21: A Memoir
January 13th, 2016 at 4:15:57 PM
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This is my 4th review of gambling literature. You can read my previous one here: https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/general/24574-god-doesnt-shoot-craps-btp-3/
Stephen Custer is the author of 21: A Memoir. From the title, it should be obvious it recounts his adventures playing Blackjack. The journey here covers the first six months or so when he was just starting to hit the casinos. The events take place at the turn of the millennia, organized monthly beginning near the end of 1999. It doesn't appear too much is out of date but I am not a card counter myself. His description of the strip is pretty accurate sans a few newer casinos.
Stephen's writing is intriguing. I enjoyed his daily logs of wins and losses. He wrote a journal with no intent to publish so his detailed accounts of his blackjack moves seem authentic. He covers some of the proper procedures and gives rudimentary overviews of card counting but this is not a how-to book as much as a one man journey on a new road to adventure.
If it was solely re-enactments of gambling wagers, it might get boring real fast. Of course, there is always the cat-and-mouse game of not being detected by the casino. Stephen is no stranger to that and describes his back-offs, barrings and shuffle-ups. Luckily, he is never back-roomed.
But the book is also about his personal journey, dealing with the loss of his wife a few years previous, and his attempts to move on. Interspersed every other chapter between the gambling is his search for renewal through finding someone to adequately replace the love of his life. It ain't easy.
If any book confirms the old adage (if I have it right) Stephen is lucky at cards, unlucky at love.
Other card counters here should be able to confirm or critique his seemingly spot-on knowledge of the game and art of counting. In fact, where he seems plagued is his cover. He keeps getting spotted and very quickly, then remains paranoid when there is no heat at all. When he finally overcomes his fears, along comes the whammy, another pit boss hot on his cover. Perhaps, that is the way it is with card-counters.
Over all, I really enjoyed the book. It is well written and paced. There is no image of him anywhere on the book and the inner voice I kept hearing and actor I pictured as I read the book was that of an older William Holden. The same inflections seemed evident in the pacing of the dialogue. I am sure Stephen would be honored if he knew (I will see about getting him on here, I have been in contact with him.)
As with all the books I review, you can purchase it on Amazon. I don't provide links. I hope these reviews will drive some of you to read books you otherwise would not have picked up. Until the next time, enjoy!
Stephen Custer is the author of 21: A Memoir. From the title, it should be obvious it recounts his adventures playing Blackjack. The journey here covers the first six months or so when he was just starting to hit the casinos. The events take place at the turn of the millennia, organized monthly beginning near the end of 1999. It doesn't appear too much is out of date but I am not a card counter myself. His description of the strip is pretty accurate sans a few newer casinos.
Stephen's writing is intriguing. I enjoyed his daily logs of wins and losses. He wrote a journal with no intent to publish so his detailed accounts of his blackjack moves seem authentic. He covers some of the proper procedures and gives rudimentary overviews of card counting but this is not a how-to book as much as a one man journey on a new road to adventure.
If it was solely re-enactments of gambling wagers, it might get boring real fast. Of course, there is always the cat-and-mouse game of not being detected by the casino. Stephen is no stranger to that and describes his back-offs, barrings and shuffle-ups. Luckily, he is never back-roomed.
But the book is also about his personal journey, dealing with the loss of his wife a few years previous, and his attempts to move on. Interspersed every other chapter between the gambling is his search for renewal through finding someone to adequately replace the love of his life. It ain't easy.
If any book confirms the old adage (if I have it right) Stephen is lucky at cards, unlucky at love.
Other card counters here should be able to confirm or critique his seemingly spot-on knowledge of the game and art of counting. In fact, where he seems plagued is his cover. He keeps getting spotted and very quickly, then remains paranoid when there is no heat at all. When he finally overcomes his fears, along comes the whammy, another pit boss hot on his cover. Perhaps, that is the way it is with card-counters.
Over all, I really enjoyed the book. It is well written and paced. There is no image of him anywhere on the book and the inner voice I kept hearing and actor I pictured as I read the book was that of an older William Holden. The same inflections seemed evident in the pacing of the dialogue. I am sure Stephen would be honored if he knew (I will see about getting him on here, I have been in contact with him.)
As with all the books I review, you can purchase it on Amazon. I don't provide links. I hope these reviews will drive some of you to read books you otherwise would not have picked up. Until the next time, enjoy!
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
