Summer Reading List

I have to admit, I don't read every new book on gambling that hits the shelves. There are dozens every month, with many rehashes of old information and a few with advice that's misleading at best.

But always, there are a few gems.

Howard Schwartz of Gambler's Book Store in Las Vegas knows where the gems are. He reads everything, and can steer you to the good stuff in an instant. I feel honored to have my slot book included on Schwartz's summer reading list of titles.

"No one can guarantee any book will make you a winner, but it should slow your losses or perhaps get luckier than the person standing next to you, who's probably guessing," Schwartz wrote when I asked for his list. "The edge is in information. Here are new titles worth adding to your library or as a gift for a friend who needs help."

Note: Most of the books listed below are available from Amazon.com. Click on the title to get more information or to purchase from Amazon. All of the books may also be ordered from Gambler's Book Store online at www.gamblersbook.com or by calling (800) 522-1777. Ask for its free 72-page catalog.

Hold'em Poker for Advanced Players by David Sklansky and Mason Malmuth (332 pages, paperbound, $29.95): The original, published a decade ago, has been revised and updated with 100 new pages. Truly for the serious player who bets more than $10 a hand and dreams of playing against the big boys. One of the most important books ever on this game.

Seven Card Stud for Advanced Players by Sklansky, Malmuth and Ray Zee: (326 pages, paperbound, $29.95): Like the Hold'em book, this acclaimed work also has been updated by 100 pages with revised charts and tables. If you play in any $15-$30 games or better, it's a must read.

Blackjack Autumn: A True Tale of Life, Death, and Splitting Tens in Winnemucca by Barry Meadow (260 pages, hardbound, $27.95): This 1999 book chronicles the adventures and successes of a card counter who played in more than 190 casinos (starting with $8,000 and almost tripling his bankroll) in eight wild and colorful weeks. A remarkable odyssey by a literate writer.

The Official U.S. Casino Chip Price Guide by James Campiglia and Steve Wolls (304 pages, paperbound, $29.95): Published in 1999, it's for anyone who collects chips from casinos in Nevada, Colorado, New Jersey or South Dakota. Contains color photos of more that 1,500 chips and accurate prices for more than 10,000 chips. Ranks how rare certain chips are, explains chip grading system, offers professional advice on collecting.

The Slot Machine Answer Book by John Grochowski (160 pages, paperbound, $12.95): Authored by this columnist, it answers a trainload of slots questions that novices constantly ask and seasoned pros have misconceptions about, including what machines are likely to pay off, whether a machine is ever "due" to pay off, and if there's any way of getting an advantage at the machines. Includes history, probabilities, myths and misconceptions intelligent players should be aware of.

Point Spread Playbook by Al O'Donnell (104 pages, paperbound, $19.95): Authored by a highly respected Arlington Heights handicapper and researcher (he's been at it for 20 years), this 1999 edition contains hundreds of betting situations and angles for betting the NFL, room to keep records. Contains three years of results, point spreads and over-under results.

College Football Scorebook by Phil Steele; Northcoast Sports (294 pages, plastic spiralbound, $19.95): This edition is for anyone who bets college football in 1999. Contains thousands of betting angles for virtually every major college team, background information on returns, potential superstars, five years of spreads and results, schedule with room to keep records. Has totals information and projected starting lineups.

Burning the Tables in Las Vegas by Ian Anderson (305 pages, hardbound, $27.95): From the author of the classic Turning the Tables on Las Vegas (written 30 years ago), this long-awaited sequel (published in 1999) already has become a cult classic. Explains how to get the money at the 21 tables without being barred, including casino comportment (camouflage) techniques, applying mathematics and psychology while avoiding the "heat."

Value Handicapping by Mark Cramer (150 pages, paperbound, $25): The respected author of Thoroughbred Cycles and Kinky Handicapping explains why the great majority of even good handicappers lose more than they win at the thoroughbred track. Here the focus is identifying and betting those horses underbet in proportion to their chances of winning.

Crapshooting Made Simple and Easy by Roy "Kansas" Downs (45 pages, paperbound, $10). Old-time riverboat gambler explains the game's basics, the layout, offers advice on making bets; systems, sucker bets to avoid. Perfect for the beginner.