21

Ben Campbell, a mathematics major at MIT, faces a significant financial hurdle as he aspires to attend Harvard Medical School. The staggering tuition of $300,000 looms over his dreams, prompting him to seek the prestigious Robinson Scholarship, which could provide the necessary funds.

After applying for the Robinson Scholarship, Ben learns about the fierce competition he faces. With 76 highly qualified applicants vying for the award, he understands that only the most impressive candidate will secure funding, heightening his sense of urgency.

In class, Professor Micky Rosa challenges Ben with the Monty Hall Problem, which Ben skillfully solves. Recognizing Ben's exceptional talent, Micky invites him to join an underground blackjack team that utilizes card counting strategies for profit.

Although initially hesitant, Ben is persuaded to join the blackjack team when Micky sends in Jill, the girl he admires. This decision marks the beginning of Ben's journey into the high-stakes world of gambling as he seeks financial relief.

The team travels to Las Vegas for the first time, where Ben immerses himself in the glamorous lifestyle of a high-stakes gambler. His newfound skills lead to substantial winnings, but they also spark jealousy within the team, particularly from Fisher.

As Ben's success grows, so does the tension within the group. Fisher's jealousy culminates in an aggressive confrontation, resulting in his expulsion from the team, showcasing the personal conflicts that accompany their gambling success.

Cole Williams, the head of casino security, starts to take notice of the team's activities. He becomes increasingly vigilant, aware that advancements in security technology threaten to expose their card counting tactics.

Amidst the chaos of gambling, a romantic relationship blooms between Ben and Jill. Their intimacy deepens as they become closer, adding an emotional layer to Ben's journey, though it complicates team dynamics.

On another trip to Las Vegas, Ben's distraction leads to a catastrophic loss of $200,000 when he ignores Micky's warning to walk away. This event fuels Micky's frustration and forces him to reconsider his involvement with the team.

Micky, overwhelmed by the situation, decides to quit and demands repayment from Ben for the lost money. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Ben and the remaining teammates to continue gambling without Micky's guidance.

Continuing their gambling operation without Micky proves disastrous as they get caught by Cole Williams, who has been monitoring them. A tense confrontation ensues, wherein Cole reveals Micky's dark past and his previous losses.

Determined to end on a high note, Ben and his teammates plan one final heist in Las Vegas before casinos install biometric security measures. Disguised and cautious, they succeed in winning $640,000, celebrating their victory.

The celebratory mood is abruptly shattered when Williams captures Micky and reveals his betrayal of Ben. This moment defines the chaotic culmination of their efforts as Williams steals Ben's winnings at gunpoint.

In a surprising twist, Ben's friends Miles and Cam join forces with him, having refined their card-counting skills in the process. Together, they become a formidable team, continuing to thrive in the gambling scene despite the preceding chaos.

In the end, Ben reflects on his exhilarating yet tumultuous journey when recounting it to the scholarship director. His experiences encapsulate a narrative filled with ambition, betrayal, and the resilience necessary to navigate the challenges he faced.