10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kirkus Discoveries (star rating not associated), Jan 7 2007
By James E. Crowder - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Casino Gambling for Fun and Profit: Second Edition (Paperback)
Reviewed by Kirkus Discoveries: "A clinical psychologist turned professional casino gambler reveals the secrets of his success.
For some, gambling is an obsession; for others, it's a recreational hobby. For those, like the author, who fall somewhere in between, there are ways to minimize losses and maximize success while enjoying the simple act of playing different games. Crowder focuses his advice on casino games such as blackjack and video poker, games that allow smart, controlled gamblers to make gains in the long run. He walks would-be gamblers step-by-step through basic strategy, which he defines as "the best possible play of any given dealt hand based on the player's hand and dealer's up-card in blackjack, and the cards dealt in video poker." He also presents his personal "cycle strategy," a method of gambling that helps curtail losses while still allowing players to take advantage of hot streaks. In addition to a few math lessons and some number crunching that provides evidentiary support for his advice, the author also provides particularly helpful sections that discuss the fringe benefits of gambling, such as player's clubs, cash back, coupons, comped rooms and meals, drawings and more. He contends that even on unlucky gambling trips, taking advantage of these offers can offset losses and even turn net losses into gains. The author's enthusiasm for the subject matter is palpable, though his lengthy descriptions of his own gambling trips, while occasionally enlightening and entertaining, generally detract from the otherwise direct flow of the book. While casual gamers aren't likely to be as interested in reading the book as they are in getting to the craps table and taking advantage of the free drinks, the tips and strategies presented here will prove highly useful for those looking to profit from trips to the casino.
Indispensable for serious recreational gamblers."
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Addition to 1st Book, Jan 18 2007
By Joseph Hampe - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Casino Gambling for Fun and Profit: Second Edition (Paperback)
I read Dr. Crowder's previous book; "Casino Gambling for Fun and Profit" and I thought that book was well written, easy to understand and very usefull. I do enjoy gambling, however I am not a professional gambler. This 2nd Edition is a perfect addition to the 1st. Included in this edition, that was not in the 1st, were a few other very popular video poker games; Bonus Jacks or Better, Double-Double Bonus Poker and Bonus Poker Deluxe. Dr. Crowder does a great job at explaining the play and the strategy of these games.
This book is a must have for all gamblers be they professional or recreational.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative and Entertaining, April 23 2007
By Rebecca Lowry "fouracequeen" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Casino Gambling for Fun and Profit: Second Edition (Paperback)
Dr. Crowder's earlier edition of this book was the first book on gambling that I purchased when I became interested in playing video poker. That was several years ago and several royal flushes later I can attest that his approach to gaming is "right on the money." Crowder not only gives sensible, direct advice to new gamblers, but his views on money management and making the most of comps, coupons, and special offers are of interest to even those of us who have gambled for years. He also has a unique way of spinning a yarn, which makes his personal anecdotes pleasurable to read. A must buy for any gambler or anyone thinking about some casino fun.