
Buy in: $240.
Win/Loss: -$61.
Session Evaluation and Things I Learned
I charted the table. This was an easy table to join because the first 2 shooters I observed hit multiple points each. I bought in and was the next player to shoot.
Excited to try the Patrick Hedge, I immediately went to a $10 pass line bet with $6 each on the 6 and 8. I roll a 7. I’m down $2. Same bet. I roll another 7. I’m now down $4. Same bet. I roll a nine. I don’t make my point. Not a positive start to the session. What would I do differently? Start each session conservatively and let my success dictate my bet progression. What I want to do in the future is start with a $5 pass line bet for the first 2 points, then progress to a $10 pass line bet for the 3rd and 4th bet along with starting the Patrick Hedge. I would increase my pass line bet after every 2 wins. With a $15 pass line bet I would add a $1 any craps bet. At $20 pass line bet increase to $2 any craps. If I reach a $25 pass line bet the hedge goes to a $4 3-way craps high ace/deuce.
When an obvious trend establishes itself, don’t be afraid to consistently bet that trend. During this session another player was hitting field numbers, especially a lot of craps. A couple of players began making prop bets and they were hitting. I cautiously made some field bets and won several, but I think it is okay to be more aggressive and in a situation like that, follow the trend and make the same bet consistently until the trend is over. In this case, when a field number is rolled, start betting the field until a non-field number comes up, then wait for the next field number to start betting again. Three losses in a row and it’s a wrap for that shooter.
I noticed a couple of players who bought in, had a good roll, then leave. This reminds me of a craps book I read where the author was a proponent of the hit and run strategy. Swoop in, make a bet then leave. It’s all about discipline and not becoming overly greedy. It’s a strategy to think about.
I continued to qualify each new unknown shooter, a strategy I learned from Sam Grafstein. This means I miss out on some possible profits, but I wonder if those profits would make up for the losses from players who seven-out before hitting one of my numbers. Something to observe going forward.
Parting thoughts. I hate to lose. I need to exercise greater discipline and follow a prescribed bet progression. Be more aware of trends and see if I can take better advantage through my bet selection.