Blackjack Bluebook II

Fred Renzey’s Blackjack Bluebook II: The simplest winning strategies Ever Published looks to fill the void between the jump that is usually made from mastering basic strategy to learning the Hi/Lo Count, as well as offering some a wide range of systems and techniques not often discussed in print.

The book is divided into four sections. The first of these is on what makes blackjack unique and how the rules work, the second offers a look at some prominent blackjack myths and busts these (always entertaining as well as informative), the third discusses blackjack strategy and where to go beyond that, and the fourth introduces various card counting systems. Though this book starts out at the beginning, it is not the simplest blackjack book out there, and may not be as appealing to beginning players. This book seems to be more valuable to players who have already mastered basic strategy and are looking to take their play a bit further. And Renzey does just that. There are simpler card counting systems than the KO and Hi/Lo count, and Renzey progressively discusses the Ace/10 Front Count, the stages of the KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) Count, and the Mentor Count.

Renzey also discusses manoeuvres often left out of printed resources, such as how to profit from other players’ hands and hand interaction. These are all valuable resources for advantage players who are not interested in managing the more complex card counting systems but do want to play with an edge and are looking for ways to improve beyond basic strategy.