The Theory of Blackjack (book)

This 1999 revision (6th edition) of the book is 270 pages.

Peter Griffin was one of the most respected people in blackjack. His The Theory of Blackjack is one of the most respected books in blackjack. If you like both mathematics and blackjack, you will love The Theory of Blackjack.

Typical topics covered in this book: dealer’s busting probabilities by upcard, complete basic strategy for any number of decks and set of rules, effects of removal on surrender, exact gain from perfect insurance, fluctuations of opportunity by deck size.

Griffin was a mathematician by profession, but he could have been a professional writer -- his writing style is that good. And his book is fun to read because his sense of humor is delightful. Here are two examples of Griffin's style. Page 2: "My emotions have run the gamut from the inebriated elation following a big win which induced me to pound out a chorus of celebration on the top of an occupied Reno police car to the frustrated depths of biting a hole through a card after picking up what seemed my 23rd consecutive stiff hand against the dealer's ten up card." Page 145: "Card counters are like the prototypical Don Juan who wants every woman he meets to succumb to him and then wishes to marry a virgin; they want all fives to be out of the deck before they raise their bets and then they want the dealer to show one as up card!"

The price is $12.95 plus shipping (plus sales tax if sent to a Nevada address). The Theory of Blackjack is available from

        Pi Yee Press
        4855 W. Nevso Dr.
        Las Vegas, NV 89103

        Phone 702-579-7711
        E-mail info@bj21.com

Or use the Pi Yee Press on-line order form.