Blackjack Books

[jgray]

I'm heading to Vegas again in a couple of months and want move away from the poker rooms for change. Mix things up.

I know the basics of blackjack, but have never taken the time to learn to play it right. I'm looking to learn some of the nuances.

I'm sure we have some blackjack pros around here. Are there any blackjack "bibles" out there? Something similar to what Doyle Brunson's Super System was for poker.

Appreciate the help.

Thanks.

[Reload]

Wong's book Professional Blackjack is a good one.

I think watching the Vegas scenes in Rain Man would get you more psyched about being out there though!

[jgray]

Wong's book Professional Blackjack is a good one. I think watching the Vegas scenes in Rain Man would get you more psyched about being out there though!

Thanks Reload. I'll check it out and when I'm not reading I'll drop some toothpicks.

[BurtRapp]

Just play basic strategy. What exactly are you looking to do?? Count cards or just play? Counting 6-8 deck shoes won't happen for you in that time period and won't happen for most in a lifetime.

[jgray]

Just play basic strategy. What exactly are you looking to do?? Count cards or just play? Counting 6-8 deck shoes won't happen for you in that time period and won't happen for most in a lifetime.

No. I don't hold an illusions that I'm going to count cards. I just want to get a firm grasp of solid strategy. I'll admit I don't have that down and know that I need to start there.

[reno cool]

1. I think there actually is a book called "Blackjack Bible"
2. Burt, don't talk about what you don't know
3. If all you want is basic strategy, you can pick up a strategy card in any casino gift shop.

[Flight]

Get a mini pocket card. They let you use them at the table.

The hardest part is the discipline to use it, especially after 8 hours on a table and you are down say 20 units after religiously following basic strategy. This is wear I see players falter and say "fuggit" and start standing on 16 or ignoring the dealers up-card. You've gotta use it like the bible, otherwise it is worthless and you may as well play roulette.

The other thing is to count cards. Everyone says its hard but it's one of the easiest things I've learned. I actually thought learning to count was easier than memorizing the basic strategy table. I still have trouble with some of the corner cases of basic strategy, but counting is a cinch. I use a primitive system but it works.

If you have an iPhone or iPod, I strongly recommend this app. It's how I refined the skill. I played it mostly on the toilet and also on the airplane to Vegas. Easy.

http://www.tmsoft.com/iphone-cardcounter.html

Don't expect to make tons of money like the movie 21. I play for many many hours and am generally happy with pushing because in Vegas I get pretty loaded at the table. I usually stop counting after my 3rd beer, and begin making errors around my 6th beer.

You aren't going to Vegas for March Madness are you?

[jgray]

Get a mini pocket card. They let you use them at the table. The hardest part is the discipline to use it, especially after 8 hours on a table and you are down say 20 units after religiously following basic strategy. This is wear I see players falter and say "fuggit" and start standing on 16 or ignoring the dealers up-card. You've gotta use it like the bible, otherwise it is worthless and you may as well play roulette. The other thing is to count cards. Everyone says its hard but it's one of the easiest things I've learned. I actually thought learning to count was easier than memorizing the basic strategy table. I still have trouble with some of the corner cases of basic strategy, but counting is a cinch. I use a primitive system but it works. If you have an iPhone or iPod, I strongly recommend this app. It's how I refined the skill. I played it mostly on the toilet and also on the airplane to Vegas. Easy. http://www.tmsoft.com/iphone-cardcounter.html Don't expect to make tons of money like the movie 21. I play for many many hours and am generally happy with pushing because in Vegas I get pretty loaded at the table. I usually stop counting after my 3rd beer, and begin making errors around my 6th beer. You aren't going to Vegas for March Madness are you?

No, not March Madness. Looking like the last weekend in February.

[BurtRapp]

Reno let me guess you are some master counter? You can count 10 decks. You should have been in the movie 21. The guy is obviously looking to just play the game straight up. If you could count even a 6 deck shoe RENO you would never sign in on the board believe me. You would be on a yact somewhere. I have forgot more about BlackJack than you know pal.

[reno cool]

far from a master counter,
but I'll count as many decks as you like with one eye tied behind my back. And so can most anybody else with a little effort.

[warriorfan707]

I would be very surprised if their is anyone on this forum that has played as much blackjack as I have, online or in casinos.

Play singledeck. Stay sober. Count. Set a goal and get up from the table as soon as you hit it.

Read this one: "Winning blackjack for the serious player" by Edwin Silberstang is fantastic.

Do everything I have said here, and you can make a ton of money at blackjack. I hammered my local indian casinos for 12 grand in a 10 day stretcch back in 2004, and I can honestly say the key to it was sobriety and simply getting up and leaving when you are ahead. Its hard at first but once you start getting used to it becomes second nature.

Best of luck to you.

[Reload]

Here's one of the only books anyone needs for a Vegas trip...

[jgray]

Thanks gentlemen. I'll check out the recommendations.

[MrX]

If there is a surer sign in forumville that someone is talking out of there ass than the following:

I have forgot more about ... than you know pal.

I've never seen it.

[williams22]

Blackbelt in Blackjack by Arnold Snyder has always been considered one of the best blackjack books around. Also anything you can find by Stanford Wong is a good read.

Your best bet it to learn a basic hi-lo counting system, master basic strategy, and learn a few of the variations based on the count. Practice sound money management and increments your bets based upon the count. Also, try wonging-in/out if the situation allows for it.