James Grosjean, Blackjack Hall of Fame inductee of 2006 has been writing this monster 600 page tome for the last 4 years or so called "Beyond Counting". It’s actually a second version of a previous book, "Beyond Counting" that he wrote back in the 90’s that he published on 1000 copies of. (And it’s since become legendary)
Anyway, he’s published some articles that are purported to be parts of the new Beyond Counting book (some of this is REALLY good stuff, albeit, it’s well known. I think the manner in which he’s explained it all is what makes it so insightful) and here they are, taken from http://www.beyondcounting.com/articles.html:
- Locking in a Tournament Win: Build a Better Surrender Trap – by James Grosjean and Previn Mankodi. At the end of a blackjack tournament, it is possible for the chip leader to overbet his lead, but then surrender to lock in a win if his opponent follows with a small bet. This article discusses the benefits and pitfalls of laying this "surrender trap." view article >>
- CTR-Averse Betting – by James Grosjean and Previn Mankodi. The professional’s biggest problem is not bankroll risk of ruin but often the CTR constraint, which limits his daily buyin at the casino to $10,000. Under such a constraint, maximizing expectation often requires the player to underbet his bankroll, even underbetting his "Kelly bet." view article >>
- 42.08% – by James Grosjean and Previn Mankodi. This article calculates the optimal Kelly bet for a player who knows that his bet card will be an Ace, which provides an edge over 50%. This risk-averse player will deviate from basic strategy when playing the Ace. view article >>
- Scavenger Blackjack or Generalized Basic Strategy – by James Grosjean and Previn Mankodi. Players sometimes have profitable opportunities to get involved in the hands of the other players at the table, for instance, by doubling down for a player who has insufficient funds to double for the full amount. Determining proper strategy for this situations requires a deeper investigation of basic strategy. view article >>
- Beyond Coupons – by James Grosjean. Contrary to conventional wisdom, many match-play coupons, free bets, and promotional chips should be played on games other than blackjack. The value of each coupon is calculated for each available game, along with the required strategies to extract the maximum value from each. view article >>
- Discussion of case against Imperial Palace – by James Grosjean. (coming soon…) The author’s lawsuit against the Imperial Palace, where he was illegally detained and searched, resulted in a jury award of $99,999 in compensatory damages, and $500,000 in punitive damages. The author discussses his successful lawsuit, including excerpts from the public court testimony of all parties. coming soon…
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