The Blackjack Guide have carried out a detailed  review to discover what books experienced blackjack players most often recommend to their fellow players.

We found a reassuring degree of consensus over the top dozen or so choices. After that we found a wide spread of opinion, depending on the particular interests of the players, and in the end almost 100 different books were recommended.

Here’re the ones that came out on top:

Top 30 most frequently recommended blackjack books

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Beat the Dealer: A Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One by Edward O Thorp (1966)

Dating back to the 1960s, this book is the original card counting bible. Strategies are simpler  these days but this remains a must-have book for lovers of blackjack.

7. Burning the Tables in Las Vegas by 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.

8. Play Blackjack Like the Pros by 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. An entertaining read.

9. The Theory of Blackjack by 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.

10. 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.

Here are some of the other, less notable blackjack books:

  1. Blackjack For Blood: The Card-Counters’ Bible, and Complete Winning Guide  – Bryce Carlson
  2. Playing Blackjack as a Business – Lawrence Revere
  3. Advantage Play for the Casino Executive – Bill Zender
  4. Blackjack Blueprint – Rick Blaine
  5. Get the Edge at Blackjack – John May
  6. The World’s Greatest Blackjack Book – Lance Humble and Carl Cooper
  7. Basic Blackjack – Stanford Wong
  8. Blackjack Secrets – Stanford Wong
  9. Blackjack Wisdom – Arnold Snyder
  10. Bringing Down The House – Ben Mezrich
  11. Shuffle Tracker’s Cookbook –  Arnold Snyder
  12. The Big Player  – Ken Uston
  13. The Counter – Kevin Blackwood
  14. Big Book Of Blackjack – Arnold Snyder
  15. Ken Uston on Blackjack – Ken Uston
  16. Playing Blackjack As A Business – Mary Parsons
  17. The Card Counter’s Guide to Casino Surveillance – D.V. Cellini
  18. Best Blackjack – Frank Scoblete
  19. Blackjack Institute’s Home Training Course – Mike Aponte
  20. Play to Win: A World Champions Guide to Winning Blackjack Tournaments – Ken Einiger

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