book opinions?

kewljason

Well-Known Member
#1
I just became aware of the book "Gambling Wizzards" earlier today when Richard Munchkin posted in another thread. (the book is his avatar) I am not at all familiar with this member having only read a handful of posts, mostly on the other site. I don't see this book for sale on this site or wong's site, but from the subtitle "conversations with the world's greatest gamblers", it looks like something I could be interested in. I really enjoy reading stories and experiences of other players, particularly from days of yesteryear, slightly before my time. Has anyone read this book? Opinions? (other than Mr Munchkin of course....:laugh:)
 

Richard Munchkin

Well-Known Member
#2
I'll let others give you their impressions but if you are looking for the book you can find it on Amazon or at the Huntington Press website. (They published it.)
 

AussiePlayer

Well-Known Member
#3
Finished it a couple of months ago, it's not a 'how to' book, but a fascinating insight into the world of pro gamblers. Would definitely recommend it.

The biggest insight for me was just how diverse the pros are, most using AP techniques at several different games throughout their careers.
 

nightspirit

Well-Known Member
#5
Definitely worth reading KJ! Great interviews, not exclusively about blackjack. There are already a lot of interviews by this HOFer over at the library of BJFonline.com. :)
 

Sucker

Well-Known Member
#6
FWIW - Though I do not personally know the man, his reputation precedes him. Munchkin has for several decades been known to be one of the strongest BJ players in the world. It would be a mistake to NOT listen to ANYTHING he has to say. :cool:
 

Richard Munchkin

Well-Known Member
#8
Thanks for the kind words guys.

Just to give you a little more information about the book. The book came out 9 years ago, and since then 2 of the subjects have died, Chip Reese, and Alan Woods. I wrote the kind of book that I as a gambler wanted to read, and a big inspiration was a book called Fast Company by Jon Bradshaw. I highly recommend that book as well. Hope you enjoy it.
 

Percy

Well-Known Member
#9
As well as being an interesting read, the book was a real eye opener for me.

It made me realise that, aside from beating casinos, there are many other ways there are to be a professional gambler. And not just the ones detailed in RM's book.

It also highlighted how important it is to take care of your taxes.
 
#10
Richard Munchkin said:
I'll let others give you their impressions but if you are looking for the book you can find it on Amazon or at the Huntington Press website.
Hi Richard, I really enjoyed Gambling Wizards when I was down for 14-mos in '03 and passed it around to a few dozen homies.
Your interview style inspired the tone and tempo of Barfarkel's ZG Interview.

Glad to see you here. zg
 
#11
I just noticed the 60 Minutes tonight is rerunning the segment on legendary sports bettor Billy Walters. He is one of the 8 profiled in the book. If you haven't seen this 60 Minutes piece check it out.
 
#12
Richard Munchkin said:
a big inspiration was a book called Fast Company by Jon Bradshaw. I highly recommend that book as well. Hope you enjoy it.
I thought the same thing about Gambling Wizards and it's cool to see a confirmation from the author himself! Anyway, as has been mentioned, GW is indeed a great read, as is Fast Company (the former being more somewhat relevant to the interests of many folks on here).
 

Sonny

Well-Known Member
#13
It's a fantastic read. Those pros have some amazing stories to tell. The thing I like about the book (and Munchkin's interviews on Snyder's website) is that Munchkin is a very accomplished player so he asks the questions that all of us what to hear about. It's not like reading an interview where the host doesn't know anything about the subject and asks a bunch of mundane questions. This is all good stuff.

And, as others have pointed out, it really shows you how diverse these guys are. They have incredible knowledge and experience at many different games. The amount of money they have earned is unbelievable. And these are just a few stories from a few people! Now imagine all of the secrets that will never be told. The sheer depth of this profession is mind boggling.

-Sonny-
 
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#14
Sonny said:
It's a fantastic read. Those pros have some amazing stories to tell. The thing I like about the book (and Munchkin's interviews on Snyder's website) is that Munchkin is a very accomplished player so he asks the questions that all of us what to hear about. It's not like reading an interview where the host doesn't know anything about the subject and asks a bunch of mundane questions. This is all good stuff.

And, as others have pointed out, it really shows you how diverse these guys are. They have incredible knowledge and experience at many different games. The amount of money they have earned is unbelievable. And these are just a few stories from a few people! Now imagine all of the secrets that will never be told. The sheer depth of this profession is mind boggling.

-Sonny-
Wasn't Market Wizards a Munchkin book too? zg
 
#15
zengrifter said:
Wasn't Market Wizards a Munchkin book too? zg
LOL, I wish. I was reading Market Wizards on a flight to Hong Kong and thought, "Gamblers are much more interesting than these people." While in Hong Kong that trip I did the interview with Alan Woods.
 
#16
Richard Munchkin said:
LOL, I wish. I was reading Market Wizards on a flight to Hong Kong and thought, "Gamblers are much more interesting than these people." While in Hong Kong that trip I did the interview with Alan Woods.
Woods died? Or was it another high tech racing AP? zg
 
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