I'll try to answer the questions about the number of dice we use in a set from yesterday's post. First, you can order them anyway you want. A few casinos use 6 dice sets, but 5 seems to be the optinum number. Ordering 6 dice sets cost more, means you have 1 more die to keep track of, and most important, it is harder for the stickman to push and control 6 dice.

Everything done on the table has to do with game protection. When 1 or often both dice go off the table, you still have 3 dice in the bowl to dump. If a cheat has made a switch and left them in the game, him or his confederate has to pick the gaffed dice out of the 5 everytime the dice move. In the old days dice mechanics had what they calle a 'store' in the trunk of their car. They would get the color, size, logo, and number off of the dice in play, go to the car and in a few minutes, duplicate anything in play. Now days, with lazer printers and new high tech equipment they can do all of the above plus match the glow paint on the pips and the security number on the inside. But, they still have to make the switch and make them work and this is where our procedures and equipment control works for us.

Years ago I was sitting box and a crossroader made a switch that we missed. Unfortunatly the quality of his equipment didn't match the level of his skill. The loads hit the layout with a thud. The stickman and I went for them at the same time. The guy headed for the door, but an old time bouncer named Jack Morris caught him before he could get out. His first words were, "oh Man, that was my last set." Hope this helps answers some of your questions. Jim