I’ve had the honor of getting to know Kevin Blackwood over the past couple of years. He contacted me when he heard about “Holy Rollers”, saying that it sounds like we have a very similar story. I was then able to meet Kevin in person at the Blackjack Ball last year and have gotten together with him a couple more times since then.
Kevin was kind enough to have me over to sit down and discuss his story, the life of a card counter, and his novel. If you are a Premium member, you can listen to the podcast here.
After reading Kevin’s novel, The Counter, and getting the opportunity to interview him, it was amazing to see just how much we have in common. We both come from conservative Christian backgrounds –he and Ben even went to the same Bible college in Portland, OR– we were intrigued by card counting, studied it like crazy, then took a stab at it at a local card room, grew bankrolls, and played at a professional level for a number of years. After retiring from card counting, Kevin decided to write a fictional novel about the life of a card counter. It borrows a bit from Kevin’s background, experiences, and struggles, though is not based on him. The interesting thing I found from reading “The Counter” is that it stands on its own as a novel to someone who just wants to read an exciting story. But more than that, it is one of the most entertaining reads for a card counter, even offering tidbits of good advice to for card counters (from choosing to always back-count before placing a bet to his philosophy behind tipping). Of course, because of the similarities to my life, I was intrigued by the internal struggle of a guy trying to balance card counting as a means to an end and becoming the new ends. If you want to a great read full of card counting stories, internal and external conflict, and nuggets of card counting wisdom from one of the most successful card counters I’ve met, you should give it a read. The book is out of print, but Kevin is selling the ebook version here.
Author: Colin Jones
Is there a way I can download this on my iPad?
I would like to kindly request a copy of the counter if it is not too much trouble. Thanks!
John.
I read this book over a year ago. It isn’t the best written book, but it is entertaining. I particularly liked the dramatic twist at the end of the story…read the book to find out!
Hello,
I would like a copy of this book if it is still available. I am an avid reader and have been studying your resources for years now, great job on updating the look and organizing the data.
Thanks,
AJ
Hi Colin,
Loved “Holy Rollers…” I watched the documentary, enjoyed it, and thought I put it out of my mind until I showed my wife. She liked it. After that 2nd viewing, I was deternined to make a go at perfecting basic strategy and learning to count cards. I’ve since borrowed books and DVDs from our local (Las Vegas) library and have been enjoying your podcasts. I work in radio which is cool enough, but something Ben mentioned about “…add(ing) the element of time to anything and it’s no longer fun” really stuck with me. I was looking for a new challenge and it sure looks like you guys have given me one. So, thanks a ton and Happy New Year! BTW, any chance I made the top 2 requesting a copy of “The Counter?”
Sincerely, Mark Melbourne
I would like to kindly request a copy of Kevin’s book! Thanks!
I haven’t read the book but it sounds like a good read. I’ll take a free copy.
Awesome! You guys have inspired me.
I am also requesting a copy of the book
Thanks! – Mark
I’d love a copy please
I’d love a free copy!
I have not read this book and it looks like an interesting read. May I get one of the free copies?
Happy New Year!
Wow! Didn’t expect this much response.
Looks like JCNote and AJTyink were the first 2 to respond. I’ll email you guys a copy ASAP.
Fortunately for everyone else, $7.99 isn’t bad for an awesome book!
Happy New Year!
Jamo,
Yeah, if you buy it, you can put it on your iPad… I’ve added pdfs to iBooks.
First of all Happy New Year!
Also The Counter sounds like a really interesting read, would love it if I was lucky enough to receive one of those free copies!
In my openion card counter is good if you play with the team especially if you play 8 or 6 decks shoe games in the casino.