Rick Night Train Blaine - Blackjack Blueprint: How to Play Like a Pro … Part-Time

Blackjack Blueprint

How to Play Like

A Pro Part-Time

Rick Night Train Blaine

Huntington Press

Las Vegas, Nevada

Blackjack Blueprint

How to Play Like a Pro Part-Time

Published by

Huntington Press

3665 Procyon St.

Las Vegas, NV 89103

Phone (702) 252-0655

e-mail:

Copyright 2014, Rick Blaine

eBook ISBN: 978-1-935396-10-9

Print ISBN: 978-1-935396-53-6

Cover Photos supplied by Image100 Royalty Free Photos and Photo Disc Royalty Free Photos

Design & Production: Laurie Cabot

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated, reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission of the copyright owner.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory of Sonny Boy.

Although we never had the opportunity to play at the same table, he was the man from whom I first learned about wagering.

Acknowledgments

Kevin Blackwood, who recently authored Play Blackjack Like the Pros, provided mutual feedback on our respective projects. Kevin has been very generous with information, as well as upbeat and encouraging.

George C. is a well-respected author and a former teammate, whom I nicknamed the Legend. A few years ago, when I had just ended a losing team bank, George provided me with an introduction to one of the best-financed advantage-play groups at the time. I hope to return the favor some day. Among the several books George has authored, The Unbalanced Zen II and Shuffle Tracking for Beginners are referenced in my book.

Anthony Curtis, after I told him of my plans to write a complete book, looked over the manuscript, and in the summer of 2003 told me, I want to publish this. Anthony is a dynamic individual and a workaholic. He also knows his business. With all the projects Huntington Press had going, coupled with Anthonys being an icon on the Travel Channel, its been two years and its finally my turn. Experiencing the level of focus Anthony possesses and the marketing capabilities of Huntington Press has me excited. Im grateful to Anthony.

Dustin Marks, author of Cheating at Blackjack and Cheating at Blackjack Squared, was kind enough to lend his expertise and review the chapter of my manuscript on the subject of cheating. My thanks to Dustin for the suggestions provided, which have added greatly to the project.

Richard W. Munchkin, author of Gambling Wizards, reviewed my chapters on Zone Tracking, Location Play, and Team Play. Im grateful for the suggestions and insight from this most talented individual.

Viktor Nacht, a colorful figure who picked up the publishing of my second version of Blackjack in the Zone, jumped right in and added some pizzazz to the work. After that, in his first major publishing effort, Viktor rolled out Don Schlesingers Blackjack Attack 3, The Ultimate Weapon, which is truly a masterpiece. Viktor has always been supportive of my projects. Thanks, Viktor.

Sal Piacente is the top gaming-protection expert in the world now that his mentor, Steve Forte, is retired. Yes, its true that Sal works to protect the same casinos from which I attempt to use my skills to win money. However, we extend each other a professional courtesy. I wont play in any casino with which he works and he wont reveal my identity to anyone. Both of us being from Brooklyn, we know the value of ones word. Sal is also one of the top memory experts in the world. He was good enough to contribute his S.A.L. (Simple Associated Learning) memory system as part of the chapter on Location Play.

Mickey Rosa is one of the masterminds of the infamous MIT team and one of the most brilliant individuals in the advantage-playing arena. Mickey lent his expertise by looking over chapters of this book on Zone Tracking, Location Play, and Team Play.

Max Rubin can best be described as the power broker of the gaming world. His masterful book, Comp City, is one of the best-hidden jewels for advantage players. Reading Maxs work gave me enormous insight, which led to my development of some new moves that still work to this day. Maxs support over the years is greatly valued.

Don Schlesinger, author of Blackjack Attack 3, The Ultimate Weapon, has been a most-valued supporter of all my projects. Don is a no-nonsense calls-it-like-he-sees-it type of guy. Most folks dont know that Don has read just about every book on the subject of blackjack and has offered his invaluable feedback to many of the authors. Over the years and through the production of the book youre about to read, Don has not only reviewed the overall content, but red-inked my manuscripts like a college English professor. Every author can benefit from Dons expertise, as he not only points out what needs to be corrected, but he also acknowledges what you did right. A fairer and more honest person is hard to find.

Arnold Snyder supported my authoring of two report-style books, both of which he published in 2000 as Blackjack in the Zone and Blackjack Blueprint: How to Operate a Blackjack Team. In November 2001, when Arnold asked me to write an updated version of The Zone, he provided some great suggestions on areas to add and expand on. He thought it would be brilliant if I could include his Red Seven and Zen Count systems from his Blackbelt in Blackjack book. Although Arnold left the publishing business prior to the release of this second version of The Zone, his support and encouragement during that time were key to its success. It was also Arnold who recommended that I combine the texts of both these works into a full-blast book, which is what youre about to read.

Norm Wattenberger is the developer of Casino Vrit, the number-one blackjack practice software. Norm is truly a brilliant programmer. Hes also one of the easiest individuals to work with. While completing my manuscript, I approached Norm and asked if hed be interested in developing a companion software product specifically for this book. Without hesitation, he said, Sure. What more can I say?

To two South Florida investors who were not afraid to take a risk, I still say, You guys are out of control, but were still way ahead as this book is going to print. When you read this book youll know that Ive kept my word not to reveal any specific locales. Thanks for your respect, confidence, and making 2005 a profitable year.

Huntington Press Staff: Deke Castleman spearheaded the nightmare of a project with the formatting of this book. Bethany Coffeys creative thinking helped move things in a new direction. Laurie Cabot worked out the graphics and did a marvelous job of layout and production.

Finally, my wife, Mrs. Blaine, who has not only put up with me, but has been most supportive.

Contents

Introduction

Okay, heres another book on blackjack. After reading most of the books published on the game, playing for many years, and providing group and private instruction, I finally decided to put some ideas of my own together. People in the blackjack world tend to evaluate, compare, and critique card-counting systems, software programs, books, and theories as they encounter them. Thats good, but its essential to always keep an open mind. If you read a book, watch a training video, or take a lesson, you can glean at least one solid principle out of the presentation. We never stop being students of the game. Accordingly, theres something within these pages that can benefit players of all levels.

This book doesnt contain any new breakthroughs in card-counting systems. With several excellent systems already on the market (some of the good ones are included in this book), there are too many tough acts to follow. Rather, the differences in systems are discussed, enabling aspiring counters to select one thats suitable for them. But just knowing how to count cards isnt enough, and beginning and experienced players alike will gain valuable insight from the discussions of several important concepts and techniques that must be mastered to be a successful blackjack player.