Keith Taft

Keith Taft was an electrical engineer with a passion for building devices. In the early 1970s, after reading Edward Thorp's "Beat the Dealer," he became fascinated with the idea of using technology to gain an edge at blackjack. His engineering skills would prove perfectly suited to this challenge, leading to innovations that were decades ahead of their time.

Taft built "George," the first wearable blackjack computer, in 1972—a remarkable feat considering the technology available. The device was strapped to his body with switches operated by his toes. It could track cards and signal optimal plays through a system of taps. Taft later built more sophisticated devices including "David," which featured miniaturized components and improved concealment.

Taft's approach was purely technological. Rather than training his brain to count cards, he built machines to do it better. His computers could track the exact composition of the remaining deck and calculate precise betting and playing strategies. He collaborated with Edward Thorp and other mathematicians to ensure his devices implemented optimal strategy.

Taft's work proved that technology could provide advantages beyond what human card counters could achieve. His innovations forced casinos to develop countermeasures and eventually led Nevada to ban computer devices in casinos in 1985. He also worked with Claude Shannon and Edward Thorp on roulette prediction devices.

Keith Taft pioneered the application of computers to casino gaming. Though his specific methods became illegal, his work demonstrated the potential of technology in advantage play and influenced later developments in gambling analysis. He was inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame in 2004, recognized as a visionary who saw the future of the game.