Famous Blackjack Books

Reading blackjack books is a great way for beginners to learn the tricks of the trade. There are many famous books that have helped countless players master the game of blackjack.

You can use the skills you learn from books to win money at the top blackjack casinos. Many of the skills you learn from books can be applied in both in-person and online versions of blackjack.

Keep reading to see the most famous books ever written about blackjack. All of the books on this list have helped players for decades. Reading these popular books can give you a greater appreciation for the history of the game.

Blackjack Bluebook II – Fred Renzey

Starting off my list of the most famous blackjack books is Blackjack Bluebook II by Fred Renzey. This classic book was first released in 2003 but has been updated on several occasions. The most recent version came out in 2017.

Blackjack Bluebook II is a great book for people who are new to the game of blackjack. It explains basic blackjack strategy in plain language and includes dozens of charts and illustrations. The latest version even includes a dozen new pages covering the latest developments in the game.

Sklansky Talks Blackjack – David Sklansky

Up next is a book by a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner David Sklansky. The champion poker player has contributed to over a dozen books that cover a variety of casino games. In Sklansky Talks Blackjack, the veteran card player teaches new players how to use expert blackjack strategies.

Basic blackjack strategy covers every possible hand that a player can face. Likewise, Sklansky walks readers through every blackjack starting hand in this book. Despite the wealth of information covered, the book is easy to win thanks to Sklansky’s writing style and storytelling ability.

Sklansky originally published this blackjack strategy book in 1999, but newer versions have been released as recently as 2022.

Playing Blackjack as a Business – Lawrence Revere

Another classic book about blackjack is Playing Blackjack as a Business by Lawrence Revere. The book was first published in 1969, making it one of the oldest books on this list. Newer versions have been released, which include updated strategies.

Revere was one of the most well-known blackjack experts of the 20th century. He was one of the first blackjack experts to detail card counting techniques. In Playing Blackjack as a Business, Revere gives readers advice for avoiding detection at casinos, too.

With experience as both a professional blackjack player and a pout boss, Revere had a unique view on the game. You can learn from his decades of experience by reading this book.

Professional Blackjack – Stanford Wong

Stanford Wong first released Professional Blackjack in 1975. It is one of the longer books on this list, coming in at well over 300 pages. The time you invest in reading this book will be well spent, though.

In this book, Wong breaks down several strategies that he uses to win consistently at blackjack. He covers a variety of topics, including:

• Rule variations
• Card counting
• Counting systems

The latest versions have updated charts and statistics, providing you with more accurate information. Wong, whose real name is John Ferguson, also provides tips for not being kicked out of casinos while counting cards.

The Theory of Blackjack – Peter Griffin

The Theory of Blackjack by Peter Griffin is another famous book about blackjack. This book is a must-read for anyone who is considering being a professional blackjack player.

Griffin was a mathematics professor and one of the original inductees to the Blackjack Hall of Fame. In this book, he breaks down the math behind both blackjack and many of the strategies for the popular card game. The Sixth Edition is the most recent release, and it is loaded with information every blackjack player should know.

The techniques taught by Griffin give you the tools you need to evaluate any blackjack strategy. They can also be applied to any style of blackjack, regardless of the rule variations or number of decks.

Beat the Dealer – Edward O. Thorp

Edward Thorp is a pioneer of card counting. In his book Beat the Dealer, Thorp proved that players could overcome the house edge in blackjack by accurately counting cards.

Thorp was also one of the first people to use computers to analyze the game of blackjack. He used the IBM 704 to create a card-counting method that could reliably beat the casino. The blackjack pioneer then tested his methods at casinos in the mid-20th century.

Many of the methods used by Thorp have been improved in the decades since. But reading this book can be a great way to learn more about the history of blackjack and the creation of card counting.

Blackjack for Blood – Bryce Carlson

Another great book for anyone who wants to learn about card counting is Blackjack for Blood by Bryce Carlson. Carlson focuses on how you can use advantage play techniques in modern blackjack games.

Blackjack for Blood does not cover a ton of the history of either card counting methods or the game itself. This can be a blessing or a curse based on what you are looking for. If you are just focused on winning now and do not care about the back story, then this book is a great option.

Blackjack Insiders – Andrew Uyal

Blackjack Insiders by Andrew Uyal is another great book for anyone who wants to learn more about blackjack. This famous book details the story of two pit bosses, Andrew Uyal and Mark Stevens, that used their insider knowledge to beat unsuspecting casinos.

This book does dive deep into the strategies used by the protagonists. However, it is entertaining to read and can provide insight into some of the dangers of trying to use advantage play methods.

Modern Card Counting – Patrick Linsenmeyer

Patrick Linsenmeyer’s Modern Card Counting is a how-to-guide for players that want to learn advantage play techniques. Linsenmeyer covers a ton of topics, such as:

• Multiple card counting systems
• Playing in a blackjack team
• Avoiding detection at casinos

The book also includes tools to help you learn advantage play methods, like flashcards. Updated versions even come with online resources to help you take your advantage play skills to the next level.

Repeat Until Rich – Josh Axelrad

Rounding out my list of famous books about blackjack that all players should read is Repeat Until Rich by Josh Axelrad. In this book, Axelrad tells the story of trading in his mundane Wall Street job to be a professional blackjack card counter.

Axelrad details the trials and tribulations of chasing wins in blackjack. He also gives you an inside look at what it takes to make it as a professional gambler. Anyone who wants to be a professional player needs to read this exciting look at the world of pro blackjack.

More Online Blackjack Tips

Now that you know some of the most famous books about blackjack, you can start reading and improving your skills. Of course, reading the books above is not the only way to become a better blackjack player. Here are three more tips for becoming a better online blackjack player.

Read More Blackjack Books

The list above contains 10 of the most well-known books covering blackjack. But there are plenty of other books that have been written about the world-famous card game. Some other examples of books you should read include:

The list goes on and on. Continuing to read books about blackjack will help you keep your blackjack skills sharp. It can also help you find new ways to beat the casino.

Pick the Right Blackjack Casino

Another way to increase your chances of being a successful blackjack player is to make sure you pick the right casino. The best casinos, such as Ignition Casino, provide players with a great experience and tons of casino bonuses.

You should pick a blackjack casino that caters to your playing style. This includes your preferred banking method, a great user interface, and, if you want to play from your phone, a great casino app.

Use the Right Betting Strategy

A third tip for becoming a successful blackjack player is to make sure that you have a great strategy. The right strategy can make all the difference when you are playing blackjack.

Many of the books that have been written about blackjack cover the best strategies for the game. You can use free online games to practice different methods and pick the right strategy for you.

Which Blackjack Books Have You Read?

There are many famous blackjack books that have helped shape the industry as we know it. Reading these books can give you a great insight into the history of the game. Also, you can use these books to learn the strategies you will need to beat the casino consistently.