Welcome Message from Arnold Snyder:
After more than two decades of hassling with printing deadlines, subscriber lists, renewal notices, proofreading copy, layout goofs, delivery problems, envelope stuffing, credit card authorization snafus, wholesaler collection run-arounds, bulk mailing regulations, advertising flyers, and taxes, taxes, taxes . . . And then, the online problems with finding a programmer that actually knew what the f* he was doing. Miscommunications with customers, problems with delivery, or more often non-delivery. I couldn’t take it anymore. I knew in my heart that at one time there was a reason why I put up with the tedium, bureaucracy, and frustration. I guess I really did have a deep abiding love for mankind. But somewhere along the way, I stopped taking psychedelic drugs.
So, the way it works now is I post something when I feel like it—that is, give me a break … in five months, I’ll be 75. I’ll keep my schedule flexible. I’m done with running on adrenaline.
I have neither the time nor inclination to deal with lunacy. Other than writing, and playing in the casinos when I feel like it, I have retired. I’ve become very cranky as a man of leisure. I like to say what I think, and I don’t care much about stepping on people’s toes. I tend to get sarcastic and not everyone appreciates my sense of humor.
But, with the death of Blackjack Forum (the magazine), followed by the more recent death of blackjackforumonline, I once again found myself with no soapbox from which to vent my bad attitude. The friends who participated in my prior web ventures were asking me to come back, since they’ve all been kicked off the other gambling sites for innumerable unforgivable infractions, such as poking fun at sacred cows, failing to bow down to the Almighty Blackjack Cyber-Gurus, and on occasion just flat-out telling the truth. Plus, I’m getting tired of all the queries from my former followers who keep reading about me on other Web sites, and asking me the same questions over and over.
“Is it true you told so-and-so to go #*%@( himself?”
Answer: Yes.
“Is it true you called such-and-such a phony ^&#@%?”
Answer: Yes.
“Is it true you are now bitter enemies with [insert long list of well-known blackjack authorities]?”
Answer: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, sort of, and yes.
“Is it true you stalked [beloved hero of many], cornered him in an alley behind the Stratosphere, and beat his brains in with a ball-peen hammer?”
Answer: You got a problem with that?
“Is it true you infiltrated the last green chip party at the Wendover Taco Bell, whipped an AK47 out from under your trench coat, and proceeded to slaughter one and all in a bloodbath that left the restaurant splattered with human entrails, cheese nachos, and nickel chips from the Peppermill?”
Answer: That case is still pending so my attorney won’t let me comment on it. But Loeb tells me I’ll go scot-free provided the Peppermill gets their chips back.
“Is it true you were spotted recently at Boulder Station betting nickels on Super Fun 21?”
Answer: What?
“Is it true you were spotted recently betting nickels—”
Answer: I heard you . . . and that I deny! It’s a flat-out vicious rumor, no doubt concocted by one of my enemies.
In any case, I have hopefully cleared the air on some of this ancient history. What I like about this online version of BJF is that it’s 100% FREE! The articles are free. The library is free. My brain-breaking work is free. The whole damn thing is free. I hate money now.
Comments are open on all pages. It’s my job to moderate them. Feel free to contribute items of interest. Opinions, experiences, positive? negative? humorous? horrifying? whatever. No pay. This is my hobby. I’m not in business anymore.
I did have a new book come out in 2021, Radical Blackjack, published by Huntington Press, with some heretofore unpublished stuff on shuffle tracking, hole carding, next card play, and optimal rebate strategies. There’s some cool takes on various issues of importance to those who can read between the lines. In the meantime, remember, give greed a chance. ♠
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In knowing that you are one of the best AP’s in the business I would like to congratulate you on your success. Myself on the other hand has been in the businesses of High Precision Griding for 22.5 years. I’m 49 years old and have good health and a sharp mind, still intact. Reading my fourth book about Blackjack now and been running Basic Strategy on a simulation phone app BJA. Been practicing for over a month now and the charts I can see well in my mind. I’ve focused on accuracy and notice speed comes after, pushing every day to get instantaneous results. Commitment, persistence, discipline and a drive to achieve more out of life that I’ve never felt before. This truly has been a lot of work but I’d like to say I’m in it for the long haul and will work as hard as I have to to achieve my goal. Nothing good in life is truly free, nor easy. With absolutely no networking and being solo, sites like this one I may need as a leaning post figuratively speaking of course.
Sincerely
Charles Emerson Jr
Charles, I wish you luck. You have the right attitude. I think a lot of pros would agree with your charaterization of what we do as High Precision Grinding.
Arnold, you are my hero even though my casino concentration is video poker rather than BJ. At 83, I understand your present state of mind: Wanting to stay in the arena you have always loved – gambling and writing about gambling but doing it on your own timetable. I have threatened to “quit” for many years now, but I just can’t do it! However I am at peace with my decision to continue “whenever I feel like it.”
Jean, I guess we’re in a Mutual Admiration Society, because you’ve always been one of my heroes as well! Technically, I retired from work in 1993, when I quit the post office. I haven’t done a lick of “work” since then.