Last
year saw the inaugural edition of the Las Vegas Pro Football
Guide and Workbook by Patrick Forsythe. ($19.95, 59 pages,
8x11 plastic spiralbound.) In an unprecedented move, Forsythe set
out to predict the winners of every football game that was on the
schedule last year. Overall, he picked 54 percent. And, he successfully
predicted seven of the 12 playoff teams, including the eventual
Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots before the season
started. Using his own information, he also finished 12th in the
prestigious annual Las Vegas Hilton football handicapping contest
and was a semi-finalist in the Stardust Invitational football championships.
(He's already bought his future book ticket on the Super Bowl-a
photocopy of this $100 ticket is included in the book along with
his predicted line, total and final score.)
As it was last
year, the book is based on his analysis of each scheduled regular
season game-with 1,000 computer simulations of each matchup. Other
factors, like the starting lineups; past histories; road and home
games and games in their divisions are all considered as well. You
can see his predictions and predicted results week by week while
keeping your own records for the week and for the entire season.
So for those
who believe someone can predict the future based on results of the
past and skill, which allows an individual to anticipate weeks ahead
based on a variety of factors, Forsythe's book may just what the
doctor ordered. Incidentally, if you're wondering-more than 500
copies of the book sold in the first three weeks of availability
last season.
Books reviewed
here are available from Gambler's Book Shop, 630 South 11th St.,
Las Vegas, NV 89101. Call 1-800-522-1777 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific
time. Use MasterCard, VISA or Discover cards only (no American Express)
or send a check or money order for the book you wish to order ($6.50
postage for Priority Mail). You may order via the Internet at the
store's web site www.gamblersbook.com
and where the store's 80-page catalog can be viewed. You may also
ask for a free catalog (mailed first class) by requesting it on
the web site or by calling or writing. The store also has a fax
number at
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