5 comments about Theory of Blackjack, Sixth Edition.

1. I ran across this book many years ago in a used bookstore (mine was the 2nd edition). I must say this book changed my opinion of books about gambling books. Up to that point, all the gambling books I've come across were laughable. But this book was startlingly different. It thoroughly explains the mathematics behind basic strategy and card counting techniques in a way that really made sense.

   This may sound too advanced for many folks, but frankly the math is fairly easy to understand (it mostly uses basic statistics that you probably learned and forgot in high school).

   If you are serious about card counting, the information in this book will help you evaluate BJ counting systems (or even systems you invent). It will also help you subtly modify your play for changes in rules at different casinos.

   Do you need to be a computer programmer to use this book? No, but it wouldn't hurt. Is this book useful for writing BJ simulators? Yes, but it's also great for really understanding what it takes to be a really good card counter.

   Personally, this book convinced me that I don't have the patience (or time) to become a good card counter. But at least now I know why.




2. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR THE CASINO PROFESSIONAL.



3. Although this is a great book you really need to know what it is and what it IS NOT!
   It is not an introduction to blackjack. It's assumed you already know how to play the game.
   It is not an introduction to card counting. The author assumes you already know a card counting system, or at least have a basic understanding of what one entails.
   It is PROBABLY not going to make you a better player. It's not really a "how to" guide for the game as much as it's a guide to show you how to effectively ANALYZE the game.
   
   As the title suggests this book is a fairly comprehensive review of the theory of blackjack. While a traditional counting book will tell you the HOW of card counting, this book will show you WHY it works, how card counting systems are derived, how to compare the power of different card counting systems (the so-called "efficiences") and contrast them to an (linearly) ideal system. You will also learn how to calculate exact probabilities (well, really how to write a program to do this) that could be used to determine the values (in terms of expected return) of different hands or to design a tool that will give you the optimal play in any situation that may arrise in blackjack. This tool isn't to be confused with "basic strategy", which only gives you the optimal play off the top of a freshly shuffled shoe.
   
   This book is ideal for someone who is comfortable with playing blackjack in a casino environment, has a basic understanding of the difficulties faced by card counters, and is comfortable with mathematical formulas and their derivations (although a lot of concepts can be understood without a strong background in math, you'll get a lot more out of the book if you can follow its derivations). After reading it you should be in a position where you COULD develop your own card counting system, calculate expected values (essentially probabilities) for given hands and given plays, and have the satisfaction of knowing that you have a better understanding of the inner workings of blackjack than 99% of the people who play the game!



4. The theories in this book are rock solid, but unless you have a degree in mathematics, it will be a very tough read. There are lots of complex theories and equations that the everyday Joe might have a problem following.
   Also, this book mostly covers 1 deck blackjack which is not played in any casino in the world these days. Most casinos use 6-8 decks, but the theoretical aspect of the book holds true regardless on how many decks are used.



5. Who knew a mathematician could be so funny? In this well written, enormously entertaining and enlightening book, the late Peter Griffin tackles the questions of why blackjack can be beaten and what kind of edges players can get using a count system. There are some interesting revelations in the book, too. I would recommend that players with some experience of the game are the best audience for the book, and the truly best audience are those players who have mastered a card counting system and have enjoyed/suffered the slings and arrows of being an advantage player. This book clearly explains why blackjack is a roller coaster.
   
   I think this is one of the must-read blackjack books of all time.
   
   Frank Scoblete: Author of Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution!

5 comments about Blackbelt in Blackjack : Playing 21 as a Martial Art.

1. The last chapter is worth the whole cost of the book. Read it first, then decide how you want to approach blackjack at Vegas while reading techniques here and from other books.



2. Arnold "Church of Blackjack" Snyder is one of the best blackjack writers I've seen. His book takes you from beginning counting strategies up until the advanced ones that will bring you in for the win! This book helped me big time in the casinos, even after I could already play the game.
   
   He even gives good camoflauge advice so the casino won't be able to tell you're counting the cards. I have two editions of this book, the newest one is of course the better but the first was what helped me. I recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a more advanced counting strategy for casino play. It will definitely help you.



3. This book is so informative. I am learning the ins and outs of the game of blackjack. Also, the price was much less that going to the store to buy. It was shipped in a few days and I am very pleased overall.



4. good book written by a great person who had a lifelong experience in counting.



5. A must for any blackjack player book collection ,The Very "Instruction manual" like writing style is more tedious than learning the full indices for Zen count.
   Not enough shuffle tracking information, perhaps this is done purposefully.
   If your looking for a blackjack book , then do not even consider not getting this book.
   Definitely not a "fun" read but a somewhat necessary read.

5 comments about Golden Touch Blackjack Revolution.

1. Well the technique listed here is much simpler than the classic Hi-Lo card counting method, but I haven't tried it out yet. In return for its ease, you do give up some of the profit potential. It does seem to be legitimate with stats on the trials for those of you interested. I would recommend the book for anyone who has tried Hi-Lo and failed if you still want to play winning blackjack.



2. This is a great method for those hobbyist players who want to enjoy themselves, shave a couple of points off of the house advantage, and not labor under the sometimes extreme pressure of more advanced counting systems. I have played several different counts over the years, and I have switched to the speed count completely. It's enjoyable to use, very simple to learn, and the playing efficiency is only very marginally lower than more sophisticated systems. I have found that my winning sessions have increased mostly because I make fewer errors with this count. Now, I'm not telling you that this is a miracle panacea and money flows across the table during all sessions -- those of us who play often know this isn't the case. However, I have noticed that in aggregate over 20 to 30 sessions, this system holds its own with proven results. Best of all, the play looks nothing like the play most counters use. I have used it with impugnity with wide bet spreads, and no one has been the wiser. I highly recommend this book, I can't wait for Frank's next book.



3. This is an intriguing book that adds a card counting strategy that is actually usable! For years, I have tried to memorize and practice various card counting strategies (Thorp, Uston, Revere, Wong, etc...); however, one poor estimate of the remaining decks or half decks left you with a count that was inaccurate, and even worse, led to poor game table results! Here is a book with a simple counting method that makes sense, that can be used at the casino tables or on-line very easily.
   
   The book is a little long winded -- all that really matters is the counting technique and the betting technique and the revised basic strategy charts. That alone would be worth the price of this book.



4. After reading this book, I have to agree with Scoblete and say that this is definitely the easiest card counting system on the market. What makes this system different from the norm is the fact that you are mostly working with addition and very little (but simple) subtraction, with no true count conversion needed. The basic strategy card deviations serve as good camouflage to the pit crew considering some table entries are different than normal basic strategy.
   
   This book was written for the basic strategy player who tried counting cards but found it too hard to accomplish. This system only takes a day or two of practicing before you get it down and the system itself works slowly as you play (you don't count the cards as they come out, you count them after each hand has been played), which is much easier on the brain. I like the fact that the author provides millions of computer simulation results to back up the system. The results show that depending on how aggresive of a bettor you are, this system is 70% to 95% as powerful as the HI-LO. So you do obtain a long term edge over the house...HOWEVER...
   
   If you have already learned a more advanced system than this and have it down pat, I don't think you will want to switch to the Golden Touch method. Before reading this book I had been using the HI-LO with success to the point where counting came second nature to me and I wasn't making any mental errors while at the tables. And while this system will give you an edge over the casino, it is still a downgrade from the more advanced. The biggest disadvantage of this system is that the standard deviation of your edge is very large. What this means is that your calculated edge at times is not nearly as accurate as with other systems. There will be times while using the Golden Touch system that you will be asked to put up your maximum bet while the edge is very small. For example, if you are using the HI-LO and the count is +2, you will only be putting up a 1 or 2 unit bet while the GT system in that same situation may ask you to put up a 4 or 5 unit bet. You are still betting more $$$ when the count is positive giving you an edge, but there will be circumstances when using the GT system that you will be overbetting your bankroll and as a result you will experience much larger financial swings than in other more advanced systems. Because of this, the GT system requires a larger bankroll to sustain the much more dramatic ups and downs long term.
   
   Like I said, if you are a basic strategy player that tried to learn card counting with little or no success but you still want to beat the casinos, then the GT sytem is definitely for you. If you are an experienced card counter that has mastered a system of "HI-LO quality" or better, stick with what you have.
   
   Good luck at the tables everyone!



5. Very helpful for an easier approach to getting a better edge on the house
   than basic strategy alone.

4 comments about Blackjack Basic (Playing) Strategy, 4-8 Decks.

1. Ever wonder how to get the house edge at blackjack to around half a percent (or less)? If you're new to blackjack and/or need a quick set of game dependent strategy variations, then these are the cards to get.

   You actually recieve 3 double-sided, laminated strategy cards (4 strategy, 1 explanation, 1 cover) connected together that easily fold out and refold so the game variation you need is right on top. The 4-8 deck cards are very handy for review or learning the strategy variations between Hit 17/Stand 17 and Doubling After Split Allowed/Not Allowed. Should you surrender 15 vs. 10 when the dealer stands on Soft 17? The surrender variations are provided.

   I found the cards very easy to read because of their larger size and good color use. It's easy to find the intersection of your hand vs. the dealer up card, especially since the dealer up card is located at the top and the bottom of each card. They are handly to have for quick review on a plane, hotel room or between casinos. They fit neatly in a shirt or pants pocket and are very flexible. Since they're laminated, so don't worry too much about those swim up blackjack games. I didn't see a picture of the cards shown here, but you can go to http://www.bj678.com/bj_strat_cards.htm for a view.

   For one red chip, these cards will pay for themselves quickly, especially when you forget those pesky soft double-downs. Kudos to Mr. Marcus for this indespensible tool.




2. Las Vegas has a saying, "players depend on luck, casinos depend on math". Well, here's your chance to almost even those odds to within 1/2%. These blackjack strategy cards (all 4 for 1, 2, or 4-8(2) decks) do the math for you and stretch your money a long, long way. You will get your money back in the first hour of play and wish you had had them a long time ago. If you play blackjack, this is the one item you should take with you. And you don't even have to think, pretty nice ugh.



3. These four basic strategy cards fit in your shirt pocket yet contain everything you need to optimize your odds under virtually all table conditions. Cards work for 1, 2, and 4-8 deck games covering most variations of house rules. Give yourself the best chance to beat the casino. Use these cards and experience how much fun blackjack can be when you play like the pros.

   (Note to Amazon - Please post this review for all four strategy cards. Thanks.




4. First of all, don't get me wrong. I think that a fair amount of thought went into these cards before they slapped a $5/set price tag on them however I wouldn't rate these as 4 or 5 stars personally. Why?
   
   PROS:
   1) LARGE: These are large laminated cards that could withstand liquid spills at the table and are easy to read when your eyes are bleary and it's 3AM in the morning in the casino.
   2) COLOR: The colors on these cards make them easy to read. Many cards lack the color and only have H, S, P, U on them.
   
   CONS:
   1) ONLY 1 SHOE TYPE? They charge $5 for 4-8 deck shoes, then charge another $5 for 2 deck, then charge another $5 for 1 deck. I don't know about you but that kind of reeks of an overcharge. If anything they should have just packaged them up as $9.99 for all 3 sets.
   2) ORGANIZATION: This might be a personal preference on the basis of books I've read but the player starting hands go top to bottom from 17 down to 8, the do A-9 down to A-2, then pairs from 10-10 to 2-2.
   ...I REALLY, REALLY HATE THIS. Again, this might just be a personal preference but back in the day, I was taught with tables that started with player hands (top to bottom) 8-11, then A-2 to A-9, then pairs of 2-2 to 10-10. The organization is completely upside down compared to what's historically been in my head and in my books, rendering these cards pretty much useless to me, so while I'm giving the cards 3 stars on the merit of their potential value to someone else, I'd return all 3 sets if this wasn't such a cheap purchase in the final analysis.
   
   Again, the author clearly put a lot of time and effort into insuring that a person's $5 bucks were well spent and I don't want to knock them for that, but for me, because the tables were formatted differently from what I'd learned and practiced years ago, they weren't very useful for me or the people I teach who also use the same table organizational structure.

5 comments about Professional Blackjack.

1. Stanford Wong has done a lot for the followers of the blackjack advantage-play movement by writing this book. It is an oldie but still goodie because it covers just about everything you need to know about the Hi-Lo (or High-Low) card counting system.
   
   Wong is a master of the math of the game and many questions about the math behind why card counting works are answered in such a way that just about any reader can understand it.
   
   A definite blackjack addition to your library. Even if you decide that the Hi-Lo is too difficult a card counting system to use, the ideas in this book will make blackjack play on the winning side that much more enjoyable and interesting.
   
   Frank Scoblete: Author of Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution!



2. Great book. Only book that mentions half counting method. Similar to many high level where you give double the points for cards that give u better odds. Like counting 5 as a 1point and 2 as a half point. (Can just double if you don't like half points). Anyway, just remember, that you will not become millionaire just because you can count. In fact, you might not even make a cent if you can count cards. Big fat myth spread by the casinos, not players. However, counting cards will give you a slight advantage. How slight, 1%-2%. But, that doesn't take away from the fact that you'll LOSE less money counting cards, and some days you might even win some. This book is a good resource. Not the best counting system, since there is no such thing, but any counting system is good. Go read several blackjack forums before purchasing any books. Be realistic folks. I count for fun and for getting comps, not to make money.



3. No matter what level of counting skills you have, this will always be a great refference for life. Detailed technical information backed by multiple simulations, too bad this great book got less reviews than some scammers did (John May).



4. I read this dirt bag book, followed the four rules (seen below), and lost all my money, my job, my wife and children, and my dignity. I recently realized something on the bus back to my one room apartment in the projects (my ex won't let the kids see where I live, and the courts ruled agaist me too...due to the gambeling)...Wong wouldn't be trying to make money selling this book if his techniques were worth a hoot. The casinos should pay Wong for writing this book...and they probably do.
   
   Now I'm reading a book on guns.
   
   (1) make the appropriate playing decision (e.g. hit / stand);
   (2) bet more when odds favor that you will win;
   (3) have a sufficient bankroll available; and
   (4) play enough rounds



5. EXCELENTE LIBRO DE FACIL COMPRENSION PARA PERSONAS QUE NO HABLAN EL INGLES, EL ENVIO RAPIDO LLGA EN BUENAS CONDICIONES Y SIN PROBLEMA ALGUNO EN LA COIMPRA DESCAHO Y RECEPCION

5 comments about Blackjack For Blood: The Card-Counters' Bible, and Complete Winning Guide.

1. "BlackJack for Blood" can benefit any player of 21, from new people looking for the basic rules of when to stand/hit/double, to the more ambitious card counter who wants a system that can basically guarantee success at the table.
   
   The unnamed author mixes rules with amusing, relevant anecdotes and actually creates an interesting read. He gives information that will help counters avoid detection and also deals out less-than noble (but not exactly illegal) tricks a player can use to take a few extra chips from those evil casinos.
   
   The meat of the book, however, is a card counting system that takes some serious brain power and practice to master. I always found math to be boring and simplistic in school and received nearly perfect scores on the math sections of scholastic standardized tests. But the card counting system covered in this book may be a little above my mental capacity. It is only for people with Mensa-level processors.



2. Blackjack For Blood is the best book on blackjack I have ever read -- and I have read just about all of them. According to all the experts, Carlson's Advanced Omega II System (included in the book) is much stronger than Hi-Lo or K-O, and I have found it surprisingly easy to master. It definitely gets the money; that's for sure. I also like the author's writing style. He explains things very well, and he intersperses the hardcore stuff with entertaining stories about his high-rolling experiences in various casinos around the world. All in all, a terrific book on how to beat casino blackjack. I highly recommend it.



3. The bind quality of this book is not up to standard, appon reading a couple of the pages just came loose.
   The content however is far more substantial and makes one a believer in his Omega II system.
   Not a especially easy system due to the necessity of the ace side count (not ace reconed) it is more powerful than most systems in simulations.



4. EXCELENTE LIBRO DE FACIL COMPRENSION PARA PERSONAS QUE NO HABLAN EL INGLES, EL ENVIO RAPIDO LLGA EN BUENAS CONDICIONES Y SIN PROBLEMA ALGUNO EN LA COIMPRA DESCAHO Y RECEPCION



5. As a book, this is a great read. Bryce highlights the Omega II count system, and also tells a great series of stories along the way. There are sections on cover, what to do when backed off a table, and alternative advantage methods.
   
   I don't know if this is the best system, from a pure card counting standpoint. It's a level 2, with an ace tracking component, which is a bit of brain work. On the other hand, if you are a serious blackjack player, this book is a great resource on many levels.

5 comments about Blackjack Blueprint: How to Play Like a Pro... Part-Time.

1. I'm reading "Blackjack Blueprint" for the second time.
   It is an impressive tutorial and practice guide for
   anyone seriously interested in learning to play blackjack.
   Similar to Revere's classic work, Mr. Blaine explains the
   basics one must learn to get an advantage playing the game.
   Then he offers practice drills designed to ingrain those
   basic skills/info, so the new BJ player can perform at a
   level to compete with the casinos.
   The last half of the book introduces related topics like
   BJ tournament play, casino critters, comps, shuffle tracking,
   team play, camouflage, etc. All interesting topics for aspiring
   advantage players.
   Blackjack Blueprint is among the best introductory books on
   advantage blackjack play that I've read. It compares favorably
   with Revere's and Wong's books, and is more up-to-date.
   I don't hesitate to recommend it, and am happy to own it.



2. This book is without doubt the most well written and entertaining blackjack book around right now. I have read many many books on counting cards and the game of blackjack in general and this is by far the funniest read there is while actually giving really good information on counting cards and the game you must play to be a counter. Blackjack Blueprint doesn't bore you to death with super advanced systems that will cause you to sleep after read each single rule. Instead it's filled with many stories and useful information that are completely relevant to the situation that they accompany. If I were to have one blackjack book this would be the one without any doubt in my mind. I will also add that I don't read for fun at all, I only read books that will give me information and teach me how to do stuff. If all books were this good I would read more then I do.



3. Hey its about time a guy put a book together like this*****.
   
   I recommend BJ Blueprint as the first book to read when learning the game. Everything is clearly explained and the stories mixed in are fascinating. Five Star Rating from this reader!
   
   GOOO Train..
   
   Robert



4. If someone could only buy one book on blackjack, I would highly recommend this one. I have been playing & counting for 15 years. This covers everything you need to be a winning player and then some. It also has something for everyone from the first-time novice to the seasoned professional (including some things I'd rather not see in print).
   
   I have a hard time finding anything that was missed in this book, and it is written in straight-forward, easy-to-understand language. If anything is missing, it is the complex math that bogs down most of us anyway. Blaine instead offers up the best ways to make money, and that is what we are really after (at least me anyway).



5. I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone interesting in learning how to play blackjack. Good for beginners, but also has good material
   for experienced players. Very easy to follow. Has interesting stories about how blackjack teams operate.

5 comments about Knock-Out Blackjack: The Easiest Card-Counting System Ever Devised.

1. This book is simpler but works as well as other books for two reasons. You don't have to do multiple calculations to get a true count and it offers great advice for disguising your card counting techniques. I won $2,000 the first time out of the gate using this method.



2. This is a good book if you want to become a casual card counter. If you are planning on quitting your job and becoming a professional blackjack player, you would certainly need more than this, but the "Johnny (or Jane) Weekend" player that just wants to not get killed by the casino should read and study this book. My favorite part of Vancura and Fuchs's system is the fact that there is no need to clumsily estimate how many decks are left and divide that number into the running count to obtain the true count. K-O Blackjack is a mathematically sound counting system which involves much less effort and study than even the Hi-Lo system. Highly recommended!



3. This system will not work.
   
   Let's assume your playing in a 6-deck game. This system has you start your running count at -20, with -4 or higher as the "key" (The point at which you bet high). Using the KO method, after all of the decks are counted through the count will be +4. Does anyone else see the flaw here? Let's say you have a count of -3. This system tells you to bet high (Even suggesting 10 betting units!). But think about it, if a deck completely counted through will end up at +4, then there's a better chance that you'll be drawing low cards, meaning the dealer actually has the advantage. Put simply, if you use this system YOU WILL BE BETTING HIGH WHEN THE DEALER HAS THE ADVANTAGE. If I'm wrong then correct me, please. But I believe this is a very faulty system. If you win anything using it, count it off as luck. Eventually it will ruin you.
   
   This book explains other counting systems as being near impossible for the average person to learn; even explaining how difficult the Hi-Lo system is (Bull). The Hi-Lo system is still the easiest effective counting system (Explained well in Wong's "Professional Blackjack") with the Omega II being one of the most powerful (Beautifully explained in "Blackjack for Blood" by Bryce Carlson). I highly recommend either one of those two systems.
   
   There is a note in this book about the notion of blackjack books being put out by casinos to sort of sabotage counters with false tips. I believe this may very possibly be one of those books. Avoid, avoid, avoid.



4. If you are an amateur, which you probably are if you are reading this, stop reading right now. Get out your credit card and order this book.
   
   I ordered this book a little over a year ago, and since then I am 8-1-1 in my last 10 casino visits. I am UNDEFEATED (too many games to count) in local private games with low table limits, which are fairly common here in this college town. This was all after practicing card counting for 30 minutes per day for about a month.
   
   This is the most effective simple system you can learn to use. Forget about hi/lo. Knock-Out is an unbalanced system, which means there is no need to keep a true count. This is extremely valuable in a casino environment when you have cocktail watresses grabbing you every 10 minutes and the guy beside you won't shut his trap. Order this book, get a deck of cards, print off the strategy tables and go to work.



5. I usually don't write reviews, but I decided to on this one, because there are some reviews that are idiotic. So, let me share with you my experience. Not only have I read this book, I have actually USED the system. Not only have I used this system, I have also used Hi-Low, and Hi-Low OptI. This book specifically tells you why he wrote it from the beginning, and mentioned all the ins and outs of the count. It is well written, and if you have IQ over 50, you'll understand it. Now the real story.
   
   Basically unbalanced count was developed for the "real" world. Why, try Hi-Low OptI count for 8 hours at a packed casino. Try going there 8pm on friday night, and see if you'll find a table with 3 players only. LOL. You won't. Hi-Low OptI is very draining on your mental fatigue, I doubt even 20 year pros can keep doing it for that long. What they have to do is, do it for an hour and move on to another casino, or table after break. Same with Hi-Low, although easier, it is mentally taxing. I actually sat at a same table ($15) and played for 8 hours straight using KO. It's taxing, but not so much as balanced system. That's what it is designed for.
   
   The book comes out telling you that it's not good as balanced count system, but by miniscule fraction! BJinsider did a great article (i think it's newsletter 29 - free) that showed how KO, Red7, BlackA did against Hi-Low on a 6-deck. Hi-Low was .68% gain, vs .67% for Red7, .65% for KO and .63% for BlackA. The great thing is you don't have to take his word for it. You can download some of these testing softwares or buy it, and run the test yourself, and you should get a similar results.
   
   Now, the final point. All these statistics for counting are using A LARGE # of hands played, to minimize noise and get the actual true "worth" of the system. Remember, you have to play over million hands to actually see these results. .65% is little over 1% advantage over the house. You ain't going to make thousands consistently playing 500-600 hands a week. That why there was the mit "TEAM". They main objective is to get as many hands played possible (they also cheated little using team work, but we'll leave that for another day). If you can get 45-60 hands/hour, you can probably play 10-12 hours/day with break in between. that's like 600 hands avg a day. You have to play 7x600 = 4200 hands. 4200x50 = 210K hands. Do that for 5 years, and maybe you'll stiff 6 figure gain. You want a LIFE like that? (exaggerating little bit, but you get the point)
   
   So, what I'm trying to say is KO is a GREAT system for casual players, as this book was written for. It's also a good system for pros, since it's similar to Hi-Low in returns. Don't expect to leave the casinos with a whad of cash, if you're lucky it can happen. I once made over $2k playing $15 table in 2.5 hours. So, it's possible with KO. But you gotta be lucky too. Because I've also been busted couple of times too ($400 max each session). It's over the long haul he's talking about. Oh, unbalanced system becomes more accurate as deeper you penetrate the deck, so don't go crazy early on. wait for 3-4 decks to be gone, so each deck you'll only have 2 or 3 chances to bet big. That's still good enough if you get lucky, since odds are with you. I played many shoes that I didn't even get to bet big, it's ok. This is the grind. Big spreads are best, but can get heat, so learn some stealth from this book or other books. Go there to have fun, make some money if you are lucky, just don't expect to be rich unless you plan on 12h x 7d x 50wks x50yrs BJ life. Hope this helps.
   
   Edit: I forgot to add this tidbit, since I mostly play AC and they only have shoe games. But for 1 or 2 deck games, I'd recommend learning the Hi-Low as you want more accurate count then. But for shoes games KO and Red7 is just as nice.

5 comments about Blackjack Bluebook II - the simplest winning strategies ever published (2006 edition).

1. I've written very few reviews on Amazon but I thought it was worth my time to give back to Fred Renzey for his great book, Blackjack Bluebook II.
   
   The fact is, the book reads like a high school textbook and that's a really good thing for people that really want to learn. It progressively starts with the basics, as well as simplest ways to tune your play and gradually evolves to more complex methods, going through more advanced strategy and intermediate modifications of play, all the way to a beginner's count. This evolves to an intermediate count and eventually an advanced count that rivals the capabilities of Hi Opt-II and Zen, all on the same foundation that Renzey started with.
   
   What makes the book different from other books I've read is that:
   1) It's readable. The book is almost conversational in nature. It's got just enough proof points in it without going all 'Grosjean' on you. (No offense to the mastermind that James Grosjean - another of my heros - is but I'm not the PhD Mathematician that he is, and I suspect, neither are you if you're reading this)
   2) It explains why things are important, what the benefit is in terms of the 'percentage edge' you get with every concept you learn, and it gives you concrete visual examples/scenarios with pictures of hands, and a discussion of each.
   3) It's evolutionary. Very rarely have I read a book that allows you to stop in the middle of the book and test your skills downstairs in the casino, then later read some more by the pool and learn additional tactics to evolve your game as you master the book's concepts.
   
   What I also found very useful was the section rehearsing certain key hands versus dealer up-cards. Frankly, I think Fred Renzey should create a card deck of 'difficult hands' and sell them has 'flash cards' to people to learn and practice with. It's frankly better than dealing cards yourself on that Southwest flight into LAS. [grin]
   
   I won't blow too much smoke up anyone's butts though: The section on Hand Interaction is a little much. I understand why he put it in there - after all, it appears to be the most opportunistic way to poach good hands at the table. But it takes a fair amount of balls to 'buy people's hands at the table' and 'fill up someone else's double down'. He advertises it as a differentiator for the book being that I'm sure he's correct that no one else has published much on this topic, but still, I don't consider this to be a real value: There's just too much superstition and too many barriers between players at the table to pull off some of the moves he recommends.
   
   That being said, I think his KISS count is pretty damn cool and although I haven't mastered it and still play with another count, his numerical evidence for the strength of the Advanced version of KISS count relative to Uston or more conventional counts is impressive.
   
   If you doubt the "student's text book" nature of Blackjack Bluebook II, consider that he dedicates a page or two to a list of bulletted 1-2 sentence summaries of every key point he's made at the end of each chapter. The only thing he's missing from making this ia true high school textbook is a "Test Your Knowledge" section where he quizzes you on important concepts after each section. [grin]
   
   Renzey's chapter on "15 hands to play incorrectly to camouflage your intellect" has been invaluable. I've been trespassed from two casinos and drawn heat from the eye more times than I can imagine, and I've recently seen pit bosses "drop me as a concern" when I pulled a couple of these hands like a drunk conventioneer. I was just at the New York New York and I think they even thought I had a computer based on the shake I naturally have in my leg but the moment I doubled down on what looked to be a reckless hand and started to play some of these gems, they started to waive off the black suits.
   
   I carry 3 Blackjack books with me whenever I go on a vacation or to Vegas and this is one of them. I consider Fred Renzey one of the people I would someday like to meet and shake hands with. Thank you for improving my play, Fred. Your book is worth much more than $16.50 on the basis of your authoring skills alone.



2. WELL EXPLAINED FOR ME WHO IS A NOVICE, AND I HAVE USED THE IDEAS IN PRACTICE WITH GOOD RESULTS.



3. I am a BJ player, and would consider that I know a great deal about strategy, counting etc. but I have not read this book. Why then am I reviewing it, as I obviously cannot comment on the content? Well, I've read the reviews! and what reviews! How can a book about BJ generate such amazing reviews, mainly from people who have not reviewed any other books. This book may or may not be good, but I'd recommend that you don't buy it based on these reviews. Furthermore I'd recommend that you don't buy it purely on the principle that this spam marketing stinks. There are plenty of 'proven' good BJ books out there, buy one of them.



4. Good book for beginning BJ player b/c it delves into basic strategy and gives you easy ways to remember stuff. I found the content insightfull and interesting although I didn't get to put his advanced ideas into practice because I'm still working on memorizing the basic strategy chart. I recommend it regardless of your current skill level.



5. For a player who has learned basic strategy and is looking to take their game to the next level this book can't be beat. The presentation of the counting strategies is well laid out and reading this book will help the player understand the game and wisely choose a strategy based on his/her strengths.
   
   I would recomend reading this book and getting the "Real Deal Blackjack: Learn to Count" software. http://www.realdealblackjack.com and you will be on your way to becoming a winning player.

5 comments about Beat the Dealer: A Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One.

1. If you were ever interested in card counting this book is for you. Not because it guarantees the edge against the casino with 10 simple rule, because it doesn't, but because it outlines several good strategies to maintain a small edge (or in some cases a smaller disadvantage) over the casino establishment.
   I gave this book 5 stars for a couple different reasons. Although requiring a lot of practice, the ten count that thorp teaches should more than pay for the book. The stories, although providing little insight into the world of current gambling, provide comical relief for an otherwize stale and mathmatical book. Although a person can find easier to use systems and basic strategy tables on the internet, Thorp's main assistance to me came in his in depth modification to the tables based on what the count reflects. The short comings of this book are numerous however. For one, thorp dedicates a significant (not to mention hilarious) portion of the book to end play. A system where by busting certain hands and standing on others effects the composition of the deck post shuffle. That is, by busting all hands with aces and tens when the deck appears to be running out, the aces and tens are reshuffled with the remainder of the deck while the low cards are not, giving the player a small advantage. Another dissapointment is that thorp doesn't go into the deep mathmatics of his strategy or the simulations, he simply states nearly undunderstandable percent advantages and assumes the reader will trust him. (for owners, this is reference to the page where he outlines the percent advantages with different numbers of tens in the deck where no pattern is visible)
   To splice in some praise, I would recomend this as a first book. A lot of information about advantages and disadvantages with different casino play is not included, but the basic outline presented, the expanitory style in which each of his 4 counts are explained, and the excitement in practicing "beating the dealer" make this a worth while read.



2. The book was very useful in understanding how much to bet given your hand and where you are in the deck. The casinos do still cheat, so I would advise watching for opportunities to play at a fair table (then clean their clocks with these methods).



3. Beat the Dealer: A Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One by Edward Thorp started a craze toward card counting in casinos, prompted several rules changes including increased numbers of decks, shorter cuts, and more frequent shuffles. It's the grandfather of Blackjack strategy books and the first mathematical analysis of the game published outside academia. For those reasons alone it's worth having and studying even if its effectiveness has been diminished by the rules changes I noted above.
   
   The other advantage that Thorp's book has over the dozens of blackjack books available is that it includes the probability charts. You can take the numbers from the appendix, see where the strategy was developed and make your own adjustments based on the conditions you encounter at your local game or casino.
   
   It's tricky, his counting system and strategy, but once you have the hang of it you can be assured a fair game with a casino. And, all told, it's not that difficult a system to master with some practice ahead of time. Don't read this volume on the plane flight into Vegas and expect to beat the dealers in a day, but spend a week or two with some decks of cards, practice, go online and play, then take your shot against the pros. Good luck.
   
   - CV Rick



4. Edward O. Thorp started the blackjack revolution way back in the early 1960s with a difficult but successful card counting system. This book explains that early system and why blackjack is a beatable game. There are now many easier card counting systems such as the Hi-Lo, the KO, the High Opt and the easiest of all Speed Count.
   
   Thorp's book is a must have for your gambling library as he started it all.
   
   Frank Scoblete: author of Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution!



5. Next stop Macau
   
   Still the classic for the high-low method, but nowadays you need to work in teams and with the perpetual continuous shuffle machines/decks the method has become harder to deploy in lots of casinos. Which is why those who use this with refined forced-card deck cutting are in the current gravy boat, although their day in the sun will also pass.
   
   Most folks can intuitively understand card counting and shoe-skew. There are plenty of books on the topic of card counting. However, Thorp's original work is best and overlooked on several important points by most folks. The first point is: rigor. Thorp has backed up his method with solid empirical and theoretical underpinnings. This gave confidence to generations of card counters who refined his method. The second point is: clarity. Thorp is a first-string mathematician and easily could have stayed conversing with peers in jargon, or he even could have purposefully employed obscurantism to keep tables thin. Instead his prose style is lean, direct, and clear. Such is his brevity and Wittgensteinian exactness that you may need to re-read a few sentences here and there to absorb what he is saying, but on the whole this is an accessible narrative written by a mathematician for an intelligent audience.
   
   A wonderful gift that opens up a new world combining math, fun and money.
   
   Now about Kelly criterion in betting strategies......