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The Craps Engine

Overview

Program Limitations

Main Window

Entering Betting Parameters

Pass/Don't Pass/Come/Don't Come Bets
Field Bets

Place/Don't Place/Buy/Lay Bets

Menu Controls

Left/Right

Pause Control

Options

Stats

Hints

Registering The Craps Engine

Questions/Comments

Disclaimer

Print Registration Form


Pause Control

You control when the program should stop rolling the dice.

Pause After Each Roll

The default setting is good for getting started and learning about The Craps Engine.  You must press the "Roll Bones" button each time to roll the dice.

Pause After Each Series

Once you feel you have a decent scheme , go ahead and check this option.  Stops rolling the dice after the end of a series , allowing you to examine the results.  If the program had been minimized, it will reopen at this time, to remind you to press the "Continue" button.

Pause When Upper Limit Reached

Stops rolling the dice after when one of the Players has reached his/her upper limit .  Otherwise, the program will continue to roll the dice.  Again, the program will reopen if it has been minimized if a Player  has reached his/her upper limit., Press the "Continue" button to continue rolling the dice.

Don't Stop

If this option is checked, the dice will only stop rolling if one of six things happens:

1.  The Stop Button is pressed.

2.  One Player loses more than 20,000.

3. A Player has not put any bets on the table for an entire series .

4.  You change a Player's bettting parameters.

5.  The Stats Reset button is pressed.

6.  32,767 series have been played. (This might take a while...)

Otherwise, the program will continue rolling the dice until you end the program.  You probably shouldn't check this option until you're sure your parameters are up to the task.  You can view the statistics while the dice are rolling, or you can minimize the program to go work on something else.  The animated icon indicates that the dice are still rolling.  Note: The dice roll even faster when the program is minimized.


Options

When a series  has ended, you must instruct the program as to what to do with anything remaining In Hand.

Auto pocket winnings and leftovers

Automatically puts winnings (the upper limit  has been reached) or leftovers (In Hand is less than lower limit ) back into the pocket.   This is the default selection.

Keep leftovers / Pocket winnings

Keeps whats left In Hand on for a series that drops below the lower limit, but puts winnings into pocket.

Note: If neither option is checked, you will be prompted as to what to do with the remaining In Hand each time a series ends.


Stats

View Stats

Roll Distribution


Betting Parameters
Entering Betting Parameters

To enter/edit betting parameters for a player, choose "Edit Betting Parameters" from the Player's menu on the Main Window.

Menu/File Commands

First, choose the type of bets you want to enter by clicking the mouse button on the desired type.

(Yes, those are buttons.)  The types are Pass/Don't Pass/Come/Don't Come Bets, Field Bets, and Place/Don't Place/Buy/Lay Bets.  The chosen type will appear in red text.  You may enter bets for a Player  for each of the three types, but only one kind of bet for each type.  (See Program Limitations)

You enter bets and their associated bankroll  limits into the scrolling Bet/Bankroll fields.  You can enter up to 50 bet/bankroll combinations for each type of bet.

Setting upper/lower limits

To set an upper limit , enter 0 in the bet field, and the upper limit of your bankroll in the bankroll field.  When your bankroll reaches the upper limit, no more bets will be placed (unless there are already bets on the table). In the example above, 500 is the upper limit.

The lower limit  is the lowest bankroll limit you enter.  REMEMBER THIS!  If you enter "Bet 100 when my bankroll is at least 100", and 100 is the lowest bankroll parameter entered, the program will not put any bets on the table once your bankroll drops below 100.  Typically (like if you have "Auto pocket winnings and leftovers" checked), the 100 will go into your pocket, a new series  will begin, and an amount equal to your initial bankroll will become your bankroll.  In the example above, 20 is the lower limit.

Sort/Validate Button

Sorts the on screen parameters, and checks for valid bets/limits.  You must do this each time the parameters have changed, or new parameters are entered/loaded.  Once the parameters are sorted and validated, the USE PARAMETERS button, as well as the SAVE file menu choice will be enabled.  If they are not enabled after you press the button, your  parameters are not valid.

You cannot bet more than your bankroll for any bet, nor can you bet more than 10000 for any given bet (although you can backup a 10000 with odds).    You cannot have duplicate bankroll limits, because the program wouldn't know which bet to place.  Pass/Don't Pass/Come/Don't Come bets must be made in increments of 5.

Use Parameters Button

This button actually loads the sorted/validated parameters for the Player to use.  You will be prompted whether or not this is what you want to do.  All previously loaded parameters for the Player will be replaced.


Main Window

Stop Button

Stops the rolling of the dice when you enable Automatic Roll Mode.

Continue/Roll Bones Button

Rolls the dice, or starts a new series , as long as betting parameters have been established.

Speed Bar

Adjusts the dice roll speed during Automatic Roll Mode.   Speed increases as you move the marker to the top.  Note:  Minimizing the program allows the dice to roll even faster.  See Pause Control for more information.

Max Bankroll (Overall)

The highest bankroll  you have reached for this Player  since the program started.

Max Bankroll (Current)

The highest bankroll you have reached for this Player for the current series.

In Hand

The amount left in the Player's hand, or the Player's bankroll minus his/her wager.

Wager

The total value of the bets on the table for that Player.

Bankroll

How much the Player has to bet with currently, or how much you have in hand  minus your wager.    Determined by the initial bankroll for the Player, and how much is won or lost.  When the bankroll reaches either the upper limit  or lower limit  (or zero) the program starts a new series.

Roll Count

The total number of rolls since the program started.

PointMarker

Used to indicate the current point .  If a point has been established, the point is ON, and program places the marker on the number.  When the point is made or the Player "craps out", the point is OFF and the  marker is moved from the playing field.


Overview

Note: This program is NOT for beginners!!  The Craps Engine is designed to help the user develop betting schemes, and to aid in money management techniques for the novice/advanced craps player.  If you are a beginner, and you want to learn how to play craps, there are many other excellent shareware programs available on most major bulletin board systems.   All of these programs will teach you about the different bets available, how to take odds on a bet, etc.  If you are a beginner, save this program and use it once you understand the game a little better; there's no time limit for registering The Craps Engine.

 I designed The Craps Engine after working with these other programs, and finding it tedious to place the same bets over and over again.  Also, I could never determine when to raise/lower my bets in order to make some real money.  Usually, frustration led to betting the whole wad at once (and we all know what happens then...)

Most good craps players know that there are good bets, and there are sucker bets.  I left the sucker bets out of The Craps Engine (sorry, suckers...).  The program allows you to compare different betting schemes, set limits as to when to pocket your winnings, and adjust your scheme  to give you a fighting chance to make a modest profit.  Remember, though, that craps, along with all games in a casino, are inherently designed in favor of the house.  YOU CAN'T WIN IN THE LONG RUN.  But with this program, you might not lose as much.


Program Limitations

Unlike other craps programs, you cannot place bets on the table by pointing to a spot with the mouse and clicking.  YOU MUST ESTABLISH BETTING PARAMETERS.

As mentioned in the overview, I purposely left the "sucker" bets out of The Craps Engine.  I did this for two reasons; one, because you can't win anything playing them in the long run, and two, they present a programming nightmare (take hardways on the 4 every 10th roll, bet the horn only when the last roll was a six, etc.)  The bets NOT available include:

Hardways Bets

Two, Three, Eleven, and Twelve (and Horn)

Any Craps

Seven

Big Six and Big Eight (big sucker...)

Craps - Eleven

All of these bets have lousy payoffs, and are usually made only on a whim, or by someone who wants to impress everyone at the table by showing how many different bets he/she can make.

The Craps Engine allows the Player  to adjust his/her bets based upon their current bankroll .  After much experimenting and deliberation, I found that this only logical way to assist the user in managing their money (and the easiest to program...).  Progressions such as "betting the pass line, pressing your bet up to three times per win, dropping to original bet on a loss" ( Paroli progression) are possible to set up, (bet 10 when I have 100, bet 20 when I have 110, bet 30 when I have 120...) but, to use this example, what's a "win", and what's a "loss"?  Is rolling an eleven a win? Is a three a loss?  Anyway, each dice roll is independent, and all hot streaks eventually end.  With this program, you take advantage of a streak because you have more money to bet with, but doubling up consistently, as you will see if you try it, will empty your pocket very quickly.

To put it another way, if you walk into a casino with $200, you're not going to plunk down $150 on the pass line just because the point  was made three times in a row, unless you're really stupid.  On the other hand, if you walk in with $2000, $150 on the pass line might be a reasonable bet.

You may bet up to 10,000 on any given spot, not including odds.  This at least twice as much as any casino will allow, as far as I know.  The limit at most casinos is 1,000.

A Player is limited to a loss of 20,000.  If he/she loses this much, no more bets will be placed for that player, and new parameters must be loaded.

Odds taken behind a bet are not displayed, per se as seperate from the original bet.  In other words, if you bet 10 on the pass line and you back it up with 2X odds, 30 will show in the window if and when a point is established.  I did this to save space, sorry.

You cannot bet for and against the shooter at the same time for the same Player.  Specifically, you can only bet one of each betting type.  You cannot bet Pass and Don't Pass (or Don't Come) for the same Player.  You can, however, make Pass/Come,  Field , and Place/Buy/Lay bets simultaneously for each Player.

When you set up your parameters, you will not be allowed to bet more than your BANKROLL.  If you cannot cover a bet with the money you have IN HAND, the program will occasionally "dip" into your pocket to place the bet.  The statistics window keeps track of the number of times this happens.  There is a limit, though.

As your bankroll reaches zero, the program limits your PASS/COME line bets.  A bet will not be placed if you cannot cover the odds you specified in the Betting Parameters window (I had to draw the line somewhere...).  Otherwise,  you keep dipping into your pocket, and you never get a good indication as to when you are bankrupt.

The Craps Engine does not allow different odds for different circumstances.  If you're betting 10X odds, you're always betting 10X odds, unless you change the parameters.   As mentioned above, the bet won't be placed if you can't cover the odds.


Place/Don't Place/Buy/Lay Bets

These bets are placed on any combination of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.  Place and Buy bets are with the shooter, while Don't Place and Lay bets are with the house (against the shooter).

You can only bet one type of these bets for each player.  Choose the type of bets you want to make by clicking with the mouse in the circle area next to the bet type.  In this example, "Place Bets" has been chosen.

Place Bets

Don't Place Bets

Buy Bets

Lay Bets

You must cover the numbers you wish to bet on before entering any bets/limits in the scrolling bet/bankroll area.  To do this, you place a marker next to the specific number(s) in the "Cover these numbers" panel by clicking on the space with the mouse.   In this example, the numbers 4, 6 and 8 are marked.

Because it is almost impossible to remember the valid increments for each type of bet combined with what numbers are marked, you can use the plus (+) key to increment, and the minus (-) key to decrement by valid increments in the BET fields of the scrolling bet/bankroll area.  Also, any number directly entered in these fields will be rounded to the next lowest valid increment once you leave the input field.

This allows the Player  to minimize losses on the come out roll .  With "bets off", a Pass line bettor doesn't lose his Place/Buy bets when he rolls a seven (7) coming out .  (Don't Place/Lay and Don't Pass bettors might want to leave bets "on" (?) ).


Statistics

More Statistics

Series Count

The number of the current series  for the Player .

# of "winners"

The number of times that the Player has reached his/her upper limit   (as determined by the parameters for that Player).  Once the upper limit has been reached, and no bets are on the table, a "win" is recorded and the winnings are added to the pocket.

Series win %

The number of "winners" divided by the number of series ALREADY PLAYED.  Note: Does not include current series, unless completed.

Pocket

The total amount won/lost since the Player's parameters were put into use.  The pocket starts at zero, and the initial bankroll  is taken out each time a series is begun.  The Player may "dip" into the pocket from time to time to cover bets already on the table.  (See program limitations ).  Note: The basic idea is to keep this number positive; if it drops below 20,000 the Player's bets will be removed, and new parameters must be loaded.

Max pocket

The highest the pocket has reached since parameters for the Player were enabled.

Min pocket

The lowest the pocket has reached.

Handle

The Player's total amount wagered.

Wagered this series

The Player's total amount wagered for the current series.

Avg wagered/series

The Player's average amount wagered per series.

Avg wagered/roll

The Player's average bet on the table for each roll.

Avg Bankroll (Current)

The Player's average bankroll for the current series WHILE HE/SHE IS ROLLING THE DICE.   Specifically, the figure is the sum of all the bankrolls at each roll event divided by the number of rolls for the player this series.

Avg Bankroll (Overall)

The Player's average bankroll.  The sum of all the bankrolls at each roll event divided by the total number of rolls for the player for all series.

Avg Max Bankroll

The Player's average maximum bankroll for each series.  Specifically, the sum of the maximum bankrolls for each series (on Main Window) divided by the Player's series count.

Reset Button

Resets all the statistics for both players.  Clears everything but loaded parameters and roll distribution.


Roll Distribution

Displays the number of times each number has been rolled since the start of the program, or the last time the Stats Reset Button was pressed (see Statistics).  Also displays the percentage of each roll.  Normal percentages are as follows:

2 and 12	 2.77%

3 and 11	 5.56%

4 and 10	 8.33%

5 and  9	11.11%

6 and 8	13.89%

7	16.67%

OK button clears the window.


Place Bets

If the number bet hits before a seven is rolled, you win.  Payoffs are as follows:

4 and 10  - Pays 9 to 5

5 and 9    - Pays 7 to 5

6 and 8    - Pays 7 to 6

Bets must be made in increments of 5 (6 on the 6 and 8), so that covering all the numbers means you are betting in increments of 32.  Note that these bets do not pay true odds (that's the house advantage).

Place Bets, like Buy Bets, appear on the screen in the narrow boxes directly above the numbers bet.


Don't Place Bets

The opposite of Place bets;  you're betting that a seven will be rolled before the number bet.  They pay less than even money.  Payoffs are:

4 and 10  - Pays 5 to 11

5 and 9    - Pays 5 to 8

6 and 8    - Pays 4 to 5

Bets must be made in increments of 11, 8 and 5, respectively,  so that covering all the numbers means you are betting in increments of 48.  These bets do not pay true odds either.

Don't Place Bets, like Lay Bets, appear on the screen directly on the top line of the uppermost (larger) box indicating the number bet.


Buy Bets

Same as Place bets, except they pay true odds, and a 5% commission is paid on the amount bet.  Therefore, it costs 21 to bet 20.  Commission is automatically taken from the Player's bankroll , but is not displayed anywhere on the playing field.  Payoffs are as follows:

4 and 10  - Pays 2 to 1

5 and 9    - Pays 3 to 2

6 and 8    - Pays 6 to 5

Bets must be made in increments of 20 (so that the house doesn't have to make change), with a commission of 1 for each 20 bet, so that covering all the numbers means you are betting in increments of 120, with a commission of 6 for each increment bet.

Buy Bets, like Place Bets, appear on the screen in the narrow boxes directly above the numbers bet.


Lay Bets

Opposite of Buy bets and similar to Don't Place bets,  paying true odds if a seven is rolled before the number bet,  with a 5% commission paid on the amount you can win. So, it costs 21 to win 20.  Payoffs are as follows:

4 and 10  - Pays 1 to 2

5 and 9    - Pays 2 to 3

6 and 8    - Pays 5 to 6

Bets must be made in increments of 40, 30, and 24, respectively, with a commission of 1 for each unit bet, so that covering all the numbers means you are betting in increments of 188, with a commission of 6 for each increment bet.

Lay Bets, like Don't Place Bets, appear on the screen directly on the top line of the uppermost (larger) box indicating the number bet.


Pass/Don't Pass/Come/Don't Come Bets

These bets are made in multiples of 5 dollars, and up to 10X odds may be taken.  Pass and Come bets are with the shooter, while Don't Pass and Don't Come bets are against the shooter (with the house).   You can only choose one option (see Program Limitations)

Pass/Come Bets

Don't Pass/Don't Come Bets

When entering bets into the scrolling Bet/Bankroll fields (See Entering Betting Parameters), the numbers in the BET fields represent the initial passline/comeline bets BEFORE ODDS ARE TAKEN.  For example, let's say you indicate "Bet 5 with double odds when I have at least 100 in my bankroll ".  Therefore, 5 is placed on the passline on the come out roll .  If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is rolled, 10 is automatically added to the passline bet (not shown seperately; see Program Limitations)  The same applies for the Don't Pass, Come, and Don't Come bets.

In the "Take Odds..." field, type in the number corresponding the odds amount that you want to back up your bets with EVERY TIME A 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, OR 10 IS ROLLED.  If you want to modify your odds for different bankroll limits, you must change the betting parameters.  Valid numbers are 0 (no odds) through 10.  Most casinos allow up to 2X (double) odds for these bets.

In the "Stop Betting Come Line..." field, type the maximum number of Come/Don't Come bets you are willing to place.  Zero (0) indicates no Come/Don't Come bets (minimum), while six (6) indicates that the program should always bet the Come/Don't Come line (maximum).   The bet on the Pass Line is not included.  Therefore, if you specify a maximum of two (2) Come Line Bets, and a 6, 8, and 9 are rolled in succession, you would have a bet on each of these numbers, but no more bets would be placed on the Come Line until one of these numbers hit, or a seven was rolled.

Check this box if you want odds bets to be "off" on the come out roll.  The logic behind this is that on the come out roll, the shooter is typically trying to roll a seven, which results in the loss of all come bets made on the numbers.  Taking odds off here reduces the loss if the shooter rolls a seven; only the original comeline bets are lost.  Conversely, if one of the numbers covered is rolled on the come out, the payoff is only on the original bet if odds are off.  Odds off on the come out roll is the usually the default in a casino, but you can ask for odds to be on if you wish.


Pass/Come Bets

(If you don't know what these are, you shouldn't be using this program!! - See Overview)

Pass bets and Come Bets are identical, except that Pass Bets are made only before a point  has been established (called the come out roll ) while Come Bets are only made after a point has been established.  Before a point is established, rolling an seven (7) or eleven (11) pays even money on a Pass Line bet. The same bet is lost if a  two (2) or three (3) is rolled.  After the point is established, the same applies for bets ON THE COME LINE.  If you stopped betting the Come Line, a 2, 3 or 11 roll has no effect after the point is established. (See Pass/Don't Pass/Come Don't Come Bets for information on how to instruct the program as to when to stop betting the Come Line).

Bets on the Pass Line appear in the box next to the words  "PASS LINE", while bets on the Come Line appear in the box next to the word "COME".

If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, your Pass Line/Come Line bet becomes a bet that that number will be rolled again before a seven (7) is rolled.  The bet now appears directly below the rolled number in the box.  If a seven is rolled after a point has been established, all the bets are lost, except a Come Line bet, which would pay even money.

When a player takes odds, and the point/come bet is made, the original bet pays even money, while the odds portion pays better than even money.  This is why a good Pass/Come bettor takes odds whenever possible.  (Note: Odds are are not displayed separate from the original bet; rather, the sum of the two is shown. See Program Limitations).

Odds payoffs are as follows:

6 and 8   - pays 6 to 5

5 and 9   - pays 3 to 2

4 and 10 - pays 2 to 1

For example, if the point is four (4), a pass line bet of 10 with double (2X) odds (30 total) would pay 10 on the original bet and 40 on the 20 odds bet, for a total of 50, (plus your original 30 back) if a four was rolled before a seven.


Don't Pass/Don't Come Bets

Don't Pass bets and Don't Come Bets are the opposite of Pass/Come bets.  Don't Pass Bets are made only before a point  has been established (called the come out roll ) while Don't Come Bets are only made after a point has been established.  Before a point is established, rolling a two (2) or three (3) pays even money on a Don't Pass Line bet. The same bet is lost if a seven (7) or eleven (11) is rolled.  After the point is established, the same applies for bets on the Don't Come Line.  If you stopped betting the Don't Come Line, a 2, 3 or 11 roll has no effect after the point is established. (See Pass/Don't Pass/Come Don't Come Bets for information on how to instruct the program when to stop betting the Don't Come Line).

Bets on the Don't Pass Line appear in the box below the words  "DON'T PASS", while bets on the Don't Come Line appear in the box below the words "DON'T COME".  After a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled with a bet on the Don't Come Line, the bet moves up inside the uppermost (larger) box above the number bet.

If a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled, your Pass Line/Come Line bet becomes a bet that a seven will be rolled before that number is rolled again.  If the number is rolled again, that bet against that number (along with any odds behind) is lost.  If a seven (7) is rolled, all Don't Pass/Don't Come bets are winners, except a bet on the Don't Come Line, which is lost.

When a player takes odds on a Don't Pass/Don't Come bet, the payoffs are reversed from those of the Pass/Come bets. Therefore, odds are placed accordingly (this can get tricky in the casino, but it's automatic here). If a Don't Pass/Don't Come bet with odds is made, and a seven is rolled before the number, the original bet pays even money, while the odds portion pays less than even money.

Odds payoffs are as follows:

6 and 8   - pays 5 to 6

5 and 9   - pays 2 to 3

4 and 10 - pays 1 to 2

For example, if the point is four (4), a pass line bet of 10 with double (2X) odds (40 total) would pay 10 on the original bet and 20 on the 40 odds bet, for a total of 30, (plus your original 50 back) if a seven was rolled before a four.


Field Bets

Field Bets are one time bets made on the 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12.  If these numbers are rolled, you win; otherwise, you lose. The bet pays even money on a win, and, depending on the casino, pays double and/or triple on the 2 or 12.

You can choose the payoffs on the 2 and 12 in the selection panel shown.  Casinos typically offer only one of these options.  Obviously, triple (3X) payoffs on either the 2 or 12 will benefit the field bettor.

Field bets will appear on the screen in the box next to the word "Field".


Left/Right Menu

Note: The Right Menu is not visible in the unregistered version of The Craps Engine.

Edit Parameters

Choose this to open the Betting Parameters window for the specified Player .  For more information, see Entering Betting Parameters.

Change Initial Bankroll

Choose this to change the amount the program should use to bet with for each series .

Exit

Left menu only.  Allows you to exit the program.


Registering The Craps Engine

The Craps Engine is shareware.  You are free to use this program for as long as you like.

The registered version of The Craps Engine differs from the unregistered version as follows:

 The Right Player  is enabled, allowing you to compare two schemes simultaneously using the same dice rolls

  You can save parameters to a file, as well as load a previously saved parameter file

  You can enter/save comments along with each scheme  (useful for summarizing stats on each scheme).

To register the program, please fill out the registration form, and send along with $49.95 US (check or money order) to

Andy Binder

P.O. Box  810932

Boca Raton, FL  33481-0932

Upon registering, you will receive a registration code by mail, or over the telephone.

Entering the Registration Number

Distributing The Software

Print Registration Form


Distributing The Software

You are free to copy and distribute the SHAREWARE version of The Craps Engine, provided you do not alter it in any way.  Anyone who wishes to distribute The Craps Engine for any kind of renumeration must first contact the author and obtain written permission.  This includes anyone wishing to charge a nominal fee for the cost of diskettes or postage.

Information regarding various good schemes mentioned in this help file is available to registered users only.  THIS INFORMATION IS NOT FOR SALE.  Rather, information on all the best schemes to date (this info is constantly updated) will be issued free of charge either via mail or by electronic mail, provided FOUR (4) users register with your code.  To allow this to happen, your registration code becomes the serial number for the shareware copies you distribute.  You should edit the file CRSERNUM.TXT on the copies you distribute to reflect this.

(Note: This policy is subject to change.  Since this is the first release, I'm not sure about what kind of interest there might be for this kind of program.  Right now, I really want to insure proper distribution.  At some time, I may raise or lower the distribution requirement, charge a fee for the good schemes information, or I may even decide to give it away along with the registration.   Any comments or suggestions about this policy are welcomed.)

For example, say your serial number is "ABC123DE456F8".  Before registering, your  CRSERNUM.TXT file will look like this:

"Serial Number"

"ABC123DE456F8"

"Registration Code"

"Unregistered"

After you send in your registration fee, you will receive a registration code.  Enter this code from the HELP menu choice "Enter Registration Code" (don't enter quotes here).  If the code you receive is "DEF456AB123A2", your CRSERNUM.TXT file will now look like this:

"Serial Number"

"ABC123DE456F8"

"Registration Code"

"DEF456AB123A2"

You are now a registered user.  Before distributing the SHAREWARE version, make a copy of all the files listed in the file CONTENTS.TXT, and place them in another directory.  Using an ASCII editor (like NOTEPAD.EXE), change the copied CRSERNUM.TXT so that it looks like this:

"Serial Number"

"DEF456AB123A2"

"Registration Code"

"Unregistered"

Make sure all the quotes appear as shown.  Now, zip the files (using PKZIP and the like) along with the new CRSERNUM.TXT and copy the files to any local bulletin boards you desire.  If possible, please limit your distribution to bulletin boards within your own area code.  Note: DO NOT DISTRIBUTE THE REGISTERED VERSION!!!   (You won't receive credit for distributing the software, thereby eliminating your opportunity to receive information on the "good" schemes; plus, I won't make any more money...)  If you have four friends who want to share the "good" scheme  information, just make sure they fill out the registration form with your registration number as their serial number.


Questions/Comments

Please feel free to direct any questions or comments about The Craps Engine to my Compuserve address, which is 76242,2673.  As of this writing, my  Internet address is andyb@gate.net ( I think 76242.2673@compuserve.com will also work)  .   I will try to answer any and all questions, but registered users will receive preference.   If you find any bugs in the program, please let me know as soon as possible - we may be able to work out a discount for registering if the bug is significant.

To find out how to obtain information on good schemes, see Distributing The Software.


Parameter Menu/File Commands

Note: Load and Save commands are only available in the registered version.

Load

Loads a previously saved parameter file from disk to the screen.  Parameter files have a CRP extension.  You must press the USE PARAMETERS button after sorting/validating in order to implement the parameters.

Clear

Clears the parameters from the screen, allowing you to enter new parameters manually.  This does NOT clear out parameters that have been loaded previously after pressing the USE PARAMETERS button.  You must press the USE PARAMETERS button again after sorting/validating in order to replace previously loaded parameters.

Save

Saves the parameters to a file so that they can be retrieved later.  Files will automatically be given the CRP extension.  Only enabled after parameters have been sorted/validated.  You must press the USE PARAMETERS button after sorting/validating in order to implement the parameters.

Exit

Closes the parameter entry window.


Entering Registration Number

The program looks for the file "CRSERNUM.TXT" in the same subdirectory as the application's executable file (CR_ENGIN.EXE).  If the file is missing or invalid the program will terminate.  If there is a problem, please contact the programmer for details on how to obtain a valid copy. (See Questions/Comments)

Once you receive your registration number, enter it into the program by choosing the "Enter Registration Code" selection from the help menu.  If there is a problem, please contact the author.


Hints

Here are some helpful hints to building good schemes.

1.  Register the software!  Registering allows you to compare two schemes at once using the same dice rolls.  You will be able to load and save the various parameter files you create as well.  Also, the registration number you receive will help keep track of program copies you distribute, thereby allowing you to receive information about good schemes described in this help file, once four (4) users with your number register The Craps Engine.   See the Distributing the Software help section  for more details.

2.  Watch the statistics carefully!  No one statistic defines a good scheme .   You're trying for a scheme that makes the most money in the least amount of rolls, but doesn't necessarily take 10,000 rolls in order to see a profit.  See "Statistics" for more details.

3.  Set realistic upper and lower limits!   If you're dipping into your pocket too much, raise your lower limit .  If you're not pocketing anything, bring down your upper limit .  See Entering Betting Parameters for details on how to set limits.

4.  Watch your "Average Rolls Per Series"!  If your scheme isn't aggressive enough, or your limits are unrealistic, your average rolls per series  will be too high.  Remember,  you would like to be able to complete at least one series with your scheme once you hit the tables.  Figure about 100 dice rolls per hour, on the average.

5. Run your scheme long and often!  Once you feel you have a good scheme, let it run its course; at least 100,000 rolls or more!  This will help make the statistics more accurate.  Also, don't be afraid press to the Stats Reset button a few times and watch what happens.  Sometimes, good or bad luck at the beginning of a schemes' run will skew the results.  Even after 100,000 rolls, you'll probably see different results each time.  Make sure your scheme is consistent.


Disclaimer

Users of The Craps Engine must accept this disclaimer of warranty:  The Craps Engine is supplied as is.  The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantablility and of fitness for any purpose.  The author assumes no liability for damages, direct, or conseqential, which may result from the use of The Craps Engine.

The Craps Engine is a simulation only, and is designed merely as an aid for any individual who wishes to expand his or her knowledge about the popular game of craps. It is not to be used in any gambling situation, nor is it to be used to promote any illegal activity.  The author accepts no responsibility for any money won or lost as a result of any wagering tactics learned from using this program.


More Stats
More Statistics

Total Rolls

The total number of rolls for the Player  while he/she has a bet on the table. (Not the same as the roll count in the main window; dice may continue to roll for one Player and not for the other).

Rolls this series

Player's roll count for current series.

Max rolls/series

Player's highest roll count for a series.

Avg rolls/series

Player's average roll count for a series.

Roll# at max this series

The roll at which the Player reached his/her maximum bankroll  for the current series.

Avg rolls/win

Player's average number of rolls for a winning series.

Avg rolls/loss

Player's average number of rolls for a losing series.

Avg bankroll/win

Player's average bankroll at the end of a winning series.

Avg bankroll/loss

Player's average bankroll at the end of a losing series.

EV/Wager Index

The expected value of a scheme  (Average bankroll per win  x  winning percentage minus average bankroll per loss  x  losing percentage) divided by the average wager per series.  Indicates the expected win (or loss) per dollar wagered.  The higher the number, the better.

Pocket/Roll Index

Calculated by taking the current pocket plus the Player's current bankroll and dividing by the Player's total number of rolls at each roll instance, then taking the average.  This can also be considered the average slope of the line of a graph charting your total money over each roll, or your average winnings/losses per roll.  Again, the higher the number, the better (Anything greater than 2.00 is pretty good).

Risk of Zero Pocket

The chance that you will lose everything.  If your pocket is less than zero, the stat is not displayed.  When the risk falls below .0001%, display changes to scientific notation (i.e. 5.55E-6 is really .000055%, or .000000555) Even when the stat is this small, it is useful when comparing two similar schemes, Here, the smaller the number, the better.

# dips into pocket

The number of times the Player has reached into his/her pocket to cover bets.  Does not increment each time a new series starts.


Good Schemes

Here are stats on two...


Registration Form

(Choose File/Print Topic to print)

The Craps Engine Registration Form

Thank you for you interest in The Craps Engine.  Please send check or money order for $49.95 US payable to "Andy Binder" to:

Andy Binder

P.O. Box 810932

Boca Raton, FL  33481-0932

Upon registering, you will recieve a code, which, when entered into the program will allow you to compare two schemes simultaneously.  You will be able to save schemes to a file, and load them from a file.  Also, you will be permitted to enter/save comments for each of the schemes you create.  Please PRINT the appropriate information in the spaces provided.  Lines marked with an asterisk (*) are required for registration.

Full Name(*):___________________________________________

Street Address(*):_______________________________________

Street Address 2:_______________________________________

City, ST/Province & Zip(*):_________________________________

Country(*):_____________________________________________

Area Code and Phone #:__________________________________

Internet/EMail Address:___________________________________

Serial Number(*):________________________________________

Where did you obtain your copy of The Craps Engine? (Be specific-

If from a BBS, include name and phone #)(*):

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Questions/Comments:

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

I have read the disclaimer described in the Craps Engine Help file, and I understand that this program is not to be used in any gambling situation, nor is it to be used for illegal purposes in any way, shape, or form.  I understand that upon registering, I will receive a license agreement from the author, fully describing the limitations on using and distributing the program, which will be in effect as long as I own the product.  I also understand that I am to receive no money or renumeration for distribution of the software without written consent from the author.  I agree not to give out my registration code and/or my serial number to anyone except in accordance with the instructions outlined in the "Distributing The Software" section of the help file, with the understanding that doing so would cause the license agreement to terminate.

________________________

     Signature(*)

 _______________

     Date(*)


Glossary

A

automatic roll mode

B

bankroll

betting parameter

C

come out roll

coming out

crapped out

H

handle

I

in hand

L

lower limit

P

Player

point

S

scheme

series

U

upper limit


automatic roll mode

Determined by the option chosen in the Pause Control menu.  Dice are automatically rolled when either Pause After Each Series, Pause When Upper Limit Reached, or Don't Stop option is selected.


series

A series is the collection of roll events from the time you take your initial bankroll out of your pocket until the time your upper limit or lower limit (or bankrupcy) is reached.  Once this happens, another series is started and the same initial bankroll is used.  Note: if both Players are placing bets, the series will not end until both Players reach their respective upper or lower limits.


bankroll

The money you have to bet with during a series.  Also, the amount wagered plus the amount In Hand.


coming out

When a player is rolling the dice before a point has been established, he/she is "coming out".  Bets on the pass line win if a seven or eleven is rolled on the come out roll.


crapped out

When a player rolls a seven after a point has been established, he/she has "crapped out".  All Pass/Come bets are lost.


point

If a four, five, six, eight, nine, or ten is rolled on the comeout roll, the number corresponding to the roll becomes the point.  If that number is rolled again before a seven is rolled, a pass bet on that number is a winner.


scheme

A group of betting parameters used in this program.


betting parameter

You need these established before you can roll the dice.  Instructions on how the program should place bets on the table for a Player.


Player

In the registered version, there are two Players, the Left Player and the Right Player, allowing you to compare two schemes with the same dice rolls.  In the unregistered version, only the Left Player is enabled.


upper limit

When your bankroll reaches your upper limit and you have no bets left on the table, the dice stop rolling for that player and no more wagers are placed.  You are given the option of putting the "winnings" into your pocket.  See "Entering Betting Parameters".


lower limit

When your bankroll reaches your lower limit and you have no bets left on the table, the dice stop rolling for that player and no more wagers are placed.  You are given the option of putting the remainder of your bankroll into your pocket.  See "Entering Betting Parameters".


come out roll

The roll before a point has been established.  Bets on the pass line win if a seven (7) or eleven (11) is rolled on the come out roll.


in hand

The amount left from the Player's bankroll after his/her bets are placed on the table.


handle

The total amount wagered for a player.