The true story of how a group of young physicists and computer scientists developed a computer to predict the results of roulette. They then smuggled the device into the casinos of Las Vegas, hidden in the soles of their shoes. This book is an introduction to computing as well as a thriller.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book is a little-known gem. I found this book on a friend's booksheld, pick it up, glanced at the back.... and was completely captivated. I sat down and read straight for almost 5 hours. The tale Bass tells is enthralling. Not only does it serve as a fasicinating introduction to computers, but it is also probably the most wonderful account of friendship, idealism and dedication that I have ever read. It is a unique insight into the intellectual, post-hippie society of Silicon valley, while at the same time being a thrilling tale of science against the casino. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Bunch of geniuses, Norman Packard, Doyne Farmer etc set out to put a computer in their shoes to beat the casinos at roulette. A brilliant true story comparable to Steven Levy's "Hackers" and "Artificial Life", you will learn a lot from any of these books and I highly recomand them all. A slightly sad ending occurs only if you don't recognise the names and what they did *after* the escapade!
Format:Paperback
This is the true story of a group of computer "nerds" who realised that they could beat the big casinos at the one game that no-one believed could be fixed - roulette.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Best book I 've ever read
This is an inspirational book which I have read several times. It doesn't have a good ending but this is real life and ... Read more
Published on 24 April 2000
4.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping reading even for non computer scientists.
What must be remembered is not how well (or not) this experiment in trying to beat roulette odds went, but rather what it inspired many of the participants to go on to,... Read more
Published on 21 July 1999
4.0 out of 5 stars
Griping application of technology against the system
A good build up to a technology progression against a protected system. Like the scene in Apollo 13 where scientists use slide rules, these guys had the bare essentials to work... Read more
Published on 10 May 1999
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