Customer Reviews

Big Book of Blackjack

5 star:		(3)
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3 star:		(1)
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I was given this book as a gift and had very little interest in Blackjack, but by the time I finished reading it, I was hooked. This book gives an amazingly interesting and complete history of the game, from its very beginnings. So many things were in this book that I have since not been able to find as complete anywhere. Arnold Snyder seems like the authority on the subject and must have done a good amount of research and/or collecting to compile all this information.

Along with the history, it also shows how to play, different variations, and tons of things I didn't expect at all. I learned to play blackjack from this book and it was a great teacher, though I recommend it more for the history aspects. This book is absolutely invaluable and should be on any blackjack player, fan, or fanatic's bookshelf.

Just about the entire book deals with
the history, casinos, terminology, side
bets, and the like. Fortunately there
is some info on basic strategy and an
unbalanced count, but don't expect this
book to prepare you to take on the casinos.
An interesting read for those with a
passing interest in BJ, or for a brand
new student of the game.

Ok, so you think you have read all the books on BJ and now you are all that.

Well, think again. If you have not at least peeped out the first six chapters of the Big Book of BlackJack you are not all that. As a fool who has read more than his fair share of blackjack books I figured that this book would be more of the same. Blackjack starting at Thorp and ending in some half assed explanations of advanced techniques. Well, I was way wrong. In the Big Book of Blackjack Thorp doesn't even appear until chapter three. Have you ever wondered where our beloved games origins are really from? I have for one have often wondered about this very question and to my surprise Arnold has done some great research for us and given us many facts and clues to the origins of the game we all love. I am not going to spill the beans so to speak but I feel very educated as to the who and where in days of past our game stems from due to reading the history section of the book.

You learn about vingt-un and also some of the early players of the game from Napoleon to Madame Mustache. Ok, knowing the history of the origins of the game isn't going to make you a master advantage player but it is very interesting to say the least. Like they say you don't know who you are until you look into your past and if you are or hope to be an advantage player this is your past.

Of course none of the modern history of Thorp is discounted or dismissed. The book just shows us that there is more to the story than just Thorp. A lot of positive things were taking place pre-Thorp. The way the book gives this history is awesome for the fact that it sheds great light on the reasons as to why many of the modern greats are greats. It's all tied together in the end on the chapter on the blackjack hall of famers. For example, the modern history lesson of hall of famers shows how Ken Uston may have been a great hype man but that Al Francesco is really the man. Anyone who could be stabbed in the back like that and not be a drama queen is very commendable.

The Big Book goes on to explain the basics, card counting, how to beat side bets, and other advanced techniques. I also enjoyed the chapter on the hall of famers. (too bad James Grosjean didn't make it in the book). What ever your level of play or knowledge this book should be a definite addition to your library.

There are so many books out on BJ that it is mind boggling. I'm not trying to be a shill or anything but I truly recommend this book to players of all levels because it truly has info that you can't find in any other BJ books.

As a professional gambler and writer (Casino Gambling for Fun and Profit:Second Edition), I have been aware for many years of the Blackjack expertise of Arnold Snyder. Today, with the constant shuffling machines and 6/5 blackjack play, it is more important than ever to your wallet or purse to play in top form. Arnold Snyder can help you achieve just that in his Big Book of Blackjack.

J. Edward Crowder, Ph.D.