Howard Schwartz, from the famous Gambler's Book Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, keeps Winner's Edge readers up-to-date on new handicapping books and old favorites. Howard provides reviews on books focused mainly on the sports side of the industry, but also on the casino games, card games as well as interesting publications highlighting the characters and history of the gaming industry. Here is one of Howard's reviews for the 2003 season:
Last year saw the inaugural edition of the Las Vegas Pro Football Guide and Workbook by Patrick Forsythe. ($19.95, 59 pages, 8x11 plastic spiralbound.) In an unprecedented move, Forsythe set out to predict the winners of every football game that was on the schedule last year. Overall, he picked 54 percent. And, he successfully predicted seven of the 12 playoff teams, including the eventual Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots before the season started. Using his own information, he also finished 12th in the prestigious annual Las Vegas Hilton football handicapping contest and was a semi-finalist in the Stardust Invitational football championships. (He's already bought his future book ticket on the Super Bowl-a photocopy of this $100 ticket is included in the book along with his predicted line, total and final score.)
As it was last year, the book is based on his analysis of each scheduled regular season game-with 1,000 computer simulations of each matchup. Other factors, like the starting lineups; past histories; road and home games and games in their divisions are all considered as well. You can see his predictions and predicted results week by week while keeping your own records for the week and for the entire season.
So for those who believe someone can predict the future based on results of the past and skill, which allows an individual to anticipate weeks ahead based on a variety of factors, Forsythe's book may just what the doctor ordered. Incidentally, if you're wondering-more than 500 copies of the book sold in the first three weeks of availability last season.
(Books reviewed here are available from Gambler's Book Shop, 630 South 11th St., Las Vegas, NV 89101. Call 1-800-522-1777 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Use MasterCard, VISA or Discover cards only (no American Express) or send a check or money order for the book you wish to order ($6.50 postage for Priority Mail). You may order via the Internet at the store's web site www.gamblersbook,.com and where the store's 80-page catalog can be viewed. . You may also ask for a free catalog (mailed first class) by requesting it on the web site or by calling or writing. The store also has a fax number at 702-382-7594 where you may order-add your credit card number and expiration date. Book orders usually shipped the next working day. The catalog includes 1,000 books on gambling plus videotapes and computer software. The store is located two miles from Downtown, about the same distance from where The Strip begins, a block west of Maryland Parkway. Directions to the store are on the web site also.)
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