A survey carried out by The-Blackjack-Guide (2007) set out to discover which books experienced blackjack players most often recommended to fellow players. These are the top 10 most frequently recommended blackjack books:
Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong (1994)
Classic blackjack book, widely regarded as the best reference on the popular Hi-Lo system of card counting. Includes explanations and strategy tables for basic strategy, and variations for different rules. Aimed at serious players with plenty of detailed information – not really one for beginners.
Blackjack Attack: Playing the Pros’ Way by Don Schlesinger (2005)
For more advanced card counters already familiar with the strategies this has very detailed exploration and explanations of the statistics behind the strategies and how to apply them. Not the easiest read and if you want to learn card counting strategy this is not for you, but many serious players refer to it frequently.
Blackjack Bluebook II – The Simplest Winning Strategies Ever Published by Fred Renzey (2006)
Includes basic strategy & card counting plus alternatives to counting with strategies at varied levels of complexity to suit a range of players. The KISS Count is especially popular amongst those wanting to learn counting.
Blackbelt in Blackjack : Playing 21 as a Martial Art by Arnold Snyder (2005)
Snyder is a blackjack legend and this book is aimed at ‘players looking to win real money at the game’. Simple but effective tips and tricks on a range of strategies. Snyder’s explanations are for beginners as well as more experienced players.
Knock-Out Blackjack: The Easiest Card-Counting System Ever Devised by Olaf, Ph.D. Vancura and Ken Fuchs (1998)
The K-O counting system is simple but powerful and the book gives a clear, straightforward guide to it. Favored particularly by more casual players and beginners. It’s not as effective as more complex strategies and maybe you’ll move on to Hi-Lo later but this is a popular way to get into card counting.
Beat the Dealer: A Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One – Edward O Thorp (1966)
Dating back to the 1960s, this book is the original card counting bible. Strategies are simpler now but this remains a must-have for lovers of blackjack.
Burning the Tables in Las Vegas – Ian Andersen (2003)
Covers blackjack strategies and systems plus lots of general gambling advice including money management, psychology and the importance of health in being a successful gambler – like the author himself, who’s a genuine blackjack high roller.
Play Blackjack Like the Pros – Kevin Blackwood (2005)
Some excellent clear and comprehensive explanations of the advanced High Opt 2 card counting, including a simplified version that’s easier to learn. Also covers basic strategy, other card counting systems, some entertaining anecdotes and more. A great read.
The Theory of Blackjack – Peter Griffin (1999)
Peter Griffin’s classic work provides understandable explanations of the methods and statistical analysis behind card-counting systems. Quite a heavy read but great for those with an interest in the theory.
Million Dollar Blackjack – Ken Uston (1992)
Some find the strategies a bit dated and complex these days but Million Dollar Blackjack is a classic read for serious card counters and those interested in BJ history. Has great stories about the writer’s experiences at the top of the game in the 70s and 80′s.
