Gamble Fish

Aside from not being especially interested in the gimmicky 'gambling' tricks the main character uses, I've got one other issue that prevents me from enjoy this manga: the main character. I don't usually have a problem with confident protagonists, but this one just somehow comes across as a big ball of smug without anything else to him.

This manga is about cheating, not gambling. Wouldn't mind that if the author wouldn't try to be smarter than he is. The main plot devices are countless dei ex machina and a protagonist with way too much luck.

It really did have an interesting start, but as chapters came out it became wholly apparent the author has none of the cunning or wit like those he wishes upon his protagonist. Therein lies the crack for the foundation that should have risen this series to stalwart heights...

Let's just say it's crap and get it over with.

Crenshinibon, I think your disappointments are unwarranted in that you were looking for something in this manga that wasn't there. It's a shounen manga about gambling. Are you expecting some hard psychology or something? Were you expecting something smarter, like Monster or Pluto!?

For what it is, it is very enjoyable. The main character's mind and social tricks are all very interesting to watch as the manga unveils them. It's like a detective manga but the mystery in this manga is how is he going to beat his next opponent. I thought the part in the story with the rail tracks was very interesting and amusing to read.

And the characters aren't very fleshed out yet, not much is even known about the main character and his opponents haven't been all cookie cutters.

So if you've read this far, this manga is a go. A very enjoyable and light read.

This is basically just another typical shounen trying to be smarter than it is. It's not as blatantly guilty as, say, Death Note or Lost+Brain, but from a purely general standpoint it's basically just a typical fanservice-based thriller that that adheres to typical tropes. The characters aren't very realistic, and as a result I'm highly tempted to question the "psychological" label, but as it does engage in pseudo-psychological typology in order to explain the protagonist's inexplicable ability to thrive off of xanatos gambits in nearly every scenario, I suppose it works at the bare minimum level.

If you want something smart, try picking up a title that has actual intellectual content. If you want something mildly entertaining, provided you can suspend disbelief long enough to allow yourself to be tricked, then this one might suit you fine.

This manga is actually pretty good. I think it is also very original, cause I can't recall another manga telling a story of a kid who is a gambling master and everything he does is calculated to perfection even when he is losing.... Anyway, at first I was reluctant to pick it up but then from just the first 2 chapters I got hooked. I just hope that they guys that scanlate it doesn't drop it halfway cause it's really good
If you in the need of something smart, you should probably give this a shot