Stanford Wong

Stanford Wong is the famous author of one of the best selling books on blackjack and card counting. He is known for being a particularly successful gambler and described a technique known today as "Wonging". His real name is John Ferguson and he used to be a lecturer at Stanford (hence the pseudonym). He also developed one of the first blackjack computer programs which analyzes a given hand and gives the player the odds.

Blackjack Wonging

Of particular note is Ferguson's technique of "wonging". In this technique the card counter only watches the game as it is played until the cards become sufficiently beneficial for wagering. The player ceases participating as soon as this situation changes. The power of this technique is such that it has since been prevented in most casinos by a rule which prevents players from joining a game once the shoe has been started. This is generally indicated by a sign which states that there is no "mid shoe entry" allowed.

Wong and Craps

Wong has also lately claimed that he has developed a technique for controlling the dice at the game of craps. This technique is theoretically skill dependant and is thus much more difficult to prove mathematically. Even so, Wong himself who originally scoffed at the idea is now a strong supporter of controlling dice.

The Stanford Wong Newsletter

For those who are interested, Stanford Wong has a monthly newsletter which is currently published by his official website. The newsletter is accounted one of the prominent black journals and is read by many professional blackjack players and casino goers. The journal has been circulating for nearly thirty years and offers valuable information on blackjack rules and regulations and playing conditions all over the United States as well as several other countries. Wong also has his own publishing company which is known as Pi Yee Press. The company is currently based in Las Vegas.