A Conversation with Frank Scoblete (Part 2)

In my last article, we began our conversation with America's most popular gaming author and lecturer, Frank Scoblete. In this article, we continue that conversation, talking not only about what made Scoblete the nation's most widely read casino gaming authority, but also about his best-selling books Bold Card Play! Best Strategies For Caribbean Stud, Let It Ride, and Three Card Poker and The Armada Strategies for Spanish 21.

When I first heard about the book, I was very skeptical about how anyone could write in-depth strategy for Caribbean Stud Poker, the casino game that this columnist likes least of all. When I informed Scoblete of my opinion of the game, I soon found out we are both pretty much on the same wavelength.

"I've written the truth about Caribbean Stud," Scoblete said. "I recommend that the game should not be played, mainly because the dealer qualifying rule makes it so frustrating. I do, however, give a playing strategy, the most detailed Caribbean Stud Poker strategy ever given in a popular book. But there's nothing you can do to stop the frustration level, so I also mention the drawbacks to playing.

"My discussion of Caribbean Stud also includes a thorough analysis of the side bet which makes the player eligible for the progressive jackpot. I discovered that the progressive must build to over $300,000 before the game is even worth playing. Anything less and it's a waste of time."

It seems that every once in a while I am compelled to sit down at a Caribbean Stud Poker table to remind myself why I should never play! Not long ago I bought into a game at the Hollywood Casino Aurora and walked away an $80 loser after drawing a pair only twice in 15 hands and then losing both of those when the dealer beat me. What's more, the progressive was under $25,000, a paltry reward for the astronomical chances against being dealt a royal flush in five cards.

"While researching the book I discovered that Let It Ride has a much more enthusiastic following, mainly because it's a much more exciting game," Scoblete revealed. "I also discuss Three Card Poker, a game that is being played mainly at casinos in the South, but which I believe has the popular potential to move across the country."

A major key to Scoblete's success is the fact he takes the player seriously. He doesn't patronize his readers mainly because he's one of us!

"I am not a slot player, although I do venture to the machines occasionally just to keep my hand in it and know what's happening," Scoblete said. "When I go casino gambling I put my 'big money' up at blackjack."

Scoblete's book Bold Card Player: Best Strategies for Caribbean Stud, Let It Ride, and Three Card Poker! has been the best selling "new games" book since its publication in 1998. Following on the heels of that book, Frank published Armada Strategies at Spanish 21 (Bonus Books) which has also been a brisk seller.

"In 'Spanish 21' I give the most complete analysis of this particular variation of the game of blackjack ever given," Scoblete said. "I enlisted the help of gaming author and columnist Fred Renzey, whose expertise in mathematics helped me to come up with optimum strategies. I also include some methods for beating the game through being issued comps for your play."

This article is provided by the Frank Scoblete Network. Melissa A. Kaplan is the network's managing editor. If you would like to use this article on your website, please contact Casino City Press, the exclusive web syndication outlet for the Frank Scoblete Network. To contact Frank, please e-mail him at fscobe@optonline.net.