When a person walks into a casino they are looking for one of two things. To win money or have a good time and the latter is always a good thing. So the question is this: Is there a way a person can win in a casino? The answer is: maybe......
How can someone do it? It is not easy but a book has emerged on the market that has made it a lot easier to accomplish. "Beginner to Pro" by Stephen Mead.
This is a no-nonsense book about the game "21" written in a clear concise manner. It begins with a bit of history on the game but does not get to intricate details. What it does emphasize is the teaching of Basic Strategy techniques. Again it does not delve into the mathematics of why it works but provides the lessons and practice charts in order to help a person advance themselves. It is broken down for each individual decision and they are illustrated in a manner which makes learning easy and, more importantly, fun.
Beginner To Pro also gives information about strategies for the advanced player. This includes Card-Counting, Shuffle-Tracking and Money Management as well as giving lessons and self-tests with which to practice before a person actually uses his simple and easy to learn techniques in the real world. He includes both an accurate and a casual system to make counting less like work so you can more enjoy your time at the casino.
Also included in the book are several sections that will keep the reader interested. An F.A.Q. section answers questions most guests have about the casino industry and how it works. Casino Etiquette gets into what a guest should expect and be expected of while visiting a casino. A section on complimentaries is also included to give the player the basics of how they can best utilize the comp system. A section on cheating in the casino is also found in the book on how both a casino and a patron can pull off a fast one. Although not really necessary this section does make for interesting reading.
Can this book make you a winner in a casino? Well, as a Pit Manager I can say this. I have read a lot of "Beat the House" type of books and this one is a little different than most. It tells you right up front about the game reminding you that you may not beat the house every time but patience, dedication, practice, and common sense can make you a winner.
I recommend this book for any casual player looking to gain a little edge on the house.