Can you run out and use these systems today against the casinos? Sure, but over 30 years have gone by and there are now simpler more effective systems. But if you are naturally gifted at doing complex calculations in your head quickly, I think the 10 count system would still be wickedly effective.

Buy it for the theory and the stories. Then go out and buy a newer book with simpler more modern counting systems.


THE Classic Book On Blackjack   September 29, 1999
 31 out of 31 found this review helpful

I totally disagree with the other reviewers who say this book is "no longer relevant". It is the definitive guide to Blackjack's "Basic Strategy" plus provides a fascinating historical perspective on how Thorp ran the computer simulations to develop the Basic Strategy and test it in Nevada casinos back in the early '60's. What the other reviewers say is true, that the methods Thorp used (card counting) to make a lot of money back in the '60's no longer work today, but that doesn't diminish the value of the book. The casinos were changing the rules and "shutting down" the big opportunities before Thorp even finished the book. But that isn't the measure of the value of the book (although it is testimony to how powerful Thorps's insights were when first developed).

Everyone playing Blackjack (one deck or out of a shoe) should be playing "Basic Strategy" at a minimum. If you want to implement some other strategy on top of that (changing bet size, card counting, etc. etc.) have at it. But the starting point should be Basic Strategy.

Furthermore, the average recreational Blackjack player should be playing Basic Strategy, but many (most? -- at the cheaper tables anyway) don't as you can observe by sitting down at any Blackjack table.

This book should be read by anyone who wants to play Blackjack.


Must have book for beginner blackjack players   May 1, 2000
 16 out of 26 found this review helpful

The basic strategy can be learned in just a few days of practicing. The high/low method of counting can be learned just as easily. When you combine the two, and vary your bets accordingly, the house no longer has an advantage.

I used the basic strategy and the high/low count methods taught in THIS BOOK only, and stuck strictly to the strategy one weekend. I started with $250.00 betting $10 per hand and won over $20,000 in 17 hours. By the end I was playing three hands at a time of $250 minimum on each hand. I was amazed at how well the strategy worked for me.

The book is wonderful and entertaining even if you don't plan to play any. The stories are great. Highly recommend it.


Outdated but Interesting   March 3, 2002
 14 out of 16 found this review helpful

If you are looking to learn blackjack for the first time or even if you are an intermediate player, I would not recommend this as the book to read. You should read Frank Scoblete's BEST BLACKJACK which teaches a much simpler and easier to learn card counting system. Also, Scoblete's book is a lot more fun. But Thorp is the genius who invented card counting and his book is a must as background.


Best Book on Blackjack Ever Written   April 11, 2000
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

Everyone who ever THINKS about playing blackjack to win should read this book. Thorp is the one who started it all - the Einstein of gambling theory. Anyone who doubts this should read any of his other books or articles, or simply count the number of references to Thorp in Epstein's Theory of Gambling and Statistical Logic.

The clarity, depth, and scope of this work surpasses any other on the subject - and it started a revolution! The theory, complete with computer printouts from 1961(!), and the methodology are there, yet this is no dry textbook. Thorp includes fascinating historical and motivational material, as well as a spellbinding account of his first successful tests in Las Vegas.

How anyone could aspire to become a winner at blackjack and not read this book is a mystery to me! And some of the reviewers are simply mistaken. Thorp's systems ARE still relevant, and they absolutely still work. Naturally, they have been improved upon over the course of 34 years, and aspiring card counters will have more than one text, one would HOPE. But Thorp is still:

Relevant, Mesmerising, Indispensable.