John Patrick's Blackjack: So You Wanna Be a Gambler'

by John Patrick

Book Overview

Provides prospective gamblers with information on how casinos work, how to manage a bankroll, the rules and skills involved in blackjack, money management, discipline, and other aspects of the game.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0818405554
• ISBN13: 9780818405556
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Lyle Stuart
• Length: 193 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

So you want to Win?

That should be the title of this book. John Patrick writes from his experience and seeing and playing millions of hands of blackjack, not sitting behind a computer. His Big 4 approach is right on and can be applied to anything you gamble on. This book is fun to read, simple, and easy to apply. Anyone who has played blackjack and sat at a real table with real money will quickly appreciate his methods. I have played, watched and tested many of his theories advising against the "book" and he is right on. For 95% of blackjack players, following the advice of this book religiously will save you from losing a ton of money and will actually give you a chance to win. His Basic Craps book is excellent as well.

No Nonsense Guide

John Patrick has been a favorite of mine for nearly 20 years.His no nonsense, no bull style hits home with some of the best advice you'll find on gambling. And, more importantly, he shows you how to handle yourself and your money in the casino.He also blows holes in the "math-magician" approach so many people are taught. For example, he explains, in logical detail, why "always split aces and eights" is not always such a good idea. If you want to learn gambling, learn from John Patrick.

Good, practical sound advice by an experienced BJ player

Anyone who has read this book and not placed himself as one who Patrick is talking directly to at sometime or other is not being honest. Personally I know that I would have been better off with his win-loss goals and money management techniques as they would have many times made me either less of a loser, or maximized the times when I was winning. I have started trying his techniques and although I don't win big bucks, I don't getkilled either. His conservative deviations from basic strategy I can definitely live with such as not splitting 8's against dealer's upcard of 9, 10, ace. I feel I have gotten a lot of sound, valuable info. from his first book "You wanna be a gambler" and plan on reading his advanced blackjack book.

Patrick knows What He's Doing

Follow Patrick's advice if you're willing to accept small, consistent returns. If you want someone to tell you that once you win to keep playing and be greedy, go somewhere else. Yes, he admits his basic strategy is slightly different from the time worn model, but his is geared toward conservative players. He recommends socking it to the dealer when he is weak, and not doubling down against power cards. If you follow Mr. Patricks advice of the Big 4, you WILL win. Not every trip to the casino, but overall. To all the detractors that wrote bad reviews of the book: If his methods did not work, how has he stayed one of the most respected and well known professional gamblers?

EXELLENT BOOK

The money management is always his main thrust and needs to be taken to heart;but his regression system has changed my gambling from consistently losing to consistently breaking even or making small wins.I highly recommend this book for the beginner,even the old hands might pick up a thing or two.