MIT Blackjack Team Shares Tips, Stories
Former members of the MIT Blackjack Team—“the team that proved that brains can, in fact, beat the house,” as Jon Hirschtick ’83, SM ’83 says—reunited at MIT Endicott House in Dedham, Massachusetts, recently to share some of the real-life stories behind such movies as Breaking Vegas. Active mostly in the ’80s and ’90s, the blackjack players credited mathematics, discipline, and teamwork for creating a winning enterprise. Among the takeaways? One small purse can hold $70,000.
Five former members of the MIT Blackjack Team spoke at the MIT Endicott House event in October: Jon Hirschtick ’83, SM ’83 (standing) and, from left, Semyon Dukach SM ’93, Deborah Lapides, John Chang ’79, and Laurie Chang.John Chang ’79, seated, and his wife, Laurie Chang, share some blackjack tips with the crowd at MIT Endicott House.
MIT Professor Steven Eppinger, left, with his former MIT roommate, Jon Hirschtick ’83, SM ’83, who was on the MIT Blackjack Team.
Semyon Dukach SM ’93, a former member of the MIT Blackjack Team, gives a lesson in the game.
Three former members of the MIT Blackjack Team, from left: Vipul Bhushan SM ’93, Arnout Eikeboom PhD ’94, and John Chang ’79.
Semyon Dukach SM ’93, a former member of the MIT Blackjack Team, gives a lesson in the game.Three former members of the MIT Blackjack Team, from left: Vipul Bhushan SM ’93, Arnout Eikeboom PhD ’94, and John Chang ’79.Photos: Kathryn M. O'Neill