Tommy Hyland chooses "The Blackjack Zone" for new players

[The Mayor]

A few days ago I quite unexpectedly got a call from Tommy Hyland. He told me that people come up to him all the time asking how to become a card counter. When this happens, he likes to give them a book. He told me that Wong's book (Professional Blackjack) is too advanced (btw, I recommend Wong's book in chapter 42), and that he used to give out another book. But, after reading my book, he decided that it would be his book of choice for new players.

Here is what Tommy Hyland said:

"While there are some great blackjack books out there on the market, I think that The Blackjack Zone is the best book out there for the beginning player who wants to learn how to beat the game."

"The Blackjack Zone" is available for sale on this site:

(Dead link: http://www.theblackjackzone.com/)

 

[phantom007]

Somewhat DISAGREE......

The BJZ "is the best book out there" for beginners and semi-pro's" to learn how NOT TO BEAT THEMSELVES", and to "Not be sucked into the Ploppy Table Mania(s)" that often abound(s).

Since "BJZ" was never intended to be a "BEGINNER" book, then certainly it should NOT be the 1st book that a New Student should read. IMHO, more like the 3rd or 4th, or possibly even the 5th or 6th, though still a MANDATORY READ before playing BJ for serious $$$.

Whatever, just my thoughts.

phantom007.

 

[Garo]

BJZ a good second book

As an inexpirenced occasional player I think the first book needs to put you in the right mindset for the game. Card counting is ALL about the numbers and Wong's book is ALL about the numbers. His book should be the first one read, even if a beginner doesn't get everything in it, it will put them in the right mindset.

 

[Anthony]

Question about the book "Professional Blackjack"

Hello all,

Is the book designed for an intermediate player? I've read Blackbelt in Blackjack, and have read it a couple times. After seeing Proffessional Blackjack advertised on a web-site, I've been thinking about buying the book, and then I see it being mentioned in The Mayors post. What do you guys/girls think about the book? Honestly.

Thanks
Anthony

 

[learning to count]

To be honest...

if you are using hi-lo or want to learn about halves you must have it. It is the ultimate source for hi-lo. I have been using hi-lo for ten years. there are easier methods but I enjoy hi-lo. Hi-lo is adaptable to every game and all the work has been done for you in this book. I have three copies. One is my work book with tons of notes and entries, one is my lend out book and the last is personally signed by Wong himself. Oh yeah if you are a srious player then you should also be reading black jack attack by Don Schlesinger. If your a begginer then I have to hype the mayors book BJ Zone! It is excellent for a look into the world of a card counter and for the begginer. I can personally say that I witnessed a lot of the experiences that went into BJ Zone!

Also for you AP's out there READ "Wong on Dice!" I just finished it and it is tasty. I am building my practice box as I speak!!!!

 

[learning to count]

I disagree

IMHO BJ zone is there to explain what we do and then to clarify it for the begginer. Wongs books are essential but Eliot has simplified the mystery of what we do. BJ Zone is intelligent but available for the curious begginer.

 

[Automatic Monkey]

Do you need a book of numbers if you have software?

Personally I feel a lot better about using the CVData package to generate numbers for the exact game I'm planning on playing and simming it in the manner I'm planning to play. Then I can modify it to suit my needs and watch it run to get a good feel for what is going to happen to me out there. I don't know, were they even dealing 8D games when most of these books were written? I'd rather read a book about experiences; ploppy behavior, casino behavior, psychology and self-contol, cover, stuff you can't simulate on a computer.

 

[Kieran]

Agree with Automatic Monkey...

I just finished The Blackjack Zone and thought it was an excellent book because of the emphasis on the psychology of the game. I also liked the fact that Jacobson frames the game in a larger, life context.

I would definitely recommend it as a first book, but would also recommend Blackwood's new book "Play Blackjack Like the Pros" I thought it was a great book as well. Having read quite a few books, now, I wish I could have read these two first and then got into all of the others.

 

[learning to count]

Auto ape does hammer the nail home

in this day and age it is essential to teach real life experience. Just learning to count is a third of the battle. Heat is at its worst today. A new trained AP will get clobbered out there. I have to count the cards, watch my bets, calculate the TC, flirt with the waitress, carry a conversation with the pit boss, watch the other pit monkeys listen for the phone and finally be aware of suit activity behind me!!!!!!! whew!!!!!

 

[Victoria]

don't forget to add

Everything Learning to Count said, plus for the new counter, a few things we always do, but loosing traps they often fall into.
Only play good games.
Not following or developing ploppy habits.

The Mayor's book is of great help here.

Victoria

 

[eyesfor21]

love the myth part-so true

and we here everyday..plus
your taking the dealers bust card
don't double that a.7
don't sit out we all will lose
your breaking the flow
your cutting the cards wrong

 

[Jay Lee]

Tommy Hyland

Does anybody know how I can join the organization?