Customer Reviews

Blackjack: The Real Deal

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Blackjack:The Real Deal was by far the most informative and logical black jack book I have purchased. I've been going to Atlantic City for some time now, and I have never won so often in my life. I've read many other books on this game and this was the only book that was written in a way that I found easy to understand, and, beyond a shadow of a doubt, WORKS!! J. Phillip Vogel goes into such topics as casino etiquette, betting stratogies, and easy to read charts telling you when to take a card, split your cards, and so on. Since I have read this book, my winnings have increased by at least 45%. My recommendation would be to defanitely buy this book, read it, and be ready to "WIN"!!!

I've read at least a half-dozen books on Blackjack, and this one is far and away the worst. He can't even get the basic strategy right! Beyond the fact that he uses a mishmash of "correct" plays (some only true against single deck, some only against multiple deck), he tells you to split 9's against a 10 or an ace (as well as a 7, which are all major no-no's) and not to double an A-4 or A-5 against a 4 (a good play against any rules)! Beyond that, he packs the book full of complete nonsense, such as trend analysis. This technique is based on the absolutely faulty premise that if the dealer has broken 5 hands in a row, he is more likely to break the sixth. The truth is, that the OPPOSITE is more likely to be true, since a dealer who's been busting a lot has probably drawn a lot of high cards out of the deck (but this is no substitute for counting). The net result is you'll waste a lot of time watching others play, and gain absolutely nothing for it. He also emphasizes progressive/regressive betting methods that, in the long run, will perform no better than just flat bets (for the simple reason that you're not counting, and don't know when you should bet higher). The ironic thing is that his bet-changing methodology won't help you, but could possibly get you harrassed or barred, simply because it looks a lot like the manner in which card couters change their bets. He puts forward other stupid ideas as well, too numerous to all recount here. Basically, avoid this book like the plague. It's not worth the paper it's printed on.

Blackjack: The Real Deal is right on the money! Its basic strategy section increased my understanding of the game and brought my winnings up an average of 30%. J. Phillip Vogel's style is easy to read, straight forward, logical and based on statistical facts, not luck or superstition. (Mathematics don't lie.) What's more, he covers casino etiquette, money management and other handy tips. I think quite a few gamblers could use this book, whether or not THEY think so. I see he is also coming out with a craps book that, personally, I can't wait to read!

This is the only blackjack book needed. J. Phillip Vogel covers everything needed in order to beat the casino. He includes basic strategies, easy to read charts and even card counting. No gambler should play without reading this first.

I enjoy reading about gambling almost as much as I like playing it, and I have found Vogel's work to be an excellent source for any player, especially a novice. His basic strategy methods are right on the money when you compare them to every recognized strategy, any he even includes a basic section on card-counting which is important for beginner players. Some of his discussions on trends and probability will probably confuse some players who are less-than-mensa material, but he tries somewhat successfully to make them read easy.

The basic breakdown of the book is a separation into what he terms "The Successful Six" which is generally a breakdown of the six most important weapons in a gambler's arsenal: proper bankroll, knowledge of the game, self-control, strategy, understanding probability, and patience. All of this information is highly useful, and it is presented in a thorough, enjoyable manner.

As a semi-professional gambler myself, I would recommend this book to any gambler, and call it essential reading to any novice.

The review by Booklist--a very respected source of book reviews--caused me to buy and read Blackjack: the Real Deal. Relatively new at the game and wanting to improve my chances to win, I was impressed by the information in this book. Now I'm on my way to Vegas and to try out my new skills. I recommend this very logical and readable book to anyone interested in improving their game !