(Published by Arrow)
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As a repeat visitor to Las Vegas and something of a gambler at heart, I want to believe that it is possible to beat the house. So, when asked if I would like to borrow this book, I jumped at the chance.
I think many of us would admit that there is nothing quite as satisfying as the story of Goliath being beaten by David or, in modern terms, a corporate giant being done over by the average Joe Soap.
In Bringing Down The House Mezrich depicts a team of card-counting MIT students, all geniuses, who perfect the game of Blackjack (also known as Pontoon or 21) through a legal technique known as card-counting. They live the high life in Vegas for a while before getting caught and barred from casinos although not before they have made millions for their backers and themselves.
The book is based on the true story of one of the most talented card-counters in the world, Kevin Lewis. Kevin is a flash, smart and hungry 20-something who, with his associates, racked up millions in perfecting this art of gambling.
Thankfully, Mezrich spares us the in-depth detail of the mathematical probabilities that make card-counting such a skill. In fact he explains it so proficiently I almost think I understand the basics. Of course, I’m not confident enough to try it – but the idea is tempting.
Although this is a biography, Mezrich has tried to write it like a thriller and although it is a very satisfying read it lacks the biographical detail that I tend to enjoy. However, Bringing Down the House gives us a glimpse into the world of blackjack, the shady practices of casino life and the excess that is Vegas. All in all, a compelling read. 
