HSP 135-01
Albion College
Fall 02025

Discussion questions for BDH, Ch. 22-32
DLs: Enky & Ken

(1, 1). How did the advanced surveillance system fundamentally change the challenge of card counting compared to the "old days" of catwalks and binoculars?

(1, 2). After the frightening incidents in Vegas and Louisiana, Kevin feels they should stop playing, fearing they are "dinosaurs". Fisher argues that they just need to be smarter and hit new casinos. Was Kevin's caution justified, or was Fisher's insistence on immediately getting "right back on the horse" the necessary reaction for professional counters?

(1, 3). Micky reveals that a comprehensive list of MIT players, including their real names, photos, home addresses, aliases, and schedules, was sold to the detective agency Plymouth(Griffin) Associates for $25,000. Why did the team find it hard to believe that someone from within the MIT counting community would betray them for a sum they could earn in just two weekends?

(1,4).  Can you really consider the ending of Bringing Down The House a true ending? Does it really satisfy the story?

(2, 1) How do the team�s interactions with casino security and investigators build tension throughout these chapters?

(2, 2). How do these chapters explore the theme of identity � particularly the team�s use of fake names, disguises, and alternate personas?

(2, 3). What does the story suggest about the American Dream � especially when intellect, rather than hard labor, becomes the path to wealth?

(2, 4). How is the MIT blackjack team�s world a mirror of Wall Street or Silicon Valley culture �calculated risk for high reward?