Ken Uston - Fraud or Pioneer?

[21forme]

Think about it: If you discovered a gold mine, would you tell the world?

If I could make more money selling the mine, rather than digging the ore myself, yes. :grin:

 

[Gamblor]

If I could make more money selling the mine, rather than digging the ore myself, yes. :grin:

Also ego is a huge factor.

 

[Sonny]

If I could make more money selling the mine, rather than digging the ore myself, yes. :grin:

Maybe you won't earn more, but you'll work less.

-Sonny-

 

[zengrifter]

There are almost NO books that have been written on blackjack - or just about anything else for that matter - where the ideas were actually invented by the author himself. It could easily be argued that almost all authors are not innovators, but nothing more than snitches.

Even Ed Thorp, in fact. zg

 

[zengrifter]

Grosjean saw the problem with this and changed his marketing.

Talk about locking the stable door after the horses are out! z:laugh:g

Ps - Grosjean also published techniques others protected.

 

[Craps Master]

I have to agree with Uston and Johnny C about shuffle tracking. Generally speaking, I wouldn't want people on my team who are playing on a joint bankroll with me trying to track shuffles. It's not that I believe people can't do it, it's just that the people who can consistently get an edge doing it are few and far between, as are the games on which said edge can reliably be obtained.

 

[QFIT]

I have to agree with Uston and Johnny C about shuffle tracking. Generally speaking, I wouldn't want people on my team who are playing on a joint bankroll with me trying to track shuffles. It's not that I believe people can't do it, it's just that the people who can consistently get an edge doing it are few and far between, as are the games on which said edge can reliably be obtained.

Fair statement. Fact is, if you manage a team, you can test a new counter. And, you can get someone to observe his/her play now and then. But, testing an STer is a whole 'nother matter.

 

[Gamblor]

I have to agree with Uston and Johnny C about shuffle tracking. Generally speaking, I wouldn't want people on my team who are playing on a joint bankroll with me trying to track shuffles. It's not that I believe people can't do it, it's just that the people who can consistently get an edge doing it are few and far between, as are the games on which said edge can reliably be obtained.

I would go so far to say that anyone who can consistently get an edge from STing are non existent.

As I mentioned earlier, Snyder even points out only those with some special mystical ability apparently are able to do it successfully. Sounds very close to vodoo. :grin:

So relax casinos, some of your crazy shuffling routines are a waste of time and money for us all. Sigh.

 

[Richard Munchkin]

You have to remember that this was happening back in about 1980. Casinos were using the simplest one pass shuffles imaginable. Discards on top, no plugs, and one pass R&R.

I agree that today shuffle tracking is not a worthwhile pursuit, unless you happen upon the right shuffle.

 

[Sucker]

Maybe you won't earn more, but you'll work less.

-Sonny-

Writing a book takes MUCH more work than playing blackjack!

 

[Lonesome Gambler]

I agree that today shuffle tracking is not a worthwhile pursuit, unless you happen upon the right shuffle.

There are still a few time machines around, but low table maxes and other precarious circumstances make this type of play fairly obsolete. I do believe that the type of ST that you're referring to is far from out of reach of the above-average skilled counter, but of course, that kind of skill isn't as valuable today as it was then. Well, at least not for that particular application!