It became an instant hit, and to this day is considered a classic gambling book. It was the first detailed revelation of the secrets of cardsharps. Other authors prior to Maskelyne had written about crooked gambling, but never had anyone published a work with in-depth, detailed explanations of the secrets of crooked gambling.
The book's instant success led to its enduring reputation as a classic in the field of gambling literature. It was the first thorough examination of the tactics employed by cardsharps, providing readers with a detailed understanding of the methods used by dishonest gamblers.