"In the early transition from the long-lived flintlock system, handgun development closely paralleled that of the long arms. With the advent of the revolving pistols, however; came patents that created monopolies in revolver production and the through-bored cylinder necessary for self-contained metallic cartridges. The caplock revolvers took on a separate evolution and remained state of the art long after the widespread appearance of cartridge firing rifles and shotguns. They rode in the holsters of of explorers and adventurers across the world and granted safe conduct in the back-alleys of the Industrial West right up until the last quarter of the 19th Century. Handguns possess a mystique distinctly different from that of other firearms. They are tools of personal empowerment-chosen by their owners to provide independence and freedom of movement. In the ambitious, optimistic early years of western industrial civilization they were the emblem of liberty and equality and the bane of repressive governments and social movements. Largely because of the traditions that emerged in the time of the caplock pistols and revolvers, they remain so in the early years of the 21st Century."

Originally published in 1935, this is a detailed manual of Bridge technique, 'As Used by the Leading Contract Bridge Tournament Players, with Examples of Expert Bidding and Expert Play'. Contents Include: Part 1 - Expert Bidding - What Every Expert Knows - Valuing the Hand - The Opening Bid of One - Responses to Opening Bids of One - Rebidding - Specialized Opening Bids and Responses - Defensive Bidding - Penalty Doubles and Sacrifice Bids - Slam Bidding - Psychic Bidding - Examples and Drills - Part Two - General Principles - Declarer's Play - Defensive Play - Advanced Play - A Series of Fine Hands

Learn how to play and win at the game of poker Chiapelli's Live Poker Strategies, a book written for novice and experienced players alike, features live poker games like Seven Card Stud, Omaha, and Texas Hold'em. Understanding the fundamentals of heavily popularized and celebrity-studded games of poker doesn't have to be an impossible or difficult feat. Written for the average person, this unique book is guaranteed to both entertain and educate any player worldwide. Included are modern, easy-to-follow illustrations on winning poker hands as well as new topics that often go unaddressed such as gaming etiquette, online poker, and poker room environments across the United States. With a no-nonsense approach that is sure to guide beginners and even the most experienced players into success, this book will prove to be the most beneficial one of its kind. Advocating good entertainment and responsible gambling, Chiapelli's Live Poker Strategies book is a must read for people of all ages Larry Chiapelli is an experienced poker player and owner of a successful floral nursery called Gramma's Gardens in Troy, Michigan. In addition to boosting his family business, Mr. Chiapelli plans to travel more by playing poker across the United States and around the world. Publisher's website: http: //sbpra.com/LarryChiapelli Author's website: www.ChiapellisPoker.com

Why is there a twelve on the cover of this blackjack book instead of the usual twenty-one? No blackjack author in their right mind would put a hand of twelve on the cover. Glen Wiggy did--he is full of surprises like that. Part how-to manual, part memoir, 1536 Free Waters and Other Blackjack Endeavors--Finding Profit and Humor in Card-Counting chronicles Wiggy's amusing experiences while playing blackjack during more than eight hundred casino visits from January 2001 until June 2008. It also introduces blackjack card-counting in a fun and easy-to-learn format.

In addition to the everyday casino patrons, starving puppies, angry pit bosses, French doughnuts, talking sea gulls, and 1536 bottled waters make unforgettable appearances in these entertaining stories tailored for casual blackjack gamblers. For players pursuing the game for serious profit, Wiggy also presents practical tips on

- Aspects of blackjack basic strategy- Fundamentals of card-counting- Techniques for managing money- Dangers of greedy gambling behavior

Unlike most blackjack strategy guides, 1536 Free Waters and Other Blackjack Endeavors won't teach you how to "kill" the dealer or make a living playing the game. Instead, you'll learn basic strategy and introductory card-counting skills that give you enough confidence to approach the table with a positive attitude and reasonable expectation of winning. Plus, you'll learn what to expect from the cards and the wonderfully strange people and places you may encounter. Enjoy the ride.

"Undoubtedly, the most enjoyable blackjack book I've read in my twenty years as the editor of a gambling publishing company. It had me laughing out loud."--Deke Castleman, editor for Huntington Press

Read more at www.blackjackstories.com.

Originally published in 1897. The author was a famous conjuror who many spent many years perfecting the hundreds of tricks and sleight of hand methods described here. Contents Include: SLEIGHTS: The Double Handed Pass - The Force - The Bridge - The Glide - The Color Change, etc. TRICKS WITH CARDS: Magic versus Mnemonics - The Hypnotised card - Cards Shot Against a Hat - The Demon Envelope - The Obedient Card, etc. PREPARED AND MECHANICAL CARDS: The Changing Card - The Torn Corner Card - The Flap Card - The Conjurer as Marksman - The Envelope Card - The Coin Card - A Mysterious Transformation, etc Contains many explanatory illustrations. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.Envelope Card - The Coin Card - A Mysterious Transformation, etc

After some years using published material to teach newcomers the rudiments of bridge bidding, the author became somewhat disillusioned with the approach advocated in the majority of beginning bridge texts. The matters that particularly concerned him were related to the view espoused by many bridge teachers that it is important to keep all bidding 'natural' so as not to confuse beginners. The author felt that if confusion exists, it is likely to be the teaching approach that causes the confusion, rather than the subject matter itself.The proponents of this 'natural' bidding approach, decline to teach beginning students Jacoby Transfer Bids, Weak Two Opening Bids and, in some cases, Stayman. The reason often given is that teaching 'natural' bidding is difficult enough for beginning bridge students, and we should not confuse them by teaching them conventions or treatments that say something different. These same teachers seem to see no inconsistency in their approach of saying, when the students are doing a second (or third) class with them - "oh, remember when I told you that when your partner makes an opening bid of 1NT and you have 7 points and a five card ♥ suit, that you should bid 2♥? Well, I want you to forget that, because I am going to teach you now that, with that same hand, you should bid 2♦." The author has two problems with that approach. Firstly, it seems to downplay the ability of students to understand these specific bids. The author contends that it is most likely that this is a 'teaching failure' rather than a 'learning failure' The author has found that once students fully understand that it is desirable to have the strong hand as Declarer, most of them have little problem understanding the rationale behind Jacoby Transfer Bids. Putting the bids in context seems to make the task of learning Transfer Bids much easier. Secondly, if teachers are hoping to encourage their students to become duplicate bridge players, it makes sense for them to be using a bidding system that other players are using. As almost all duplicate bridge players use Stayman, Jacoby Transfer Bids and Weak Two Opening Bids, the author's students are introduced to these bids in their first series of lessons. And it is important to note that an understanding of these 3 aspects of bridge bidding will not prove to be a disadvantage in social bridge. The theme throughout the book is one of providing clear, consistent guidelines for a relatively simple modern approach to bidding. The author repeatedly emphasizes that once newcomers have a reasonable understanding of basic bidding, they, and their partner, can 'tweak' the approach taught in this text. The author is an avid duplicate bridge player and encourages all of his students to try that form of the game. However, the reality is that many bridge players enjoy the game in its more social form, and have no real desire to go past that form of the game. This is perfectly understandable, and the bidding style taught in this text is consistent with either form of the game. This book is organized into nine Chapters.CHAPTER 1 - The Basics.This Chapter is really 'Ground Zero'. It recognizes that some people who wish to learn to play bridge have had little, if any, experience of playing card games. The text introduces students to the absolute basics: -the suits -the rank, or hierarchy, of suits-how to count points-what is a 'game' in bridge-dealing-arranging the cards in your hand-the process of bidding-the process of playing-scoring.In this first, very basic, Chapter, students have a hand of bridge to play. At the end of the Chapter there is a brief test to enable students to check their mastery of the material provided in the text. Clearly not all students "need" this Chapter. Nevertheless as the purpose of the book is to provide a text to enable ALL students to be introduced to the wo

This book covers basic bridge principles relating to all three aspects of bridge - bidding, defending and declaring a hand. I have imparted ideas that I have learned in over twenty years of playing high-level tournament and rubber bridge.

Originally published in the 1930s. The authors state that this comprehensive work contains all the games which the card enthusiast will wish to have in his repertory, with advice and tips on each. Contents Include: Bridge.- Poker. - Cribbage.- Black Maria.- Whist. - Patience, and many, many others. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

This book is a collection of entertaining true stories and educational explanations from a winning poker player, which offers an insight into the world of poker for both players and non-players.

How Women Can Crack The Seemingly Closed Brotherhood Of Poker; Men do it. Boys do it. Even brothers and cousins and fathers do it. But for many women, it remains a mystery, a closed brotherhood of codes. Much has been written about poker, but this is the first book that focuses on the needs of women. This is a book for women, by women, who want to claim their seat at the poker table - and win The information in Playing With The Big Boys comes in an easy-to-follow, lively and practical presentation. Everything from the origins and basics of the game, to the variations, to strategies, and to the ways women can participate in tournaments is included. Readers will be led through the chapters by 'Laura, ' the card shark heroine: How did Laura get started? How did she become her local winner? What advice can she give to other women for their home games or for possible casino ventures? And how can women contend with husbands, boyfriends, Big Boys - and take their money Beyond the fundamentals of 5 and 7 card stud, blackjack, draw games, and Texas hold 'em, the authors investigate the unusual variants such as Chicago, Indian Poker, baseball, lowball, hi-lo, and Anaconda. hold them, and when to fold them. Bluffing gets its own separate treatment, as does the age old problem of how to manage a losing streak - or a winning streak

A FAMILY CARD GAME with simple gameplay that is quick and easy to learn CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY and discover new Black heroes you didn't know about till now BOLD AND COLOURFUL ILLUSTRATIONS on every card make it easy to recognize your favourite heroes DISCOVER MORE IN THE BOOKLET, from when Simone Biles first discovered gymnastics to how Queen Nzinga fought off Portuguese invaders Team up Usain Bolt with Simone Biles, match Mae Jemison with Katherine Johnson, join Jean-Michel Basquiat with Kara Walker. Collect illustrated cards of 44 of the most inspirational Black figures of all time and gather them into groups including space, sport, activism, art, science and literature. Based on Happy Families, this game will inspire children and parents to celebrate Black heroes, both contemporary and historical

Slotboom and Hollink join forces to produce the definitive guide to short-handed Pot-Limit Omaha poker, or tables with six or fewer players.