Does the world need another book on blackjack? That was my first reaction when 888casino initially contacted me about writing the Ultimate Guide to Blackjack (UGBJ) for their blog. Even though there are plenty of sources of information on rules, tips, and strategies on online blogs and web sites, what intrigued me about 888casino's request was that they wanted the UGBJ to be "the most extensive and comprehensive introduction to the casino game of blackjack that you will find anywhere." Their objective made me seriously consider whether I was up to the task of raising the bar on blackjack information that was already available to players. After careful thought, I decided to take on this project.

With my years of experience in writing articles on blackjack for print publications, I was naive in thinking that I'd use the same writing style for the UGBJ. Wrong. I quickly learned that writing information on a web site requires different writing skills. Paragraphs need to be shorter with bullet points to catch the reader's attention. Facts and figures being stated in words need to be illustrated to help readers' comprehend the information. Color-coded strategy charts, Chapter Objectives, Key Takeaways, and a Test Yourself quiz were added for an enjoyable learning experience for readers. Yes, it was a whole new ballgame for me to learn a different writing style but I was up to the challenge.

I wanted the UGBJ to contain the most up-to-date and authoritative strategies, tips, and skills for both novice and experienced blackjack players in an informal and practical way. But first and foremost, I wanted the information in the UGBJ to be technically and stylistically accurate. To ensure this, I asked my friend Don Schlesinger to edit each chapter before I submitted it to 888casino. For those that don't know, Schlesinger is the author of one of the most authoritative books on blackjack (Blackjack Attack: Playing the Pros' Way), and he was recently inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame by his peers. Don is one of the finest editors that I've ever worked with. He is a stickler when it comes to grammar, style, punctuation, and of course, clear and accurate explanations of playing strategies and data. I'm happy and pleased that he agreed to edit the UGBJ.

Below is the UGBJ Blueprint that summarizes its contents. If you scan the Blueprint, you will see the different topics that it contains. To date, I have completed the first nine chapters and I hope to finish the remaining chapters by the end of the year.

You can view the first illustrated chapters of the UGBJ by going to this web site:

I'd be lying if I didn't say that writing the UGBJ has been a challenging project for me. But from a selfish standpoint, I view the UGBJ as my legacy to the game of blackjack to present and future legions of blackjack players. I hope you find it an enjoyable guide and that you will become a better player after reading it.

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Also, you'll find the first blog post written by me at:

I also was involved in critiquing and modifying an interactive software Blackjack Card Counting Training tool (to sharpen your card counting skills) that was in the early stages of development by 888casino, and provided the instructions on how to use it. Try it out here:

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Chapter 1: Getting Started with Blackjack

1. History of Blackjack
2. Basic Playing Rules
3. Blackjack Etiquette

1.4 Why Play Blackjack?

1.5 Understanding the House Edge

Chapter 2: Blackjack Strategy

2.1 Importance of Basic Strategy

2.2 Basic Strategy for Surrender

2.3 Basic Strategy for Pair Splitting

2.4 Basic Strategy for Doubling Down

2.5 Basic Strategy for Hitting and Standing

2.6 Insurance and Even Money

Chapter 3: Color-Coded Basic Strategy Tables

3.1 Single-Deck Game

3.2 Double-Deck Game

3.3 Four or More Decks

Chapter 4: How to Practice Basic Strategy

4.1 Drills to Master the Basic Strategy

4.2 Order of Decision Making

Chapter 5: How to Further Reduce the House Edge

5.1 Composition-Dependent Strategy

5.2 Hand Interaction

5.3 Comps

5.4 Gambling Coupons

5.5 Loss Rebate

Chapter 6: Scouting the Tables

6.1 What to Look For

6.2 Good and Bad Rules

Chapter 7: Bogus Betting Systems

7.1 Popular Betting Systems

7.2 Why They Don't Work

Chapter 8: Blackjack Myths Exposed

Chapter 9: Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 10: Card Counting

10.1 What Is It?

10.2 How It Works

10.3 Simple Counting Systems

10.4 More Complex Counting Systems

10.5 Techniques That Increase a Counter's Edge

10.6 Disguising Skills

Chapter 11: Blackjack Side Bets

11.1 What Are They?

11.2 Popular Side Bets

Chapter 12: Spanish 21

12.1 Playing Rules

12.2 Playing Strategies

Chapter 13: European Blackjack

13.1 Differences from American Blackjack

13.2 Strategy Adjustments

Chapter 14: Playing Blackjack Online

14.1 Pros and Cons

14.2 Getting Started

14.3 Evaluating Games

14.4 Customer Support

14.5 Promotions

Chapter 15: Blackjack Tournaments

15.1 How They Work

15.2 Strategies for Tournament Play

Chapter 16: Legends of Blackjack

16.1 Major Contributors to Our Knowledge of the Game

16.2 Blackjack Ball

16.3 Blackjack Hall of Fame

Chapter 17: Top 10 Reasons Why Most Blackjack Players Lose

Chapter 18: Five Steps to Becoming a Skillful Blackjack Player

Final Test

Glossary