Author Description

Charlie Delmar, blackjack player, has an extraordinary ability. He can see—actually see—the denominations of face-down cards. He calls the ability "the Juice." Known around Vegas as "Charlie the Barber," a reference to his former profession, the mild-looking man has the casinos completely fooled. After years of playing conservatively, keeping his winnings modest to avoid attracting attention, Charlie wants to make one big score and then retire. He can't do it by himself, not without drawing heat, so he enlists other players to impersonate high rollers, who place bets at his signal. The blackjack team is unaware of Charlie's special ability. They think he's simply one of the world's best card counters. Their play attracts the attention of a security specialist, who vows to find out how they're beating the game—even if it means backrooming them.