Blackjack Bluebook II

by Fred Renzey

Easy-to-read and chock-full of useful blackjack insights, Blackjack Bluebook II is quite an accomplishment. The book is split into four main sections: "Unique Nature of Blackjack", "What makes blackjack tick?", "Proper Blackjack Strategy", and "Gaining the Edge". Each builds on the previous level, and Renzey's explanations of many concepts are the best I've seen.

As an example, one of the unique sections of this book is chapter 6, "What comes after basic strategy?". Here, Renzey talks about several easy techniques that a player can use without card counting to improve his results at the table. This "in between" level of expertise between basic strategy and card counting is ignored by other authors, but well-served by Blackjack Bluebook II.

Once Renzey gets to card counting, he presents a total of three different effective counting systems. His explanations of how they work are guaranteed to make you a better player at any level. Late in the book, you'll find the "Nifty 15" camouflage plays, a great short list of the best plays to use to look like a fish to the casino instead of a shark.

Paperback, Blackjack Mentor Press, 217 pp, ISBN 0-615-13104-2