My good friend and I met up at one of our favorite watering holes as we have done lately, planning on taking a big gulp from the reservoir. They usually open up a new watering hole around 9:30. The watering hole that has been open all night is usually still at the higher limit ($15) and is always packed. This weekend I got to the watering hole before 9:30 and it was already in progress. Four were at the watering hole, my spot was open. My buddy (HardNine) was a little behind schedule. When he arrived the only open position was the opposite side of his normal throwing position. He took that and waited for his spot to open up. Dice can around and for kicks he tried to roll. Still set the dice with hard ways, made a few box numbers then seven-ed out after 7 tosses. It was just for fun as we went up lightly. I was next. Nothing to write home about. It took the dice 1 hour and 15 minutes to make it around the crowed table. Just before the dice got to us his normal position opened up. I proceeded to have another non-descript roll. Dice went to HardNine. Same thing – a non-descript roll. At this point we weren’t going to wait around for another 75 minutes
This was very similar to previous weeks we’ve ventured out. It is nearly impossible to get into a throwing rhythm, evaluate your toss and carry on. At times it almost feels like we’re trying to catch lightening in a bottle. During the time the dice are going around the table we’re exhibiting proper discipline with our betting, 5 counting and/or only playing the 6 & 8, ocassionally testing the dark side with chicken feeders throwing from the end. Still these sessions are a struggle to walk away on the plus side as we definitely do not go up on the chicken feeders.

In our very populated area getting a table with just us "like shooters" is next to impossible. We have some strategy to get a group together, call ahead and try to reserve a table. We’re doing that in the future. I’ll report how that works out for us. We definitely want to fly as much under the radar as possible.

Scooter

Replies:

Posted by: getagrip on March 5, 2016, 8:25 pm

Scooter,

I certainly don't know your situation so these are only "wonderings".

(1) If you got to the casino REALLY early in the morning is that one $15 table always full? My husband and I arrive at 5:30 to 6:00 AM when we play at a casino and that is a pretty quiet time.

(2) If you bet reasonably do you have the bankroll to bet the $15 table? I think sometimes with higher denominations we all bet a little smarter and if you can get the dice more often each then it might be worth it to go a little higher with less bets or something like that.

Hope you find something that works for you!

Dice are Out!

Posted by: Scooter on March 5, 2016, 9:41 pm

Getagrip,
Thanks.

#1 - Have tried to get there early in the morning. Same story - full and a $15 from the Friday evening carry over.
#2 - $15 / $10 / $25 doesn't matter the level it's always crowded. My preference and tolerance at this point is with $10 or $5 tables. Doesn't take too many times with two $15 come bets with at least triple odd plus line bet & odds to feel the pain when the 7 shows. The lower levels at this point of my throwing provide for some lee-way if run is south of the border.

Scooter

Posted by: getagrip on March 5, 2016, 9:58 pm

Scooter,
Totally understand. Comfort level is very important to the mental game and if the higher denominations aren't gaining you any advantage like getting away from the crowds, etc. then why get out of your comfort zone. Good luck!

Posted by: Dr Crapology on March 5, 2016, 11:08 pm

Scooter, don't know your personal situation, but Rose and Doc hate the weekends, too crowded and too many drunks. It is a real challenge to roll with these types of problems. As Dom is always saying, if you can't drive a couple of hours, find the situation bad (can't get position, chips everywhere, too many drunks,too many players at the table, etc.) and have the discipline to turn around and go home, you have become a true advantage player. We have done that very thing more than once.

Rose and Doc

Posted by: HardNine on March 5, 2016, 11:53 pm

It's strange, but since just before Thanksgiving, this particular house has been different on every visit. There are times when the overnight tables are down to just one, or two open and down to $5. The last two Sundays, arriving 11:30 am, there will be three $15 open... I've never seen that there on Sundays, and rarely on Saturdays. It's well past the holidays and things still aren't settled down.... strange.

To Doc's point, I have driven the 45 minutes to this place and walked because my position wasn't open or it just didn't feel right, so very much agree there.

We'll see what it looks like tomorrow. If it's not conducive, I'll get my free Blackhawks vest and head home!!!