Casino Games Paperback – October 11, 2011

....Buy this one! There are other good gaming authors, (Frank Scoblette, Gayle Mitchell, R.D. Elison and Avery Cardoza are some that come immediately to my mind).....but no one is as clear, and as understandable, in explaining the basics of ALL casino games, than John Gollehen! It is explained on the coverof one of his books, (I believe an early edition of this one,"Casino Games"), that Mr. Gollehon has a background of beingan engineer, and a teacher. It shows. Perhaps this is whatgives him the edge on explaining the intricate rules of the various games, (especially craps), to the novice.I have discovered that, for better or worse, I myself have avery hard head. This means that it's hard for things to getinto my head, for me to understand things. But once they areunderstood, they stay with me forever -- and I can explainthem, with a good rate of success, to others. I found thecomplexities of baccarat kind of difficult to understand,(I know, I know....it's the simplest game in the world toundertand....but not for me)....not, that is, until I readwhat Mr. Gollehon had to say...and then, wow! -- I understood it!(I'm still a bit in the woods with craps....I guess I have to read the chapter on that a bit more carefully)Interspersed with understandable rules for each major game areanecdotes of Mr. Gollehon's adventures in gambling, and thevarious people he has met. Also included is good money-manage-ment advice.Mr. Gollehon has written other books, going into single games with more detail, or giving further advice on all games. These are good....but often contain material which first appeared in"Casino Games". But this book, "Casino Games", in whatever edition, is Mr. Gollehon's first, and I think the best book. If you can't get this book, do buy one of Mr. Gollehon's other books...a comprehensive book on all the games, which repeats the material in this book. (Do NOT buy his: "Gambler's Playbook", which is full of superfluous material, for information. It's a fun book....but not too instructional.)"Casino Games" though, is a true classic. If you want to learn how to play, and the basic rules, of the most popular casino games, this volume is all you need. It deserves all of its many printings! If there were a Pulitzer, or a Nobel Prize for gambling books, Mr. Gollehon's "Casino Games", in each edition, would win hands down!

I went to Vegas in August '05. I had a GREAT time but soon realized how woefuly uninformed I was about how to play the games. I prefer table games to machines but the only games I am vaguely familiar with are blackjack and roulette.This book is a must for anyone who wants a fighting chance at the tables. The strategies for blackjack are worth the price of the book alone. The chapter on craps, which is one of the most fun games in a casino, are also very worthwhile.My only wish about future editions is that Mr. Gollehon will give his opinion of some of the newer games out there like 3-Card Poker and Caribbean Stud.

Good book, good info, but bottom line is the you can't win at a casino. I respect the author's honesty. He doesn't sugar coat it. Casinos are a government enabled scam. Games of "chance" are far from it. They are geared to ensure there is no way for the gambler to win. None. The sooner folks wake up to that fact and shut these places down, the better.

This is very helpful and well-written. Thanks!

couldn't get the game to download, customer service was no help, finally gave up. so I can't tell you if the games were any good

I bought this book as a novice gambler to get a better explanation of casino games and some strategies. The book is great! Gollehon discusses the major casino games by first explaining how the game is played and what actions the player needs to take. Then he discusses the proper strategies to use and the right bets to make. He also tells you what bets not to make.I especially liked the sections on blackjack, roulette and craps. Easy to read and understand, nice diagrams, and nice discussions on strategy. The only downside to the book was that I wished the section on video poker were more in depth and detailed. He refers you to another text in this case.Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone going to a casino.

Well explained. Good reference guide. Recommended. But received a old book may be a library copy. Highly priced also.

Great book with some awesome tips of every casino game you will find at your standard casino.Gives you grey knowledge on how to play and bet, as well as some pointers in how to maximize your odds and winnings.With the knowledge in this book I can confidently say I consistently do better at the casino.