Golden Arm Club

Image by freepik

Craps is one of the most exciting and fast-paced games in any casino, known for its high energy and the collective thrill it brings to players. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills, understanding how to play craps can open up a world of excitement and, with a bit of luck, some significant winnings. This article will walk you through the basics of craps, offer tips for becoming a good player, and introduce you to the legendary Golden Arm Club and its most famous member, Stanley Fujitake.

The Basics of Craps:

Craps is played with two dice on a specialized table with various betting options. The game unfolds in two phases: the Come-Out Roll and the Point Phase.

The Come-Out Roll: The game begins with the Come-Out Roll, where the shooter (the person rolling the dice) tries to establish a point. Players place bets on the Pass Line or the Don’t Pass Line before the roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, Pass Line bets win, and the round ends. If they roll a 2, 3, or 12 (known as “craps”), Pass Line bets lose, and the round ends. Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) becomes the “point.”

The Point Phase: If a point is established, the shooter continues to roll the dice, aiming to hit the point number again before rolling a 7. If the point is hit, Pass Line bets win, and a new round starts. If a 7 is rolled before the point, it’s called “seven out,” and Pass Line bets lose. The dice then pass to the next shooter.

Key Bets in Craps:

Pass Line Bet: A bet that the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the Come-Out Roll or by hitting the point number before rolling a 7.

Don’t Pass Line Bet: A bet that the shooter will lose by rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the Come-Out Roll or by rolling a 7 before hitting the point.

Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line Bet but made after the Come-Out Roll.

Place Bets: Bets on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7.

5 Tips for Being a Good Craps Player:

Understand the Bets: Focus on the basic bets like Pass Line, Don’t Pass, and Come bets, which offer the best odds in the game.

Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your craps session and stick to it. Don’t chase losses, and know when to walk away.

Take Advantage of Odds Bets: Once a point is established, you can place an Odds Bet, which has no house edge. This is a great way to maximize your potential winnings.

Stay Calm Under Pressure: Craps is a fast-paced game, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Stay focused and don’t let the energy of the table influence your betting decisions.

Learn from the Pros: Watching experienced players and understanding their strategies can be invaluable. Pay attention to how they bet and manage their money.

The Golden Arm Club and Stanley Fujitake:

The Golden Arm Club is an exclusive group of craps players who have managed to roll the dice for over an hour without “sevening out.” This rare feat was first accomplished by Stanley Fujitake on May 28, 1989, at the California Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Fujitake’s epic roll lasted 3 hours and 6 minutes, with 118 rolls of the dice, making him a legend in craps history.

The Golden Arm Club honors players who achieve similar extraordinary rolls. Becoming a member is one of the highest honors in craps, symbolizing skill, luck, and endurance. Aspiring craps players often look to the Golden Arm members for inspiration, hoping to one day join their ranks.

Conclusion:

Craps is a thrilling game that combines strategy, luck, and camaraderie. By understanding the rules, mastering key bets, and following the tips of seasoned players, you can improve your chances of success at the table. And who knows? With a little practice and a lot of luck, you might find yourself on a legendary roll, joining the ranks of the Golden Arm Club just like Stanley Fujitake.

Photo: Freepik

Image by freepik

In the world of casino gaming, few accolades carry as much mystique as membership in the Golden Arm Club. This exclusive group honors the elite few who have demonstrated extraordinary skill and luck at the craps table, earning a place in casino lore. Born out of the legendary roll of Stanley Fujitake, the Golden Arm Club recognizes those who, like Fujitake, have managed to keep the dice hot for over an hour without “sevening out.” Let’s take a deeper look at this prestigious club and some of its known members.

Origins of the Golden Arm Club:

The Golden Arm Club was established at the California Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the very site of Stanley Fujitake’s historic roll on May 28, 1989. After Fujitake’s record-setting 3-hour and 6-minute roll, during which he threw the dice 118 times, the casino’s management saw an opportunity to honor not only Fujitake but also others who might achieve similar feats.

The idea was simple yet powerful: create a club that celebrates the rarest of gambling achievements. To become a member, a player must roll the dice for over an hour without rolling a seven after establishing a point. This accomplishment is so challenging that even seasoned craps players might never see it in a lifetime of play.

Membership and Recognition:

The Golden Arm Club is not just about the bragging rights; it’s about being part of an elite group that has done something extraordinary. Members are typically honored with a commemorative plaque, often displayed at the California Hotel & Casino, listing their name, the date of their achievement, and sometimes the length of their roll. Some of the most notable members include:

1) Stanley Fujitake:

The original Golden Arm, Fujitake’s record-setting roll is the benchmark against which all others are measured. His achievement is the reason the club exists, and his name is synonymous with legendary craps play.

2) Nikki Farrington:

Known for her phenomenal roll in 2009, Farrington held the dice for over two hours at the California Hotel & Casino, securing her place in the club. Her roll was not only long but also incredibly profitable for the lucky players at her table.

3) Roland “Night Train” Hopp:

Hopp’s nickname reflects his reputation for running the craps table like a freight train. His membership in the Golden Arm Club was cemented by a roll that lasted well over an hour, demonstrating a combination of skill and luck that captivated everyone around.

4) Harley “The Cowboy” Hackett:

Hackett, a well-known figure at the California Hotel & Casino, earned his spot in the Golden Arm Club with a roll that seemed to defy the odds. His steady hand and cool demeanor under pressure made him a legend among craps enthusiasts.

5) Jason ‘The Wildman’ Coote:

Coote, also known as The Fen Boy, requested the Great Yarmouth Grosvenor Casino open a craps table but sadly it fell  upon deaf ears. Coote detailed in his chronicles he we was confident he could achieve the standard of the Gold Arm Club if given a chance.

Impact on Casino Culture:

The Golden Arm Club has become an integral part of craps culture, especially at the California Hotel & Casino, where it all began. The club has turned the casino into a pilgrimage site for craps players who dream of joining the ranks of the elite. The possibility of becoming a Golden Arm inspires countless players to push their limits, hoping for that one magical night when everything falls into place.

The club also serves as a marketing tool, drawing in players who are enticed by the possibility of making history. The California Hotel & Casino regularly celebrates its Golden Arm members, hosting annual events that bring together past inductees and aspiring members. These gatherings not only honor the game’s best but also create a sense of community among players.

The Legacy of the Golden Arm Club:

The Golden Arm Club stands as a testament to the allure of craps—a game where, with the right combination of skill, luck, and timing, anyone can become a legend. Membership in this club is one of the highest honors a craps player can achieve, symbolizing a moment of triumph that defies the odds.

As long as there are players willing to take a chance at the craps table, the Golden Arm Club will continue to grow, adding new names to its storied roster. The club’s legacy is a reminder that in the world of gambling, sometimes, fortune truly favors the bold.

Photo: Freepik (Doesn’t depict Stanley Fujitake)