Bringing Down the House Book Summary

In 'Bringing Down the House,' Ben Mezrich unveils the thrilling true story of a group of MIT students who revolutionize the world of poker and gambling through their ingenious card counting techniques. As they take Las Vegas by storm, their exhilarating journey intertwines with high-stakes dangers and moral dilemmas. The book paints a vivid picture of ambition, intelligence, and the intoxicating lure of money, all while revealing the unexpected consequences of their success. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, readers are left questioning: How far would you go for fortune and glory? Prepare to be captivated by a world where wits and strategy reign supreme, and the stakes are life-changing.

By Ben Mezrich

Published: 2002

""You can't have bravery without fear. It's all in how you deal with it.""

Bringing Down the HouseBook binding

Start Listening to Book Summary

0:000:00

Book Review of Bringing Down the House

Recounts the story of how a notorious gang of MIT blackjack savants devised and received backing for a system for winning at the world's most sophisticated casinos, an endeavor that earned them more than three million dollars.

Book Overview of Bringing Down the House

About the Book Author

B

Ben Mezrich

Ben Mezrich is a bestselling author known for his compelling narrative nonfiction that often explores the intersections of finance, technology, and culture. He gained widespread recognition for his books such as "Bringing Down the House," which tells the story of MIT students who took Las Vegas casinos for millions, and "The Accidental Billionaires," which chronicles the founding of Facebook and inspired the film "The Social Network." Mezrich's writing style combines meticulous research with a fast-paced, cinematic approach that makes complex subjects accessible and engaging. He has a knack for storytelling that captures both the excitement and intricacies of his subjects, making them resonate with a broad audience.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Ben Mezrich
Published
September 2002
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
ISBN
0743225708
Language
English
Pages
273
Genres
FinanceBehavioral FinanceNon-FictionInvesting Basics

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

The Intelligent InvestorBook binding

The Intelligent Investor Book Summary

In "The Intelligent Investor," Benjamin Graham unveils timeless strategies for navigating the volatile world of investing with wisdom and discipline. He introduces the concept of value investing, teaching readers to distinguish between price and intrinsic value, all while emphasizing the importance of a defensive investment strategy. Graham’s insightful principles empower investors to cultivate emotional resilience, protecting them from the relentless whims of the market. With real-world anecdotes and practical advice, this classic remains a cornerstone for anyone seeking financial success and peace of mind. Dive in to discover how patience, rationality, and a solid plan can transform your investment journey!

The Intelligent Investor
Benjamin Graham
The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & BrokeBook binding

The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke Book Summary

The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke is your ultimate financial guide, tailored for those navigating the complexities of modern money management. With vibrant insights and relatable anecdotes, author Suze Orman empowers readers to take control of their finances while embracing their youthful exuberance. Discover essential tools for budgeting, saving, and investing, all designed to transform your financial future from daunting to dazzling. Orman’s candid advice challenges you to rethink your relationship with wealth and offers a blueprint for living fabulously, even on a budget. Are you ready to unlock the secrets to financial freedom and become fabulously secure?

The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke
Suze Orman
The Latte FactorBook binding

The Latte Factor Book Summary

In "The Latte Factor," personal finance expert David Bach unveils a transformative story that intertwines the journey of a young woman discovering the power of financial freedom. Through the lens of a seemingly simple daily ritual—her coffee habit—she learns profound lessons about saving and investing. With relatable characters and an engaging narrative, Bach challenges readers to rethink their spending habits and recognize the true cost of indulgences. Could a small shift in perspective lead to monumental changes in your financial future? Dive into this inspiring tale and unlock the secrets to achieving your dreams, one latte at a time!

The Latte Factor
David Bach, John David Mann
Financial Peace RevisitedBook binding

Financial Peace Revisited Book Summary

In "Financial Peace Revisited," renowned financial guru Dave Ramsey lays out a transformative blueprint for achieving financial independence and peace of mind. Through compelling personal anecdotes and straightforward principles, he demystifies budgeting and debt management, empowering readers to take control of their finances. Ramsey's seven-step plan not only promises to eliminate debt but also encourages a mindset shift towards saving and giving. With a blend of practical advice and motivational insights, he confronts common financial fears and inspires readers to envision a life free from money stress. Dive into this engaging guide and discover the keys to unlocking your financial freedom!

Financial Peace Revisited
Dave Ramsey
The Psychology of MoneyBook binding

The Psychology of Money Book Summary

In "The Psychology of Money," Morgan Housel unravels the complex relationship between our emotions and financial decisions. Through captivating anecdotes and profound insights, he reveals that wealth isn't just about numbers, but about behavior and mindset. The book challenges conventional wisdom, urging readers to understand the subtle psychological forces that influence our spending and saving habits. Housel's reflections highlight the power of patience, humility, and a long-term perspective in building true financial success. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about money and its role in your life!

The Psychology of Money
Morgan Housel
Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral EconomicsBook binding

Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics Book Summary

In "Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics," Nobel laureate Richard Thaler takes readers on a riveting journey through the evolution of behavioral economics, a field that challenges traditional economic theories. Thaler candidly shares his experiences and groundbreaking experiments that reveal how human behavior often defies rational expectations, leading to surprising choices in everyday life. With a blend of humor and keen insight, he highlights the quirks and biases that influence decision-making, reshaping our understanding of markets and policies. This enlightening narrative not only unveils the complexities of human behavior but also emphasizes the importance of incorporating psychology into economic thinking. Dive into a world where misbehavior leads to profound revelations about the way we live, work, and decide!

Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics
Richard H. Thaler
The Black Swan: Second EditionBook binding

The Black Swan: Second Edition Book Summary

In "The Black Swan," Nassim Nicholas Taleb explores the profound impact of rare and unpredictable events—those seemingly impossible occurrences that shape our world in transformative ways. He challenges conventional thinking, revealing how humans consistently underestimate uncertainty and overvalue what we can predict. Through compelling anecdotes and thought-provoking insights, Taleb illustrates how we can prepare for the unexpected rather than just cling to past experiences. The book urges readers to embrace randomness and rethink the frameworks we use to navigate life’s complexities. Will you recognize your own blind spots before the next Black Swan strikes?

The Black Swan: Second Edition
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
The Little Book of Behavioral InvestingBook binding

The Little Book of Behavioral Investing Book Summary

**The Little Book of Behavioral Investing** uncovers the psychological traps that often lead investors astray. With a blend of insightful anecdotes and cutting-edge research, it reveals how emotions like fear and greed shape our decisions in the financial world. Readers will discover practical strategies to counteract these biases and improve their investment outcomes. By understanding the behavioral factors at play, you can transform your investment approach. Are you ready to challenge your thinking and elevate your financial game?

The Little Book of Behavioral Investing
James Montier

Showing 8 of 29 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Similar Book Recommendations →

Bill Ackman's Book Recommendations

Bill Ackman's Book Recommendations

Bill Ackman is an American hedge fund manager and founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, known for his activist investing style. Ackman has been involved in high-profile investment battles, including his campaigns against companies like Herbalife and his successful turnaround of companies like Canadian Pacific Railway. He is known for taking bold, contrarian positions and for his ability to influence corporate governance through shareholder activism. Ackman’s investing philosophy focuses on long-term value creation, and he has become one of the most recognized figures in the finance world.

Business and LeadershipMoney MattersSuccess Stories and Life Lessons
David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work

Business and LeadershipProductivityInspiring Reads
Abi Tyas Tunggal's Book Recommendations

Abi Tyas Tunggal's Book Recommendations

Abi Tyas Tunggal is a distinguished author known for his impactful contributions to contemporary literature and digital content. He has garnered acclaim for his insightful storytelling and adept handling of complex themes, resonating with a diverse readership. Tunggal's work often explores the intersections of technology, society, and human experience, making him a prominent voice in modern narrative arts. Beyond his literary achievements, he is also recognized for his innovative use of digital platforms to engage with and expand his audience. Tunggal continues to influence the literary landscape with his thought-provoking and accessible writing.

Popular PicksCreativity and InnovationTechnology and Future
Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations

Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations

Ana Lorena Fabrega is an innovative educator and author passionate about reimagining education. Known as “Ms. Fab,” she is the Chief Evangelist at Synthesis, an education startup inspired by the problem-solving and collaboration model used at SpaceX. She advocates for alternative learning methods, encouraging curiosity and creativity in students. Ana's work emphasizes the importance of engaging young learners in real-world challenges and critical thinking. She also shares insights on education reform through her popular newsletter, Fab Fridays.

Media and Pop CultureInspiring ReadsCreativity and Innovation
Alex Honnold's Book Recommendations

Alex Honnold's Book Recommendations

Alex Honnold is an American professional rock climber, best known for his free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. Honnold is renowned for his mental toughness, technical skill, and ability to climb without ropes or safety equipment. His accomplishments have made him a legend in the climbing world, and he continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Outside of climbing, Honnold is a philanthropist, founding the Honnold Foundation, which supports environmental sustainability projects, particularly in solar energy.

Inspiring ReadsSuccess Stories and Life LessonsSportsActivist
Howard Marks's Book Recommendations

Howard Marks's Book Recommendations

Howard Marks was a renowned Welsh author and drug smuggler, best known for his bestselling autobiography, "Mr Nice," published in 1996. The book chronicles his complex life, from Oxford University graduate to one of the world's most infamous cannabis traffickers. Marks' candid storytelling and unique perspective earned him a cult following and critical acclaim, transforming him into a counterculture icon. He further contributed to literature with several other works, including "Señor Nice" and "Sympathy for the Devil." Marks' legacy continues to influence discussions on drug policy and the criminal justice system.

Memoirs and BiographiesActivistPolitics
Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations

Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations

Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.

Self-ImprovementProductivityBusiness and Leadership
Andrew Wilkinson's Book Recommendations

Andrew Wilkinson's Book Recommendations

Andrew Wilkinson is a distinguished author and entrepreneur, best known for his insightful business writings and contributions to the tech industry. He co-founded MetaLab, a prominent design agency that has shaped the user experience of major platforms like Slack and Coinbase. Wilkinson's entrepreneurial journey and his publications provide valuable perspectives on startup culture, innovation, and leadership. His writing, often featured in leading business magazines and his personal blog, has garnered a wide readership for its practical advice and engaging storytelling. Andrew continues to influence both literature and the business world with his unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking.

Business and LeadershipInspiring ReadsCreativity and Innovation

Showing 8 of 15 related collections

"You can't have bravery without fear. It's all in how you deal with it."

Bringing Down the House

By Ben Mezrich

Frequently Asked Questions