Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 3rd, 2011 at 9:33:19 PM permalink
I am a professional investor and gamble for a hobby/relieve stress. The thing I find most interesting in both ventures is human nature. I make a lot of my short term performance gaming the crowd.
I think the two ventures have a lot in common and a lot of success comes down to money (bankroll) management and discipline. My two favorite books along those lines are:

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator-Edwin Lefevre

Alchemy of Finance-George Soros

What are some of your favorites as I am looking for some suggestions?
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
waltomeal
waltomeal
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November 3rd, 2011 at 10:58:41 PM permalink
To Kill a Mockingbird. It's not a gambling book, but read it anyway. Because it's awesome, that's why.
Old enough to repaint. Young enough to sell.
MrV
MrV
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November 4th, 2011 at 12:39:00 AM permalink
I like "Whale Hunt in the Desert," by Deke Castleman.

It's a fascinating bio of Las Vegas super host Steve Cyr.

whalehunt

The grandest game of all is conning the marks into giving you their money with a smile on their face.
"What, me worry?"
FleaStiff
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November 4th, 2011 at 1:28:26 AM permalink
Reminiscences of a Stock Operator-Edwin Lefevre
I seem to remember that as recollections of someone who used to trade in bucket shops and claimed to have a "sense" of the market somehow. I never viewed the book as revealing anything, but then I was probably 12 when I read it.
Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 4th, 2011 at 5:20:22 PM permalink
Quote: MrV

I like "Whale Hunt in the Desert," by Deke Castleman.

It's a fascinating bio of Las Vegas super host Steve Cyr.

whalehunt

The grandest game of all is conning the marks into giving you their money with a smile on their face.



Thanks, putting it on the Kindle. Not sure if you noticed but he was interviewed on the radio program (Bob dancer) the Wiz mentioned last week. Cyr was an interesting interview talking with pride about beating a guy out of 100k.
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 4th, 2011 at 5:31:05 PM permalink
Quote: FleaStiff

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator-Edwin Lefevre
I seem to remember that as recollections of someone who used to trade in bucket shops and claimed to have a "sense" of the market somehow. I never viewed the book as revealing anything, but then I was probably 12 when I read it.



Worth another read IMO. Basically a biography of Jesse Livermore who was possibly the greatest speculator ever livermore.

Here is a choice quote.

A loss never bothers me after I take it. I forget it overnight. But being wrong - not taking the loss - that is what does damage to the pocketbook and to the soul.
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
Ibeatyouraces
Ibeatyouraces
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November 4th, 2011 at 5:46:09 PM permalink
deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 5th, 2011 at 11:46:52 AM permalink
Quote: Ibeatyouraces

Beyond Counting Exhibit C++.



I appreciate the info, I checked out his site and read some articles. Way over my head, but I can dream of being that statistically gifted.
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
aluisio
aluisio
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November 5th, 2011 at 11:56:10 AM permalink
My favorite is: The Gambler, from Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
In my opinion he really pictures what gambling is!
No bounce, no play.
AZDuffman
AZDuffman
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November 5th, 2011 at 12:06:56 PM permalink
"Gambling Wizards." It is along the lines of the "Market Wizards" series and is interview format about the nature of the mentality you need to succeed.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 5th, 2011 at 12:13:37 PM permalink
RE: Dostoevsky

I have only read Crime and Punishment, will add it to my list. Thanks
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 5th, 2011 at 12:15:37 PM permalink
Quote: AZDuffman

"Gambling Wizards." It is along the lines of the "Market Wizards" series and is interview format about the nature of the mentality you need to succeed.



Thanks, I have worn copies of both the Market Wizards books. I am looking forward to reading Gambling Wizards.
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
NicksGamingStuff
NicksGamingStuff
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November 5th, 2011 at 12:43:30 PM permalink
I think everyone is forgetting about the best gambling book ever, our own Wizards Gambling 102!
ikilledjerrylogan
ikilledjerrylogan
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November 5th, 2011 at 12:46:13 PM permalink
Quote: Scotty71


A loss never bothers me after I take it. I forget it overnight. But being wrong - not taking the loss - that is what does damage to the pocketbook and to the soul.



Nice choice of a quote. Truly understanding this quote changed the way I trade.

When it comes to blackjack I like the book Blackbelt In Blackjack.
Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 5th, 2011 at 3:11:45 PM permalink
Quote: ikilledjerrylogan

Nice choice of a quote. Truly understanding this quote changed the way I trade.

When it comes to blackjack I like the book Blackbelt In Blackjack.



I will read that. Regarding the quote on trading I have taken it to the tables and have to walk away when the cards/dice go cold or at the very least against me...live to fight another day.

Taking losses is the hardest thing for people to do and it is usually their downfall in the market specially when it comes to trading. They book small gains and let big losses grow because their ego gets in the way.
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
heather
heather
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November 5th, 2011 at 4:08:34 PM permalink
I liked this one a lot.
ikilledjerrylogan
ikilledjerrylogan
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November 5th, 2011 at 5:30:31 PM permalink
True Scotty. Like trading, gambling is one big session over a lifetime. Having the discipline to stick to an overrall winning method despite a string of losses is whats important. Like life its all about risk:reward.

The green belt section is the most important section of the book in my opinion. White belt talks about various types of counting systems and stuff you've probably already read. Black belt talks about forming teams and sharing bankrolls - stuff thats irrelevant to most people. Green belt talks about cover and bankroll management, stuff thats more relevant and useful.
DorothyGale
DorothyGale
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November 5th, 2011 at 5:52:59 PM permalink
Quote: Ibeatyouraces

Beyond Counting Exhibit C++.

"C++" --> "CAA" ( or maybe better, (*C++).CAA )
"Who would have thought a good little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness!"
AZDuffman
AZDuffman
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November 5th, 2011 at 7:18:11 PM permalink
Quote: Scotty71

Thanks, I have worn copies of both the Market Wizards books. I am looking forward to reading Gambling Wizards.



You should enjoy it if you liked the others. BTW: it is out of print but plenty of used copies online.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
midwestgb
midwestgb
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November 5th, 2011 at 8:13:30 PM permalink
Conquering Casino Craps, John Gollehon

Complete Guide to Casino Gambling, Basil Nestor

Advanced Craps, John Patrick

Get the Edge at Roulette, Christopher Pawlicki
Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 5th, 2011 at 11:03:56 PM permalink
Quote: DorothyGale

"C++" --> "CAA" ( or maybe better, (*C++).CAA )



I had to google that to find it last night I wondered if C++ was a code or an inside joke? I found the exhibit CAA on the BC website. I am not a computer person or an advanced math person, so dont know exactly what the C++ meant.

Dorothy, I got this email from MGM, thought you would appreciate it. It said "Coming soon-A More Rewarding Experience. Literally." We'll see soon if they are using the word correctly.
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 5th, 2011 at 11:14:36 PM permalink
Quote: midwestgb

Conquering Casino Craps, John Gollehon

Complete Guide to Casino Gambling, Basil Nestor

Advanced Craps, John Patrick

Get the Edge at Roulette, Christopher Pawlicki



Sweet, thanks... craps is my favorite game, the only book I have on it is the one by "sharpshooter" He gives a few decent table betting strategies and pressing suggestions but most of its about dice setting and his technique.
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 5th, 2011 at 11:15:18 PM permalink
Quote: midwestgb

Conquering Casino Craps, John Gollehon

Complete Guide to Casino Gambling, Basil Nestor

Advanced Craps, John Patrick

Get the Edge at Roulette, Christopher Pawlicki



Sweet, thanks... craps is my favorite game, the only book I have on it is the one by "sharpshooter" He gives a few decent table betting strategies and pressing suggestions but most of its about dice setting and his technique.

Edit: Sorry for the Dupe
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
FleaStiff
FleaStiff
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November 6th, 2011 at 12:58:05 AM permalink
Quote: heather

I liked this one a lot.

So publish it. It appears to be in the public domain.
odiousgambit
odiousgambit 
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November 6th, 2011 at 3:53:52 AM permalink
you can just read it online, click the icon
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
FleaStiff
FleaStiff
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November 6th, 2011 at 4:03:29 AM permalink
You can probably read Flatland on line too... but people still buy the darned thing.
aluisio
aluisio
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November 6th, 2011 at 6:08:50 AM permalink
Quote: Scotty71

RE: Dostoevsky

I have only read Crime and Punishment, will add it to my list. Thanks



I hope you like the book. I think it's much softer than the one you have read. If you wanna discuss it later do not hesitate in sending a private message.
No bounce, no play.
Ibeatyouraces
Ibeatyouraces
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November 6th, 2011 at 8:18:09 AM permalink
deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
Scotty71
Scotty71
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November 6th, 2011 at 9:25:13 AM permalink
Quote: Ibeatyouraces

The original book was evidence in his court case and labled "Exhibit CAA." So thats how the 2nd edition was subtitled. I use my phone and the "+" and "A" are on the same key. My appologies



I thought maybe it had something to do with computer code, isn't C+ a programming language? I found it either way, probably better that guy (Grosjean) terrorizes casino's rather than Wallsteet as he probably would have come up with some wicked high frequency algo's or nuclear derivatives Article. His BC website had some pretty deep analysis of free play options too.
when man determined to destroy himself he picked the was of shall and finding only why smashed it into because." — E.E. Cummings
thecesspit
thecesspit
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November 7th, 2011 at 1:00:42 PM permalink
Quote: midwestgb

Conquering Casino Craps, John Gollehon

Advanced Craps, John Patrick



There worth reading if you like a laugh at system sellers, thats for sure. I have read and enjoyed both these, but they don't unlock any mysteries, and the rest can find for free elsewhere (like the Wizard of Odds site....)
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
midwestgb
midwestgb
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November 7th, 2011 at 1:34:04 PM permalink
Quote: thecesspit

There worth reading if you like a laugh at system sellers, thats for sure. I have read and enjoyed both these, but they don't unlock any mysteries, and the rest can find for free elsewhere (like the Wizard of Odds site....)



There is no book on gambling (except Poker) that I've seen or read that I would argue 'unlock any mysteries.' These books I've read I simply found enjoyable. I concur that the Wizard's works - mostly all free online - are the most definitive that can be found just about anywhere on the subject of casino gambling.
cardcounter
cardcounter
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November 20th, 2011 at 5:50:34 PM permalink
My favorite gambling book is playing blackjack as a business hands down.
appistapp1s
appistapp1s
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November 20th, 2011 at 7:54:32 PM permalink
this book probably has more relevance for stock market and speculating than it does for casino gaming but it is the definitive read to understand how things 'really' work.

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds.

Charles Mackay 1841.
jackjobe
jackjobe
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November 21st, 2011 at 12:59:42 AM permalink
I am reading the book of William Hill Co. This book also win “Gambling book of the year award”

-Whale Hunt In The Desert
-Gambling Wizards
Let's play casino online everyday.
teddys
teddys
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November 21st, 2011 at 3:52:24 PM permalink
I just finished "Whale Hunt in the Desert." It is very good. If any one wants my copy, PM me with your address and I will send it to you for the cost of shipping.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
JohnnyQ
JohnnyQ
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November 21st, 2011 at 4:31:28 PM permalink
As far as great general info for beginners is
concerned, I always recommend American
Casino Guide.

Yes, its mostly a coupon book, but the chapters
it has on gambling dispel a lot of casino
myths, and it does a good job of explaining and
listing the house advantage for VP vs Slots.

Also good charts on basic strategy for BJ.
There's emptiness behind their eyes There's dust in all their hearts They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
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