John Patrick Craps
For more weird videos plus strange film nights in London. John Patrick's guide to Learn How To Win At Craps for Beginners from 19. Today, one can't talk about craps without mentioning John Patrick. Since the 1980s, Patrick has published a dozen books on the game, establishing himself as the most prolific craps expert of all time.
Best / Worst Craps or Gambling Books
A Roundtable Discussion
DiceDoctor:
I have to agree that Patrick's books are among the top for me. I especially like his Advanced Craps and his Money Management. I have read every tome written by Scoblete and have to admit it was his books (and Yuri's) that got me going in the game. When I go to the book store now, I can't even buy a book as I have purchased every book written on craps in the last twenty years. Patrick are the best, Scoblete is second. And a guy named Ellison wrote a good one too. Personally, I believe that DiceSetter.com site and the installments by Heavy and Mad Professor are the best source of info ANYWHERE. Come on, Heavy, get that book out...I'll hawk 'em for ya!
Don Guangoche:
Roadrunner, your mentioning of the Do's and Don'ts, reminded me of the Professor's Playbook of Playing4keeps.com. The information contained here works for a nickel bettor, or you high rollers. I especially like the way the pass line strategy kicks-ass on a good shooter and all you have to do is follow his easy to remember bet progression. My bias for the worst? Too many of the carps books pack complicated ways of play, for that 'what if', specific conditions. They just don't make sense to me. It took me only a few winning sessions to believe in the Do's and Don'ts. And yes, the don't pass and don't come betting plays are very smart too. A complete package. (self published)
Roadrunner:
Best dice book I have run across is 'Dice Doctor' by Sam Grafstein. This book gives very good money management techniques, strategy plays for do's and don't's and has a smattering of stories. I use several techniques he purports in the book for my play.
Worst is something that just came out. '50 Years At The Craps Table' by Malcolm Jay. This guys claim to fame is 'Bet the pass line and take full odds and if it is really going well make a couple of come bets with full odds'. I thought I saw several inaccurate statements but was positive about only one. Don't waste the $12 on this one.
Pablo:
I started out with an old one 'The Winners Guide to Dice' by John Savage, copyright 1974. It was a good primer for me back in the late 70's and I am rather attached to it even though it's very basic.
I like both Frank Scoblete and John Patrick but I would have to go with 'John Patrick's Craps (So You Wanna Be a Gambler).' I learned a lot over the years with that one.
The worst is probably 'Winning Casino Craps' by Edwin Silberstang. don't think I marked a page in the book and wondered why I bought it after the fact.
Your site, with all of the articles, playbooks and messages is probably the best information ANYWHERE! There is a lot to sift through but it is valuable sifting!
Over the years I've found that you have to merge a gambling approach with your own personality and budget. Some people have patience, some don't, and various approaches need to be tailored to the individual. what works for you may not work for me. It doesn't mean I can't learn from you and others, it's just that I have to take all of the information and make it a part of ME. what you'll find is that a person's greatest strength is also their greatest weakness.
Roadrunner:
Have to agree that for a starting/basic information dice book John Patrick's 'John Patrick's Craps (So You Wanna Be a Gambler)' and 'Advanced Craps' has a lot of good info. The Blackjack people don't care much for him because of his casino management involvement.
Billy:
I've got to go with John Patrick's two books. I have learned so much from reading them and reread the advanced book a couple of times a year. After reading Johns books I finally realized how to play the whole game of craps. I haven't read any dice book that tells the story of the whole game like these do. If you want to learn the game these are a must read. I bought Sam Grafstein's book in September and did a quick scan of it before I went to Vegas, but haven't gotten back to it yet. I did like what I read but didn't have time to really get into it.
Pork Chop:
As to the subject of gambling books, I agree with (most) of the earlier posts, with the codicil that while I admire John Patrick for his life long commitment, (let alone his verified success), I do get tired of his constant harping on bank roll management. A few references would be sufficient, however, it seems to me that all of his books are like a sermon – and to someone who has been married four times, (all in Vegas about every six to seven years!), a sermon doesn’t hit home really well – but the general content of his books is top flight.
I also play a lot of poker, with “Super System” by Doyle Brunson being something that can be read every six months and still learning from it.
Most all of David Sklansky’s books are thought provoking, and, when not in collaboration with Mason Malmuth, not so analytical that you feel that a PHD in mathematics is a prerequisite.
The series by Tom McEvoy and T.J. Cloutier are about the best around for books by players who “have done it, and ARE doing it”. Just a few thoughts…
Heavy:
Without question - the best book I've ever read on the subject of craps is John Patrick's Advanced Craps book. Another guy who has a decent book - another Atlantic City player, by the way - is J. Phillip Vogel. His book is Craps - The Real Deal - and would be a good entry level book. His views parallel Patrick's, but his writing style is a bit more polished. On the other hand, for me - part of Patrick's charm is his personality.
I've enjoyed most of the Scoblete books through the years - some interesting insights there. However, I think he often 'sells out to the other side' with his magazine articles.
Someone mentioned the Feinberg books. I agree that they are poorly written. Still, the content has some value.
An unfortunate side bar to publishing and the gaming industry - at present there is only one New York publisher that will even take on a gambling book. Those presses that will handle this type of material are usually 'royalty paying' presses - which means you don't get a dime for your book until it (1) earns out - meaning all of the editing, production, printing and distribution costs are recouped - and (2) shows a profit. At which point you might earn - oh, a buck and a half a copy for a book with a $19.99 retail price.
Some don't even pay that. They pay the author in 'copies' of his own book - which he can then take and sell for $20 a copy - and that's how he gets his money. That's why you see a lot of gaming authors hawking their books directly through their web-sites rather than through bookstores, etc. They're trying to get paid. Last of all come the self-published or vanity books. This is the one where the author pays for all of the up front costs himself and orders - say - a run of 500 books at a cost of $5.00 each or so. So he fronts $2500 to get the books printed - and then sells them himself - again, thru web sites, personal appearances, seminars, etc. A very tough way to go.
Now, MOST of the gambling books on the market fall into these last two categories. And since most are written by guys whose strength is something other than English 101 - and they have little or no editorial support - these books generally look unprofessional and amateurish.
Mad Professor:
Lyle Stuart published a book called 'Winning at Casino Gambling'. The original by Carol Publishing is out of print, but am I told that his own Barricade Books has re-released a heavily revised version. It chronicles ten winning LV craps/baccarat trips that he made in '79 and '80.
It delves into being 'in the zone', as well as adjusting your attitudes after both wins and losses. It had a significant impact on my early gaming activities.
I’ve gathered a list of 19 craps books for all players. These books include information for people who know nothing about craps, to people who are on their way to being professionals. These books are all written by popular gambling professionals, with seven of these books from Frank Scoblete, the most well-known craps author of all time.
1 – John Patrick’s Advanced Craps
John Patrick’s Advanced Craps was written by John Patrick and published in 1995. This book is intended for players that already have a good understanding of the fundamentals of craps.
It introduces players to the Patrick system; this is where you bet on the pass line and don’t pass at the same time. He claims this gives you the best odds. Patrick lays out the information in this book in an easy to read approach that the casual player or high roller can benefit from.
He gives players information on:
- Money management
- Keys to success
- Discipline
- Bankroll
- And more
Patrick focuses on winnings over time, his book is not a one and done win. With his strategies you’ll learn how to make smaller consistent wins.
2 – Casino Craps
Casino Craps was written by Frank Scoblete and published in 2010.
Here’s a look at some of the topics covered in this book:
- How craps is played
- Golden Touch
- Developing your own golden touch throw
- Buy bets
- 5-Count
- Best bets
- Worst bets
- Gaining an edge
- Controlling the dice
- And more
Scoblete’s book was written to turn the beginner into a pro. It starts with explaining the basics of the game and then goes into betting strategies, after this he talks about getting the most from the casino. A majority of the book is focused on controlling the dice with a golden touch.
He also includes anecdotes and stories for entertainment and knowledge.
3 – Craps Take the Money and Run
Craps Take the Money and Run was written by Henry J. Tamburin and published in 1995. The main point of this book is to teach you how to win the money and the leave the table with a pocket full of cash.
Tamburin has over 25 years of experience in gambling, along with that he has taught countless people how to better their game at craps through his schools, seminars, and instructional videos. He puts all his knowledge into this book to teach players how to win at craps wherever they’re.
Here’s a look at some of the topics covered in this book:
- Basic rules
- How the game is played throughout the U.S.
- Game etiquette
- How to make bets
- How bets win or loose
- Best bets to make
- Casino edge
- Increased odds playing
- New crap games popping up in casinos
- Money management
- And more
4 – Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution!
Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution! was written by Frank Scoblete and Dominator and published in 2005. This book was written before their other book, Casino Craps, and has a focus solely on dice control and how to use it to win craps. If you’re interested in only dice control and not the basics or betting information offered in Casino Craps, then Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution! is a better fit for you.
Here are the topics they cover:
- Scan
- Dice sets
- Stance
- Grip
- Grap
- Pickup
- Backspin
- Throw
- Bounce
- Where to land the dice
- How to land the dice where you want it
- Hitting the back wall
- Which arc to use based on table
- Betting to get the edge
- Betting against random rollers
- Spreading techniques
- 5-Count
- Camouflaging your dice control
- Bankroll
- Educated risk takers P.O.W.E.R plan
- Common problems that affect your shooting
- Dice control teams
There’s also advice and tips from craps instructors:
- Howard “Rock ‘n Roller”
- Jerry “Stickman”
- Billy the Kid
- Street Dog
- Wordslayer
- Finesse
- Bill Burton
- No Field Five
- Chip
- Tenor and Satch
- Pit Boss
5 – Winning Casino Craps
Winning Casino Craps was written by Edwin Silberstang and published in 1979. Silberstang wrote this book to teach players just as much about craps as anyone else knows. The information he provides gets you to the same level as casino managers, dealers, pit bosses and other players. It’s also the first book to put into print some strategies that had only been word of mouth before.
Silberstang wrote this book in an easy to understand and enjoyable format that teaches everything you need to learn about craps. You’ll learn from the basics of playing to the strategies that win. You’ll learn about odds, the best bets to make, and more.
6 – Beat the Craps out of the Casinos
Beat the Craps out of the Casinos was written by Frank Scoblete and published in 1991. This book is great for everyone, even beginners that have little to no knowledge about craps.
This book is not a how to book, it’s written in a narrative that is easy to read and comprehend. Scoblete covers his three-point rule, super system, bankroll, and the 5-count.
7 – The Dice Doctor
The Dice Doctor was written by Sam Grafstein and published in 1981. With over 60 years of experience at the craps table, Grafstein puts all his knowledge on the game into this book.
He covers:
- Qualified shooters
- Locking up wins
- Converted come bets
- Legitimate winning steaks and how to find them
- Bankroll control and protect
- Making 5-10 times more on a hot roll
- 21 strategies
- Professional plays
- And 30 charts and tables
8 – Cutting Edge Craps
Cutting Edge Craps was written by Frank Scoblete and Dominator and published in 2010. This book is written in an easy to understand format and includes pictures to further readers understanding.
Here’s a look at some of topics covered in this book:
- Betting styles
- Playing methods based on player edges
- Dice sets to hit selected numbers
- Dice shooting evaluation
- Pyramids
- V-Spread
- Single Point Pop
- Dice Correspondence
- Super-bouncy tables
- Group play
- Team play
- Throws
- Dice setting
- Non-dice-set casinos
- Meditation
- Visualization
- Railbirds and thieves
- 5-Count
- 147-number roll
- And more
9 – I Am a Dice Controller
I Am a Dice Controller was written by Frank Scoblete and published in 2015.
Here’s a look at the topics covered in this book:
- Sets
- Stance
- Throw
- Grip
- Backspin
- Proper betting
- Arc
- Landing
- And the 5-Count.
He also includes stories of the past 25 years playing with dice control experts and the betrayals he has faced during that time and the “The Arm” a woman who he calls the greatest dice controller ever.
There’s also information from:
- Chris “Sharpshooter”
- Jerry “Stickman”
- Pawlicki
- Bill “Ace-10” Burton
- Howard “Rock ‘n Roller”
- John “Skinny”
- Bob “Mr. Finesse”
- Daryl “No Field Five”
- Arman “Pit Boss”
- Randy “Randman”
- Billy “the Kid”
- Mark “Dice Pilot”
- Tim “Timmer”
You’ll also read about dice control teams:
- The Lee Brothers
- Marilyn “the Goddess” and Charlie “Santrap”
- The Five Horsemen
- The Captain’s Crew
- Pat “Dr. Crapology” and Janis “Alligator Rose”
- And Heavenly Kitten and Star Shine
10 – The Smarter Bet Guide to Craps
The Smarter Bet Guide to Craps was written by Basil Nestor and published in 2003. Nestor has a series of different Smarter Bet Guides.
This book includes:
- Table layout
- Analysis of craps bets
- Mathematical strategies
- Dice-shooting techniques
- Advantage shots
- Most common gambling mistakes
- Possible combinations
- How to make smarter bets
- Wagers
- Gaining an edge
- And more
This book is small enough for you to carry around and refer back to. You can use the charts and strategies on the go to improve your game.
11 – Fundamentals of Craps
Fundamentals of Craps was written by Mason Malmuth and Lynne Loomis and published in 1995. The authors of this book made this an easy to understand and follow guide that has the math involved explained so easily that anyone could understand it.
This book is not a dice controlling guide, like many other craps books. They start with basic information about the game. They then give you a simplified look at the layout of the game. They teach you about right and wrong bets, odds, and other various topics relating to craps.
Craps can be intimidating to players that don’t understand it but with this book you learn everything you need too in order to win.
12 – Get the Edge at Craps
Get the Edge at Craps was written by Sharpshooter, was published in 2002, and has a foreword by Frank Scoblete.
This book is all about dice control and how Sharpshooter uses it to win. You’ll learn how to roll the dice to increase the odds of certain numbers appearing. This book includes some mathematical calculations and with those and disciplined practice you can get as good as Sharpshooter at dice control to win the game of craps.
13 – The Craps Answer Book
The Craps Answer Book was written by John Grochowski and published in 2001. This book is for players that already has a good understanding of the game and have practiced playing it before.
This book is all fact, and rids players of any misconceptions they have about the game. It has loads of knowledge all put together to answer any questions you have about the game. It also has fun trivia, lingo, and is set of in a quiz format that tests your knowledge and teaches you everything you need to know.
14 – Forever Craps
Forever Craps was written by Frank Scoblete and published in 2004. This book is a life story of Scoblete and tells about his life from his Brooklyn childhood, to his title of Captain of Craps. This is an entertaining book that gives you background on a famous gambling professional and teaches you about craps along the way.
15 – The Craps Underground
The Craps Underground was written by Frank Scoblete and published in 2004. The title says it all for this book. It’s a look at the professional craps players who have mastered dice control and how they’re winning millions of dollars from casinos.
This book is several stories about these craps players compiled together for readers to learn about who they’re, where they’re from, and how they got here.
16 – No Nonsense Craps
No Nonsense Craps was written by Richard Orlyn and published in 2008. This book is all about putting to rest table charting, dice control, point counting and other popular craps methods. It gives a straightforward look at the two-dice probability theory, betting, and money management skills to win the game. You also get a look at Orlyn’s trademarked personal strategy, Table Time Plus.
17 – How to Make Your Living Playing Craps
How to Make Your Living Playing Craps was written by Larry Edell and published in 1996.With this book, Edell teaches you how to change your whole lifestyle.
Topics in this book include:
- Free gambling coupons
- Free diners
- Free rooms
- Free shows
- Making up to $640 a day
- Making up to $200 an hour
- Making up to $300 an hour before they established the point
- And more
This book teaches three main systems which are Sixes and Eights, Horn Bets, and Pre-setting the Dice. He also includes a glossary and several charts.
18 – Learn to Play Craps from Part Time Dice Pros
John Patrick Craps Video
Learn to Play Craps from Part Time Dice Pros was written by C. “Judge” Johnson and Bryan Bonshell and published in 2011. This book was written for players of any skill level, from beginner to semi-professional.
It talks about Johnson and Bonshell’s story about how they become professional craps players and the strategies they use. It teaches you from the basics of how to play to advanced methods they use such as dice control.
19 – Wong on Dice
John Patrick Craps Pdf
Wong on Dice was written by Stanford Wong and published in 2005.Wong teaches math and logic with his book and is intended for readers that already have a good understanding of the basic fundamentals of craps.
While reading you learn how to play, why to play that way, and when you’re good enough to play at casinos without losing it all. Wong teaches dice control and the physics of it to get a deeper understanding at how to properly control the dice. After learning how to control the dice he gives you the knowledge to keep your edge on the casino and come out a winner.
Conclusion
By reading the books on this list you’ll learn winning strategies like dice controlling, mathematical methods, and probability. You can also find entertaining tales and tips from famous craps players.