The Counting Game: An Accountant Reveals How to Win at Blackjack
by Alan Berg
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Book Summary Information
Author: Alan BergEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-12-25
ISBN: 156980334X
Number of pages: 160
Publisher: Barricade Books
Book Reviews of The Counting Game: An Accountant Reveals How to Win at Blackjack
Book Review: The Wizard of Odds
Summary: 5 Stars
The author once received what I imagine would be the ultimate card shark compliment as he was being banned from yet another casino: "We're making a tape out of you."
In "The Counting Game" Berg advises the reader how to improve the odds of winning at the only game in the House where those odds are even close to letting a player win: 21, or blackjack. He shares his system of counting cards -- without illegal use of a computer -- letting you know what constitutes favorable and unfavorable conditions; strategies for betting to maximize your winnings and minimize your losses (and you will have those); and how best to "cover" what you're doing from the prying casino's electronic and human eyes until that inevitable day when you are (politely) barred from their 21 table.
For those who are comfortable around numbers, can memorize a few tables, and develop the mental agility and physical dexterity to follow his system for keeping track of the cards during the game, Berg lays out a clear path to repeating his success. He provides a master plan of play for those with a head for it. I don't possess one of those, and I am risk averse, so I found myself simply enjoying the knowledge of what it takes to win. The reason I was drawn to this book is because I know the author. I especially liked reading about his cat-and-mouse game of trying to hide how good he was, and the depiction of the casino lifestyle: the details of the extravagant way the casinos comp heavy bettors with VIP treatment to get their business -- until the casino folks figure out who's a poor investment because he's beating the odds over time. Berg tells you about some of the good games in the world, and shares some of the numerous requests for his departure. It's an excellent read with an appealing "you are there" quality to it, and even the instruction has a conversational tone.
"Don't take your betting lessons from 'Rain Man,'" Berg advises. He dispels Hollywood myths (he's never seen anyone being cheated nor apparently experienced any brass knuckles). He shares his mistakes as well as his victories, and teaches you the customs of this scene and the proper deportment within it. Being an accountant, he even lets you know the tax rules for reporting the wins, the losses, and the complimentary goodies. I suggest before you try to master his system, that you read "Chapter 23: The Essential Ingredients of Success," to see if you're a good candidate for putting this book to practical use. In it he lays out the potential costs and helps you assess whether you have what it takes, both in nature and wherewithal, to attempt this. And he urges the reader to maintain perspective -- "Remember, it's just a game."
"Never tell me the odds," Han Solo said during a harrowing escape, before, naturally, beating them. Berg ignores this admonition, and lets you know exactly what the odds are at these games of chance. I think the price of publishing this book must be his banishment from most of today's casinos, but if I'm right, his loss may be your gain.
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