Every year come Cup Match many people ask themselves a very important question. When I'm at the Bermuda Stock Market should I throw down on the crown, the anchor, the heart, the diamond, the spade or the club?

Traditionally a gambling game played by sailors in the British Navy, Crown and Anchor has a huge following in Bermuda. Generally County Games and Cup Match are the only times you are legally allowed to play Crown and Anchor.

As the big cricket holiday rapidly approaches LaVonne Lee is running the Crown and Anchor concession this year and says those who want to set up a table of their own should contact her.

"Usually the cricket clubs advertise for someone to put in a bid to run the concession," explained Ms Lee. "You pay the club a certain amount to run the concession and then people who want to run tables have to set it up through the person who was awarded the concession bid. You determine the price each table pays you and the amount of tables you want to have at the event. I ran an advertisement last week for three days which stated people looking to have Crown and Anchor tables need to contact me ASAP. The charge for them to run a table is a $1,000 dollars a day and they bring their own table and staff."

This is the first year Ms Lee has run the Crown and Anchor concession but she is no stranger to the game. For the previous four years she has run her own table and says it's an experience that leaves everyone who plays, or runs the table, smiling — especially if you have the right shaker.

"Newcomers to the game sometimes ask how to play. The name of the game is Crown and Anchor and that's all you need to know to get started! Players bet on what will come up on the dice and I've seen some really win big. Crown and Anchor at Cup Match is very popular. You have some people that just come out to play Crown and Anchor. Some have their budget and they stick to it. You can only legally gamble at County Games and Cup Match and other licensed places.

It's a big day for those that attend. It's an annual thing for people to come out and everyone has a great time. The Shakers (the people who roll the dice) can make or break a table. The good ones make everyone smile and try to ensure a good time is had by all. They are fun and entice people to play. There are also female shakers which entice to the men to play."

Setting up a Crown and Anchor table varies. Some take their time to construct elaborate tables, while others go for basic plywood.

"Some use Bermuda cedar, while some tables are made from plywood. Some varnish their cedar tables and make them look very elegant. Some are basic with plywood, two by fours and sturdy. All tables will have a border around it to prevent drinks spilling.

"My most memorable Crown and Anchor experience? There were some people betting on an unlimited table (a table with no set bet limit) and they were throwing a thousand dollars a shot down and they were winning big. They had a huge winning streak. It was amazing to see."

As we head into Bermuda's favourite holiday Ms Lee says the trick to playing Crown and Anchor is to know your limit. Have a set amount, don't go beyond and you will have fun.

"I'm a big fan of Cup Match. I totally enjoy it. It's a holiday that is community oriented. If you are at the beach, the game or on the boat... everyone seems to enjoy themselves. It's the only holiday that I find still has that holiday feel in Bermuda that brings everyone together."

People looking to run a Crown and Anchor table should call Ms Lee at 300-4350.