Gambling scam book......

[Pepka]

Hey gang, wanted to call your attention to a book I found. "Bringing Down The House". No, it is not the basis of the newest Steve Martin movie. It is the true story of 6 M.I.T. math whizzes who developed a very sophisticated card counting scheme, and eventually took the casinos in Vegas for one hell of a ride. I imagine that anyone interested in cons, as myself and many magicians are, will find this a great read. Also looking for anyone who might have heard more about this story. Perhaps one of the guys in Vegas?
Pepka

[Bob Farmer]

An earlier operation, also by clever students, is detailed in THE EUDAEMONIC PIE. Sorry, I can't find the book, so no auther known.

[Guest]

I also heard a rumor that 'Bringing Down the House' is currently in production phases for a major movie release. Kevin Spacey was interviewed on national television a few weeks ago on E! and he mentioned that he accepted the script to this exciting plot.

I bought the book as soon as it came out on to the shelves, and I've probably read it at least four times already. It really is a witty, smart, and fun read for anyone interested in this realm of entertainment.

On a similar note, I also heard that James Swain wants to put his Tony Valentine works onto the big screen as well. It's been a while since I heard anything, but I've enjoyed his three books equally as much. His insider knowledge of hustling and gambling makes every page worth while. I wonder what it would all look like in a movie... I guess only time will tell.

RT

[Bill Mullins]

So who do you see as Tony Valentine? Joe Mantegna?

[Guest]

For whatever reason... I actually saw Clint Eastwood as Tony Valentine, LOL... I'm sorry if that's a visual disappointment. I just found certain qualities in Valentine that were similar in the stereotypical Eastwood role. The antisocial, independent, street-smart type of character just seemed to fit him perfectly.

RT

[James Foster]

THE EUDAEMONIC PIE was written by Thomas Bass. For many years this book was always in the remaindered section of the local bookstores.

Another new book of interest to those passionate about gaming culture is James McManus' "Positively Fifth Street: Murderers, Cheetahs, and Binion's World Series of Poker." McManus' account of his unlikely participation in the WSoP originally ran in Harper's, but the book is account of Las Vegas, gaming, the history of playing cards, and so much more. Enjoy...

[CHRIS]

"The Eudaemonic Pie" - what a great book - what a great idea. I loved it. Can't wait to get "Bringing Down The House".

For all you gambling specialists a quick note that I will republish a lot of the great old gambling books like "Fools of Fortune" and "The Destruction of Mephisto's Greatest Web" and "Wanderings of a Vagabond".

Already available are "20 Years a Fakir" and "Forty Years a Gambler on the Mississippi" and "Sharps and Flats" and a few others.

Chris Wasshuber
preserving magic & gambling one book at a time.

[Danny Archer]

Just read The Eudaemonic Pie, last week .. thanks for the recommendation ... good read ...

[Guest]

Jim Swain was on CBS's Sunday Morning show this past Sunday. He did some nice bits of card sleights and taught a couple of gambling cons that used to be in use in Vegas. Good appearance, and interesting; wish I had taped it.

Jon

[Terry]

"Positively Fifth Street: Murderers, Cheetahs, and Binion's World Series of Poker."

Just picked this up at Barnes & Noble. They have it with 20% off regular price.