Burning the Tables in Las Vegas: Keys to Success in Blackjack and in Life (Gambling Theories Methods) [Hardcover]

Ian Andersen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Gambling Theories Methods | Publication Date: March 1, 2003

In the mid-1970s, Ian Andersen wrote Turning the Tables on Las Vegas, the classic book on casino comportment. As the first book to broach the all-important consideration of how to get away with getting the money, Turning was the book that launched a thousand blackjack careers. After its publication, however, Andersen disappeared from the scene. Where did he go? The answer is spelled out in this long-awaited sequel, Burning the Tables in Las Vegas--Keys to Success in Blackjack and in Life.

Since 1976, Andersen has been perfecting his personal program for success in blackjack, poker, and other of life's games. His technique combines elements of mathematics, psychology, and mental and physical well-being to create a never-before-disclosed approach to winning.

Burning the Tables in Las Vegas addresses virtually every aspect of blackjack advantage play: game selection, longevity, tipping, employee relations, guises, disguises, false identification, credit, comps, risk, heat, dress, demeanor, and diet. Andersen also explains how emotions, such as guilt and anger, and skills, such as discipline and interpersonal competence, can affect your prospects for profit.

Peppered with fascinating anecdotes and stories from Andersen's forays into the great casinos of the world, Burning the Tables in Las Vegas takes you on a vicarious journey into the rarefied realm of the high-stakes blackjack pro--and shows you what it takes to be one.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

One of the best blackjack books ever written. --Blackjack Confidential

Devious? No. Ingenious, crafty, cunning, and worthy? Definitely! --Gaming Today

Now we get the benefit of 20 more years from one of blackjack's most successful big-time players. --Don Schlesinger

About the Author

Ian Andersen has been a world-class professional gambler and an international man of mystery since the late 1960s, when he began collecting material for his ground-breaking book about the psychology of advantage play, Turning the Tables on Las Vegas. After 35 years, he's still out there, plying his unique gambling trade, wherever he likes.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 345 pages
• Publisher: Huntington Press; 2 edition (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0929712846
• ISBN-13: 978-0929712840
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #536,179 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Blackjack

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide in blackjack and life, November 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Burning The Tables in Las Vegas--Keys to Success in Blackjack and in Life (Hardcover)

This is a fabulous book both for the casual player like myself or the expert. Ian Andersen writes well and is able to bring to life true gambling vignettes that are not only mesmerizing, but also really give the reader the flavor of what it's like to be a high stakes game player. Yet he only plays when he has an edge. This concept of "advantage play" is far different from the ideas I had about gambling. The skills he uses can be applied to many areas of life. The section on communication skills and optimistic thinking are current state-of-the-art stuff. Very useful! In fact, those are the best words to describe this book --very useful, in gambling and in life. A brilliant read!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Should You Buy the Second Edition?, December 19, 2003

By 

takingadayoff "takingadayoff" (Las Vegas, Nevada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Burning the Tables in Las Vegas: Keys to Success in Blackjack and in Life (Gambling Theories Methods) (Hardcover)

What's new in this second edition of Burning the Tables in Las Vegas? Mostly Chapter 9 on Green Chip Play. If you have a copy already, it's probably not worth it to buy the new edition, but you might want to borrow a copy to read this short new chapter on low-roller betting. In a nutshell, Andersen tells you how to win with $25-$50 bets, but don't expect to make a living at it.

Andersen spends about half the book talking about the mechanics of blackjack, and only the first few pages cover the basics. The rest is strategy and tactics, and he brings Stanford Wong along to add his expertise. The other half of the book covers topics that are not specific to blackjack, but are just as important: history, psychology, money management, risk management, health, demeanor. It is difficult to say exactly how much of a professional gambler's success is due to playing well and how much is due to people skills, being alert, reading a room, and staying healthy.

This is an up-to-date book that takes into account the way casinos operate today, not twenty years ago. Andersen adds a lot of what should be common sense to the nuts and bolts of playing winning blackjack. You probably don't need someone to tell you not to piss off the dealer (or even shoot them a disgusted look when you're losing), but it doesn't hurt to be reminded. Especially by a proven winner.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A COMPLETE HIGH ROLLER TEXT, October 9, 1999

By 

THE GENERAL (NEW JERSEY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Burning The Tables in Las Vegas--Keys to Success in Blackjack and in Life (Hardcover)

A very detailed and well written book explaining the strategy of a high stake blackjack player. However,this book is not for beginners or the casual player.What I like most about this book is that it is not watered down with tables,history,and rules of the game. Just the meat and potatoes about what and what not to do in an casio environment.