Master of Electronic Gizmos, Blackjack, Pulls off a Stunt
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Blackjack's quiet revolutionary: Keith Taft and his secret computing machines
It's not uncommon to find folks with unexpected passions in life. Take Keith Taft, for instance. A son of a Baptist minister, he earned a degree in music and physics, then taught music for five years. But that's not what made him a legend in the world of blackjack.
In 1969, Taft stumbled upon a casino in Reno, Nevada, tried his luck at blackjack, and won a paltry sum of $3.50. This modest victory sparked an obsession that led him down a unique pathβone that would revolutionize the game of blackjack.
From Physics to Casino Warfare
Taft, a religious man, became obsessed with perfecting his blackjack game. He devoured every book he could lay his hands on, and his knowledge of Thorp's card counting system grew. But his card counting career didn't take off as he struggled to maintain focus and accuracy.
One day, it hit himβhe'd create a device that could do the counting for him. With the help of his son Marty, a student at the time, Taft set out to build the first-ever computer for playing blackjack. A clandestine device, a device that would change the game forever.
The Birth of 'George': The Original Blackjack Computer
Taft's creation, named 'George', was a marvel of its time. This unassuming gadget, worn around the waist, hid a battery in the waistband, switches in the shoes, and a display in a pair of glasses. The entire setup weighed a hefty 7 kilograms. Taft would input card codes with his toes, and the computer would process the data, sending the results to his glasses.
After 12 weeks of trials, with small bets and building up a bankroll of $4,000, Taft decided to up the stakes. But this bold move ended in disaster - he lost everything in a single day, plus several thousand of his own money. Taft put his experiments on hold for several years.
Revival, Reinvention, and a Famous Partnership
By 1975, new computer chips had emerged, and Taft and Marty were reving up again. The new device, smaller and smarter, was christened 'David'. Around the same time, Taft crossed paths with another blackjack legend, Ken Uston. They teamed up, but the partnership took a sour turn. Taft felt short-changed, as he only received 10% of the winnings.
Despite the strife, word of Taft's amazing device spread among players, and he started selling the gadget for a whopping $10,000 each. The number sold remains a secret, but we know casinos lost millions to Taft's computer. This set the stage for a heated battle between players and casinos.
Exposed, Adapted, and the Supreme Court's Verdict
The scheme was eventually exposed, leading Taft to create the '7-Up' system, connecting 7 players at a table via thin wires, making it almost invisible. He subsequently used radio signals, even satellite communication. These advancements were ahead of their time, and a new team emerged, successfully touring American casinos in the early 80s.
However, another bust, arrest, and charges of cheating followed. The charges were dropped again. The battle between professionals and casinos raged on until 1985, when the U.S. Supreme Court finally stepped in. The court ruled that using computers was illegal in the U.S., forcing Taft to hang up his blackjack shoes.
A Pivotal Influence and a Deserved Hall of Fame Induction
Taft's gadgets had a significant impact on the world of blackjack, earning him a place in the Blackjack Hall of Fame in 2004. He passed away in 2006, but his legacy lives on. His devices paved the way for later generations of advantage-play tools, though casinos adapted by banning electronic aids and heightening anti-cheating protocols.
In summary, Keith Taft's mastery of technology ushered in a new era in blackjack, forever altering the game by blurring the lines between mathematical strategy and technological innovation. His contributions to the gambling world will continue to echo in the annals of history.
- Keith Taft, a man with an unexpected passion for blackjack, revolutionized the game with his secret computing machines.
- After struggling with traditional card counting, Taft partnered with Ken Uston and used his blackjack computer, named 'David', to beat casino-games and earn millions.
- Taft's devices, including 'George' and '7-Up', were ahead of their time, employing technologies like radio signals and even satellite communication, making it nearly impossible for casinos to detect.
- Taft's contributions to casino-culture were significant, earning him a place in the Blackjack Hall of Fame in 2004.
- Despite the legal battles and controversies, Taft's influence on casino-and-gambling is undeniable, paving the way for electronic advantage-play tools and heightened anti-cheating measures in casinos.
