Don Schlesinger
Childhood
Born and raised in the intellectual hub of New York City, Schlesinger's early life laid the groundwork for his analytical prowess. He graduated from the City College of New York (CCNY) with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, a discipline that would later become the bedrock of his blackjack expertise. His academic pursuits extended beyond numbers, as he also earned Master of Arts and Master of Philosophy degrees in French from the City University of New York, showcasing a diverse intellectual curiosity.
Career
Initially a math and French teacher in NYC schools, Schlesinger shifted careers in 1984, spending 14 years as a principal at a Wall Street investment bank. This honed his strategic and analytical skills. Retiring from finance in 1998, he dedicated himself to blackjack research, writing, teaching, and playing.
His impactful contributions include advancements in betting, risk analysis, back counting, Floating Advantage, camouflage, and team play. He is best known for:
- The Illustrious 18: A key set of 18 card counting indices simplifying strategic deviations.
- DI & SCORE: Tools for comparing game profitability and risk.
- Optimal Composition-Dependent Basic Strategy: A more precise strategy considering specific card holdings.
Schlesinger collaborated with blackjack luminaries and contributed to the Blackjack Forum.
His seminal 1997 book, Blackjack Attack: Playing the Pros' Way, is a definitive guide to advantage play based on his research and Norm Wattenberger's simulations. His SCORE system addresses critical aspects like strategy deviations, bankroll needs, and game comparison. In 2023, he co-authored The Hi-Lo Card Counting System: A Complete Guide to Index Play.
Personal life
While his professional life is deeply intertwined with the gambling world, specific details about Don Schlesinger's personal life outside of his career achievements are not widely publicized.
Revenue
Information regarding Don Schlesinger's personal revenue is not publicly available. His income would likely be derived from book sales, potential consulting fees, and any winnings from his own blackjack play.
Interesting facts
His background in both mathematics and French demonstrates a diverse intellectual profile.
His successful career on Wall Street before dedicating himself fully to blackjack highlights his strategic thinking and analytical abilities in different high-pressure environments.
The enduring relevance of his "Illustrious 18" decades after its creation underscores its fundamental importance to card counting.
His collaborative spirit within the blackjack community has fostered the advancement of knowledge and strategy in the game.
Legacy
Don Schlesinger's legacy in the world of blackjack is profound and enduring. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the modern era of advantage play. His rigorous mathematical approach, coupled with his ability to translate complex concepts into practical strategies, has empowered countless players to approach the game with greater understanding and potential for success.
The Illustrious 18 remains a cornerstone of card counting, and his work on game comparison with SCORE has provided invaluable tools for serious players. Blackjack Attack is widely regarded as a definitive text, a "bible" for those seeking to master the game's intricacies. His induction into the Blackjack Hall of Fame in recognition of his lasting contributions solidifies his place among the giants of blackjack strategy.
Frequently asked Questions
Don Schlesinger is a highly respected gaming mathematician, author, lecturer, and skilled blackjack player. He is best known for his significant contributions to the theory and practice of advantage blackjack, including the creation of the Illustrious 18 indices and the publication of the influential book Blackjack Attack: Playing the Pros' Way. He is a member of the Blackjack Hall of Fame.
The Illustrious 18 is a set of the eighteen most crucial card-counting index numbers that dictate when a player should deviate from a basic strategy based on the running count. These indices, derived from extensive computer simulations, represent the most profitable strategy adjustments for memorizing a card counter.
Blackjack Attack: Playing the Pros' Way is considered a comprehensive and advanced guide to advantage blackjack. It delves into the mathematical foundations of the game, card counting techniques, optimal betting strategies, risk management, and game selection. The book provides data-driven insights and practical advice for serious blackjack players.
SCORE stands for Standard Comparison of Risk and Expectation. It is a mathematical formula developed by Don Schlesinger to allow card counters to objectively compare the potential profitability and associated risk of different blackjack game variations and playing conditions. This helps players decide where to invest their time and bankroll.
Composition-dependent basic strategy is an advanced blackjack strategy that considers the specific cards held in the player's hand rather than just the hand's total. Don Schlesinger researched and published the optimal composition-dependent basic strategy, which offers players more precise playing decisions in certain situations compared to the traditional total-dependent basic strategy.
