The Best Blackjack Books
By
Dan Holmes
Casinos.US Writer Updated: 02/02/2024
Dan Holmes is our ultimate go-to expert when it comes to table games, slots, casino regulations, and legalization. He’s been in the industry for over 30 years, and his skillful insights have built him a strong following on the Internet. Dan’s favorite game is blackjack and loves to analyze and track revenue trends, as well as the tactics of players.
Best Blackjack Books
- How To Play Blackjack by Derick Crawford
- Beat the Dealer by Edward O. Thorp
- The Theory of Blackjack by Peter A. Griffin
- Million Dollar Blackjack by Ken Uston
- Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong
A 2020 survey of likely gamblers by Las Vegas magazine revealed that among those who were going to that city to visit the casinos, more were planning to play blackjack than any other table game. If you desire to take your blackjack skills to the next level, learning the nuances of the card game is essential. In this article, we examine a few of the best blackjack books.
How To Play Blackjack by Derick Crawford
When it comes to books about blackjack, we can’t go without the book from Derick Crawford. Here, you’ll, “Discover how to calculate the house edge for informed betting decisions” and, “Spice up your game with exciting side bets,” according to the book jacket.
Crawford does more than pour over the basics of gameplay; he also explains to the reader how to employ advanced blackjack strategies at both online casino sites and brick-and-mortar resorts. You’ll learn about various betting strategies from one of the best card-counting blackjack books.
This blackjack book is for beginners, as well as semi-experienced players, and even experts who need to brush up on the game or learn the deep inside info of the tables. Anyone planning a gambling trip to Vegas casinos should grab this book, available in digital format or print.
In Crawford’s book, and most of the others in this article, readers are exposed to the most key facets of the game of blackjack, which includes:
Key Insights for Success
Competitive blackjack is not just a game of chance; it’s a strategic endeavor that requires skill, discipline, and a deep understanding of the game’s intricacies. Whether you’re participating in a tournament or facing off against skilled opponents in a casino, there are several crucial aspects to consider. In this article, we’ll delve into the most important things to know about playing competitive blackjack.
Mastering Basic Blackjack Strategy
The foundation of success in blackjack lies in mastering basic strategy. This entails understanding the optimal decision-making process for every possible combination of player hands and dealer upcards. It’s essential to memorize and internalize these strategies to maximize your chances of winning in any given situation. Basic strategy charts are readily available and can serve as indispensable references while you’re still honing your skills. Read The Theory of Blackjack by Peter A. Griffin (reviewed below) for the best charts and data.
Bankroll Management
In competitive blackjack, effective bankroll management is paramount. Establish a dedicated gambling bankroll and set clear limits for your play. Never wager more than you can afford to lose, and be prepared for the inevitable swings of luck that come with any form of gambling. These books all explain that players should have a disciplined approach to their bankroll, ensuring that they can weather both winning streaks and losing streaks without jeopardizing their financial stability.
Understanding the Tournament Format
If you’re participating in a blackjack tournament, it’s crucial to understand the specific rules and format. That’s why you should get any one of these blackjack books. Turn the pages, familiarize yourself with the rules beforehand, and adapt your strategy accordingly. Pay special attention to how advancing to different rounds affects your overall strategy, as described by Ken Uston in Million Dollar Blackjack.
Card Counting and Advantage Play
While card counting is a powerful technique, it’s important to recognize that it’s not a guaranteed path to success. Card counting involves keeping track of the ratio of high to low-value cards in the deck, giving you an edge over the house when the shoe is favorable. However, casinos take a dim view of this practice and may take countermeasures. In Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong, you’ll learn about card tracing for beginners and experts.
Adaptability and Flexibility at the Blackjack Table
Being adaptable is a crucial skill in competitive blackjack. You’ll face a variety of playing conditions, from different rule sets to varying skill levels of opponents. Being able to adjust your strategy based on these factors is key to success. This might involve modifying your bet sizing, altering your risk tolerance, or making more aggressive or conservative plays based on the situation.
Psychological Aspects of Blackjack
Understanding the psychological elements of competitive blackjack is essential. Maintaining composure, managing emotions, and avoiding tilt (emotional frustration leading to poor decision-making) are all vital aspects of a successful player. Recognize that both winning and losing streaks are part of the game, and focus on making sound decisions rather than being swayed by emotional impulses. By consulting the experts who wrote these top blackjack books, you’ll be prepared for your next visit to the gaming floor оr the best online casinos for blackjack.
Practice and Continuous Learning
Improving as a competitive blackjack player is an ongoing process. Regular practice, whether through simulated games, online platforms, or in-person play, is crucial for honing your skills. Additionally, stay updated with the latest strategies and techniques by reading the best blackjack books and engaging with the community.
Beat the Dealer by Edward O. Thorp
Published in 1962, Beat the Dealer by Edward O. Thorp is often hailed as the bible of blackjack. Thorp, a mathematics professor, was the first to apply mathematical principles to the game, revolutionizing how it was played.
The book introduced the concept of card counting, providing players with a powerful tool to gain an edge over the house. Thorp’s work laid the foundation for modern blackjack strategy and remains essential reading for anyone serious about mastering the game. Pick it up at a used book store near you, or from Barnes & Noble online or Amazon.
Blackbelt in Blackjack by Arnold Snyder
This one is a comprehensive guide that covers every aspect of the game, from basic strategy to shuffle tracking and even team play. Snyder is an expert player and author who provides valuable insights into the mindset of a professional blackjack player, making this book an invaluable resource for those seeking to make big money by “doubling down” or “splitting at the table.”
Million Dollar Blackjack, by Ken Uston
Ken Uston was a legendary blackjack player known for his audacious team play strategies. In Million Dollar Blackjack, Uston recounts his experiences and shares insights into the professional world of blackjack. The book, which is available only in convenient paperback, provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of a high-stakes player and offers detailed lessons in the often overlooked team-based blackjack advantage play.
Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong
One-time professional gambler Stanford Wong is a renowned blackjack player, author, and publisher of many popular gambling books. In Professional Blackjack, Wong explores aspects of advantage play, including card counting and optimal betting strategies. The book is known for its clear and concise explanations, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. It remains a must-read for anyone serious about gaining an edge at the blackjack table.
Be advised that Wong’s book is best suited (sorry) for the professional wannabe. As one Amazon reviewer writes, “[This book] is not for a beginner, and, if you chose to be a professional Blackjack player, this would be your bible.”
The Theory of Blackjack by Peter A. Griffin
Math nerds, grab your calculators and slide rulers, and unite! The Theory of Blackjack by Peter A. Griffin is a seminal work that delves deep into the mathematical principles behind the game. Griffin, a mathematician and blackjack expert, provides rigorous analysis of strategies, betting systems, and the statistical probabilities that govern blackjack.
While not a light read, this gambling self-help book is an essential reference for players looking to understand the underlying mathematics of the game. You’ll gain a new understanding of the game when you learn how the numbers and probabilities govern everything that happens, from the deck to the dealer’s hands, and the table.
Conclusion – Books About Blackjack Can Be Quite Beneficial
The best books on blackjack serve as invaluable resources for players looking to elevate their game from when they called it “21” to a higher level of competition and possible winnings. From the pioneering work of Edward O. Thorp to the comprehensive guides of Arnold Snyder and Stanford Wong, each book reviewed here offers a perspective on mastering the art of one of the most popular card games in the world.
With any of these books, you improve your chances of beating the dealer and taking money from the house. With practice, as well as the insights gleaned from these books, you too can become a formidable force at the blackjack table.
