American Mensa Guide To Casino Gambling: Winning Ways
Published in Paperback by Sterling Publications (December, 1999)
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The Only "how-to" book worth buyingThis is the perfect book for those who don't know, and those who think they know everything there is to know about your every day casino games. The book examines all casino games from a cerebral point of view, and advises (correctly) which games to play and those to avoid, while describing all of them fairly, intelligently and in perfect detail. All the gaming myths have been presented (and exposed in some cases), and the book does NOT read as though a person were trying to sell you a 'system'. All popular and not-so common gaming systems are discussed on a easy to read, per game section, and dissected thoroughly so to offer us as much knowledge (power) as possible before selling the portfolio and going to Vegas! There is mathematical support of all games to illustrate pros and cons of your particular game of choice (especially nice are the Craps buy vs. place bet table, and the video poker scenario tables). Logic, emotion, fun and sense are separated to provide a great enteraining and educational perspective into casino gaming. Important issues such as bankroll, statists and the dreaded casino edge are addressed in-depth and again, with the simple and complex math (for those who crave it) to support respective claims. I've read many intro and expert type how-to books, and this book is by far the best all purpose gaming book around.
Dare to be rationalGambling books are like the internet: Lots of information, most of it not very reliable. If you're the type to fall for Britney Spears nude fakes, then by all means, buy one of the better-selling titles. They'll tell you what you want to hear, and you can always say "Oops ... I did it again" when you lose. If you can take the truth -- that with the exception of blackjack card counters and a few video poker machines in Vegas, the house always has the edge -- then this is a very worthwhile investment, and just a darn good read about gaming. It doesn't preach or get bogged down in statistics and probabilty, but it does provide information and sound strategies for virtually every game you'll find in a casino, allowing you to make an informed decision about your options. It explains quite well why "money management" systems don't work, and, most importantly, why a house edge of even just a few percentage points -- face it, to the novice, a difference of a 2 percent edge and a 5 percent edge just doesn't sound like much -- can eat your bankroll many, many times more quickly. The author assumes you have a brain, that the attraction of a casino is its action and its entertainment value, and provides you with strategies and expectations to either deal with a volatile game (where you can win big or lose very quickly in the short-term) or make bets that will (on average) maximize your playing time. This book will not insult your intelligence, assumes you know there is no Santa Claus, but also assumes you know that Christmas can still be a lot of fun (although costly at times). An outstanding reference for the casual gambler.
A fantastic book.I play black jack a lot (and count cards) and have a background in math and research. This is the best book I've read about casinos games. It presents how each game works in detail, including rules and strategy, along with tips, etiquittes, and pointers. Each game and strategy also has the mathematics behind the game, which is rigorous and accurate, but whose results also should be understandable to non-technical readers as well. I learned a lot about the games I have never played before. The fact that video poker has games where the expected payout is positive was new to me, as I thought that the only game I could beat was blackjack. The information about how to approach the games were also very useful. I read the book many times. For those with any interest in gambling,it is an all around great book.
Sounding Drum
Published in Hardcover by Kensington Publishing Corp. (01 June, 1999)
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This is a page-turner full of history, romance and politicsLarry Jay Martin has written a terrific thriller which incorporates not only American history, but also current political and social issues surrounding Indian gambling. From page one, the reader escapes into the lives of four individuals trying to uncover one of the most exciting archeological finds of the century. One is instantly involved in an adventurous, meaningful quest towards discovery that takes the reader all over the country. From Wall Street dealings in the Big Apple to bar brawls in Montana, Martin weaves a mysterious and intricate story of love, heritage and money. This book is an interesting combination of fast-paced storytelling and historical relevance. Although I would categorize it as a light thriller, Sounding Drum also enlightens readers about both sides of the Indian Gambling issue in this country. I am MBA student with tons of work, but once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down! Take it on vacation, bring it on a business trip -- you won't be disappointed.
Martin takes Manhattan with this unique thrillerConstruction is a way of life in Manhattan, which makes the discovery even more startling. A Native American burial site has been uncovered amidst the excavation. Anthropologist Dr. Paula Fox extracts a delicate document that clearly describes a land deal between a tribe and a colonial governor. Paula takes the deed to Native American attorney Steve Drum, an individual who left his Montana reservation for Wall St.
Steve investigates the paper, which if valid, means that the Canarsu Indians own a piece of the rock. As he continues his inquires, an unknown assailant blackmails him for his affair with the daughter of the local Don. Though his life is in danger, Steve pursues what he believes is in the best interest of his people, claiming their heritage and building a massive casino in the middle of the big Apple.
SOUNDING DRUM (Steve's Native American name) is a fast-paced tale centered on an engaging supposition. Fans will find all the characters appealing, but especially will take pride in Steve's courage to insure justice happens even when the odds seem overwhelming. Bang the drums for Larry Martin who soundly demonstrates he provides his audience with a one sitting, entertaining novel.
Harriet Klausner
Western culture is everywhere!What happens when Native American history finds its way to the Big Apple? Chaos. While working on a steam line under a Manhattan building, a construction worker, who just happens to be an Oneida Nation chief, discovers a cave containing undisturbed Indian artifacts. Rather than informing his boss, he calls a NYU professor, Paula Fox, also of Native American descent, and informs her of the discovery. Searching the cave, Fox finds a roll of parchment that she believes to be a very important historical document. But knowing that such documents are often kept secret to avoid a cultural uprising, she removes the document from the site and delivers it to fellow Native, Stephen Drum, AKA Sounding Drum, a former New York attorney, raised on the Salish Indian reservation in Montana, and now a consultant for the Indian casino business. Drum sets out to prove the document's authenticity, dreaming that financially for his fellow Native Americans, this possible land treaty could be like "the return of the buffalo." The author does a superb job demonstrating the spiritual power behind Native culture and how it mixes with modern, big city society. Sounding Drum is a fascinating tale that will keep the reader turning pages and wondering where the story will go next. Copyright ©1999, ReadWest.com. All rights reserved
Bad Bet : The Inside Story of the Glamour, Glitz, and Danger of America's Gambling Industry
Published in Hardcover by Times Books (September, 1998)
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Well-written, gripping and disturbingI just finished this book and recommend it highly to EVERYBODY, whether or not gambling has ever been a part of your life. I knew NOTHING about this subject before I read this book, which is immensely readable and well-researched. The author is obviously against the lotteries, casinos etc which make up so much of the modern gambling scene but he doesn't emphasize his own opinions to the detriment of the text.
Best gambling book around. NCAA bettors should get it.This is a helluva book. There is tons of research here by a journalist clearly in command of his craft. Like some of the others who have posted here, I'm a professional gambler and, like them, this book just blew me away. There is a clear anti-gambling view when looking at the big corporations that run this business, but O'Brien truly appreciates the legends and culture of the gambling world and gives them their due. After all, big corporations have their own wallets in mind in all of this. Anyway, this is a fun, breezy, informative book and anyone betting on sports or into casinos should read it.
Excellent Book and Makes You ThinkMr. O'Brien has written a thought-provoking book, the thesis of which is that casinos rely on a small percentage of problem gamblers for most of their profits. I was a little surprised that he didn't interview Frank Scoblete, the top gaming author in the world and my personal favorite because I would have liked to read Scoblete's opinions on O'Brien's thesis. But that is a minor quibble. The book is definitely worth reading. I tend to agree with O'Brien. Too many people are out of control when it comes to gambling.
Bold Card Play: Best Strategies for Caribbean Stud, Let It Ride & Three Card Poker
Published in Paperback by Bonus Books (June, 1998)
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Great Information About New GamesThe casinos are inventing new games all the time with the purpose in mind of getting a bigger share of our money. What I like about Frank Scoblete's book is how he manages to develop strategies that cut the house edge to the lowest they can be AND he shows how to play these strategies in a way that really saves you money and gives you a shot at winning. This book is a very good book to read. It is also fun and Scoblete's insights are worth the price of the cost alone. I recommend it to anyone interested in these three new games. It has helped me a lot!
Reduce the edge at dangerous new gamesScoblete explains why the casinos are introducing these new games with high house edges and he shows you the best strategies to ply for each. If you follow these strategies and his money-management advice, you have a good chance of reducing the casino's take on you. The book is also an enjoyable book to read as Scoblete is a good writer who knows how to make even difficul subjects interesting. Read this book before you tackle any of the three new games listed and you'll be helping yourself a great deal.
Great Strategies for Tough GamesThese new games can be murder on your bankroll but Scoblete shows how to use the proper strategies to reduce the house edge to the minimum. He then explains how to slow the pace to get more in comps than your action actually entails. The book is a fast read and you can photocopy his strategies and take them to the casino. This is very helpful if, like me, you have a poor memory. Definitely a worthwhile book to have. Also a fun book to read.
Best Blackjack
Published in Paperback by Bonus Books (May, 1996)
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A Book for ALL Skill LevelsFrank Scoblete has written a complete and comprehensive book that will appeal to all levels of blackjack players from beginner to skilled. He has the basic strategy, the card counting advice that you would expect to find, but he also has great sections that compare the various counting sustems being sold in other books. He explains how to read a dealer in those games where the dealers peek at their hole card. What also sets this book apart are the sections that deal with his own personal experiences in the casinos. These are funny, insightful and smack of the truth. I think if you want to enjoy and learn simultaneously then BEST BLACKJACK is a must read. I intend to give it as a gift to my friends who like blackjack.
Best Blackjack: An Enjoyable Learning ExperienceI picked up five blackjack books recently, "Professional Blackjack" by Wong, "KO Blackjack" by Fuchs and Vancura, "Blackjack Take the Money and Run" by Tamburin, "Blackjack for Blood" by Carlson, and "Best Blackjack" by Frank Scoblete. While I have played blackjack before, using a basic strategy card I bought in a casino gift shop, I never really delved into the game. However, as my losses mounted I decided I better get better or quit playing, one or the other. Of the five books I bought, "Best Blackjack" was the best in terms of the author's ability to instruct in a clear and precise way. It was never dull. Scoblete was able to sift what you truly needed to know to beat the game and made it clear which games to avoid. The other authors attempted to do this too but sometimes they got so bogged down that it became laborsome to read.
Scoblete's approach to card counting made learning it a very simple matter. Also, the book was a lot of fun to read. Scoblete interspersed learning with his adventures and the stories about who and what he met at the tables are just hilarious. This was the best of the five books and I recommend it as the best book for anyone interested in blackjack.
Enjoyable, Entertaining and EnlighteningI already knew basic strategy and I use the KO count system developed by Fuchs and Vancura. However, Scoblete has written so many good books on gambling that I thought I'd give his "Best Blackjack" a try. It was excellent. The man can write. I particularly enjoyed his chapters on team play, ploppies, the million dollar bum. The most wonderful part of the book was his Las Vegas diary section. As a player I can tell you that he has captured the madness!
The book contains excellent information for beginners and intermediat players as well. It is well researched and Scoblete recommends further reading that will also be helpful. This is one of the six best blackjack books ever written in my estimation, although I have only read thirty three blackjack books to date!
Guerrilla Gambling: How to Beat the Casinos at Their Own Games!
Published in Paperback by Bonus Books (October, 1993)
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Best Gambling Book Ever WrittenIn my opinion this book is the one indispensable book to read before you go to a casino. I read it before I go to the casinos because it gets me thinking in the right way. Scoblete is a dynamic writer and probably the best gambling writer of all time. This book covers all the games and has some of the best strategies I have ever encountered. What really makes the book special arehis stories. I loved his last chapter "A Day In The Life of a Guerrilla Gambler" where he recounts his adventures on a single day in Las Vegas. You must get this book if you want to be prepared to take on the casinos.
Well Written and Researched and FunThis is the third book by Frank Scoblete that I have recently read. The book covers just about every game the casino offers with a few exceptions such as Spanish 21. The strategies are well thought out and based on solid mathematical principles. However, it is obvious that Scoblete has a wealth of hands-on experience as the book is loaded with his personal anecdotes and observations, often very funny and always very insightful. I do think that if you could only buy one gambling book,this would be it. The writing is so far superior to anything I've read by other authors in this field that it's like night and day. If you are a gambler looking to refine your game and also looking for a fun read, I think this book will do it for you. His section on a day in the life of a guerrilla gambler is one of the best diary type chapters I have ever read, it was exciting and gripping.
The #1 Gambling Book EverThis book has great strategies for all the casino games. Some of these strategies can actually give the player an advantage over the house. Scoblete is a master writer who can make the hardest concepts understandable. His sections on comps and guerrilla play, his anecdotes about his own experiences, all give the reader a well-rounded view of the casino experience. This is a great book and a must-read for anyone who wants to know how to beat the casinos at their own games! Scoblete has no peer in writing about casinos.
Get The Edge At Blackjack
Published in Paperback by Bonus Books (20 November, 2000)
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I Liked Everything About This Book even the Foreword!I agree with just about everything Mr. Parker says in his review, except the stuff about the Foreword by Frank Scoblete. When I finished this book I was completely in agreement with the opinion that this is a blackjack nuclear bomb. May's easy style and his ability to describe difficult concepts in ways that an average reader could comprehend makes this one of the few BJ books dealing in advanced concepts that is actually accessible to a person such as myself. I have been counting cards for years and now I think I can add a few new tools to my casino-beating toolbox thanks to John May.
This is a one of a kind bookVery few blackjack books can live up to their hype. This book has been heavily promoted by Frank Scoblete who is a very popular gaming writer. I bought it because I tend to buy everything about blackjack in the hope, rare, that I will learn something new from it. Most times the blackjack book doesn't really offer me anything to write home about...or even write a review about. But I must say that not only does Mr. John May's book live up to the hype, it surpasses it. I learned several new and devastating advantage-play techniques that are just wonderful. I would recommend you get this book fast before the casinos discover what Mr. May is writing about and start watching the games even more closely than they currently do. This book will have a strong appeal to experienced blackjack players and they will learn new techniques from it just as I have. I put this on a par with the two or three best blackjack books ever written!
Really Worth BuyingJohn May is an elite blackjack player and this book gives you information that I have not read anywhere else. While it does discuss and explain the theory of card counting, the revolutionary stuff that is advertised on the cover concerns methods of play such as glim, stacker, ace tracking and the like. Some of these are "do-able" by mere mortals like myself and some seem extremely hard to pull off.
I think the book is very well written and organized and May's writing flows. He explains very difficult concepts in a way that is understandable. I believe this is one of the top books ever written on blackjack and is definitely worth buying.
Dice Angel
Published in Paperback by Hardway Press (05 February, 2002)
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A winning hand............Dice Angel is a terrific tale of hard times, love, and hope with a big dose of zaniness!! Brian Rouff brings together a crazy cast of characters and sets them down in Las Vegas where life deals out some tough situations. Jimmy Delaney is the proud owner of a "saloon and supper club"named Jimmy D's, that he inherited from his father. He is a divorced dad whose daughter, Jenny is the light of his life! His ex-wife however casts a dark shadow over his life no matter where she is! When Jimmy's bar is burglarized things begin to go downhill quickly. He finds out that Owen, his accountant(and former brother-in-law) has disappeared without a trace, and so has all the money. Jimmy's insurance has lapsed,his bills have gone unpaid, he owes back taxes.When he attempts to take out a loan to come up with some fast money he finds out that the IRS has put a lien on the bar. He attempts to negotiate with the IRS, but that turns out to be a bigger nightmare than he had ever imagined. The IRS demands full payment in one week's time. When Jimmy's homeless friend gives him a business card for a woman who promises to bring him luck in gambling, and since Jimmy is at the end of his financial rope, he gives her a call. Is she for real, or is she just another down and out ... looking for an easy mark? The story grabs you like a streak of luck and holds your attention like a winning hand in a poker game!!
Brian Rouff has a unique talent for creating such realistic, earthy conversation by his characters that it is easy to imagine you actually hear what is being said rather than reading it! His characters are uniquely real, poignant,wierd and funny! They draw you in and make you care about what is happening to them. His writing transports you into their lives and as in real life you really are not sure what is going to happen next and surprises await you. This is a terrific story that is full of life and humor that round out the dark edges and lets the light in!!
Brian Rouff has a unique talent for creating such realistic, earthy conversation by his characters that it is easy to imagine you actually hear what is being said rather than reading it! His characters are uniquely real, poignant,wierd and funny! They draw you in and make you care about what is happening to them. His writing transports you into their lives and as in real life you really are not sure what is going to happen next and surprises await you. This is a terrific story that is full of life and humor that round out the dark edges and lets the light in!!
Great writing, characters--Las Vegas comes aliveJames Delaney, Jr. better known as Jimmy D, owns a successful bar in Las Vegas, has a great relationship with his young daughter, and thinks he has his drinking and gambling problems under control. But when a break-in at the bar turns into something more serious, everything begins to unravel. The bar has been looted, the IRS is after Jimmy for more than he can possibly afford, and the IRS lien on the business means he can't even borrow against it. Drinking starts to look more atractive. But gambling isn't an option--Jimmy has learned one thing for sure, he has no luck on the gambling tables of Las Vegas. Even when a homeless friend gives him the battered business card of Amaris, the 'Dice Angel,' Jimmy has learned how to say know. Gambling nearly ruined his life and cost him his marriage. But what other options can he pursue?
Author Brian Rouff delivers a truly fine read in DICE ANGEL. Jimmy comes off as real and human, battling his problems, the IRS bureaucracy, and himself as he gets more and more deeply into trouble. Rouff does a good job letting Jimmy get close to a solution, only to see it twist away before he can grasp it. Jimmy's relationships with his daughter, his employees, and eventually with Amaris too are human and enjoyable.
Rouff has a good feel for Las Vegas and the people who make it their home. For them, and for those of us reading DICE ANGEL, Las Vegas comes alive in a very real way.
I enjoyed DICE ANGEL a lot and recommend it without hesitation.
"Dice Angel" rocksEavesdropping-quality dialogue, a riot of quirky characters, a local's perspective of a Las Vegas setting... What more could anyone ask in a novel? I felt like an insider, a friend of Jimmy Delaney, as I zipped through the pages. I loved the development of these terrific characters, and I loved their names... I laughed out loud nearly every page; the only other author who has that effect on me is Janet Evanovich... Hmm, I think Stephanie Plum and her grandmother would fit right into Jimmy Delaney's world... There's a collaboration for you! Seriously, this book was a real treat to read; you cannot go wrong with "Dice Angel". Wish I could find a dice angel of my own!
The Theory of Poker
Published in Paperback by Two Plus Two Publishing LLC (July, 1999)
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The Odds-On Favorite on Gambling TheoryInvariably at or near the top of any list of serious titles on poker, this book is the leading work on poker theory. Since virtually every dedicated player has read it, to play without reading it is to put yourself at a disadvantage. Sklansky focuses on the math of poker--how to calculate odds, pot odds, reverse implied pot odds, etc. It's not a fun read; it reminded me of some of the college textbooks I dreaded, but it rewards hard work with a new depth of insight that will make you a smarter, more insightful player. It deserves five stars but I gave it four because it can be so dreary. No colorful stories of how so-and-so went all in with a pair of fours only to [take out a set on the River, etc. Sklansky is so professorial in tone it's hard to imagine him at smoky poker table betting the farm. And in truth, he's more noted as a theoretician than a player. But if you want to play poker for serious stakes, this book is required reading.
A Textbook on PokerThis reads like a textbook and should be read by any serious student of the game. I'm sure it will be a useful reference for the rest of my poker playing life. Some may find it difficult reading as the style is fairly typical of a textbook or a reference book, and it is a comprehensive and serious book about the probability and expected outcome of the game. The reading isn't recreational, but is a good investment of time with the returns being that you will be a much more astute poker player.
Please DO NOT BUY this book.If everybody who plays poker were to buy and study this book, I would have a hard time making money at the poker table. I want you fish to remain ignorant of pot odds, effective odds, implied odds, correct bluffing frequency, semi-bluffing, reading cards, and the other topics covered in this book. How am I going to earn money if you know the same things about poker that I do, thanks to Sklansky?
So, skip this book and just plunk yourself down at my table. Oh...and bring lots of cash.
Telling Lies and Getting Paid: More Gambling Stories
Published in Hardcover by Huntington Press (May, 2001)
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Required ReadingGetting ready to make my first entry into the World Series of Poker. Konik's book was highly recommended by a friend whose played in the Big one three times (made money two years ago)and he said it won't teach you how to win the tournament but it'll put into words everything people feel/think when they're involved in the ultimate poker compertition.
Totally agree.
If you're gonna play in a poker tournament especially the Series, you should read "Telling Lies". Finally I found a book that captures what its all about. Also excellent stories about backgammon and blackjack.
Mr. Konik great job. I'm gonna want an autograph at the World Series. See ya at the final table!
MUST readThis is the most amazing book ever written about poker. Michael Konik gives you a chance to have a real taste of how it "feels" to be sitting on a poker table with all these big poker players in the World Series of Poker. His honest psychological analysis of the game gives this book a very original flavor. It's not about odds. It's about people. The main story is preceded by a bunch of entertaining stories about some of the most intriguing characters and casinos of the gambling world. If you have any interest in the gambling world, it is a MUST read. Konik's book will probably change the way you look at gambling.
The BestThis is the best book I've ever read about gambling in general and poker in specific. Anyone even thinking of playing in the World Series of Poker should read Konik's account of playing in the Big One. He captures poker in a way I've never read before. Its very personal but very applicable to everyone at the same time, and that's why I would suggest this book to anyone. Some "big" words but very easy to read. Excellent.