5 comments about Hollywood Blackjack: An Uncensored Guide to Doing It Like a Pro.

1. This book is Great! Of all of the blackjack books over the years (and you know the names...Uston, Revere, Wong, etc.) this is the first to present detailed information and strategy that's both fun and easy to read. Not just basic strategy, mind you (although it's there, too), but "camouflage" techniques and other details so important to ... how shall I say this ... advanced play. I was pleasantly surprised and this book is now #1 on my stack of well-read and highly earmarked blackjack books.



2. I purchased this book for information on playing blackjack tournaments. There is a brief 14 page chapter on blackjack tournaments. The chapter starts off saying that this book is not going to teach you anything about how to win a blackjack tournament, and to go "suck on it." Unfortunately, this information was not available in the advertisement for this book.
   
   Much of the rest of the book rehashes old strategies including Basic Strategy and card counting using the High - Low system that are covered in Stanford Wong's "Professional Blackjack" book and elsewhere.



3. Granted...The Secret is a pile of poo....but this book has great advice. If you are not big on reading books that are full of stats and want to be entertained while getting some good advice at what to do at a blackjack table, then this book does the trick. It is young and hip.....not boring. for me that is always key.



4. Sure there are numerous books teaching one how to play blackjack. Hollywood Blackjack is fresh and provides the reader with time-tested winning strategies, but in a clear, easy-to-follow manner tailored for today's casino environment. In his entertaining style, Hollywood Dave shares his recent experiences in beating the casinos. While we are treated to a primer on tournament play, Dave tells us about some of his tournament experiences. A thoroughly enjoyable read.



5. anyone who has read other blackjack theory books should agree that "Hollywood Blackjack" is a refreshing change. i can think of other books that give similar information, but staring at charts is just not how i learn. dave also gives a glimpse in to a world of gambling that is what every aspiring gambler hopes to experience. it is great to know that the dream is still alive. and somewhere in another weird world, hunter thompson is surely proud.

2 comments about Beat The Odds Blackjack: Playing Percentages Without Counting.

1. bravo Mr.C for your tremendous chapters 3 and 17! ironically just before I bought this book my wife and I had a mild debate about these 21st century dealers that now SEEM to be tougher than ever! I complained "I can handle losing for a while but some times I see dealers having ten cards up 7 out of ten times backed by another face card for 5 or six hands more! And this goes on for hours! Cindy replyed "the cards have to be magnitized in some way!" AT First I thought cindy had lost "some of her cards!" however when I read your chapter on the advent of plastic cards into the game which create a strong degree of static electricity {which is magnetisim} I had to offer her an apology! Now Im more careful than ever about watching dealers up cards than ever and players stiffs! A player or dealer is supposed to get a 20 1 out of 7 hands!! Hmmmmm! nough said and thanks for opening up the eyes of a 20 yr.blackjack veteran! 2+2 now equals 4. although I still dont move if I lose 4 in a row (sorry mr. Thomason author of 21st century blackjack and a good friend of mine} I watch the dealers up cards and the distribution to the players VERY CAREFULLY! If I see that garbage goin on for one or 2 shoes I move pronto! NOW- to the serious stuff! I think youve done a tremendous job of calculating all these percentages and your book will forever remain with me for REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY! Ive played at home (thank God) using your basic revised for "percentage expectaions" Ive played over 30 shoes (6 decks real cards and chips) and ive not one a shoe yet!! Hmmmm! O.K. readers here a just a few moves printed in black and white which you will replace "the outdated standard basic strategy" 1st of all you said to reply on your gut feelings on certain plays! then you said dont assume the dealers 10 in the hole because it will bey there just 31% of the time! OK I buy that 31% percent but I still fear and respect an up card 0f 10! then youre telling us (and apologising at the same) saying that you dont treat the ace with as much fear as most people do! and then in black and white you tell us to stand on all 12-16 breaking hands against the ace! come on now! even without the blackjack the dealer is hitting to TWO hands simutaneously! {one and eleven) and will break only about 15% of the time! Yeah! lets talk percentages! then you tell us if our intuition or guts feel it too split tens and keep splitting them (hands that win 93-95% of the time! and then you told us that even if you pull an ace for 21 to double down on a hand that wins or pushes 100% of the time. ENOUGH SAID! Readers im asking all of you a favor! try this strategy as I have with cards and chips (and for heavens sake at home) keep track of the # of hands you win and lose! ill let you take it from there! then try it with the "outdated old-fashioned stratgey" OK? then please review the book! remember also this strategy robs you of tons of doubles and splits! (the way we make our money) well ENOUGH SAID! If youre making a living at 21 playing this way.I wish you continued success! I remain Dr.Robert P. Balaban D.C.-international chess player-international concert pianist and amateur Blackjack player" No hard feelings I hope but ive got to be honest!



2. Useful book overall. The title sounded very appealing as I really want to avoid counting cards. I used the techniques a couple of times and found it to be succesful overall

5 comments about John Patrick's Blackjack: So You Wanna Be a Gambler'.

1. No one said this book is for the expert. "Blackjack" is for the guys and dolls that go to a casino 2-3 times a year, 2-5 days a trip. For us, the short term is the only thing that matters. The "expert play" in the other books absolutely does cover the long term, but I'll never reach those stats in my life and therefore need to do what I can to help myself in the short term.

   John Patrick uses a distinctive style of humor to teach the basics of Blackjack (and craps, pai-gow, sports betting, etc) in a manner that will stay with you. He'll let you know why you should always hit your hard 16 against a dealer 7.

   Yes, if you go to a casino daily or weekly or even monthly, maybe you should consider a more mathematical book to cover your long term play but for most of us Patrick's book will cover us very nicely.




2. I am a fan of John Patrick's thoughts on gambling. However this book has me scratching my head more than any other he has written.
   
   On the one hand, I would definitely suggest reading a follow up book containing basic strategy. On the other hand, JP gives a somewhat compelling argument against putting more money on the table when the dealer has a strong up card. He also wants us to pile it on when the dealer is weak. Even if you can't remember basic strategy (buy a strategy card) just remembering these two ideas will help you out a lot.
   
   John's books cover how to play, and then the normal ideas about discipline, bankroll, money management, etc. All of this is good information. But his knowledge of the game in this book is the only book he has written where I deviate quite a bit from how he suggests I play the game.



3. That should be the title of this book. John Patrick writes from his experience and seeing and playing millions of hands of blackjack, not sitting behind a computer. His Big 4 approach is right on and can be applied to anything you gamble on. This book is fun to read, simple, and easy to apply. Anyone who has played blackjack and sat at a real table with real money will quickly appreciate his methods. I have played, watched and tested many of his theories advising against the "book" and he is right on. For 95% of blackjack players, following the advice of this book religiously will save you from losing a ton of money and will actually give you a chance to win. His Basic Craps book is excellent as well.



4. As always another great read from John. Whether you are a complete newbie, novice, or advanced, there is plenty to learn in this book. Nice systems to mull over, and of course great money management and discipline advice. Pick this one up and study it at length.



5. Clearly this book is ridiculously flawed when it comes to basic strategy. BS reduces the house edge to around 0.5%, but JP admits his method reduces it to 1.5%. Hmmm...
   
   But his (repeated) messages about discipline and walking away a winner are very good. And the betting schemes he outlines, though not original, are good for a beginner to follow. Certainly they've helped me stay more organized at the table, with less "hunch" betting. Obviously nothing short of counting will eliminate the house edge, but I utilize his money management to this day to help limit my losses and keep my win goals realistic. Worth a read, if you skip the basic strategy section.

5 comments about Blackjack (Revised).

1. My wife just loves Vegas but I got tired of losing money on every trip we made there. A few years ago we were waiting for a plane to leave and I picked up the first edition of Jerry's book in the airport to read on the way home. I just knew there had to be a better way. Jerry not only changed my thoughts about blackjack but about gambling as a whole.

   I've read almost every blackjack book I could get my hands on and most are very technical and filled with statistics that work well for those who enjoy playing theoretical games against a computer but this is the only book that shows you how to beat the real game in real live casinos. When I heard the new edition was coming out, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I wasn't disappointed. I now am able to evaluate any game of blackjack before I sit down in a way that no other author has ever described. This book paid for itself many times over on my first trip back to the casinos.

   Thanks Jerry! Las Vegas is much more fun now that I come home a Winner!!




2. Jerry L. Patterson, with over a quarter century of teaching blackjack, has in one single book provided the most comprenhensive analysis of the game that is currently available. As oppopsed the the majority of blackjack books, which promote mechanical systems, he provides a complete understanding and a thorough analysis of every facet of the game. By following Patterson's teachings any blackjack player will benefit and if after reading the book one cares to further their knowledge there are courses that the author provides.
   Jerry Patterson is one very few widely respected experts in the blackjack education business and has an extremely large group of loyal followers, who over the years have prospered from his knowledge and teachings.



3. Brief: If you are going to play blackjack then the price of this paperback book isn't bad for understanding some of the interesting details about this game.

   Rule #1: Players who play a system lose systematically.

   Rule #2: Casinos have made much money on those that think that they can out-smart the casinos.

   I have played on BJ teams, roulette teams (wheel and dealer bias), race and sports books. The race books have been my ONLY long-term money-maker (I would qualify this though in the right forum). I feel that I have played every system ever invented/constructed/fabricated known to humankind. I've read every book, every critique, and paid enormously for every "SYSTEM" sold out there. Since I am independently wealthy, I could afford to buy such things and try them out as much as I want. I did, and my advise to you: you will not beat the casinos. I will put all my money on that. Unfortunately, many live on fantasy alone, much to their own undoing.

   I've met Jerry Patterson in the late 80's while exploring a few systems. Generally, he is a person of integrity. I understand that his research into systems brings him into contact with many that make his life a frustrating soap opera. Such is the battle-ground, I suppose. I respect Jerry Patterson for his extensive work in this field.

   My advise to you is simple: some people make money doing that one thing that is claimed to make you money, and other people sell information about making this same money. Well, why sell this information if you are happily making such money? If Jerry Patterson can't make a good-enough living on his talents in this field (and he is, at the very least, one of the best players), then why do you think you can?

   If YOU found a great system for beating craps, blackjack, the slots, horses, or NFL playoffs, THEN would you publish how others can similarialy benefit, OR, --if it is such a great system--, just go about making your good money?

   Publishing books and systems on how to beat the casino is a way to make money. It is not very good money, but good enough with decent sales. This, of course, wouldn't approach what may be implied in the money that could be made if following this "system" in the field. Right? So, again, if you have a winning formula, why go hawk it to the public, if not to make sure, but small, money on it from publishing rather than seldom successful practicing of it.

   Think about this until it makes sense.

   With the price of this book, I DO believe it is well worth the read if you plan on doing BJ as entertainment only. If your looking for a way to make a lot of money, then, sorry, don't let me embellish your imaginary world.




4. This book is useful for anyone who wants to win at blackjack. As an experienced player, I can attest that the info provided herein is comprehensive, complete, accurate and useful -- and if followed correctly will permit you to beat the casino at blackjack.

   However, I subtracted 2* because the author refused to provide his current system for winning, instead teasing the reader with a not so thinly disguised sales pitch. Anyone who writes a how-to book but leaves out the how-to instructions should be pilloried.

   In sum, I think both experienced and inexperienced players can benefit from his advice, but will be disappointed that the greedy author has chosen not to share his current strategy.




5. I wanted to learn blackjack so I wouldn't throw all my money away on the slots like I usually do. So one day I haphazardly peruse the gaming section of my local bookstore and leave with the most unique view on the game I have ever seen.
   
   The author is very thorough in describing several different scenarios of tables and gives great information about how to decide when to use the techniques that go along with them. Most people are looking for a sure fire way to win and the truth is that there really aren't any. But, armed with the information presented in this book you will probably end up winning more times than losing and when you do lose (as you invariably do) the author also mentally prepares you for this contingent and helps you in walking away still feeling like a winner.
   
   This would be a 5 star review except that he is pretty heavy handed in trying to sell you to his moderately expensive blackjack home study course. This is the only complaint I have though and the good far outweighs the bad.

2 comments about Blackjack Your Way To Riches.

1. The book "Blackjack Your Way to Riches" is a highly informative Blackjack book with much more than just BJ techniques. Much, much, more. It offers advice on tipping, gestures, and comps during in which that time the author and his four "associates" are keeping you in constant laughs. It is fine for a general reference if you just want to level out with the house but many of their techniques are outdated and do not work in most of today's conditions. The author brags about his counting system not getting you barred, but that is a lie. All users working counting systems are almost always found out and barred, no matter who they are. All in all a good book though for the newcomer to BJ or someone just going on a vacation playing a few hands. If you would like some better strategies that are more up to date please order a copy of either Ken Uston's "Million Dollar Blackjack" and/or Jerry L. Patterson's "Blackjack A Winner's Handbook", both 5 star books. And, if anyone wants to try it, no one I know has used the system in the back of the book. If you do please feel free to e-mail me with your results and comments.



2. A bit of advise from somone who has spent the last 6 years mastering and playing various BJ systems in Reno and Vegas. There is no single book in print that will give more playing power to a beginner than does Canfields. My father played with a "associate," for many years using the modified master system, which has astounding results, but is as complicated as "BJ for Blood" The expert running count as found in this book produces excelent results over many hours of play. Atleast one quarter of my year is dedicated to play and I still use most of the technique described. As far as getting caught and barred, I'm still rolling... Not everyone who counts gets caught, but they are watching, unfortunatly bank rolls are about double now to avoid detection and this system although powerfull is now more time consuming than before. It will make you money, My returns playing are usually under those shown per hour in the book, but not by much. As for those seeking the Master system, good luck hunting!

3 comments about Basic Blackjack.

1. OK Mr. Counting Pro, you're on vacation where you know there are casinos. You figure you'll stop in and mabey make some money. But when you sit down at a table, you discover that the rules are not what you're used to. BJ pays 2:1, dealer wins ties, and 21 after splitting tens pays 3:2!? What to do now? Well, you could lose your shirt, or you could get Basic Blackjack.

   Wong's impressive text contains proper basic strategy for just about every rule variation and "bonus" (side bet, coupon, etc) that has ever been offered. It also tells you how to estimate the value of each of these variations. As a bonus, there is a good discussion of non-counting strategies such as warps, tells, and the like. At 256 pages, the amount of material covered is amazing.

   If you only play Las Vegas or Atlantic City, and already know the stategy for the rules there, you probably don't need this book. But if you like to travel (Europe?) or take advantage of coupon books and other special offers and side bets, it is a must-have.

   Wong's writing stye is clear and easy to read, although this book is valuable mostly as a reference guide. I found it very interesting to read about all of the rule variations, side bets, and bonuses that the casinos have thought up, even though I will never encounter the majority of them.

   The one thing that I would have liked to have seen in a text on basic strategy is the expected cost of making the "wrong" play. i.e. How much does one give up by not splitting 33vs5? Obviously it would be impractical to include this information for all of the strategies presented, but it would have been nice to have it for common sets of rules. (This information can be found in Wong's Professional Blackjack.)

   Overall, a very impressive work.

   Good Luck, and Good Cards,

   - Jacob W.




2. I might repeat some of the points already made in the previous review, but my main goal in this review is to let you know what to expect before you buy this book. I first want to say that it is a wonderful book and it is extremely successful at what it tries to accomplish, but I must qualify that by saying that this is not really a book that you will "learn" from. I bought this book expecting something that I can read from front to back, and I thought I might learn new tips and strategies -- I think "Blackjack Secrets", one of Wong's other books, is better for that, though I haven't read it yet. It definitely seems more "readable". "Basic Blackjack" is more of a reference than a learning manual, and you may not need this book at all. Here is what I mean:

   The book is organized like this:

   Chapter 1 - Introduction (nothing special, just a usual intro)

   Chapter 2 - Basic Strategy (this may be all you need from this book; it discusses and gives the chart for Basic Strategy under the most common rules; this information can also be gotten in other books or online -- try http://www.blackjackinfo.com for their Basic Strategy engine)

   Chapters 3-15 - variations of Basic Strategy (this is the majority of the book; it gives charts for changes that need to be made in B.S. depending on odd rules you may find in casinos, such as doubling down on any number of cards or decks that include jokers)

   Chapters 16-18 - other tricks that you can use (contains some interesting information on tells and warps, but it is really only valuable in certain situations)

   My point in outlining the book is to show you that the bulk of its contents is simply variations of B.S. depending on strange rules you may encounter. Don't get me wrong, it's interesting just to read about all the weird rules and side bets you might find in some casinos, but for most people I doubt they will need to learn any of this strategy. Even the information on tells and warps, though fascinating, isn't always applicable; it requires that the dealer check the hole card under a 10. The casino where I play uses an electronic device to check the card, so the dealer never sees it -- pretty much voiding the use of tells and warps.

   I'm not trying to discourage anyone from buying this book, because it is very interesting, if not always relevant for your particular situation. I just want you to know what to expect before you purchase it.




3. This has to be the worst book ever. It is dry, boring and very difficult to read. Some of the stories tell you how to cheat and a lot of them are just meaningless. I threw this book in the trash, I didn't want anyone else to have to endure this GARBAGE!!

5 comments about Cutting Edge Blackjack, Second Edition.

1. Imagine you have a goal. Imagine that goal is to walk into a casino, play blackjack, and leave with more money than you had when you entered. How do you achieve this goal? By utilizing the correct tools. Richard Harvey's Cutting Edge Blackjack is a toolbox crammed full of new and exciting tools that help you achieve your goal. Richard has developed and refined these tools with the loving care of a true craftsman. Some of the tools are difficult to handle, some of the tools may not make sense to you right away, some of the tools may require years of practice to utilize properly, but the tools are there. The tools themselves were crafted by hand. Instead of relying on and rehashing computer simulation, Richard used real cards to discover trends and card behavior patterns that computer simulations ignore. These patterns tend to repeat and offer insight never before realized at the tables. As an attendee to one of Richards's seminars, I witnessed the power of some of these tools. I was especially impressed by his ability to predict the value of the hole card at a pitch (face down) game. Impossible you say? Not when you use the tools in Cutting Edge Blackjack. I didn't say it was easy, I didn't say I could do it, but knowing it can be done is inspiring. Cutting Edge Blackjack debunks some popular myths, makes some bold assertions, but mainly shows advanced blackjack players ways to have profitable outings. Study and practice are required to attain most of the skills taught in the book, even advanced players may struggle with some of the methodology, but the tools are sound. I highly recommend this book for blackjack aficionados.



2. Much like the last reviewer, I'm not sure what to make out of Mr. Harvey's book. His method to the game, although fresh and creative, doesn't bring enough confidence where I would want to use his system in a game. The Circle of 13 seems to be ingeniously written- but all its hyped up to be are spreadsheets on probablities to win or bust on hands.

   For example, he states that by having an A & 2, I can draw 5 cards which would help me win the hand. However, my odds on getting one of those 5 is slightly over 38%. Well yeah- no kidding. Based on his Circle of 13, 5 divided by 13 is a little over 38%. So what's so informative about that ?

   Another issue I had is this model doesn't give much emphasis on hi-low card-counting, a system that I religiously rely on whenever I play. For anyone who does truly card-count, they would know that your seating position or the number of people at a table is irrelevant to your chances of winning. That's because you're relying on bet placements, which means you're betting at certain times when the card count gets high enough (or positive as some may say) that the odds swing in your favor where you increase your wage. Harvey practically neglects this in his book. He is so enthralled by his system that I don't believe he gives enough respect much less credibility to more realistic and systematic card theories of blackjack. The only information that I did enjoy was on shuffle tracking. His charts gave good examples on shuffles and their patterns.

   Lastly, there are way too many intangibles in his system to keep track of, i.e., counting the Aces exclusively, determining the hole card of not just the dealer but other players (as if I'm going to sit there patiently and calculate my predictions on that!) and "repeating phenomenons". This is just a plethora of information any savy card player does not want to take with him to the table. Ladies and Gentleman, unless you have a photographic memory or are regarded as a scholar of mathematics, the speed of the deal is fast enough where you won't be able to take into account all of what Harvey is asking you to do.

   I would recommend Knock-Out blackjack, which has tremendously improved my game and more importantly given me the confidence I need to beat the casino each time I go. There theory is not too simplistic yet not too technical and gives you a realistic method of how to beat the game. I have heard of good things on Wong's book and that will probably be my next purchase.




3. This book advises using strategies that are proven NOT to work. Stay away from this scamster progression book, and keep with the books that utilize sound mathematical and stastical theory.



4. I am always astounded at the absolute lack of logic of most blackjack players I sit at the table with as illustrated by this common occurrence.
   
   Someone makes an incorrect play at table and someone else (as often as not, the entire table) gets their knickers in a knot, thinking it will affect the probability of their own positive outcome.
   
   Of course, a moments critical thinking will reveal that the change in card order could as well help the players as hurt them. (though I am sure someone will want to argue this with me).
   
   So when I opened this book at B&N for a quick scan...there it is...don't play at tables where the other players don't play correctly, and a long senseless explanation as to why this would hurt your chances.
   
   Yikes...and all down hill from there.
   
   I actually feel ripped off just having scanned through this book for free.
   
   And as for the review by "Kenn Richardson" starting with:
   
   <
   This book is, hands down, the best thing to come out in many, many years.
   >
   
   C'mon, Mr. Harvey....use your own name.



5. I attended a recent seminar by Mr. Harvey at which we discussed the negative reviews on Amazon that appear to be written either by disgruntled competiting authors (whose books have been made obsolete by Mr. Harvey's books) or casino types who don't want readers to learn how to beat the house. I went home, then, and read the reviews and I have to say I'm appalled that the snakes who write under fictitious names and post critical comments that have nothing to do with the content of Mr. Harvey's books should be allowed to post self-serving remarks that are filled with lies. There is not one true remark in all of the pretend critical comments on this site. I encourage you to pick up the book and see for yourself. It's a shame that Amazon doesn't police these "reader" reviews and remove the offensive and self-serving ones that do an injustice to such great books as this one.

5 comments about Blackjack Bluebook: The Right Stuff for the Serious Player.

1. A very logical, easy to read book on the finer points of blackjack. Improved my game more than any other book on the subject. The wording and illustrations made clear what I must try to accomplish while playing. Renzey's "Key Card Count" is an eye opener. A "must read" for graduating to the next level.



2. This book was recommended to my by an owner of a gambling supply store. Mr. Renzey covers it all with advice for skill levels from novice to expert. He backs-up his system with millions of computer-simulated hands of blackjack that he did, rather than soley relying on the works of others. I have gotten rid of several other blackjack books, and kept "Blackjack Bluebook" as my guide.



3. I've read a dozen books on blackjack and never got past the basic strategy chart. This book explains things beyond basic strategy in such a logical manner that my mind opened up to the game. Now I understand what all the gibberish is about in other technical books on advanced blackjack strategy. Fred Renzey has a way with words. Darn good book!



4. I've read Renzey in various magazine and internet articles on blackjack and liked his clear style and logical approach. His book is in the same vein. I've played, studied and read blackjack for fifteen years. This manual is direct, honest and expressive. It can take the place of six other blackjack books as far as I'm concerned. Does a convincing job explaining why bad players have no detrimental effect on others, why No-Mid-Shoe Entry signs are pure nonsense, why betting progressions end up being useless and why high cards are so valuable to the player. Gets you to concentrate on the stuff that matters which is playing your hands and making your bets according to your odds. To make it easier to remember sticky points, Renzey coins catchy terms such as "the Rule of 9" for doubling down with soft hands, etc. His explanation of how and why you should adjust your play with certain borderline hands is something I haven't seen anywhere else, yet is very thorough and convincing. The book contains a true beginner's card counting system that follows only select key cards and lets you upgrade it from there. His high level Mentor Count in the last chapter is a bit strong for me, but after three complete reads, I like this book a lot.



5. This book can arm you with the mindset you need to win and the ability not to dispair when you lose a little bit.

2 comments about Easy Blackjack for the Average Joe.

1. I enjoyed reading the book's solid info on blackjack strategies with common sense logic.You may not win all the time but after reading it you should come out a winner more times then not (80%)



2. Easy Blackjack for the Average Joe
   
   This is a well-written easy to read book that will be useful for beginning players. The discussion of bj strategy is superior to that of other books and is especially well expained. I found the author's enthusiasm for betting strategies a bit of a put-off since it is generally agreed by experts that no betting system will by itself reduce house edge. However, others my find some of the systems helpful helpful in reducing the boredom of flat betting betting and perhaps help the casual player avoid ruin if limits of loss and gain are part of his scheme.

5 comments about Las Vegas Blackjack Diary.

1. It is just dated enough to not rate 5 stars. Things have changed alot since '94 when he performed his feat and kept this journal. There is even more competition among the casinos and even newer technology to aid the casinos. But on the whole it is a fascinating account of a professional black jack player(and sports bettor before this). He covers everything, and I mean everything, required in his pursuit. Even the hours and hours of work before he even left for Vegas. Understand that except for a just a couple of "how to" chapters, it is his daily journal. I was enthralled.



2. In contrast with the fantastic claims made in other gambling books, "Blackjack Diary" is a sober and engaging description of the lifestyle of a pro blackjack player.

   The book is brutally honest-the tedium of the daily grind of a card counter, the paranoia, the wild fluctuations, even cheating-all these problems are explained with painstaking detail. This is nothing like, for example, the flamboyant Ken Uston's "Million Dollar" Blackjack. Its often depressing-and clinically accurate (I've been there). Perry deserves great credit for presenting what is undeniably the truth about the existence of the card counter.

   A few criticisms of the book-Perry attacks several poor games and some of his pessimistic conclusions about counting in general do not emphasize this factor sufficently. While much of the action is mundane, Perry's prose does little to engage the reader-it often reads like a company's financial report.

   Finally, Perry has included a somewhat out of place criticism of shuffle-tracking-an advanced card-counting technique. I strongly believe that for the solo card counter with Perry's meagre initial bankroll such powerful techniques are absolutely essential for survival-I don't recommend Perry's pure counting approach in my own writings because-as "Blackjack Diary" confirms, it leads to psychological if not actual financial wipeout.

   That said, this is an absolutely essential purchase for those thinking of taking up card counting seriously.




3. The positives:
   -Very original idea
   -I like the set-up of the book, especially how it read just like a diary - as the name implies
   -While someone mentioned that it read like a financial report, I feel that this was a very important aspect of the book. Kudos to Perry for including and tracking every cent
   -This is a quick, light read - a perfect choice, especially for this subject
   -He knows the book's subject - and he knows it well
   -It's not like other gambling-related books - he doesn't try to sugarcoat anything or brag about wins. He's very honest and sincere
   -Simply, it's interesting

   The negatives:
   -Perry's writing just isn't that compelling
   -His random opinions on the NBA and sports betting read like "filler" and, to me, served no real purpose
   -I noticed quite a few grammatical errors and printing errors
   -Even though it's nonfiction, I expected a more dramatic ending. The books seems to just suddenly end.

   All in all, it's a pretty good read. If you're into blackjack (or just Vegas in general), you'll really take a liking to it.




4. You've read Stanford Wong, Arnold Snyder, Don Schlesinger, and all the other great stuff about how to beat the game and you have learnt how to count cards, maybe you can count down a deck to less than 30 seconds. You have gone to the casinos and put your knowledge to work, to practice and at the same time hope to make a few bucks at the end of you trips. And you know what, you got burnt many times, especially during the positive counts.
   That is what happened to me. At first, I wonder if I did something wrong until I read Stuart's diary. This book is must have addition to your BJ library, Stuart's real life experience, and especially his honesty put our BJ theory to practice. A 4 stars for his writings and 5 stars for practical side of BJ.



5. This is a great book. You really are at the table with the author, and wonder what he has been doing since. The anticipation and preperation for the trip even made me feel a little nervous when he went to the Golden Nugget for his first session.
   I personally liked the asides. He does a good job of conveying the isolation he feels at times. It makes me want to try the Golden Nugget buffet next time I'm in Vegas...and stay away from the Barbary Coast or Plaza casinos. You would have to be interested in blackjack to like all the book, but someone who has never gambled in thier life would enjoy most of it.