Anyone who takes the game of blackjack seriously, and even those who have played the game strictly on a recreational basis, may have used the techniques of some of the top professional players that ever played the game. We have compiled a list of some of these pros and their contributions to the game of blackjack.

Stanford Wong

Known in blackjack circles as one of the pioneers in advanced blackjack techniques, Stanford Wong is one of the more recognizable names to blackjack players. Wong has written about his techniques, the biggest of which may be his card counting. Wong became a master of counting cards, and he used the information to know when to play hands of blackjack, and when to sit the hands out. Advanced players have even termed a couple of phrases after Wong, most of which have to do with only playing when the card count dictates a positive outcome is likely. Professional Blackjack is one of his most popular books, but he has written several other publications. Wong is in the Blackjack Hall of Fame, and is considered one of the top gamblers of his era.


Ken Uston

One of the key aspects of the game of blackjack is mathematics. Knowing when to hit and when to stay has much to do with the mathematics of a particular hand, coupled with the results from previous hands. Ken Uston had a history of mathematical genius long before he began playing blackjack, but once he applied the math to the game, Uston became one of the wealthiest gamblers ever. Uston has written many books on the art of gambling, including Million Dollar Blackjack and The Big Player. Uston’s goal was always to win big, and he wrote his books accordingly. Anyone interested in learning from a true patriarch in the game of blackjack, should pick up one of Uston’s publications.


Max Rubin

Max Rubin is another of the small number of gamblers who are in the Blackjack Hall of Fame. Rubin’s contributions have given many players free stays at casinos around the world. One of his books, Comp City: A Guide To Free Gambling Vacations, was used by thousands of people to figure out the ins and outs of gambling in a casino and being rewarded for doing so. Rubin details specific tricks on how to appear to be spending more money on the blackjack tables than you really are. Articles on gambling were a specialty of Rubin, who has written over 100 articles on how to gain comps, card counting, and dozens of other gambling topics.


Arnold Snyder

Few people have had the type of influence in the game of blackjack that Arnold Snyder has enjoyed. He spent decades perfecting his skills and then spent another several decades informing gamblers of what he has learned. One of the best aspects of Snyder’s work is that much of it has been done for free. His only objective- to teach players how to gain an advantage on the casino when playing blackjack. Blackbelt in Blackjack and the Big Book of Blackjack are books that Snyder has authored. Snyder’s influence may have been best acknowledged when he was elected into the inaugural class for the Blackjack Hall of Fame. Snyder is one of the players who took quickly to the world of online casino play, and started the Blackjack Forum, an online publication.


James Grosjean

The world of poker has Doyle Brunson. Sports gamblers had Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder. Blackjack has James Grosjean. The blackjack player learned at an early age while learning how to deal the game of blackjack, that the casinos did not have a full proof game. Grosjean spent years figuring out every trick in the book on how to beat a casino, and they he took his knowledge and turned it into what many believe is the most informative book on blackjack ever. Beyond Counting: Exploiting Casino Games from Blackjack to Video Poker, became one of the top selling gambling books of all-time. Blackjack players have now for years used the techniques taught in the book, and millions of dollars have been won at casinos around the world. The key to most of the theories is math, and formulas. Specific formulas are discussed, but Grosjean pointed out, more importantly, that players can come up with their own formulas for winning. In 2006, Grosjean became the youngest person ever to be inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame.


Peter Griffin

The game of blackjack relies heavily on the ability to quickly process mathematical equations, and Peter Griffin is another author who has outlined the extensive math formulas that can be used to win at blackjack. Professor Griffin has a distinction, however, that many of the other authors do not have. Griffin wrote The Theory of Blackjack: The Complete Card Counter’s Guide to the Casino Game of 21, having been an inexperienced blackjack player. Griffin simply used math as a way to gain an advantage. He taught players in his books through extensive charts and tables, showing when is a good time to hit, and when standing would be a viable option. The book has stood the test of time, and its effects are still being felt on card tables across the world. Griffin passed away in 1998, but was inducted into the Blackjack hall of Fame in 2003, the first year of its existence.


These are just some of the dozens of blackjack players who have shaped the game to make it what it is today. The one thing all of these authors and blackjack professionals have in common is their commitment to helping the everyday gambler maximize their odds when playing against the house. Check back often as we will be updating this list with fresh professionals who are making contributions to the game millions of players are enjoying on a daily basis.

Free Blackjack Tip
Should you hit on 16 with the dealer showing a 10?

It depends on whether it is a two card 16, or a multi-card 16. On a two card 16, you should take another card. If it is a multi-card 16, then you should stay. The reason is that the odds of getting a bust card are higher if you are holding multiple lower numbered cards. This is a very small percentage change, but blackjack is all about maximizing your percentages.