Al Francesco (born Frank Schipani; December 2, 1933 – February 3, 2024) was an American blackjack player and gambling strategist.
Considered to be “The Godfather of Blackjack”,[1] Francesco is recognized as the creator of the team play concept, the “big player” strategy, and the drop card method.
[3] While most card counters would eventually be discovered by casinos through their betting patterns and banned from further play, Francesco's unique team concept helped his players evade detection and continue winning.
At its peak, Francesco's team was taking casino trips with up to 22 members, including three “Big Players”: Ken Uston, Bill Erb, and Blair Hull.
Success for a card counter was not only in the strategy and discipline of their counting method, but in evading detection by the dealers, the pit bosses, and casino security.
Throughout the 1970s, Francesco recruited, interviewed, tested, and trained dozens of card counters, utilizing the Revere Advanced Point Count System.
He determined the optimal team size was seven members; six card counters, and one "big player" to step in with large wagers when the odds favored him.
From 1971 to 1977, Francesco's teams traveled to casinos all over the world: Las Vegas, France, the Bahamas, Panama, Korea, Monte Carlo, and more, and won millions.