Playing Blackjack Like an Engineer blends mathematics, engineering principles, and card game strategy into a guide for readers to understand the mechanics of this card game better and develop a strategy to gain an analytical edge. What inspired you to write this book?

Over 40 years ago, when I was a teenager, I remember my uncle talking about playing blackjack in Atlantic City, NJ. He had such a passion for the game, and I’ll never forget him saying, “Always split aces and eights.” At the time, all I knew about the game was that the objective was to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. But my uncle’s advice made me realize there must be a strategy behind it, something that could help a player win.

As I grew older, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the game. I began studying basic strategy charts and diving deeper into the mechanics of blackjack. I’ve always been passionate about blending my engineering background with real-world applications, and blackjack turned out to be a perfect intersection of my interests. While blackjack is a card game, it heavily relies on probability, statistics, and strategy—areas where engineering principles are particularly valuable.

In my early days of playing, I relied on gut instincts before I understood the strategy charts. As I learned more, I realized that many players approach blackjack the same way, without fully grasping the underlying mechanics or the best strategies to optimize their chances of success. That’s when the idea for this book came to me: What if I could present a more analytical approach to the game—one that encourages players to think critically about their decisions and gain an edge over the house?

This book was born from that desire to help readers understand how mathematics and engineering principles can be applied to improve their strategies at the blackjack table. Although you don’t need to be an engineer to read and understand the book, I think people have a natural respect for engineers, knowing that we approach problems in a structured, analytical way. The title, “Playing Blackjack Like an Engineer,” was intended to spark curiosity—especially among engineers and those who appreciate a more methodical approach. Ultimately, my goal was simply to share my passion and what I’ve learned over the years with others.

How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?

Writing Playing Blackjack Like an Engineer involved a deep dive into the game’s mathematical and statistical aspects. I spent a significant amount of time reviewing existing literature on probability theory, money management, and developing mnemonic devices to help with remembering basic strategy actions. While I was already familiar with these concepts due to my engineering background, I wanted to ensure that they were presented in a clear and accessible way for readers of all levels.

In addition to reviewing the literature, I conducted hands-on research, playing blackjack and analyzing real game scenarios to validate the strategies discussed in the book. The research itself took several years to compile, but the actual writing, illustrating, and refining of the material took several months. My goal was to make sure that every chapter was not only well-researched but also informative, engaging, and easy for readers to follow.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

One of the key ideas I wanted to convey was that blackjack is not just a game of luck; it’s a game of skill and strategy. Many people play intuitively, but there are mathematical frameworks and engineering concepts that can significantly improve the player’s chances at the table. I also wanted to emphasize the importance of discipline—whether it’s knowing when to walk away, managing your bankroll, or staying calm under pressure. I believe that the principles of risk management and decision-making in engineering are directly applicable to playing blackjack effectively. Finally, while I don’t delve too deep into the mathematics, I simply wanted to stress the importance of understanding the probabilities of every possible scenario in the game and how they can shape better strategic decisions.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Playing Blackjack Like an Engineer?

I hope that readers walk away with a new perspective on blackjack—one that goes beyond playing the game for fun or relying on gut feelings. I want them to understand that every decision in blackjack is grounded in mathematics, and with the right strategy, they can make smarter choices that tilt the odds in their favor. My ultimate goal is to inspire readers to think critically and analytically, whether they’re at the blackjack table or facing challenges in their everyday lives.

The key takeaway is that principles of engineering—such as logic, probability, and optimization—can help you make more informed decisions and gain an edge in any situation, not just in games of chance. In a nutshell, I want to provide readers with the tools to boost their confidence at the blackjack table and empower them to play with a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics.

Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads