Recently, I scrolled through a concisely written book with the title "Craps, Take the Money and Run" by Henry J. Tamburin. I was so amazed by its simplicity and Tamburin’s wording and detailed explanations about the game that I purchased seven copies. Why seven copies? Well, let’s just say that I believed every word in the book. Now listen up: this isn’t the first craps book I have ever read, nor will it be the last craps book I will ever read; however, it was, by far, the easiest craps book I have ever read. It was so well written that I decided to buy seven copies for friends that were not educated in the game of craps. I asked each person, man and woman, to read the book and to get back to me with any questions that they had.

A week had passed and then I invited my friends to my house to discuss the book. As we sat around the table, I asked different questions to each person about the information contained in the book, and other than being asked a couple of times to explain a question in a simpler manner, everyone was at the same point in their learning curve after reading the book,. In fact, all of them felt comfortable and ready to go to a real casino and play craps for real money. Keep in mind, these were seven ordinary people of ordinary intelligence that had spent only one week reading a 114-page book and studying the "Increased Odds Playing System" and the other strategies described in the book (including the basics of the game, explanation of all the bets on the layout, table etiquette, how to bet, and other fine points).

We all know that craps is an unnerving game to approach for most recreational players due to the enormous size of the table, the number of players that can play the game, the dizzying number of bets on the layout with their associated odds, as well as the sometimes-surly dealers, including the one that holds a stick.

Craps, by nature, is a fast-paced game full of superstitions that could allow a newbie to make a host of enemies in a few seconds. When I began this experiment, I asked each member of the party, one at a time, if they would be interested in reading the book and then putting the book to the test by going to a real casino and playing on a real craps table with real dealers as well as other players. In the beginning, they were hesitant; however, after explaining that the other players were no different from them and everyone playing craps was there for the same reason, namely, to have fun and win some money, they all agreed to go for it. I then asked them to gather up a $150 bankroll and assured them that at the end of the three playing sessions, I would fade any losses; however, on the same token, I would expect to receive 50% of any winnings. With nothing to risk except the fear of possible humiliation due to improper table etiquette, they all agreed to my proposal. We decided to go and play at a casino with several craps tables that were open on a Thursday evening (they didn’t feel comfortable going on a busy and crowded weekend). We agreed to meet at my house next Thursday and carpool in my friend Ryan’s minivan.

Thursday came, and just as planned, my seven friends started arriving around 5 pm. By 6:30 pm, we were all ready to go and by 7:15 pm, we were in the casino, scouting the tables. I was truly impressed by how relaxed my friends were and how quickly they blended into the casino scene. I had to keep reminding myself that we were not doing anything illegal; in fact, we were the perfect casino patron, with cash in pocket and a system of play in mind.

At first, a few of them just watched patiently, waiting for the right time to make their play, while others jumped right in and started playing. Within 15 minutes, all were in action and playing without a care in the world. To me, they appeared like programmed robots, knowing sure and well what to do with every roll of the dice. All of them were playing with confidence and the flexibility of seasoned players. I was both amazed and somewhat proud of what I had created.

After about 35 minutes, we all met at the coffee shop. I had previously asked each of them not to share their experience until after all three playing sessions were completed. Needless to say, we had no sooner sat down when they were all charged up to go back out into the craps pit. In fact, most of them didn’t want to stop playing but they all kept to the agreement and finally settled down and spoke of the fun they were having, without giving a clue if they were winning or losing.

After another 20 minutes, they slowly melted back into the crowd, found their marks, and settled into session two of their big craps playing experiment, knowing exactly which wagers to make and which ones to avoid. As I walked around snooping at their playing techniques, I was convinced that my friends had fully read and understood the book and were playing correctly. One friend was doing extremely well while another’s stash of chips in the rack had me convinced that I was not going to incur any loses at the end of the night. This was the point where I lost all nervousness, and a cool calm came over me. I felt confident that I was not going to have to pay any out of pocket expenses.

Another 40 minutes had gone by, we gathered up again at the same corner booth of the coffee shop. This time, I had asked them as a group if anyone had struck out. None of them replied so I instructed them that at the end of the next session, we were to meet at Ryan’s vehicle. Though a few in the group were feeling tired, I assured them that they would all be home by midnight and they would all have a good story to tell. Therefore, they pushed on and again got lost in the crowd of the craps pit. Even though two of the tables had been closed, there were still enough open tables so they wouldn’t be crowding each other.

Another 40 minutes went by and I found myself alone in the parking garage next to the minivan…alone. I thought to myself, Dear God, they must have all been back roomed and being beaten while the casino security guards were waited for the Nevada gaming agents to show up. Then I quickly realized that this wasn’t the early 1980’s, nor was this a blackjack team ... we were exactly what the casino wanted, cash carrying systems players. Just then, two women in the group were in sight and both were laughing and smiling. A minute later, Ryan showed up, and then within 15 minutes, the entire group was in the van with Ryan at the wheel pulling out of the parking garage.

When we arrived at my house, we went inside and everyone chose a different place to do their books and pull out their base and profits. It was late and a couple of the team members wanted to put off the final chop till tomorrow, while the others argued "Let’s get this on, now!" I sat in the lazy boy wondering what it was I had created, quietly laughing.

I witnessed the group falling apart. They were shaking hands full of chips at each other, trying to make a point, while others shook their chips in the face of what was once their teammate. I then called a hush amongst the group before any guns were drawn and told them to write down their scores (wins or losses) and to leave any profits or bills that I owed them and we would get together on Saturday night (in two days) and finish up. They all agreed and did as I asked.

As I looked through their paperwork, I was surprised that everyone but two of my friends chose a different method of play from the book, with six showing a profit. In fact, five of my seven friends, showed a real healthy return on investment, and I’m talking up to 350%. Only one was shy and it was a calculated loss of less than 5% of his starting bankroll.

The results of this experiment were not bad for about three hours of play, with their only guide a well-written book that only cost $11.95. Score one for Dr. T. and all of the fortunate players who have read his book.