lawrence Revere

[patrick]

I just started learning how to play blackjack, and i'm using "playing blackjack as a business" by lawrence revere, could someone please tell me if this is a reliable piece of literature? and how well should i know basic strategy before i start counting, i know the strategy for 1-3 decks, but i havent really looked much at 4 or more yet, is there much of a difference?

[21forme]

Know basic strategy COLD before you start to count. Revere is somewhat outdated, though some folks still use it. Nowadays, I'd suggest KO as #1 or HiLo as #2 for anyone starting out.

[patrick]

would it be beneficial to learn the 5 count strategy before learning HiLo?

[Cardcounter]

This book is one of my all time favorite books on blackjack and the book is 99% acurate for todays playing conditions. Memorize the information given on pages 55 and 61 the information tells you how much you gain or lose by hitting on stiffs of 12-16 hitting on soft 17 or 18 on page 55 on page 61 it tells you how much you gain by splitting pairs and doubling down on a neutral count. The fact that the information is for stay on soft 17 doesn't make that much of a difference. If the game is hit soft 17 it will make no difference for upcards of 7-10 and only a mild difference for upcards of 2-5 the only cards that it will really have an effect on are Ace and 6. When he refers to 4 decks you can use the same stragedy for 6 or 8 decks it won't effect it at all.
I think the high low count is the easiest count and the only count that makes sense to me. Every other count system is jiberish to me.

[zengrifter]

The Revere 'Plus-Minus' is insufficient, but the RPC is still one of the best. zg

[ChefJJ]

Originally Posted by patrick

would it be beneficial to learn the 5 count strategy before learning HiLo?

No.

[bj bob]

Originally Posted by Cardcounter

This book is one of my all time favorite books on blackjack and the book is 99% acurate for todays playing conditions.
I think the high low count is the easiest count and the only count that makes sense to me. Every other count system is jiberish to me.

Having learned AP blackjack with the Revere system, let me make several observations as to his book and today's BJ environment.
First, Revere was a master of the game for the conditions of his time, i.e. the 60's-80's when BJ was primarily SD and most of Vegas was s17 with pen at least 75%. These indeed were the good 'ol days, however they are gone (unfortunately ) As to his BS charts, they are completely accurate for the s17 SD game, if you can still find one. As a practical update the strategy charts on our search engine are the ticket, so use them.
The next problem in Revere's book is his complete lack of any bankroll management explanation. He vaguely suggests a 30 Unit "session" roll with a 120 Unit "total" roll and that's the end of it. All of us serious AP's on this board know that this is total absurdity even for SD, not to mention shoe games. A begining BJ player needs to read the recomended books on BR management and Kelly betting.
As to the to Revere's Hi-Lo count in the book, I seriously doubt that it can produce a positive EV on it's own. First off, there are no numerical indices in his simple plus-minus system as presented, including insurance and just as importantly there are no TC conversions, only RC. Only with his RPC along with outside BR management education,and learning his TC conversions later in the book can one expect a healthy EV.
All this having been said, he does provide the beginner with fundamentally sound information on blackjack and basic strategy and he does provide a solid foundation for further AP development, but one still must fill in the gaps to cope with today's casino environment.

[BJinNJ]

Another (current) tutorial style book is BJ Blueprint by Blaine.
But, Revere's practice regimens are unmatched, IMHO.

BJinNJ

[vonQuux]

Originally Posted by zengrifter

The Revere 'Plus-Minus' is insufficient, but the RPC is still one of the best. zg

What does "RPC" mean? I look in a few blackjack terminology pages, couldn't find anything.

TIA,
vQ

[Stylee]

Originally Posted by BJinNJ

But, Revere's practice regimens are unmatched, IMHO.

BJinNJ

I just started learning to play about 6 months ago and have found no better way to practice bs than the ways Revere suggests. The book is worth it for that alone.