Don Schlesinger is a blackjack researcher, author and 2015 Blackjack Hall of Fame inductee. He is best known for Blackjack Attack, the SCORE comparison framework and work identifying high-value strategy indexes.
Blackjack Attack
The Blackjack Hall of Fame dates the first edition of Blackjack Attack: Playing the Pros’ Way to 1997 and notes expanded editions in 2001 and 2004. The book developed articles Schlesinger had written for Blackjack Forum and incorporated computer studies commissioned from Norm Wattenberger.
SCORE
Schlesinger developed SCORE, Standard Comparison of Risk and Expectation, to compare card-counting games under standardized bankroll and risk assumptions. A SCORE value is meaningful only with its rules, penetration, spread, strategy and risk assumptions; it is not a guaranteed hourly win.
Illustrious 18 and Fabulous 4
The Illustrious 18 are a selected group of high-value playing indexes for counters. QFIT documentation distinguishes the Sweet 16, which removes two ten-splitting decisions, and the Fabulous 4 surrender indexes. The Illustrious 18 are not eighteen card-counting systems and do not replace basic strategy.
Use the work accurately
- Keep edition and simulation assumptions with every result.
- Do not apply shoe-game results to a different ruleset.
- Separate expected value from variance and risk of ruin.
- Recalculate current conditions rather than copying an old profit figure.
Sources
Further reading
Research can improve decisions, but no model removes gambling risk.
