My article in last month's issue of BJI contained the 21 questions that were given to the world's best blackjack players and authors that had gathered for the 2012 Blackjack Ball, hosted by Max Rubin. I hope you took the time to take the test to see how you would have fared if you were present in the room with these gathered professional players and authors. However, before we get to the answers to the test questions, if you remember, last month I mentioned that every year a few respected people in the world of blackjack are nominated for induction into the Blackjack Hall of Fame that currently is on display at the Barona Casino in San Diego. This year's inductee was Ian Andersen, who has authored two blackjack books that have received numerous accolades from respected members of the gaming community. His two books are "Turning the Tables on Las Vegas" and "Burning the Tables in Las Vegas." Here is what Howard Schwartz had to say about Ian Andersen and his contributions to the Blackjack community via his book:

Much of the book is devoted to "casino comportment" (camouflage); but he supplies plenty of information and ideas on disguises; table etiquette to enhance your "new persona" and how to "fly under the radar." Casinos have gotten wiser with computer photo files on identifying counters, but Andersen (who holds several doctorate degrees and was an astute stock market player) kept many a player from being detected with his ploys.

When the results were announced at the Blackjack Ball that Ian Andersen was this year's inductee, Anthony Curtis had only one thing to say (and usually when Anthony speaks, everyone listens). He said, and I quote, "It was a long time coming but it is well deserved"

Even though Ian's books were written as early as 1976, they are both considered valuable reads for anyone who is thinking about adding the skill of counting to their blackjack-playing menu.

The top scores for the 21 questions amongst the blackjack pros and authors were three players with 13 correct answers out of the 21 questions. The players with 13 correct were Mr. Yuk, Anthony Curtis, and Mr. Tony. A group of 12 players had 12 correct answers. The two players who survived a tie breaker from this group of 12 to make the final table were Pete C and Chris.

The five players (Mr. Yuk, Anthony Curtis, Mr. Tony, Pate C, and Chris) were pitted against each other in various advantage plays. One play had these five finalists calculate how many cards were in the discard tray (see photo of the discard tray below).

The finalists submitted totals ranging from 23- 48 cards. What is your guess?

James Grosjean, who was not at the final table and standing afar, took a guess at the number of cards in the discard tray by peering at the tray between the contestants (who were literally inches away from the discard tray). Grosjean guessed 45 cards in the tray. Would you believe the correct answer was 44 cards (how close did you come?). Grosjean is unreal and he has eyes like an eagle.

Another test for the five finalists consisted of the following. A single deck was turned over and fanned out, and the players were able to look at the deck of cards in sequence for only 30 seconds. The cards was turned over, stacked, and one at a time turned over by Max and the players had to predict the order of the cards they had just seen for only 30 seconds. Mr. Yuk won this contest because he was able to state what the first 12 cards were in succession without making an error. Try this at home and you will see this is not easy.

The winner of the final competition was Mr. Yuk, and he received the coveted Grosjean Cup (see photo below).