All good things must come to an end.This book certainly seconds the notion. The story is full of intrigue and suspense, a lot of social issues like racism and fraudulent identity are discussed, and the main character was bold to reveal his true identity and write an essay on card counting. It is suspenseful from the start, what with the card counters were almost caught. It's fascinating to read about a truth-to-life story about unlikely gamblers and how they made money by just being smart, having a good memory, and superior mathematical skills. The plot is linear, from present to past to present, the author gives us a fresh perspective by doing the hands-on card counting, the second person point of view was very effective. So if anyone is interested in gambling in Vegas specifically, be sure to grab a copy as this is quite a tutorial. This book simple doesn't want to be put down. ( )

One of those books you simply cannot put down - a fast-paced, entertaining and exciting tale. ( )

Fun, fast-paced and enjoyable. Non-fiction? Not so much. The author has been largely discredited, but as long as you know its another Million Little Pieces going in it doesn't really interfere with the experience ( )

What a fantastic book. I couldn't put it down. the writing kept me at the edge of my seat and at times, I felt as if I was in the casinos with "the team". I loved the happy ending too. ( )

Reads like a movie. ( )

This is a story of a bunch of smart (MIT) kids winning millions of dollars playing blackjack, using "hi-lo" method of card counting. This is also a story of how these kids change vegas and how vegas, ultimately, changes them. Author claims this book is his first foray in to non fiction, but it seems a central character (Micky Rosa) and several key incidents were made up by the author. It is worth reading this book in spite of this false advertisement, as it is well written. ( )

Reads like a suspense novel, but it's a fantastic and interesting true story! Loved it! One of the best non-fiction books I've ever read! ( )

I really enjoyed this book. I know next to nothing about card counting and had only vaguely heard about the MIT teams. Fun, but not over technically work. ( )

Recently made into a movie called "21," this book tells about a group of math whizzes from M.I.T. who form a card counting group and plot to win money -- lots of money -- from Vegas casinos while playing blackjack. Although not technically illegal, card counting is not very popular at casinos and can result in being barred. The book has a definite suspense aspect to it as the casinos begin to zero in on the students and their system, which involves an elaborate system of aliases, hand signals and "secret" words. I haven't seen the movie so I can't speak on that, but I found the book fast-paced and exciting. If nothing else, it helped me realize that being good at math could actually be helpful! ( )

Excellent story. Not the best writing. Very engaging, I read it in one sitting. ( )

I made sure I read this before I saw the movie and I'm so glad I did. The movie was good, but the book was much better (as the old saying goes). After reading this, my mind immediately fixed on the idea of learning the card counting strategy used by the MIT students. I especially loved the perspective from the present, looking back on the takeover of Vegas.

Interesting book about Kevin and his friends and how they beat the system in Vegas and other casinos. All M.I.T. students who decide to use their brains to go create and use a card counting methods that includes teams to bring home lots of money each weekend. The book opens your eyes to both the glory and pitfalls of being a high-roller on the Vegas strip. ( )

A facinating read of how a group of people went to Vegas and made money. Interesting how it was done eventually made into the movie "21" ( )

I wouldn't have necessarily picked this book up on my own but now that I've finished it (for a book club discussion) I'm glad that I read it. The book tells the true story of a team of highly intelligent, mathematically-inclined students (mostly from MIT) who use sophisticated strategies to legally win millions by playing blackjack. (On a side note, I really don't get the subtitle as the book describes a team of 12 players, not 6.) The writing is not top-notch, but it is fast-paced and works with the subject and setting (most of the major action takes place in Vegas). At the end, there's a short essay by one of the MIT insiders giving more detail on exactly how the team was able to win at blackjack, which was written to be understandable even to someone like me, who is not a math whiz to say the least! I'd recommended this book as a short, light read that opens up your eyes to a world you probably wouldn't know much about otherwise. ( )

good book....very entertaining....not terribly challenging though ( )

Awesome! I don't think I've ever enjoyed a book more. ( )

This was a terrible book. Interesting story, but the movie has to be better because the book was so poorly written. ( )

A fun read that took a somewhat boring concept of advanced math applied to gamboling and made it interesting. Engaging characters but I am sure they will be much watered down for the movie. ( )

The movie does a good job at recreating the emotional tension that Mezrich develops in the book. So, unless you have a keen desire to know the "true story," I think that the movie does in two hours what it takes the book 300 pages to produce. The book gives details like the fact that team gambles all over the country and not just in Vegas, but the movie condenses the emotional states that Mezrich wanted to convey into a much more intense experience.

Read more at http://www.i-reports.info/b/B200810.h... ( )

I couldn't put this book down. A story of how a group of talented students were used by some savy investors to make a lot of money playing blackjack. The author takes you behind the scenes of this story, while giving you some insight that could only be provided by one of the cheaters themselves. ( )

Essentially a novel arranged around the wraith of a true story but prossing itself as non-fiction, it can‘t even fare well as fiction.

Its focus is off. Instead of depicting the MIT blackjack team as it operated, the book spends manifold pages exaggerating the seductions and the dangers of the trade. Too much space is devoted, also, to attempts to justify morally something few readers will find problematic to begin with.

A book that should have been interesting instead bogs down in pitiful attempts to be grandiose and cinematic. ( )

Great nonfiction book that reads like a fast-paced action adventure. It was just a matter of time before they made it into a movie. Now if only this group of students could use its talents for the good of mankind...like erasing our national debt. ( )

MIT nerds vs. Las Vegas makes for a compelling story. I'm itching to see how much hi-lo card counting I can use when I play.

I thought the main insight this book gave me (and it's probably pretty obvious to most folks already) is that Blackjack is one of the (if not only) casino games that has a 'history'. What you've seen before can help you figure out what you're going to see. ( )

Loved this book!! I couldn't put it down... I am really looking forward to seeing the movie. Makes me want to head to Vegas! ( )