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How this downtown Las Vegas interview came together
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Conversation With Arnold Snyder
On doing interviews
Counting Edge: Thank you for taking time to talk to Counting Edge.
Arnold Snyder: I don’t do many interviews today. Most of the time it’s bullshit to get publicity for a magazine or a website. I guess you just caught me at the right time.
Blackjack as a career
CE: We would like to start by asking you about your own career as a player. How has that been for you?
AS: I’ve lived a good life and blackjack has paid for most of it. Well, gambling, but blackjack in particular. I think I have done okay.
CE: You made it into the Blackjack Hall of Fame.
AS: That’s an example of the kind of bullshit I was talking about. Being in the Hall of Fame is an honor to me and I appreciate it. But it’s what you do at the blackjack table that makes you a success, not having your name in a building somewhere on something that few people will ever see. I’m a good player. That’s all that matters.
Writing Blackbelt in Blackjack
CE: You’ve written many books about blackjack. One of our favorites is Blackbelt in Blackjack. How did that come about? Why did you write it?
AS: I wrote it for money (laughs). No, it was a book I thought could fill in some gaps that were missing in books on the game. Everybody that gets successful playing wants to write a book. My book was a little different than all the rest out there because I got into deck penetration, which a lot of people weren’t talking about at that time. I wrote about that in Blackjack Formula in 1980, I think.
Card counting and the law
CE: You’ve taken stands for other players that have been accused of card counting. Tommy Hyland was one. What is your opinion on the legality of card counting?
AS: Crazy question. Card counting is legal. The courts have said so. It isn’t what the casino likes but the hell with them. A player has the right to use every advantage he can find to beat the game. That’s what I think. Hyland was on trial in Canada. I was called as an expert witness. The whole thing was about whether or not using blackjack teams was legal.
Online blackjack
CE: What are your feelings on online blackjack?
AS: It’s not for me, not really. But I think it’s a hell of a deal for others. There’s a lot of people around who don’t have the ability to go to a live casino and play, you know? If I was younger, maybe. Probably. I think it’s going to be big.
CE: With online blackjack getting more popular do you think the importance of counting cards is less today than it was in your era?
AS: In my era? (laughs). We’re still in my era. I still play, I still count, I still make money. Yes, it is still important even though I know you can’t really do it online unless they are using a live dealer. Then you could—sometimes—depending on how they deal the shoe.
Advice for newer players
CE: Is there any advice you would give to new blackjack players?
AS: I would probably say stick to the online play and just enjoy the game—if that’s what fits your life. Card counting is good but be prepared to spend a lot of time learning how to do it well. You also need to really master basic strategy and money management.
CE: Thank you for your time, sir.
AS: No problem. If you enjoyed reading the interview also check out A Day In The Life Of An Online Blackjack Pro.
Takeaways From the Conversation
Snyder’s answers line up with what serious players already suspect: blackjack rewards preparation—basic strategy first, then deeper skills if you are willing to train. Online play changes the card-counting conversation because most automated games reshuffle too often for counting to matter, while some live-dealer formats may offer conditions worth analyzing (penetration, pace, rules).
If you want to keep learning, browse our best blackjack books list and practice on free blackjack before risking real money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arnold Snyder in the Blackjack Hall of Fame?
Yes. Snyder is a member of the Blackjack Hall of Fame, though in the interview he emphasizes results at the tables over accolades.
What is Arnold Snyder known for?
He is known as an author and professional player, with influential writing on topics like deck penetration and practical play.
Does Arnold Snyder play online blackjack?
In this interview he suggests online blackjack is not his personal focus, while acknowledging it can be a good option for many players.
Is card counting illegal?
Card counting is not generally treated as “cheating” in the legal sense Snyder describes, though casinos can refuse service. See our page on whether counting cards is illegal for nuance by jurisdiction.
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