http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bringing_Down_the_House_(book) Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions (ISBN 0-7432-4999-2) is a book by Ben Mezrich about a group of MIT card counters and their MIT Blackjack Team. The book's main character is Kevin Lewis, an MIT graduate who was invited to join the MIT Blackjack Team in 1993. The team was financed by a colorful character named Micky Rosa, who had organized a number of other teams to play the Vegas strip. This the new team was the most profitable yet. Personality conflicts and card counting deterrent efforts at the casinos eventually ended this incarnation of the MIT Blackjack Team. There is no record of Kevin Lewis in MIT.
no they won't go out of business because they change the rules. card counting and the idea that you can "beat" blackjack is what makes blackjack popular. the casinos could make the game unbeatable, but they don't because it would kill the game of blackjack. from what i have read the guys who make a living off of blackjack often have to treat it like an act so they get by the casinos and so they won't get kicked out as much. they have to act like they aren't some card counting expert. they can't stick to one casino and they often have to travel to get to promo deals (like 2 to 1 payout on blackjacks) to really rake it in. being a professional blackjack player seems like a hard existence from what i have read.
I'm not say it isnt fake, but I did see an interview with the "main" guy on TechTV many months ago (before it was G4) and he made it seem that he did infact do everything that the book says..
Depending on the payout and rules of the particular BJ you play, your winning odd is about 47-48%. Depending the counting method you used, you gain maybe 2-3% advantage, assuming the dealer will deal to the last card, and they never do. Counting only helps a little bit yet the house frowns upon it if they notice you counting. They can ask you to leave, thay can close the table, they can reshuffle after every hand. It happened to me. BJ is your best game out there though. Over the years, I may break even in BJ and lose my shirt on other games.
