ebooks Winning 42: The Strategy and Lore of the National Game of Texas (Fourth Edition) by Dennis Roberson in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Improve Your Game with Winning 42!By Jess MckenzieWinning 42 presents a definitive description of the game and a clearly written tutorial. Errata in the Revised Edition have been corrected in this 4th edition; and we could find no other problems with the possible exception of Hand 36; page 108; which we tested using Curtis Cameron's Win42 program. Mr. Roberson states; "By counting on your partner for just one measly trick; you can easily win 30 on this hand;" but we found several combinations of opposing hands that beat the socks off Hand 36; despite help from the partner. I've no doubt that he states the truth; but apparently the *probability* of winning is low. I would not bid on the hand.Let me hasten to add: a) I'm only a relative tyro in the game; b) I'm absolutely convinced that I can play much better having studied Roberson's book; c) Cameron's program uses robots that can track dominoes better than a Las Vegas card counter; and d) This is the most enjoyable book on a table game that I've ever read. Buy this book; study the hands; and practice; practice; practice!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. not too many books on game of 42; played with dominoesBy L. RodgersIf you are not from Texas; then you probably don't know the game of 42; but you should try it; very fun game for 4 people. All that is required is a set of Double Six dominoes. This book is one of the few books that explains the game of 42 AND also gives you strategy tips for it. ( Probably more than you want to know; such as what are the odds of winning the bid if you have exactly 2 doubles; and you are the 3 rd bidder. so if you are really technical; there is something for you. ) This book is also very good; if you just want to learn to play; or if you have a rules question. There are few books written about game of 42; and this one makes it easy to find whatever info you need.Table of contents sections the material off; for easy location. The book does give the advanced player strategy tips.We needed it for rules questions. The game of 42 is unique; because it is a game for all ages--- you can play very easy; with 6 yr olds.... or play very strategically with adults; which could require prediction of plays; counting what has been played. You can make it as challenging as the skill of the players. Certainly something for you to consider playing at your game night. You can find the explanation of how to play 42 online; for the beginning game rules.... if you want more later; then order this little book!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The One (and only) Best Book on a Challenging GameBy Jess MckenzieI don't make a habit of reviewing books but I'm making an exception here because this is an exceptional book. I enjoyed playing the game in college; but I thought of it as mere entertainment. Only when I began reading Roberson's tutorials on strategy did I realize what tremendous satisfaction one can derive from playing a thoughtful game. No wonder 42 is so popular with folks of all ages and intellects.If you want to learn 42 strategy; you'll profit from this book. The tutorials are extremely well thought out; and the rhetoric is just about perfect. Writing on a strategy game requires some thought; and Dennis Roberson has used his noggin in the writing of Winning 42.By the way; the book is a great companion text for practice with Curtis Cameron's computer program; Win42. I haven't had so much fun in a very long time. I'm still reading--and studying; because this is as much a great textbook as it is a collection of stories about the game and those who play it.