Lessons by Steve Forte ( Instant Download )
LESSONS – Adventures in Sleight of Hand offers a rare glimpse into the career of renowned gambling author, Steve Forte, widely regarded as the world’s leading authority on cheating in games of chance.
Combining firsthand experience with historical insight, the research profiles some of his legendary friends and the lessons they shared with Forte. Expect true stories about gamblers, advantage players, hustlers, mechanics, and other influential figures who helped shape his understanding and proficiency of this specialized craft.
LESSONS explores the skills required to excel at gambling sleight of hand, the harsh realities facing hustlers, and some of the most sophisticated scams and strategies ever revealed. At the end of each profile, skill, scam or strategy, there’s a lesson to be learned, which I have articulated based on my unique experiences.
LESSONS provides a rare perspective on the mindset behind professional deception at the card table—presented with clarity, respect, and authority.
Read carefully, learn deeply, improve your skills, and enjoy the adventures!
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Family & Friends
Family
Father
Ray Goulet
Chapter 2 – The Experts
The Hand Mucker
BJB
Jack Newton
Paul Spencer
MD and a Curious Second Deal
John Bertolero
Al Fast
Houdini
Carrot Top
PMH
Chop Suey
Sal A
VO
Patty Lane
The Engineers
Angel
Professor Peter Griffin
Chapter 3 – Casino Executives
Jimmy Payne
Jim Keller
Murray Ehrenberg
Chapter 4 – Essentials
The Cheater’s Perspective
Speed
Boldness
Logic
References
Intent to Manipulate
Fundamental Goal
Nuance
Evolution
Practice
Perseverance
Chapter 5 – Bad Breaks of the Hustler
Twin Sisters
The Mouse
The Stickman
The Lady’s Brooch
Hawkeye
“That’s a Big Dog, What’s His Name?”
“You Got Fired For What?”
“That’s a Helluva Move”
Wrong Guy
“My name is Carlos Escapa”
Desperado and the 4-11 Tops
Johnny Moss
Two Past Posters
Not Enough Money in the Cage
It’s a Stalemate
Tipping the Hole Card
RC and the Feast
Super Bowl
A Long Drive For Pizza
Vegas World
The Cardman Stumbles
Chapter 6 – Diabolical
One-die Laydown
Starter Cards
Tracking Ace (A New Way)
Baccarat and the Bend
Advantage Players
Enders
Asymmetrical Cooler
Tick, Tick, Tick
Creekers
Quick Draw
Cruncher
Video Dead Lock
One Split Too Many
Chapter 7 – The Final Review
Epilogue
