New Blackjack Book

[KenSmith]

I just found this book, and I'm completely unfamiliar with it or the author.
Princes of Darkness: The World of High Stakes Blackjack
by Carl Sampson

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...eblackjacbasic

Anybody have any insights?

[ukdave]

ken

I have just bought and read this book. I was a little disappointed at the ending of the book. IT could have hada nother 100-150 pages in my view giving some up and downs of the evolution of the team and their play in London.

The author seems to have had an effective team in the UK, but one wonders why his turned into a professional poker player so quickly (although many do this).

Not a bad read though and the very first I have with a direct UK connection

regards

dave

[FGK42]

So when can we expect a new BJ book by Ken Smith?

Words from the KING!

[supercoolmancool]

Yah it wasn't like a great book and it ended really bad but it gave the reader an idea of the techniques the pros use to win. So for that alone I recommend it.

[RJT]

This was an interesting book with what i felt was i distinctly more British tone and attitude. The only way i can really describe it is that there's none of the glitz and glamour of the US casino, it's all the toned down and almost grey in view more typical of the UK lifestyle.
I agree that it would have been interesting if he'd continued the book on somewhat to cover what happened when he actually had the team up and running successfully rather than just covering the very start and how the team got together.
It has some discussion of techniques that i'm not convinced would be much use outside of the UK. The dealers over here don't adhere to such strict shuffling and dealing procedure and as such, open themselves to weaknesses that can easily be exploited by those with a sharp eye and mind.
I thought this was far from the most involving read that i've done on the subject of blackjack and had i been him, i'm not sure that i would have been comfortable with the team he assembled, but it was interesting and i took several points that i put a lot of consideration to from reading it - especially as it explored playing in the UK specifically.


RJT.

[rogue1]

In the book he says they place the cut card 5 decks into a 6 card shoe yet they choose not to count cards but use other advantage techniques. At times he sound like he's getting excited about being up 700 british pounds (about $350.00 American as I understand it) and his team consists of 3 or 4 people. He also mentions how the casino staff might look at them suspiciously if they have travelled like 65 miles to get to this particular casino-give me air!
It's not like I hated the book-but if you're looking for a book to help you with team play fuhgedaboudit!

[RJT]

Alright Rogue1,
The climate with blackjack is rather different over here, but having played in a fair number of places i can say that it doesn't draw you too much attention playing away from home. Don't get me wrong if i consisitently play the one venue that's 100's of miles away from my home they might look at me twice if i don't have a cover story (remember that over here you have to hand over some form over some form of id and become a member of the casinos over here to play so they can normally tell where you live).
Also, £700 is actually just short of $1400, so i would consider it something to get a little excited about, especially as it's one of their first attempts.
As i said before, far more useful if you are actually playing in the UK, if not, really just something to read out of interest.

RJT.

[rogue1]

I don't think Ben Mezrich is going to be interested in doing the screenplay if you know what I mean.

[RJT]

Totally lol. Kinda lacks the thrill and glamour....

RJT.