Sklansky Talks Blackjack
by David Sklansky
1999, 140p (paper), Two Plus Two Publishing
ISBN 1-880685-21-3, $19.95

David Sklansky is probably best known for his books on poker. His Theory of Poker, for instance, is possibly the most important work every published on the game. However, Sklansky will play whenever he is Getting the Best of It (another Sklansky title) and since blackjack is a game where it is possible for the player to get an edge, it is not totally surprising that he has written a book on blackjack. Nor is it surprising that it is a good one.

This is not a book for a rank beginner at blackjack, as Sklansky does not spend a great deal of time going over the mechanics of the game. What he does, though, he does well. Sklansky has the ability to make complex subjects as easy as possible to understand. The approach he takes for teaching both basic strategy and card counting is unique. Instead of complex tables (ok, for basic strategy they aren't that complex), he presents the game as in a series of short chapters, one for each possible player total.

In each chapter he covers what to do if you are just playing basic strategy, and what to do if you are counting. Unlike tables, this allows him to present strategy variations that are dependent on the makeup of the two card total. It also allows him to present all of the decisions that one should make for any particular total (e.g., hit, stand, split, double-down, surrender.) Many will find this an easier way to learn to play the game well.

An early chapter in the book describes in some detail how basic strategy is derived. Sklansky contends, and I agree, that knowing how the decisions are derived makes them more understandable and easier to learn. Other chapters deal with why counting works, insurance, and surrender.

At the end of the book Sklansky talks about how to play in the casino. In this part of the book he covers what makes a good game, how to vary your bets (when counting), and how to get away with counting. He also talks about team play and comps. Each of these chapters has pearls of wisdom and sound advice...though they are brief and other texts cover them in greater detail. Still, Sklansky covers all you really need to know.

People who are used to reading blackjack books full of anecdotes of the author's exploits outwitting the casino (and there are many excellent such books) will be disappointed in this book. There is nothing in it about the author's personal play. On the otherhand, if you want good, solid, relatively easy-to-learn information about the game, this is the book for you.

(c) 1999, Charles B. Weinstock, All Rights Reserved.