet and/or number of place bets such that the remaining bets are "paid for." From there, press bets as discussed in the previous paragraph.
What I advocate is simple: DIs with an in-casino edge who bet optimally for their skill level, their risk tolerance and their starting bankroll can build a bankroll that can lead to larger and more consistent wins.
Do I have to change how I play and bet?
Absolutely! Optimal Craps isn't for everyone, nor does it try to be. If you like the results from your existing betting approach, keep it! But, if you're ready to trade bankroll roller-coaster rides for a personalized approach tailored for your skill level and the amount of risk you wish to take to achieve your bankroll growth and profit goals, I hope you'll consider Optimal Craps.
Why are you releasing this if it's so great?
- Writing a book and developing a software simulator requires a lot of work because the material has to be presented in a logical and useful manner. To do so, I had to make sure I knew the theory and its application inside and out, which increased my knowledge and understanding.
- I'm a contrarian by nature. I've found questioning experts and "what everybody knows" often reveals unique and more effective approaches.
- It's unlikely casinos will notice because few people will actually fully apply this approach, and, if necessary, it's easily camouflaged.
- Sure, I want to "help people," but the truth most people selling things seem loath to admit is they hope to make some money. Well, I hope to make some money selling access to a unique simulator to encourage DIs to consider a different approach to betting.
Isn't this just a variation of Kelly criterion betting?
Betting a fraction of one's bankroll to optimize profits is the core concept behind Optimal Craps. What's unique is how easy I've made it to simulate results based on your in-casino RSR and your bankroll along with many other parameters for experimenting. To help you decide what fraction of your bankroll to bet, Optimal Craps Simulator users can input their bankroll (real or imagined) and the levels of risk they'd like to explore to see how those variables impact expected bankroll growth.
The analysis you produce will help you to decide on a betting method and how much to bet and on what numbers based on your skill, bankroll and tolerance for risk - analysis you can update as your skill, bankroll and risk tolerance levels change.
The analysis you produce will help you to decide on a betting method and how much to bet and on what numbers based on your skill, bankroll and tolerance for risk - analysis you can update as your skill, bankroll and risk tolerance levels change.
Why haven't I noticed anyone playing like this in a casino?
If there are any DIs using this approach, they're not playing for action or comps or camaraderie. Their bets would appear boring and they'd probably only be seen at empty or nearly empty tables. (It's nice not having chips in your landing zone.) As soon as their table begins to fill with other players (or annoying idiots), they most likely leave.
What do you mean by "in-casino advantage"?
In practice sessions, DIs can use different-colored dice to record the outcome for each so chi-square analysis can be done to answer the question, "Am I influencing the dice to stay on-axis, or not?" During casino play, most people are unable to record the outcome for each die, but tracking your in-casino RSR can be done to determine your edge to effectively apply Optimal Craps.
How often do the amounts bet change?
Not often, and then only after a session ends. Testing demonstrated small, frequent, in-session bet size adjustments had little impact on long-term results.
What's the downside?
Your bets should grow to a level large enough to be noticed by the casino! In the scenario on the home page, had you used the "low-medium" (blue) betting level for 50 sessions, your bet would have grown to be $360 on each roll with your $25,378 bankroll. If you continue to grow your bankroll, it will allow you to make even larger bets.
The good news is you can use either of two simple strategies for betting. You can deploy either to start but once you reach higher betting levels, you may elect to focus on the BDalt method, as it's similar to how many random rollers play.
The good news is you can use either of two simple strategies for betting. You can deploy either to start but once you reach higher betting levels, you may elect to focus on the BDalt method, as it's similar to how many random rollers play.
How can I know whether Optimal Craps is right for me?
Only consider this if you:
- Have an in-casino edge.
- Want to optimize your betting to take full advantage of your edge.
- Are tired of riding an out-of-control bankroll roller-coaster.
- Are ready for an effective, systematic, low-stress betting approach that's incredibly easy to deploy.
- Can stop making prop bets. (There are better options for tipping.)
- Want to grow your bankroll so you can bet to win more money, more consistently. (The comps are nice, too!)
- Have the mental fortitude to stick with a boring, systematic betting strategy.
How can I learn to fully apply this approach?
On this website you've learned why optimized betting can help DIs manage variance; realize their profit potential; and understand the impact of three key variables: skill, bet amount and bankroll.
If you'd like an inexpensive, more thorough introduction to the concept, my book is available on Amazon for $2.99, or free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. It elaborates on the contents of this website including how to confirm you have an in-casino advantage and how the house edge affects your potential profits.
If you'd like an inexpensive, more thorough introduction to the concept, my book is available on Amazon for $2.99, or free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. It elaborates on the contents of this website including how to confirm you have an in-casino advantage and how the house edge affects your potential profits.