Little Ben: New book

[Little Ben]

Hello everyone,

I'm thinking of buying a new book to extend my knowledge of Blackjack. I'm thinking either 'Blackjack for Blood' or 'Blackbelt in Blackjack'. Any suggestions???

Thanks,

Ben.

[Sun Runner]

[Bettie]

Snyder's book contains a wider variety of information and is well-written and easy to understand. Carlson's book is excellent if you decide to pursue the Omega count, however.

Bettie

[Praying Mantis]

and a few more...

If you're serious about this game, read all you can from the reputable authors. You can't ever get too much info.

Saying that...if you can only get one of the two...BIB is a wealth of info.

PM

[Parker]

If you plan to learn the Advanced Omega II counting system (AOII), then you want Blackjack for Blood. Otherwise, Blackbelt . . . is probably the better choice.

However, Blackjack . . . does contain a lot of good information in addition to the specifics on AOII, and eventually you will want to own both books.

[zman]

I've read LOTS of reviews on BJ books at amazon.com. The one book that I've seen the most favorable reviews on is Blackjack Bluebook II. I have ordered it, but haven't received or read it yet so I can't say for sure.

Read lots of 'em though. I just finished Winning Casino Blackjack for the Non-Counter by Avery Cardoza and it was a very good book for beginners.

[Parker]

> I've read LOTS of reviews on BJ books at amazon.com.
> The one book that I've seen the most favorable reviews
> on is Blackjack Bluebook II. I have ordered it, but
> haven't received or read it yet so I can't say for
> sure.

I generally don't put much stock in amazon.com reviews (any idiot can post just about anything), but Blackjack BlueBook II is indeed excellent. Author Fred Renzey (who also hosts our poker forum) covers everything from the basics through the Mentor counting system, a powerful level 2 count. He also comes up with several easy ways for the casual player (i.e., non-counter) to gain an edge, albeit a small one. Highly recommended.

> Read lots of 'em though. I just finished Winning
> Casino Blackjack for the Non-Counter by Avery Cardoza
> and it was a very good book for beginners.

My main gripe about this book is that his "winning" system "for the non-counter" is actually a very simple counting system, essentially "when you see a lot of small cards come out, raise your bet."

As I've often said, having too many blackjack books is like having too large a bankroll - both are just about impossible.

BTW, to avoid confusion, you might consider using a different "handle" or username. Bill Zender, well-known author, former gaming agent, and casino manager of the old Aladdin occasionally posts using the handle, "Zman." I'm assuming that you're not him.

[D]

Blackjack for Blood is rather dated (I have a "2001 revised edition" but it reads like it was written waaay back :-)

BBBJ in my opinion has a lot more useful information, especially for a newbie. Also, I am not really sure why a beginner would be thinking of moving to the AOII...

D

> If you plan to learn the Advanced Omega II counting
> system (AOII), then you want Blackjack for Blood.
> Otherwise, Blackbelt . . . is probably the better
> choice.

> However, Blackjack . . . does contain a lot of good
> information in addition to the specifics on AOII, and
> eventually you will want to own both books.

[Venom11]

Heard that 'Blackjack for Blood' is good, but haven't read it. Did you buy any books yet?