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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Playing Blackjack Like an Engineer by David A. Janover, PE, presents blackjack as a structured decision-making system rather than a casual casino pastime. The book begins by reframing the game through engineering principles such as probability, optimization, risk control, and process thinking. Janover begins with the fundamentals of blackjack, including rules, table layout, card values, and dealer behavior, ensuring readers share a common foundation before advancing. He then introduces probability and statistics, explaining how deck composition and card distribution influence player outcomes. Central to the book is the concept of expected value, which Janover uses to explain why certain plays outperform others over time. From there, the text moves into basic strategy, carefully distinguishing between hard hands, soft hands, and pairs, and explaining how each category requires a different response to the dealer’s upcard. Later chapters expand into bankroll management, betting systems, and casino etiquette.
David A. Janover’s writing is direct, instructional, and methodical, closely mirroring the mindset of an engineer documenting a process. The pacing is steady, with each chapter building logically on the previous one. Charts, tables, step-by-step examples, and clearly labeled scenarios break down complex ideas into manageable pieces. Rather than dramatizing casino play, the book focuses on preparation, repetition, and long-term thinking. This approach will appeal to readers who enjoy analytical learning, structured systems, and practical guides that prioritize understanding over shortcuts. Engineers, mathematically inclined readers, and disciplined recreational players will find Playing Blackjack Like an Engineer especially engaging, as it treats blackjack as a problem-solving exercise governed by probability, planning, and controlled risk. It’s a quick read packed with helpful advice for those who want to beat the odds.
