Meet Phil Lima
Phil Lima has been playing Blackjack for over 40 years. It is, by far, the primary game he plays in any casino. While he is not a professional Blackjack player, he has consistently operated at a high level without card counting, relying instead on disciplined Basic Strategy and structured betting progression.
Over the course of his playing career, Phil has remained on the positive side of long-term play. In simple terms, he has made money over his “long run” rather than losing it. His approach has always centered on understanding the mathematics behind the game, minimizing mistakes, and maintaining discipline at the table.
Phil Lima
A Student of the Game
Phil maintains an extensive Blackjack library that includes technical strategy texts, mathematical analyses, and works of fiction and non-fiction centered around the game. His knowledge is not based on theory alone, but on decades of practical experience combined with ongoing study.
He has played in casinos across the United States, in Canada, throughout parts of Europe, and aboard cruise ships. These experiences gave him exposure to different casino environments, rule variations, and player behaviors, all of which influenced the structured teaching approach found in Blackjack Bootcamp.
Phil Lima
Teaching Before Writing
When casinos first opened in his region, Phil recognized that many adults felt intimidated walking into one for the first time. To help reduce that anxiety, he conducted a six-week course through a local Adult Education center designed specifically for beginners.
The class culminated in a live “Final Exam” at a real casino table. The local casino graciously coordinated with the group, setting a low table minimum and allowing students to remain grandfathered in even after limits increased later in the session.
The step-by-step processes Phil used in that classroom setting form the foundation of this book. Blackjack Bootcamp mirrors that same progression — removing intimidation, building confidence, and preparing beginners for real-world play.
Phil Lima
A Collector of Wins
Over the years, Phil has collected more than 100 individual red chips ($5 chips) from various casinos where he has played. Each carries its own logo and identity, serving as proof that he walked away with money more often than not.
They also take up far less space than coffee mugs or shot glasses.
