[Poster #15672]

First, there is an alternative way using d6s. This has already been mentioned. I think the game loses it's atmosphere (and when's the last time you heard of a "generic" game having atmosphere?) when you use it, but it does it's job.

Secondly, what you lose in speed (which isn't much), you gain in suspense. Really, it helps if you spin the wheel when it's really important, narrating the fallout when it's all said and done. (And the chip currency does a nice job in limiting just how far victory narrations can go, down to the last chip. I'm more inclined to worry about the bookkeeping aspects of chip-flow, but I think it's an interesting variation for those who like "crunch" in their games, a break from the standard focus of playing the stats.

Thirdly, and this is a rant and I apologize in advance, but if anyone ever wanted evidence that gamers are, indeed, a "superstitious and cowardly lot," these responses would give them all the ammunition they'd need. I personally cannot imagine any other game I'd use to emulate Tarantino/Guy Ritchie "heist" films, and some of the alternatives suggested in Fastlane put a nice spin on other, more standard game tropes.

I'm a big fan of this game, and I should probably get over my hang-up about playing with a roulette wheel and mat and just play/GM the damn game. But I really think this game is a great example of just exactly what The Forge is useful for, right along side Dogs in the Vineyard, Sorcerer, Burning Wheel, etc. Relax your fears for $12 ($6 in pdf) and give it a try, especially if you like crunchier games and want to give narration a try, but want sensible limits on it's impact.