Customer Reviews

Play Blackjack Like the Pros

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book focuses on the card counting system called High Opt 2. High Opt 2 is considered the Rolls Royce of all blackjack card counts because it outperforms all of the other systems, however, it contains alot of matrix numbers that make it difficult to learn for some people. The book includes a simplified version of High Opt.2 that makes it easier to learn.
Since High Opt.2 is mostly used in single and double deck games, the author makes recomendations as to which counts to use for shoe games.
The book also teaches complete Basic Strategy and an abbreviated version. Some of the other topics include how to win at tournament blackjack, internet blackjack, team play, camouflage, money management, and his experiences playing blackjack internationally including being harrassed by US customs upon re-entering the US with $40,000 in cash. It turns out Congress gives customs the authority to strip search anyone, including US citizens, entering the country with alot of money. They didn't do that to him, but it's scary to know that's what the law is. The author also sprinkles in personal anecdotes about his own experiences playing blackjack all over the country.

Very good on basic strategy, money management, non-card counting tactics, the internet, promotions, and almost everything else you would want to know about playing backjack seriously or professionally. Blackwood also writes very well and has a number of interesting stories to tell. The book is enjoyable to read for his personal history and general observations. But the book loses one star for advanced strategies. The matrix charts he puts in the book are not adequately explained. He pivots between Hi-Lo and Hi-Opt strategies and between single/double and six decks, which is confusing. He talks about single and double handed blackjack a lot, but he also says that these games are harder and harder to find, especially in the northeast corridor. I doubt it would be inaccurate to say that very few people will master all the "million-dollars strategies" required for winning big at blackjack that Blackwood used. But overall, it's an interesting and worthwhile book.

I have read 6 blackjack books now over the past few months and I was disappointed with this one. The information in the book is not presented in a logical, easy to follow manner. I found it to be scattered and fragmented. The information that Blackwood gives is correct, yet he does not go into enough details during several sections and the novice reader will not have enough information to be successful. Instead of buying this book, purchase Blackbelt in Blackjack by Arnold Snyder. The information is much better organized with much more detail which makes learning what you need to know much easier.

Ian Andersen gave us optimism, Don Schlesinger gave us the technical details, & Stanford Wong brilliantly told us what was important. But Kevin Blackwook's book PLAY BLACKJACK LIKE THE PROS puts it all together in a simplified way that not only is enjoyable reading, but more informative.

A great read and accurate information. Can't wait to hit the tables again. Best BJ/Counting book I've read yet.