If you decide to do any gambling, even a few bucks on your state lottery, consider the price of this book as your first bet. Orkin presents the real odds of most popular gambling games, at least one 'sure fire system' (yes there is such a thing, but you need deep pockets and have to be satisified with a pretty low rate of return), and the effects of the 'house edge'in an entertaining manner and with just a minimum of math. In fact, skipping the math in the book does nothing to reduce the book's usefulness nor your reading enjoyment.

Read this if you think gambling is a solution to money problems. In fact, after going through this highly readable and entertaining book you may be tempted to skip the lottery tickets and put the money in casino stock instead!

Casino math for the non-mathematician. If you really want to understand the math, it will take some effort to follow if you haven't dealt with probability and statistics in a while or ever. However, I am so tired of people presenting schemes on how to win at craps, roulette, etc: Martingale, anti-Martingale, D'Alembert, contra-D'Alembert, ad nauseam. No matter how you weight a negative expected return, the sum of the series is still expected to be negative. The risk to people who use these schemes unwittingly to gain a series of small "wins" is the guarantee of a single huge loss somewhere in the future - the longer you put it off, the larger it will be. If you didn't understand what you just read and want to, this book is for you. The writing is brisk, bordering on entertaining (if you're into this sort of thing) and not nearly as dull as you'd expect. The previous reviewer covered which games were presented so I won't repeat. Like Stanford Wong, this author's math is accurate - unlike many, many other authors.

Mike Orkin's book explains the real odds for all the common casino games, and in the process, shows you it is generally better to leave your money in your own pocket, and just watch. Games covered include roulette, craps, Keno, slots machines, sports betting, blackjack, lotteries and horse races. A great chapter on the Prisoner's Dilemma is included, and covers thecomplex issue of when it is best to be a snicth, and when it is best to be quiet.

I purchased this book on the recommendation of a friend. Since then, I have had to buy additional copies because family members and friends keep borrowing (and not returning) my copy. All I want is my autographed copy back! Seriously, this book explains craps, roulette and black jack in a way that even a novice can come home a winner. Some advice, follow his money management tips and be able to leave the casino even with your shirt.

first of all let me tell you that i do like to gamble and i come from a family that likes to gamble. of course i do not like to lose so i read this book in hopes that it could help me learn how to gamble and win. there are many ins and outs of gambling. bob explains in simple terms how to play the games. my favorite game is blackjack and i struggle in knowing what to do when i turn up a 4, 5, or 6. i really do not want to take a hit on these numbers but bob explains when and why i should take a hit. of course we all know this does not always work but bob explains the percentages. this helped me a lot. i have played this game on the computer and followed bobs advice and it proved to be correct. i also was interested in when to double down and i would never have thought to do some of the things he suggests. i also wanted to learn how to play craps and i wanted it in simple language. since reading about this, i have gone to a casino and was able to watch craps and actually understand what is going on. the best thing i can say about this book is that bob writes in ways i can understand. i am not a stupid person but i do not like to read over and over a sentence until it makes sense. it is not a long book whick i also like. bob explains things and gets to the point. it is easy to understand. i recommend it.

I really enjoyed the way the author explains the odds, betting strategy and methods that he uses. The book also has charts which help those of us who can't "memorize" the right way to play the games. He also manages to throw in several humorous stories that manage to lighten the read. An awesome book...if you gamble or plan to, it's a must before you go. I use the methods for black jack and craps- THEY WORK$$$$$

This is a great little book for both the lay public and professionals. I highly recommend it. It provides a good, solid scientific understanding of addiction in simple language and offers the reader useful guidelines about moving beyond sobriety and toward cure. --Fred P. Gallo, Ph.D., Author of "Energy Psychology" and "Energy Tapping."

This book is very informative. It is a great tool for those who need to understand themselves.

This is an excellent and cutting edge explanation of addiction that ties together not only chemical dependencies but process dependencies. Also a very hopeful book in that answers are presented and current approaches validated and explained as to why they are working for those who apply them. Give it a read!

A professionally written book with a timely topic.

This book provides the information our staff were looking for.

Just what our organization needed to address gambling addictions in older adults. The kit is also very useful.

I want to congratulate Ms. Kelley for an outstanding research about the variations of this pastime. Very well written for a descriptive book about the generalities of each variation. I really like to contact Ms. Kelley in order to share some thoughts. My emails are: gtejeira@panamacom.com gtejeira66@yahoo.com

Sincerely,

Gabriel Tejeira

This is a wonderful book that really introduced us to a lot of great evenings in our house. It has a wide variety of games for double six sets and double nine sets, and any number of players. The games we've played have been enjoyable for the adults as well as for the children, and many of the games have even helped our daughter's math skills - - a game such as muggins, where you try to make the pips on the open ends add to multiples of 5. There are old stand by's here, as well as games that have been newly invented. At a price like this, for all the fun we've had, well, it's tough to find a better, more enjoyable deal.

For generations, folks in my family have played various domino games, though I don't recall ever seeing a set of written rules. I'm delighted that I found the rules to these games and scores of others in Jennifer Kelley's "Great Book of Domino Games." From domino solitaire to versions involving eight or more players, the games are all here -- and so is plenty of five-star fun for friends and family, including kids who develop math skills as they become accomplished players. This superb little book is on my list for birthday gifts.

This book is a must have on chess history. It is a little pricey but the content is trememdous. If you are new or old to chess this book is for you. I never tire from the great games the masters have played. This book is seldom in print but if you can get it snatch it UP. You won't be disappointed.

this book offer a good oportunity to admire and understand the style of the great chessplayers of all times. The section about Labourdonnais is excelent, his games against Mcdonnell are littles gems. The game Pillsbury-Tarrasch show how a GM break good defence; in general is a terrific book, good for club players to pro's whith very good explanations.

El libro muestra con suficiente claridad el estilo de cada uno de los GM que analiza, así como partidas de un alto contenido didactico; queda uno con la motivación de saber aun más de los grandes ajedrecistas de todas las épocas; el libro es especialmente util para el jugador de club que quiere conocer de forma amena la evolución de la teoria ajedrecista; la sección de Morphy y Rubinstein son particularmente interesantes; el libro tiene una excelente presentación y su formato es igualmente bueno.

No nonsense, brilliant and fascinating. Gives me an appetite for more. The best book I have ever read on the subject. Harry's software is fantastic too. It is a real eye-opener.
A MUST read for any serious lottery player.

Well done Harry Schneider. Your lottery book and software are very impressive. Simple design and layout with effective easily understood results. Saw your comments on the opening screen of the software and closing comments in the book. It's if I had written them myself - brilliant! You have put in a lot of work to produce your book and software and it will certainly meet all my own needs. On the one hand I am depressed that I had not written this book and software myself but on the other hand I don't have to go through all the work and headaches that you have gone through developing it. The pro's are what all gamers want:- Handy sized book - not too onerous; Small file to download; simple design; no gimmicks; No reading through pile of other peoples' winning anecdotes - gives me the impression that I'll be telling my own winning story! Does the job exactly as designed very effectively; very fast; extremely powerful filters; a pleasure to read and use. As I said before - WELL DONE HARRY!

Well done Harry Schneider. Your lottery book and software are very impressive. Simple design and layout with effective easily understood results. Saw your comments on the opening screen of the software and closing comments in the book. It's if I had written them myself - brilliant! You have put in a lot of work to produce your book and software and it will certainly meet all my own needs. On the one hand I am depressed that I had not written this book and software myself but on the other hand I don't have to go through all the work and headaches that you have gone through developing it. The pro's are what all gamers want:- Handy sized book - not too onerous; Small file to download; simple design; no gimmicks; Does the job exactly as designed very effectively; very fast; extremely powerful filters; a pleasure to read and use. As I said before - WELL DONE HARRY!

I saw Max Gunther on a late night talk show when he was prmoting the book. his informal, casual discussion highlights from his research really impressed me. I purchased the book a few days later. The kind of information in this book is whatever person in their late 20s should know. what he wrote about 25 years ago still stands today. Great stuff!

Intuition tells us (as does this book) that all things are not equal when it comes to the way that seemingly random occurences affect individuals. Some people are just luckier than others in terms of how these events appear and play out in their favor. Gunther takes an open-minded approach to the question of luck, and interviews unquestionably lucky and unlucky individuals to see what the common factors are. His analysis includes the expected (lucky people have more opportunities by virtue of their personalities), but he isn't afraid to talk about findings that don't fall nicely into a causal, classical model. Why should a person's state of mind matter in determining their luck, above and beyond how it changes their outward behavior? This book doesn't present the whole answer to that question, but it does lay a good foundation for giving the matter some serious thought.

Believe me. This is one book anybody who feels fate has give them a hard kick must have. This book will tell you why your less 'talented' friend did better than one of your apparently more talented ones. I'd read a lot of self-help books of all kind before I read this but this one ranks right there with Think and Grow Rich and How to win Friends and Influence People. It tells you exactly what luck is and how you can make it work for you. It is obvious that the author did extensive research before writing this. A unique thing in this book is the study of comparative luck-beliefs like probability. This book may not turnaround somebody's luck at once, but will be a great help in understanding luck and improving once chances in life. As a bonus, it is factually entertaining!

I recommend this book only after the reader gets a moderate amount of time on the table. The reason for this is that the book teaches by example and it would probably be difficult for a reader who hasn't played before to get the most out of it since he won't be able to relate to the situations given. However, this is what makes this book so strong. Oftentimes, you read a poker book full of concepts, but few examples, and you're left wondering how those concepts would be applied to the situation at hand. The hands given in this book are excellent and very representative of common situations on the poker table. Each example is given with the popular opinion, his opinion (which I usually agree with), and if applicable, a reason why he believes his way is the correct way. Great book to get you thinking and to fill the practical gaps that other poker books have left their readers with. Best in its class!

The problem is, giving this book a rave review may get people I play with to read it and then I won't make as much money. Still, I must do what I must do.
This is a great book on holdem, and deserves to come from a guy who calls himself 'the coach.'
Each chapter covers a particular issue (pre-flop play from early position, turn play, etc.), with a brief but useful introduction and then adds numerous extremely useful examples, with correct play pointed out and explained for each example. Useful to read straight through or just go to problem parts of your game (value betting on the river, for example).
My only warning is that this book is probably not for beginning players. It has no easy charts on what to play and when and assumes some basic holdem knowledge. That said, for any player beyound the beginner stage this is an excellent book. You won't be sorry (but I might).

Of the dozen or so poker books I've bought in the last two years, this one has gotten by far the most repeated use. The writing is clear and logical, and the quiz/explanation format is perfect when I'm wondering whether I played a hand correctly. In the last four months I have gone from someone who was terrified of hold'em to a consistently winning player, thanks in large part to repeated study of this book. I think most people will find it much more useful than Sklansky and Malmuth, simply because the practical examples are such an ideal teaching tool.

This tape was extraordinary. In one hour it showed me why I had been such a sucker for years. It is really interesting and Scoblete is a great speaker. His analysis of how the casinos operate, mathematically, monetarily and psychologically was a revelation. This tape is a must for all casino gamblers. It is far superior to the books by Jean Scott and others.

This tape concerns exactly how casinos structure their games to get the edge but it also has the psychological elements that are used against us to make us lose our money and be happy about it. Scoblete is a dynamic speaker and this tape is worth getting and listening to over and over again. It puts you in the proper frame of mind to take on the casinos. I think all gamblers would benefit from getting this tape. It has helped me immensely.

In one hour, Frank Scoblete tells you everything you need to know to understand how the casinos use math, psychology and their enormous bankrolls to beat the average player. This is a great tape that makes you think.