Blackjack is one of the most popular games of chance. There is no way of knowing what the next card will hold. But there are some methods you can use to tip the odds in your favor. This includes learning the art of card counting. This technique allows you to use mathematics to predict your chances of winning the hand. Once you know this, you can decide when you need to increase your wager and when to avoid betting. 

This can sound like a difficult art to master. To some extent, it is. That’s why having a good teacher is vital. Thankfully, there have been dozens of books written about this topic. Let’s run through some of the ones every prospective card counter should read.

1. Beat the Dealer by Edward O. Thorp

Listing the best blackjack books without Beat the Dealer would be impossible. Mention this book to a casino owner, and they will become angry. That’s because it popularized card counting.

Edward O. Thorp had a unique approach to gambling. He was a mathematician by trade. He had a good understanding of probabilities. Because of this, he knew that if he could keep count of the cards that had already been played, he could figure out the odds that he would win the hand. So, he put his theory to the test in the casino, and it worked. In the book, he decided to break down all the maths to give you a few sure-fire ways to win. 

But that’s not all this book covers. It’ll also tell you how to apply your knowledge to the real world. For example, getting around the measures the casino uses to detect card counters. Even better, you can spot the signs that a casino is trying to rig the game. Given the amount covered, it’s no wonder that it’s become the pinnacle of card-counting books. 

2. Blackbelt in Blackjack by Arnold Snyder

This is a good book for beginner card counters, helping you gradually learn the ropes. You’ll start by learning the basics of card counting. The middle section goes into more depth about the strategies you can use. Finally, you’ll learn how you can apply this in the real world, without getting caught by the casino. 

Aside from the content of the book, many people resonate with its style. Arnold Synder might be a professional player, but he still tries to present an honest view of the world of card counting. It isn’t a way to make easy money. You’ll need to be willing to spend a lot of time learning the correct techniques.  Furthermore, you’ll need to spend hours at the table before you see any profit.

3. Blackjack Blueprint by Rick Blaine

If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to the world of card counting, this book is your best bet. Beat the Dealer taught you the basics of counting cards. But Blackjack Blueprint is more about actively applying these techniques. For example, you’ll learn how to track cards in a shuffle. Plus, you can learn how to play Blackjack as a team.

But that’s not the most important thing. You’ll learn how to play the casino and avoid getting caught. For example, learning how to decide which location you want to play. Even better, you can learn how to get reimbursed for any gambling losses you might make. This book is the best way to prepare yourself to apply the theoretical skill of card counting in the real world.

4. Blackjack Attack by Don Schlesinger

This book helps build on the work of Peter Griffin, who we’ll discuss a little later. It is one of the most expansive blackjack books ever written. This book goes deep into blackjack strategy. Expect to find dozens of pages of charts and tables. 

If you want to delve deeper into the theory of card counting, this is a great book. But if you are a beginner, a 500-plus page tome like this is very intimidating. Particularly if you don’t like maths, it’s best to start with Beat the Dealer or Bluejack Blueprint instead. 

5. Theory of Blackjack by Peter Griffin

This is generally regarded as one of the best summaries of the theory behind card counting. Since it was released, it has inspired countless professionals. 

But there is a word of warning. This book can be quite dense. It isn’t afraid to go deep into the mathematics that underpin card counting. If you’re not into that, this book might be too confusing.

6. Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong

This is another book that is better for experienced players. It delves into some of the strategies you need to win. Even better, it looks at some of the popular variations of the game and gives you some strategies to try. That way, you can always maintain an edge in any blackjack variant.

This book is beloved by the card-counting community. So much so that the term ‘Wonging’ was named after Stanford Wong. This popular strategy suggests that card counters shouldn’t play for the first few rounds. Allowing you to wait until the odds are in your favor.  

7. Repeat Until Rich by Josh Axelrad

Technically, this book isn’t going to help you learn about the techniques of card counting. But it’s worth mentioning because it’s an exciting look into the lives of professional blackjack players. There are lots of funny stories. But the most important thing to note is the mental health side of card counting. This can be easy for beginning players to overlook as they focus on learning the theory and become distracted by the riches on offer.

Conclusion

Card counting is just like any other skill. Start by learning the theory. That’s where these books can help you out. From there, you’ll need to head out into the casinos and put these strategies to the test. With enough practice, you’ll soon be earning decent money from blackjack.