book opinions?

[kewljason]

I just became aware of the book "Gambling Wizzards" earlier today when Richard Munchkin posted in another thread. (the book is his avatar) I am not at all familiar with this member having only read a handful of posts, mostly on the other site. I don't see this book for sale on this site or wong's site, but from the subtitle "conversations with the world's greatest gamblers", it looks like something I could be interested in. I really enjoy reading stories and experiences of other players, particularly from days of yesteryear, slightly before my time. Has anyone read this book? Opinions? (other than Mr Munchkin of course....:laugh

 

[Richard Munchkin]

I'll let others give you their impressions but if you are looking for the book you can find it on Amazon or at the Huntington Press website. (They published it.)

 

[AussiePlayer]

Finished it a couple of months ago, it's not a 'how to' book, but a fascinating insight into the world of pro gamblers. Would definitely recommend it.

The biggest insight for me was just how diverse the pros are, most using AP techniques at several different games throughout their careers.

 

[Craps Master]

Opinions?

it has to be in the top 5 most interesting gambling books.

 

[nightspirit]

Definitely worth reading KJ! Great interviews, not exclusively about blackjack. There are already a lot of interviews by this HOFer over at the library of BJFonline.com.

 

[Sucker]

FWIW - Though I do not personally know the man, his reputation precedes him. Munchkin has for several decades been known to be one of the strongest BJ players in the world. It would be a mistake to NOT listen to ANYTHING he has to say.

 

[kewljason]

Excellent. Sounds like an interesting read. I am looking forward too it.

 

[Richard Munchkin]

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Just to give you a little more information about the book. The book came out 9 years ago, and since then 2 of the subjects have died, Chip Reese, and Alan Woods. I wrote the kind of book that I as a gambler wanted to read, and a big inspiration was a book called Fast Company by Jon Bradshaw. I highly recommend that book as well. Hope you enjoy it.

 

[Percy]

As well as being an interesting read, the book was a real eye opener for me.

It made me realise that, aside from beating casinos, there are many other ways there are to be a professional gambler. And not just the ones detailed in RM's book.

It also highlighted how important it is to take care of your taxes.

 

[zengrifter]

I'll let others give you their impressions but if you are looking for the book you can find it on Amazon or at the Huntington Press website.

Hi Richard, I really enjoyed Gambling Wizards when I was down for 14-mos in '03 and passed it around to a few dozen homies.
Your interview style inspired the tone and tempo of Barfarkel's ZG Interview.

Glad to see you here. zg

 

[Richard Munchkin]

I just noticed the 60 Minutes tonight is rerunning the segment on legendary sports bettor Billy Walters. He is one of the 8 profiled in the book. If you haven't seen this 60 Minutes piece check it out.

 

[Lonesome Gambler]

a big inspiration was a book called Fast Company by Jon Bradshaw. I highly recommend that book as well. Hope you enjoy it.

I thought the same thing about Gambling Wizards and it's cool to see a confirmation from the author himself! Anyway, as has been mentioned, GW is indeed a great read, as is Fast Company (the former being more somewhat relevant to the interests of many folks on here).

 

[Sonny]

It's a fantastic read. Those pros have some amazing stories to tell. The thing I like about the book (and Munchkin's interviews on Snyder's website) is that Munchkin is a very accomplished player so he asks the questions that all of us what to hear about. It's not like reading an interview where the host doesn't know anything about the subject and asks a bunch of mundane questions. This is all good stuff.

And, as others have pointed out, it really shows you how diverse these guys are. They have incredible knowledge and experience at many different games. The amount of money they have earned is unbelievable. And these are just a few stories from a few people! Now imagine all of the secrets that will never be told. The sheer depth of this profession is mind boggling.

-Sonny-

 

[zengrifter]

It's a fantastic read. Those pros have some amazing stories to tell. The thing I like about the book (and Munchkin's interviews on Snyder's website) is that Munchkin is a very accomplished player so he asks the questions that all of us what to hear about. It's not like reading an interview where the host doesn't know anything about the subject and asks a bunch of mundane questions. This is all good stuff.

And, as others have pointed out, it really shows you how diverse these guys are. They have incredible knowledge and experience at many different games. The amount of money they have earned is unbelievable. And these are just a few stories from a few people! Now imagine all of the secrets that will never be told. The sheer depth of this profession is mind boggling.

-Sonny-

Wasn't Market Wizards a Munchkin book too? zg

 

[Richard Munchkin]

Wasn't Market Wizards a Munchkin book too? zg

LOL, I wish. I was reading Market Wizards on a flight to Hong Kong and thought, "Gamblers are much more interesting than these people." While in Hong Kong that trip I did the interview with Alan Woods.

 

[zengrifter]

LOL, I wish. I was reading Market Wizards on a flight to Hong Kong and thought, "Gamblers are much more interesting than these people." While in Hong Kong that trip I did the interview with Alan Woods.

Woods died? Or was it another high tech racing AP? zg

 

[Richard Munchkin]

Yes, Alan died a year or 2 ago from cancer.

 

[zengrifter]

Yes, Alan died a year or 2 ago from cancer.

Too bad he didn't know that beating (or avoiding) cancer is an ... ADVANTAGE PLAY.* zg

*...and most victims are the ploppies.

 

[21forme]

Just read the book (library had it, believe it or not). Entertianing read.

 

[tthree]

Too bad he didn't know that beating (or avoiding) cancer is an ... ADVANTAGE PLAY.* zg

*...and most victims are the ploppies.

Offensive to cancer victims and their families. We are many.