
Another recognized source is Arnold Snyder, author of “The Blackjack Formula” and a journal called “The Blackjack Forum.” Peter Griffin followed in 1970 with “Theory of Blackjack,” also based on mathematical analysis. He used MIT computers to figure out how to count high cards and low cards. One of the earliest, “Beat the Dealer,” was published in 1962 by Ed Thorp, a mathematics professor who got hooked on the game during a visit to Las Vegas. There are tons of how-to books out there about improving your odds.

It’s quite another to keep your cool in the middle of a giant casino with strangers on your left and right and a professional dealer who wants to keep the game moving. And, it’s one thing to win in your living room surrounded by friends and the home court advantage. Like any other skill, it takes practice to give yourself a chance. But if you are an inexperienced player, don’t expect to come home with the kids’ college fund.

Of all the casino games you can play, blackjack, the game of 21 many of us learned at the family game table, actually offers you a chance to win.
