Ian Andersen
Career
Ian Andersen is one of the most enigmatic figures in professional gambling. Operating under a pseudonym, he has maintained complete anonymity throughout his career as a high-stakes blackjack player. His professional journey gained recognition through his two influential books: "Turning the Tables on Las Vegas" (1976) and "Burning the Tables in Las Vegas" (1999).
Andersen's first book, "Turning the Tables on Las Vegas," revolutionized the approach to professional blackjack play. It was the pioneering work to extensively detail the critical importance of camouflage techniques for card counters. Andersen emphasized that skilled players needed to disguise their expertise to avoid detection by casino personnel, including pit bosses, floor managers, and surveillance teams.
His second book, "Burning the Tables in Las Vegas," published 23 years after his debut work, reinforced and expanded upon his original concepts. This follow-up stressed the significance of maintaining a non-threatening persona to ensure continued welcome in casinos.
A notable innovation Andersen introduced was the concept of reading dealer tells to gain an additional edge against the house. He was the first to document this technique in gambling literature, noting that during the era when his first book was published, dealers would physically peek at their hole cards when showing a ten or ace.
Interesting facts
- Despite being inducted into the prestigious Blackjack Hall of Fame in 2012, Andersen has never attended any of the annual invitation-only Blackjack Balls where professional players vote and awards are presented.
- He pioneered the concept of creating an entire act or persona to take advantage of high-roller complimentary benefits (comps) while concealing his card-counting abilities.
- Andersen is known for advocating a comprehensive approach to advantage play that extends beyond mere technical skill to include psychological elements and behavioral deception.
- The 23-year gap between his two books is unusual in the gambling literature world and speaks to his commitment to only publishing when he had substantial new insights to share.
Legacy
Andersen's legacy in professional gambling is profound despite (or perhaps because of) his anonymity. He transformed how advantage players approach casinos by emphasizing play's theatrical and psychological aspects rather than just mathematical skills. His books have become essential reading for serious blackjack players who aim to play professionally over the long term.
The concepts he introduced about camouflage and managing one's image in the casino environment have become standard practice among successful advantage players.
The respect Andersen commands within the professional gambling community is evidenced by his induction into the Blackjack Hall of Fame despite never making public appearances—a testament to the revolutionary impact of his ideas and methods.
Frequently asked Questions
No, Ian Andersen is a pseudonym. His true identity remains unknown, making him one of the most private figures in professional gambling.
Unlike many other blackjack experts who focus primarily on card counting techniques, Andersen emphasized the importance of psychological camouflage—creating a persona that would allow players to continue playing without raising suspicion from casino staff.
His books were the first to comprehensively address the non-mathematical aspects of professional gambling, particularly how to disguise skilled play and maintain a welcome presence in casinos. He also pioneered the concept of reading dealer tells in blackjack.
No. Even after being inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame in 2012, he maintained his anonymity and did not attend the ceremony or any subsequent Blackjack Ball events.
Yes. While casino surveillance and countermeasures have evolved, the fundamental principles Andersen described about behavioral camouflage remain essential for any advantage player looking to maintain longevity in casino play.
