It seems like all the books I read are good books. For once, I want to read a bad one (*coughTwilightcough*) and ridicule it. Unfortunately, I've already read the Twilight series, and this class entails reading previously unread books. Boooo. D:
Take this book, for instance. The plot is basically six MIT students who decide to use their pwnful math skills to earn millions at blackjack. The myth is true: Geeks WILL rule the world. Apparently, blackjack is the only gambling game that doesn't rely completely on luck. I'm no blackjack expert, but I believe that once a card is dealt, it's not used again for a particular blackjack round. Therefore, if you have a good memory and a counting system, you can bet big money at the right times and earn a crapload of returns.
The system that Kevin, the main character, and his friends use includes three types of players. The Spotters stay at a table and bet conservatively until their counting system indicates that good cards are ahead. Then, they covertly signal the Gorillas, who buy into the game and bet as much as possible, following the cues of the Spotter. The jobs of the Spotter and the Gorillas are somewhat combined in the Big Player, who does all the jobs. Thus, the Big Players are the most important.
However, there are complications with this beating of the system. Card-counters, as these six people are called, are reviled by casinos. If you get caught, casinos can throw you out and forbid you from ever coming in again. Although card-counting isn't illegal, casinos want to make money from idiots, not lose money to people who've beat the system. Moreover, you must report your gambling winnings to the IRS, and if your winnings are too great, the IRS will audit you. Dat cash. O.o
The six card-counters, or the Reptiles as they call themselves, experience all of these difficulties and eventually split up into two teams. Before they do so, however, they resort to using wigs, hair dye, makeup, and facial alterations to continue to earn money. Two of the card-counters even get beat up by security guards.
Apparently, this story was also made into a movie, but I've yet to see it. (I should have seen it last night, except I spent that time watching Thor.)
"of which I blog of books and cute things"
ReplyDeleteHa. that makes me laugh.
So are you including 21 in your list of good books? I heard the movie sucked (but Jim Sturgess doesnt). But I could be wrong. You don't really say your full-out opinion on this book...so I'm not sure if I should read it.
Anyway, I like the way you write--It's funny. and I like your nickname, Chinky Winky.
This seems really good. i own the movie and i think its really good so the book must follow pretty well. i like your writing style its seriously really funny. and i would recomend seeing the movie. its pretty good.
ReplyDeleteThis blog makes me laugh. You are obviously a very smart person who is not afraid to laugh at yourself! The books you read would bore me to death, so props for being a dilligent reader. Also, I agree it is hard to tell if you like 21 or not. Maybe you don't want to taint anyone else's opinion of it? I don't know. Also, I agree that Twilight it a dumb book, but you have to admit it was entertaining!
ReplyDeleteThanks for summarizing what the deal is with card counters and people that try to beat the system. Very easily understood. As a whole, your blog is entertaining and draws interesting conclusions about what you're reading. Well done.
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