Don Schlesinger - New Book?

Hi. I have been gone for awhile. I read your book, Don. I have a few questions as I get back into the game (the stock market killed my game for over a year).

BJA opened with your day backcounting the shoes. I just

returned from LV, and the SD and DD situations are far from

what they used to be.

I wouldn't mind playing the shoe game. It may be the only

way to go these days.

Questions: 1. How many top bets should one have for a backcounting

game (About 4 out out 6 penetration, good rules)?

2. Should I continue with the Revere Advanced Point Count,

that I always used for SD and DD? Or does the Point

Count (easier) make more sense against the 6 decks?

3. Last Q - Do you have a new book?

"Questions: 1. How many top bets should one have for a backcounting

game (About 4 out out 6 penetration, good rules)?"

Depends on your tolerance for risk. The 4/6 game is a poor one. The Kelly optimal bank depends on your spread, as well. I'd say you need a good 300 starting units. So, 30 top bets might be acceptable. Others might want more safety.

"2. Should I continue with the Revere Advanced Point Count, that I always used for SD and DD? Or does the Point Count (easier) make more sense against the 6 decks?"

If you're proficient in the RAPC, you may as well stick with it. But, if it's the one that doesn't count the ace, side-counting aces in 6-deck games is a pain in the ass. You won't lose a whole lot switching to the RPC, and it's certainly easier to use..

"3. Last Q - Do you have a new book?"

Just the second edition of BJA, published in the summer of 2000. When all copies are sold, I'll incorporate some more new material, clean up some typos, and have a third edition, but it certainly won't be for a while.

Welcome back!

Don